Surf City Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

Better late than never! Race started out great with fog and cool temps. By mile 3 that all changed with sun burning off the fog quickly. I started a bit fast and felt it in the legs as I turned on to Seapoint. Slowed down trying to remind myself, “This is for training…this is for training…” Up and around Garfield and Overlook went just fine. Came down the short hill and jumped onto the dirt path that runs along Seapoint. Taking fluids and GU just fine and dumping small amounts of water on my head to stay cool. Turn down onto PCH from Seapoint was nice as I coasted just a little. Was supposed to pick up a running buddy at mile 8, but he wasn’t there so I made the turn and headed for home.

Coming up to mile 9 I felt the familiar rumbling stumbling, nasty “I gotta go!’ feeling deep in my bowels. No way was I going to hold it for 4 miles so I ducked under the fencing and headed for the restroom. Four minutes 30 seconds later after kicking myself for having that Habanera salsa covered burrito Saturday for lunch, I was back on the road feeling wonderful and about a pound lighter… ;)

Miles 9 to 11 went fine as I came up the short hill at Seapoint to the flatness of PCH. I felt pretty good at this point but didn’t want to push too hard. Came up on a young lady with a nice pace so I jumped on to her shoulder and stayed with her for the next couple of miles. “Norma” was great as we chatted and kept each other company and under control. She’s working her way up to a marathon soon and I wished her good luck on her next 13.1 and took off for the finish just past Main Street. The spectators were great and very supportive. Someone yelled out "Go Lori" and that was nice, knowing that someone out there actually wanted people to know they knew me.. THANK YOU! I crossed with 2:19 on my Garmin.


nothing..

5 block walk back to the car..


nothing..


They need to improve the waiting line and how they pass out the free beer at the end of the race. I REALLY enjoyed the beer I had to help celebrate the start of my IM AZ training for 2009. After my two beers and one that I mooched, I had a nice relaxing buzz. I knew it was time to leave so I woofed down a $4 hot dog and decided to start my walk back to my car. It's amazing how slow you walk when your legs have tightened up and you have a buzz. Those 5 blocks felt like 5 miles. I made it home just fine, ate the rest of that wonderful Habanera salsa covered burrito and took a nice nap.

This is a great 13.1 race that I would recommend to anyone.. Looking forward to next year!