The expo/packet pick-up happens down by the Embarcadero in San Diego. I love this part of the city and waited until Saturday to head down there. (a storm hit San Diego on Friday and I wasn't going to go out in the rain if I didn't need to.) I got down there about 15 minutes before the expo opened and got in line with all the other early birds-- once they let us into the expo, it was smooth sailing. It seemed to be more organized this year than the past two years. The expo itself isn't bad, but not anything that I really got excited about. I did pick up a couple Momentum Jewelry bracelets, but didn't see anything else I just had to have.
One race perk I took advantage of this year was the ticket for the USS Midway museum. Even though I live in San Diego, I had never been there. I enjoyed it and will definitely be back. After my time at the USS Midway, I explored Sea Port Village for a bit, then headed home to get race ready. With the time change and an early race start, I knew I need to be in bed early.
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| USS Midway fun! |
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| Every race outfit needs ProCompression! |
I headed downtown a little early-- I'm never quite sure what parking or the crowds will be like. It was a breeze, so I stayed in my warm car until it was time to meet-up with some friends before the race. Smitha and I had discussed it earlier in the week and we would be meeting-up to run together.
After all the catching up and pictures, it was go time. We tried to make our way back to our assigned corrals and got stuck a little closer to the start line than anticipated. Fortunately, it was a bit congested at the beginning of the race, so we were able to keep a steady pace until everyone started to disperse.
I started out with Smitha, Tara and Jayme. As we were running, I started to find a different grove and thought I might be able to find a PR in the race. I was going to forge ahead of the group and Jayme decided she would come with me. I love this course-- San Diego is a beautiful city and I never tire of seeing it on a run. The water stations were adequately spaced apart and the crowd support was fun. (I wasn't a big fan of the plastic cups at the aid stations, but I'm sure they had their reasons) I was wearing a Sparkle Athletic skirt and I loved hearing "Go Team Sparkle" when I was out there running. Jayme was my biggest supporter-- we had just met that morning before the race, but what better time to make a new friend than when you're running 13.1 miles. She made sure I stayed on target, encouraged me when I needed it and shared stories to make the time go by faster.
We were on a target pace to get my PR, so we had a plan. Stay at our pace and be prepared to walk the hill if we needed to between miles 8-10. This race is known for the hill on Washington and it did not disappoint. But all went according to plan and once we were at the top of Washington, it was smooth sailing.
The last 2 miles or so are downhill, some parts more gradual than others. I didn't want to fly down the hills because I know that can cause injury and could cause me to wear out before the finish line. I was at a comfortable pace and then it happened-- I was stopped so that the trolley could go by. Ugh! We jokingly pleaded with the race staff to let me go so I could get my PR and his response was, "You can't out run the trolley." I was definitely willing to try. Haha. (All kidding aside, a PR is never worth anyone's safety)
Once we were on our way again, I could see the finish line ahead. Running a race for me is often a mental sport, so I was trying not to think about my time. But when I looked at my watch, I knew it was going to happened. I pushed through the finish line and ended up with a 7 minute PR!! I was beyond excited.
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| With Jayme after we finished. |
After the race, Jayme and I caught up with a few people we know. After we were done, we decided to stop and have a drink. It was much needed and very refreshing. I was waiting for another friend to finish before I went to lunch.
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| 7 minute PR-- I was a little excited! |
When I have races that finish in the Gas Lamp area, I always reward myself with what I consider "the best burrito ever." Lolitas by the Park has a "2 in 1 Burrito" (two rolled tacos inside a carne asada burrito) which is worth every 13.1 mile. It was indeed delicious after this race.
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| Such pretty bling! |
Have you ever run the San Diego Half Marathon? How do you reward yourself after a race?
Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1
Woo-hoo! So proud of you and congrats on that PR!
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