Gate River Run - Run15k

WIND! The first mile and a half was into the wind, then the wind downtown was weird as it blew in between buildings. I ran up the Main Street Bridge with one hand on my hat and the other on my race number, trying not to lose my footing on the grate and not to look down (the river water through the grate is kind of creepy). At mile 3, the river water was blowing over the bulkhead onto the street. Got okay as we ran through neighborhoods (San Marco and St. Nicholas), but then it got really bad on the Hart Bridge (6% incline over 1/2 mile). Usually, when you get to the top of the Hart, you feel like the worst is over. This year, the wind was so furious that I could feel my legs getting blown. I had to sort of duck and run. Forget having the race number visible for pictures - I'm glad it didn't completely blow away.

CROWDS! I had to start kind of to the side and merge into the main starting line, along with hundreds of others. It took me 6 minutes to get to the starting line. I could never get a really good consistent pace going (except on the Hart Bridge, amazingly, but then I was fighting the wind) because of all of the people around.

Overall, not bad. I felt good the entire time and never walked, not even up the Hart Bridge. I would like to have finished a little faster, but given the windy conditions I'm not sure it was possible. I was mentally prepared for the wind, and I think that helped. My friend lives along the race course, and she put a sign in her window for me, so that was a good boost!

Get there earlier to get a good starting spot away from the walkers. Mentally prepare for the crowds - I think I waste a lot of energy complaining about being crowded during the race.

That said, this was a C priority race for me this year, and although I wanted to run faster, I think the wind hampered everyone.

Walk through stadium tunnel, walk to car. Stretch. Go home for some milk and additional stretching, then to the Fox restaurant for a coyote burger.


Wind and crowds.


Despite the crowds, this is one of the greatest races. The organization is almost flawless, and the city really comes out for support. I've never seen any post-race complaints about the imposition on traffic like in other cities. Can't wait until next year!