I exceeded my own expectations in this race. My goal was a sub 1:50:00 finish, and to cut 5 minutes off of my SF Half Marathon time. Today, I cut more then 6 minutes off my previous HM time. Leading up to this race, I incorporated speed work and a 4th run per week into my training, which made a huge difference.

For some reason, I thought this course was a little flatter than the SF Half, so I cut back just a little on the hill training. Although I performed well, I didn't feel nearly as strong on the hills as I did in the SFHM.

It was a mob scene at the finish. Grabbed a Cytomax drink, walked, stretched, changed into a dry shirt and headed for the car. Too many people in a very small space, so I skipped out on bagels and such.


Excellent course, not too many runners so you can really get out there and do your thing. Very scenic. Photographers and walkers should be mindful of starting toward the back of the pack, not the front. It's a race, not a signtseeing tour.