So now we have 2 half marathons under our belts, and we are loving it. The challenge, which was originally to finish a half, started to morph into training to beat our last race time. Now normally I run a little farther and a little faster than Renee on most races, but the Rock 'N Roll races were more of a team effort, where we would stick together and finish together, trying to motivate each other to improve over longer distances. Phoenix as harder than Vegas, and we expected that San Diego's race would be more difficult still, because of hillier terrain. The race course called for a start at Balboa Park near downtown San Diego, and then a loop around the park and into rote 163 north, which would take us up to Friar's Road, the west toward Sea World after winding through some side streets on the way. The route looked more challenging because you descend into the Mission Valley on 163, but that just means you have to come up too. We loved the idea of running near the water, and we love San Diego too.
Our friend Margaret (See earlier blog about Decision to Do a Triathlon) came along and roomed with us, which was a blast. Margaret can always be counted on to provide laughs and witty Australian insights on life (We love her to death). We did our usual routine and hit the race expo the day before the race and got the obligatory race gear including t shirts, gel, Lar A Bars and misc stuff we like, along with getting our race packets. We decided on a corral a little farther back, so we opted for corral 25 this time. In Phoenix we had corral 12 and people were flying by and I felt pushed. So I wanted a little less of a racey start, if that makes any sense.
Race day was perfect. We grabbed a cab to the start line instead of trying to drive and park, and we were dropped off 2 blocks away and we walked in. We got there in plenty of time and got all warmed up. The US Marine Corps Band out of MCRD San Diego led the festivities by marching along the start corrals playing the Marine Corps Hymn, which was incredibily motivating, being a Former Marine, myself. (There are no ex-Marines, only Former Marines.) Then the pre race potty break - waiting in line with a few thousand other people whose bladders need emptying so you don't have to hold it for 13.1 miles. After that, it's time to run!
We took the traditional Renee and Me photo, and the mob began to move forward. After about 15 minutes we were off and running through sunny Balboa Park! The Park was gorgeous. I have spent a little time in San Diego, but never really went to Balboa. There were museums and displays, statues and art exhibits all over. It was very scenic, and it took our minds off of the fact that we were running. Renee hates it when I goof around when I run. Especially if I run backward or pretend I am an airplane. I enjoy the beginning of the runs because I am full of energy and I have fun with it. She and Margaret were at about an 11 min pace at that point, nearly out of Balboa Park, and when I got into a little open spot I accidently did the airplane when a cool tune came on my iPod. Renee made the signal... "Just go!!" by pointing ahead. So I gave her a quick kiss and took off.
There were a few really good decents during the race, most of which was on the 163, which gave me a really good push without having to use alot of energy. I found myself running strong with no wind problems and alot of energy - everything felt good. I picked out someone running just a little faster than myself and tried to keep up. I was surprised at how fast I was able to run. Normally I go at about a 10:30 pace, but I was holding strong at 10:00 for he first few miles. There was one pretty steep off ramp that wound upward, followed by an equally steep off ramp going right back downward again. Another steep ramp going up to Friars Road and then it was pretty level except for a light upward grade for a few miles. I was still running strong and taking my nutrition right on schedule. I took a Carbboom at 4 miles, again at 8 and another at 12 miles for my finishing kick. I took my creatine before the start and again at the 10K mark, and salt tablets at the same time.
The race turned north off Friars and wound around a couple times before making the turn to go over the I5 and into the Sea World Parking lot, which is where the finish was. I was really energized and feeling great! I lo0ked at my Garmin and it said I was already at 13.1 at the 2:09 mark. My goal was 215, so I improved on that mark, and when I got a view of the finish line up ahead I ran hard through the line and finished up at 2:16, shaving 19 minutes off the overall race time since Phoenix! I was very pleased with that result.
Renee and Margaret came in a little farther back, but Renee had started feeling some soreness in her left knee. After we regrouped a bit we got the post race stuff to include drinks, carbs and relaxed. Washed off a little and then changed clothes. We didn't bring a car so we had to trek it back to our hotel, which wasn't too far away. Well it didn't seem to far away anyway. it ended up being a leisurely 5 mile stroll on already flimsy and tired legs!
I would have to say that as far as the overall challenge of the race, San Diego was the best challenge thus far. It had a good combination of level ground, hills and declines for good pushes. Although my Garmin told me I did 13.3 miles I liked my time. I would totally do this race again next year. It is driving distance away, room rates were good and the course itself was great, unlike Phoenix. If I could do anything over again, I would have paid the extra price for parking my truck at Sea World, because the walk home was hard on the legs.
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