At the start of the run C shot out of the gate at a fast pace to get ahead of the pack of our start wave. I tried to keep up with here as my plan was to pace alongside her for at least the start of the run however I didn't want to burn myself in the first mile. Her average pace is a bit slower than mine so I figured I would catch up to her once she settled into her normal pace. As we hit the major uphill I did just that and we climbed up to the crest together. Once heading downhill momentum took over and I shot out ahead, figuring I wouldn't see her till the end of the race.

One aspect of my running that I've been working on improving is allowing myself to go fast on downhill segments. This run it really payed off as I was able to hold an 8:30 pace downhill compared to my flat 9:30-9:45 pace. Most of the downhill segments were that perfect grade to allow for a faster pace without getting too fast.

The final miles were as flat as can be. Looking at my watch I knew I was close to the holy grail of a "2 hour HM" but my legs just didn't have it in them to run a fast enough pace for the two miles to come in under 2:00. I could see the beach and hear the announcer at the finish line as the final mile seemed to take forever.

As I rounded the final corner I kicked up the pace with what little I had left to finish fast. My parents were at the finish line watching and yelled out to me as I passed by, excited to watch me finish an event for the first time.

Not much, the run went really smooth. Speed will come with training.

Stretched my legs and met up with my family for a round of congratulations. Watched the finish line to see C come in around 2:25 and hear her say her usual "I hate running!" (this being her 42'nd HM).


More training, as usual.


Pretty good race to end the year. Next year I'll run it again as the final race in the "California Half Marathon Series" for some extra bling :)