Should I do the Dolphin Challenge?

[CallingAllAngels]

I am running the Shamrock Va Beach Half Marathon next month. If I run the 8k the day before, I get two more medals (one for the 8k and one for completing the Dolphin Challenge). I am hoping for a half PR, so if I do the 8K I will take it really easy. This is only my third half. H is encouraging me to do it - if I'm going to do a big race, I may as well do it big. A couple other people in my running group are doing the 8K, but none of the ones I am rooming with. Our hotel is close enough to the start to walk, so logistics shouldn't be a problem.

So, should I?

[al320]

Do it! Just take it really easy at the 8k. How fun!

[gt7301b]

If you can actually take it easy during the 8k do it, I am not capable of taking a race easy. The last time I tried to take it easy in a race I set a PR.

[joenali]

Yes!

[CallingAllAngels]

Feb 2, 2014 10:58:00 GMT -5 gt7301b said:

If you can actually take it easy during the 8k do it, I am not capable of taking a race easy. The last time I tried to take it easy in a race I set a PR.

This is the only thing holding me back. If i do it, I am considering keeping my Garmin on the HRM setting and concentrating on keeping my HR down. Or, walking the first and last miles.

[cinco]

I did a 5k the night before a half intending to take it easy. I did not take it easy, lol. No doubt it hurt my half time the next day, but it was still a good race for me. If I pay money for a race, I'm going to race it. I don't think I'll run back to back like that again b/c for me there isn't an advantage. I don't care about medals and would just assume run by myself (the exception being when I run with the kids) IfYOU think it would be fun and want medals, or the challenge, or to run with your friends, then DO it!

[Deleted]

What's the motivation behind doing the 8k? Is it the medals? Not judging by the way, I like medals too

[spunkypenguin]

Absolutely! Shamrock was my first half last year and I did the Dolphin Challenge. I'm doing it again this year. You get two medals and a pin (IIRC - they may have changed it?). You do get two shirts, though!

Both races have a ton of energy. I took it super easy on the 8K - everyone is wearing costumes, so it's fun to just take it all in! There are a lot of people pushing strollers, etc, so it's hard to go really fast unless you're way up front. I ran a little over 11 min/mi pace - My half the next day was a perfect 11 min/mi and I didn't feel tired at all. I incorporated Saturday 5Ks and Sunday long runs into my training (doing the same this year)

[CallingAllAngels]

Feb 2, 2014 12:30:33 GMT -5 @cheshire said:

What's the motivation behind doing the 8k? Is it the medals? Not judging by the way, I like medals too

That's a good question.

It sounds like fun. I like the idea of a fun race without the stress of a time goal. I will be there anyway, either running or spectating. I feel like it would make the entire weekend feel like more of an event than just running the half. I would run that day anyway (probably just 3 miles if I don't do the 8k).

[Deleted]

Feb 2, 2014 15:12:14 GMT -5 CallingAllAngels said:

Feb 2, 2014 12:30:33 GMT -5 @cheshire said:

What's the motivation behind doing the 8k? Is it the medals? Not judging by the way, I like medals too

That's a good question.

It sounds like fun. I like the idea of a fun race without the stress of a time goal. I will be there anyway, either running or spectating. I feel like it would make the entire weekend feel like more of an event than just running the half. I would run that day anyway (probably just 3 miles if I don't do the 8k).

I would not be able to do it without racing. But if you can, and it won't hurt your half and you'd have fun, sure!

[G22]

I'd probably do it

[runblondie26]

Go for it! Good luck!

[lb2006]

I would do it!