Summer Breeze Half Marathon aka Winter Wind

     Finished my 12th Half Marathon since last October on Saturday.  I had reservations about doing the race given my limited training but I am so grateful that I did it.  Yes, getting up super early to make the drive down to San Leandro wasn't the most fun but the race was terrific.  There were only 165 runners in the half and I'm proud to say that I finished in 163rd place!  Even managed a 12th place finish in my age group (out of 13).  

     The race started at the San Leandro Marina and then ran along trails to almost what I presume was the San Mateo bridge.  The trails meandered along the bay which meant my labored breathing was muffled by the soothing sounds of waves lapping up against the rocks along the shore.  There were numerous water birds of various types along the course and we must of crossed five or six wooden foot bridges throughout the race.  All the aid stations were set up better than an all you can eat buffet!  Way too many choices which is a great thing.  The course was nice and flat and the summer breeze in the title felt like a winter wind as it was super cold.  I didn't mind after my experience in Philly.  It was a welcome relief.  I could have done without the head wind on the entire way back.  I also wish I hadn't managed to forget a turn and continue straight on the trail until I began thinking, "What happened to all the pink ribbons marking the course?"  and "What about that guy that wasn't too far ahead of me?"  At that moment, I heard some yelling behind me and saw another runner who we had been leap frogging each other throughout the race madly waving to me.  I figured out my mistake and managed to get back on the trail.  My goal was to catch up to my hero runner and give a proper thank you but I never managed to do that in the last five miles.  Thankfully, I had the opportunity after I crossed the finish line.  

     Final time was 3:14.19 which I am pleased with considering my lack of training, my off-course adventure, and the massive head wind.  I was happy that I managed to maintain the 3:1 run/walk breaks throughout (although they did get slower at the end).  I passed the 10 mile mark at 2:23 which is 20 minutes faster than my 10 mile time from last year.  I'm planning on the doing the 10 mile race again in a couple weeks so I think maybe a sub 2:20 is possible?  We'll see.