Knew going into this event that I was grossly under-trained. Longest run in the last few months was a 9 miler last weekend, but that was split in 2 parts with about a 30 minute break between the two loops.

The weather was unusually cool all last month... it wasn't today. Temps started at 75, and climbed into the 80's early into this race. Heat definitely took it's toll on me today.

Even though I used the bathroom about 30 minutes before the start, I had to go again as we actually started running. Nice thing about being in one of the earlier corrals was that the lines were relatively short on the course. Even still, I didn't actually stop until after mile 7 when I spotted and unused port-o-john with no line. In and out in 30-40 seconds.

Nutrition for the race was 4oz of Hammer jell in a hand held flask (mixed with 1 oz of water to swallow easier). Drank 1 oz of mixture every 3 miles. I drank water at all water stops, NO Gatorade. Hard to say, but I think my nutrition plan was fine. My issues were lack of fitness today.

Managed to run without stopping until just before the 9 mile marker. From there, I had to walk a few times every mile for the duration of the event. Tried to never walk more than a minute, but there may have been a few instances where I walked a little longer than that. (Return trip over the Jordan Bridge being one - walked up, ran down.)

On a scary note, saw a group of folks performing CPR on someone, looked like a lady, just past the first mile. Second time I've seen this at this event. For all the cold-water swim deaths that plague Ironman events, I've only seen such instances both times I've run this event.

My wife and kids came out for this event. Was supposed to see them at 10th street on the first half of the course, and then again, shortly before the finish. Never saw them at 10th street, so I was a bit disappointed by that. (found out they decided to take a nap in the car, and missed me run past.) I did manage to see them right at the 13 mile marker. I spoke to wife on phone just before mile 12, and let her know my pace had fallen off and I'd be a few minutes later than planned. Even still, saw them there, got a hug and kiss from all, and sprinted in for the last .1 mile.

Again, was hoping to run today at 2:10-2:15. Managed to limp in at 2:16... so nothing to be too ashamed of, given my lack of running during the summer. Had to keep telling myself that today was just the first long run in my build-up to Richmond in November. I'm running another 1/2 Mary in October. Curious to see how much I can improve over that time. I suspect I should be able to run closer to 2:05.



Train to run over the summer months leading up to this event. Also, even though I tried to slow down at the beginning, I still managed to take off too fast. I should have been running 10:15, not 9:30-45's. May have been able to shave off a few minutes, and possibly run the entire event.

Made the slow walk though the finish area collecting medal, drinks, snacks, etc. Dry bag pick-up was several blocks away. Made that trip, collected gear, put on compression socks & flip-flops, then went to grab a beer.

Walked along beach to where wife and kids were playing in the water, back by the finish line


Under trained. This was more of a kick-off for november than an actual race. Even still, I wish I could be motivated to run through the summer.


It's probably unfair for me to rate post-race activities as average. There are several events that go on throughout the weekend, but, I've never participated in them.

3 times I've registered for this event. (paid, but didn't run inaugural event in 2001) and I've never gone to any of the main attraction concerts.