Always amazed at the number of people in run races as opposed to triathlons. Also amazed at the number of people who start in the front 1/4 of the pack who really should be in the back 1/4. For the first two miles, there was alot of weaving around people (as well as people weaving past me), but it gradually settled in. Never used the portapotties at the start line, but had to stop just after mile 4. The beginning 1/2 of the race went by very quickly with all the turns and different scenery to look at. My times were pretty quick for me, but I was feeling good, so decided to continue at that pace. I never got hung up on people passing me, so I was actually running my race.
I took a Gu at 35 min and about 70 minutes and think it worked well for me. I took water/poweraid at every station and tried to run and drink. I have never been able to, but managed to get some down. As the race progressed and I knew I would need more fluids, I walked as I drank two cups/station.
At mile 10, my kids were all sitting on the sideline with my in-laws. I have never been a real "boost" guy from seeing family, but it really helped to keep me moving at a good pace in a tough part of the course (very flat and boring). At mile 11 (I think) I tried a Cliff shot chocolate and almost threw it up. At that point I decided I would go without the last Gu for the race.
My original goal was to be happy under 2 hours and very happy under 1:50. At mile 11, I saw I had about 17 minutes to get under 1:50 so I started to push a little harder. At mile 12 I had 8 1/2 minutes to go, so I really picked it up. Pushed hard in the last mile and played tag with a couple of other runners. Made the last turn onto Alamitos and loved the downhill finish. It was really nice to be able to stride the last few hundred yards downhill across the line.

Start closer to the front.

Waited for some friends to finish (1:55 and 2:00) and hit the beer garden for a couple, then rode home for more festivities.


Good post race activities, beer garden is always popular with me.