So, my plan going into this race was to not actually race this but use this as an opportunity to do a nice long tempo paced run (which is something that I lack in my training). I had planned to come in between 1:50 - 1:52 so my result is right where I wanted to be (despite that silly 12 seconds over). I am planning to run a challenging 50K on September 17th that will be at elevation with the descent coming first followed by the hefty climb. It was important not to run this too fast to where my body would require significant recovery from it. I know that I could have indeed run this race a bit faster, but because I rarely "race" and I don't really know my abilities in the speed area, it is hard to determine what that sweet pace is that pushes but doesn't nail you to the wall. I guess in time, I will learn this... and I may even pull out my heart monitor at some point and give that a whirl! We decided to leave my house in Carlsbad around 4am. We thought that carpooling would be best since there were several of us participating in the race. I was so sad to hear that my friend Beth wouldn't be running. She unfortunately got food poisoning and was just too ill to run. We missed her spirit that morning! Trisha, Mary and myself headed downtown and parked at the Zoo where buses waited for us to shuttle us to the start. Everything went so smoothly (unlike San Diego Rock n' Roll). We were surprised to find ourselves at the starting area at 5:15am with lots of time to spare. We sat around chatting and frequently visiting the bathrooms. Plenty of porta-potties were available, but I found myself hungry as we all lined up to enter the start. I had already checked my bag. The air was cool and crisp. There was a bit of fine mist in the air that sent a chill through me. About 15 minutes prior to the start, I popped a small piece of a Vicodan. I have been having tooth trouble all week, and when I run, my molar in the back feels every foot fall. The 1/8 tab at least would take the edge off so that I could concentrate on my running. My friend Trisha and I hugged to keep warm. My stomach was a little off, but after a trip to the bathroom, the GI issues finally resolved. I was ready. We all had mixed emotions about the race. Trisha wanted to pull her first sub 2 hour and Mary wanted anything below 2 hours. Trisha had hoped to run with me. When the gun started, we were briefly confused because the gun was like a dud firework sounding into the crowd, but soon the crowd surged forward and we were soon pounding the pavement. The first few miles, I dodged and weaved. I had thought that I had lined up in an area of 8 minute milers but I found myself struggling to not step on heels as I weaved. I saw a runner holding the American Flag as he ran. He was quick and I thought that I would not see him again and wished him luck in my mind. Poor Trisha was weaving in and out behind me keeping me in her sites. The first 2 miles we were together but somehow, I lost Trisha behind me in the crowd. At mile 3.33, my garmin malfunctioned, locked up and the screen went blank (geez... second race it's done that). Crap! I was going to have to run this one by feel. I would run comfortably hard or moderately challenged ;-). The first 4 miles were undulating and a bit narrow. The road declined and then inclined like a roller-coaster ride until it finally began somewhat a steady decline into the city. I held back on the decline as to not rip up my quads early in the race. I love running down hill, and easily a 6 minute pace could have been mine here, but I kept it steady and kept with my plan. The middle miles became a blur to me. The course seemed to level off around mile 5. I recall taking in a gu around mile 8 while we ran along the coastline. I walked through every water stop drinking as I made my way. I ran for about 3-4 miles with a kid. He was between 10-12 years old and had a nice pace. He became my pacer. At around mile 10, I saw that we were starting an incline and then to my surprise, I saw the young man running with the American Flag again. What a beautiful site. I went to reach for another Gu and it was gone. It must have fallen out of my fuel belt. Gosh I needed that Gu. So, onward I went. I lost sight of the kid as we turned onto yet a steeper street. UGH. The hill went on forever!!! It was probably 3/4 mile long. I walked three times on it. Finally it was over and the course flattened. We then ran across a beautiful bridge that had American Flags lining it on each side which then brought us through the arches and entry of Balboa Park. There were small gardens of bright flowers that dressed the incredible architecture of the area. I had never been to Balboa Park. I was in awe of it. I could hear people along the finish line cheering the runners. As I brought my focus into the moment, I crossed that finish line feeling strong and with a smile on my face! Great race and I stuck to my plan. I will walk well tomorrow and have minimal discomfort! I will indeed be ready for that 50k. After, we had planned to meet at the banana booth. As I walked toward it, I ran into an old running partner, Mike. I had helped him train for his first marathon and now he was running races pretty regularly. Then I saw another familiar face, Michelle with the Running Skirts crew. Soon I was joined by Mary and Trisha. We all hugged and congratulated each other. Mary managed her sub 2 hour, and Trisha came in just a few minutes over. They are awesome runners, but even better friends!! We refueled and talked with yet a few more familiar faces. The sun had just started to come out as we finished and we were now feeling the warmth. As we were all anxious to get home and rest since we had been up since around 3am, we piled into Trisha's car after taking several photos of Trisha doing cartwheels and us girls together among the arches of Balboa Park. Perfect ending to a perfect morning with great friends! file://localhost/Users/Kyle/Desktop/0043t-1.jpgfile://localhost/Users/Kyle/Desktop/0045t.jpg
| 