The course runs out along a trail from the San Leandro Marina to the San Mateo Bridge and back. Even though it was raining, the course drained nicely so there wasn't a lot of puddles and mud to run through. Just lots and lots of bridges to cross, watching the tides roll away, and lots of different types of birds. This weekend is the Great Backyard Bird Count and there were plenty to count! But instead of counting I was determined to NOT go off course this time! On the way out, I saw where I missed the turn during the Summer Breeze event so I stayed focused on the pink ribbons along the course. I met my goal of staying on course! Similar to the half I did in January, there were very few of us in the back of the pack which made for peaceful running. I again loved the buffet-style aid stations with more things than I could even imagine eating during a race. I stuck to the M&Ms and the gummy bears which suited me just fine. Maybe someday I'll try Doritos after 11 miles. Not exactly the first race food that comes to mind!
I wasn't feeling the best at the beginning (not surprising since I did not work out at all this week!) and then when the rain kicked in I made a pact not to obsess over my pace. I am proud to say that I didn't even look at my watch until mile 4, when I was at 57 minutes. I vowed to check my pace at 2 mile intervals. This worked out well since my hands were inside my jacket almost the entire race. I kept up the 2:1 intervals to the bitter end. The last few miles I would have preferred not running but did it anyways. Unlike previous races where I tanked and was forced to walk, I continued with my pace and finished. Here I am close to the finish, drenched but still smiling. My final time was 3:10.27. This is my slowest of 2011 but clocks in as my 8th fastest time of the 18 half marathons completed since October 2009. I can't complain. I just hope another sub-3 hour time is coming soon.
I will have to wait and see if running todays half marathon was the wisest idea in the long run considering I have been feeling sick, but I did it AND finished with my 3rd fastest time among the recent 17 half marathons. I kept to my 2:1 intervals that worked out well until about mile 11 which is where I tanked. Today was hot and the aid stations left A LOT to be desired. From the first one being completely out of water by the time I got there to no aid stations having any energy drink until the very last one. After tasting the Gatorade the folks mixed up at that station its easy to imagine why it was missing from the other stations. It was grossly concentrated. Yuck! Fortunately, I carry my own water source with me while running but today I needed to rely on GU over the energy drinks which isn't my preference. It's hard to complain given my time. The best part along the race was the ONLY UC Davis cheerleader displaying any spirit who had her own cheer towards the end of the race. It was something along the lines of "Don't quit, soon you'll be able to sit!" I know that's not the exact words but definitely the spirit needed to finish the race strong. And the VERY BEST part was I managed to finish before the little ones which was not the case last year. Given these challenges surrounding this race, future racing in 2011 looks promising. Hopefully a loss of additional weight will help me break the 3 hour barrier again.
Half-marathon number 17 is Sunday and I woke up today feeling like my head was going to explode. I don't know if I will make it. I was so looking forward to this half. The course if flat. I had a super-fast time last year (even though I couldn't keep up with the kiddie run happening at the finish), and I am ten pounds lighter than I was for the half two weeks ago. I was super curious to see how that would impact my finishing time. I am resting lots, taking different meds, drinking fluids, and somehow managing to sit through class this weekend and hoping for the best. If half-marathon #17 doesn't happen on Sunday at least there is always the Super Bowl!
I wasn't feeling the best at the beginning (not surprising since I did not work out at all this week!) and then when the rain kicked in I made a pact not to obsess over my pace. I am proud to say that I didn't even look at my watch until mile 4, when I was at 57 minutes. I vowed to check my pace at 2 mile intervals. This worked out well since my hands were inside my jacket almost the entire race. I kept up the 2:1 intervals to the bitter end. The last few miles I would have preferred not running but did it anyways. Unlike previous races where I tanked and was forced to walk, I continued with my pace and finished. Here I am close to the finish, drenched but still smiling. My final time was 3:10.27. This is my slowest of 2011 but clocks in as my 8th fastest time of the 18 half marathons completed since October 2009. I can't complain. I just hope another sub-3 hour time is coming soon.
