America's Finest City Half Marathon Recap

Earlier in the year I ran the Carlsbad Half Marathon and the La Jolla Half Marathon-- both races are part of the Triple Crown race series, so it seemed silly not to run the final race, America's Finest City Half Marathon.  I had never run AFC, but all I'd ever heard about it is that it's hot and there's a hill at mile 11. 

Packet pick-up was either Friday or Saturday before the race-- I took an impromptu trip to Disneyland on Friday, so headed to the expo on Saturday.  (They do offer a race day pick-up for a fee). I didn't spend a lot of time at the expo-- getting the bib and shirt were easy.  They also give you a nice reusable shopping bag which I like.  I took a quick look at the expo-- there was a good representation of vendors and if I had more time, I would have definitely checked out a few of the booths.  

#FlatJenn with all of my favorite things.

This year's race had an earlier start time than previous years-- I'm one of those runners who loves early race starts, so I was happy with this.  The race starts at Cabrillo National Monument and the only way to the start line is via shuttle from Balboa Park (the finish area).  The shuttles were running from 4:00am to 5:30am and I was a little nervous since this was my first time doing this race.  I arrived to the shuttle around 4:15am-- I was suprised that there were several other people who were just as early.  The shuttle took about 30 minutes to get us to the start line.  The start area was in a parking lot-- they had gear check and a water station.  I used the extra time to catch up on social media and read a book.  At 6:00am I was standing in line to use the restroom and all of a sudden we heard the National Anthem.  There was a little bit of "oh no, is it 6:30am already?!" in the line, then we quickly realized that it was just being played/sung early. (I couldn't see the start line platform so I'm not sure if it was a recording or a live person-- either way, it was good rendition).  While in line for the restroom, I met Jerry who is a legacy runner for this race-- he has run AFC for 39 years.  How awesome is that?! After I used the restroom, I headed to the start line area.  We weren't officially put into corrals, but they did have time flags posted and people seemed to be placing themselves accordingly.  Promptly at 6:30am, we heard a horn blow and we were off.  

The course runs down the road leading up to Cabrillo National Monument-- there were a few places that it was so congested with runners, it was almost comical.  We quickly made our race towards Fort Rosecrans National cemetery--I'm a little quirky about cemeteries, but I will say that running by it while the sun was rising in the distance was beautiful! If you are ever in San Diego, both of these places should be on your "visit" list.  

We continued the course down towards Point Loma and I was suprised at the residential area we ran through.  I don't look at course maps so this was a pleasant surprise.  San Diego spectators are awesome and always come out for races-- there were shots of tequila, kids giving out high-fives and people offering us sprays with their hose to help beat the heat.  (And now keeping it honest-- around mile 6, I had to use the restroom again.  I'm not sure if I overhydrated on Saturday or pre-race, but it is what it is.  And I wasn't the only one-- it was about a ten minute wait in line.) After my pit stop, we made our way to Harbor Island (yay for a misting station at mile 8) and towards the Navy Pier.  After I found my way back to the course, I was ready to go.  I run near the Navy Pier quite frequently for #RUNch, but it's always a beautiful run. During this portion of the race, I got dizzy so I slowed down. I don't get dizzy often, so it made me a little nervous.  I'd rather run smart and it really is a beautiful area to run. Seriously, if you're ever in San Diego, run here.

Around mile 10, we made a turn and started into downtown towards Balboa Park.  The group at mile 10 was awesome-- they had a misting station, people spraying us with hoses and grilled hamburgers-- I didn't have one, but they sure smelled good! I had been warned about the upcoming hill and it was a little sneaky.  As you head up Broadway, you think "this is the hill" until you turn onto 6th Avenue. 

I surprised myself and pushed up the hill-- it wasn't steep, but it was long.  I actually enjoyed the challenge and realized I definitely need to add more hill training to my runs.  After the hill, we made our way across into the Prado area of Balboa Park.  The bridge was lined with American Flags and I loved this.  Then a quick turn around the corner and we were finished.  

Race Shirt and Medal

After crossing the finish line and getting my AFC medal, I made my way down the finishers chute which seemed to go on forever, but it was worth it when there was cold chocolate milk waiting for us at the end.  I then found the Triple Crown tent to get my medal and waiting in line to take the Triple Crown picture.  I had planned ahead and brought my medals from the first two races.   The finish area was a lot of fun-- a live band, vendors and just a great buzz of activity.  After taking some pictures and handling out a bit, I headed home. 

