jumping into an early wave and took a chance on keeping my walk breaks to an absolute minimum. Started out strong and only walked once up to mile 3.. Once on the Garfield hill I did walk up that to save myself a little. Right ankle started to bark for some reason at about mile 5 and by mile 6 was bothering me. Walk breaks after that were more of a problem because of trying to get into a comfortable pace, after walking for any length of time. This problem had to be either my shoes were done, or the Sof Sole insert was toast. I have had no problems other than just a bit or soreness in a previous 3 mile easy run. Attributed that on that day to just not being loose yet... I was wrong.. I worked hard from mile 6 on to put the discomfort out of my mind as I turned for home on PCH. Kept my eyes down on the road just ahead and zoned in on my music. I was really sucking wind by mile 12 and I took off my head phones to use the crowd to carry me home. I knew I was close for a PR and dug deep to find anything I had left.. I just kept pushing and it was getting harder to keep moving.. I was about 200 yards from the finish and stopped to walk; I was just about done.. I had just enuf left to get across the finish line and promptly landed on my ass. I had to sit and catch my breath; my HR was at 182.. A couple of the support crew came and helped me up and off I went.
I had my PR but did it the hard way for sure...

be in better running shape...

after getting up off my ass after crossing the finish line, I didn't stop walking until I stopped at the port-a-potty..


being that time of the month ALWAYS zaps my strength.. being in better running shape would have made it easier on the old body.. have 7 pounds to still get rid of..


This race is one of the best ones I do. It is always well supported with volunteers, port-a-potties, and spectators. The post-race snacks are wonderful and plentiful. This is a 13.1 that should go on your bucket list..