The start wasn't as crowded as I expected and I easily settled into my goal pace of just around 9:00/mile. I was running this as a training run for IMNO 70.3 and have had PF and ITB issues so I was a bit nervous. But luckily all was good. I had some minor knee pain, no biggie.

I ran the entire race with mr2tony (Tony) which made the time go by so quickly. It was seriously the quickest half marathon I've ever done in terms of the time passing by. The course was really beautiful. You can't beat having water views and salt air, even if it is the middle of winter. There were just enough hills, mostly gradual ones, to make it challenging, but not overly difficult. The only rough part was a stretch along Highway 28 where we had to basically run on the shoulder of the road, but it wasn't so bad.

There were 3 races - a 10K, half marathon and marathon - all being run at the same time. We split from the 10K runners early on, but the marathon runners were doing 2 loops. It was really fun to see people doing their first marathon with these huge cheering sections along the course. I was definitely feeling bad for them though when the rain started and the temps dropped.

Even though we literally crossed the finish line at the same time, Tony somehow managed to beat me by one second. So unfair. :(

Nothing. I was tempted to run a little faster, and had a few faster miles, but backed it off and in the end, it felt just right.

I ran into the hotel to avoid freezing, drank a bottle of water and jogged to the car. I changed into warm clothes and we went straight to the BT lunch/beer meet-up spot. We were the first to arrive. I had some soup, a massive salad later, 2 beers and the best chocolate dessert thingy I've ever had. I sat next to KathyG and had such a great time talking to her. We had a table of 15+. It was a great way to end a race.


Having an HIM in one month, the threat of PF/ITB issues.


This was an incredibly well run race. Nice little expo, organized start, beautiful course and tons of volunteers. Plus the finishers medal was shaped like a starfish. Does it get any better?