Overall, I had a great experience at AFC.  The weather was great. There were some beautiful sections of the course-- epic blogger fail that I didn't get pictures.  There were plenty of water stations and the volunteers were awesome.  Every volunteer I encountered was so supportive- that's not always the case with volunteers so it was definitely appreciated.  I loved seeing local running groups out there too supporting us-- it's nice to see familiar faces out on the race course.  

I loved completing the Triple Crown challenge.  Each race offers something unique and is challenging in it's own way and who doesn't love extra bling?! 

Have you every completed a multi race challenge?

Until next time, happy running.
Jenn13.1 

La Jolla Half Marathon Recap

In January, I started my journey of the San Diego Triple Crown Half Marathon series with the Carlsbad Half Marathon.  La Jolla was the second race of the series-- I have heard mixed things about the course, but the common factor in everyone's opinion seemed to be how beautiful the course is, so I was excited to run this race.

I went to the expo Friday-- it opened at noon and I got there early.  My goal was to get in and out so that I could beat the Friday afternoon traffic.  I arrived a little early and waited with all the other early birds.  At noon, the doors opened and they directed us where to go for our bibs, then our shirts.  I looked around a bit, but the area was cramped and there weren't any booths that I just had to see. (And if I'm being honest, I'm saving up for the runDisney expo I'm going to in a few weeks)  

Expo fun!

In reading all the final race information, I was concerned about traffic race morning.  The drive is typically about 45 minutes for me, but they suggest adding an extra hour to that for the traffic, so I left my house at 5:00am.  I didn't encounter traffic and arrived at the starting area around 5:40am, so I had plenty of time for a power nap in my car.  

The race started on time, but I was a little disappointed that there was no sound system for the people who were not in the front waves.  I enjoy hearing the national anthem at the start of a race and I honestly don't know if was even played for this race.  I was in the middle of the pack and we couldn't hear the announcer until we were almost at the start line.  

Once the race started, I knew early one this wasn't going to be my day.  I can't pinpoint what was wrong, but I never found my grove.  And I struggled.  A lot.  About two miles in, I made the decision to turn off my watch and run "naked" the rest of the race.  If you've ever run in Del Mar and the La Jolla areas, you know the coastal views are breathtaking-- this made up for everything.

Enjoying the views!

This race is known for it's hills and it did not disappoint.  I honestly felt as though I was running uphill most of the race.  Event the "flat" portions seemed to be on slanted residential streets where it's hard to find a flat ground to run.  The journey through the Torrey Pines National Preserve was beautiful, even if I struggled up most of the hill.  And just when you think you're done, there's a hill at mile 12!  I loved the downhill finish and I think this might be the first time running a half that I was super excited to be done running.

Check out that elevation chart!

A couple positives for this race besides the views were having Race Guards (I always feel better when I see them on a race course) on the course and the volunteers-- the group at the mile 10 water station were especially motivating.  I am also grateful for the post race shuttles back to the parking area.

This may be a "one and done" race for me.  It's a beautiful course in areas that I run frequently, but the mental race was a tough one.  I'll see how I feel about it next year. 

2 done, 1 to go!

What races have been a "one and done" for you?

Until next time, happy running!
Jenn13.1

Carlsbad Half Marathon

If you run in San Diego, you're aware of the "Triple Crown" race event-- you earn the Crown by running the Carlsbad Half/Full Marathon, La Jolla Half and America's Finest City Half Marathon.  Due to race schedule conflicts in 2015, I wasn't able to earn the Crown so I was excited when I realized I would be able to do it in 2016.  

The day started early-- I was meeting up with Erika and Smitha to run a few miles before the race (We were aiming for 20 miles that day) Erika was gracious enough to wake up early and run with us even though she wasn't running the event.  She also met us after the race to run back to her house.  

Smitha and Erika

ProCompression's Sock of the Month with Smitha and Linzie

Off to the start

But first, let's take a selfie.....

And we were off.  I went into the race thinking I might actually be able to PR.  Then something happened-- I'm not sure when it was, but I hit a wall.  And I hit it hard.  The race course was beautiful and the company was awesome, but I just didn't have it in me.  And I struggled.  But the fun was still had.  And look at those views!

One race down, two to go. 

After the race, I will admit that I was disappointed.  I had let myself down and I felt like I had let other people down.  Looking back, I know that idea is silly.  It took me several days to recover-- I honestly think I increased my training too much in a short period of time as I prepare for the LA Marathon.  It was a humbling lesson to learn.  I've taken a week to rest and recover-- though it's been hard not to run, I appreciate the run so much more now.  

Have you ever been disappointed after a race?  What did you do to recover from that?

Until next time, happy running.

Jenn13.1