running

Running Lessons during Corona Times

June 30, 2020 filed under: fitness, linkup, running, Tuesday Topics

Inspired by Lisa’s post, I am sharing my running lessons during these strange Corona times this week. I probably don’t have to repeat how strange the last few months have been for all of us.

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been under a shelter at home order for almost 4 months, but I am also not surprised how fast humans adapt to changing circumstances. My workout habits had to change, inevitably, and there are some things I really like and some things I miss. Let’s get to it.

It’s possible to improve even without a real training plan (who knew?)

When the Coronavirus hit the US, I was already halfway through my spring half marathon training plan and I kind of gave up on it when I realized that the race wasn’t going to happen. However, I ended up running my (goal) half marathon at the end of April as a virtual race anyway and I ended up with a new PR. That was huge for me (and I do hope to repeat it on a measured course!).

I have continued my regular workout routine during the last few months, and while I haven’t followed a training plan, I’ve consistently run faster paces than before, which surprised (and thrilled me).

There’s something to be said about “taking the pressure off”.

While I always say that I do better when I follow a training plan, not having a (goal) race on the calendar and just running for the sake of running (and for sanity, as I’d like to add) does take the pressure off and it’s been surprisingly good for my psyche. Running has definitely done wonders for my mental health these last few months, even more than I had always claimed before.

Having a training buddy (even a virtual one, or many) helps.

I’ve always been someone who likes solo runs. I can run when I want, for how long I want, as fast (or slow) as I want, so I am not missing the “group runs” as I almost always run alone. However, I love having an accountability buddy, someone who is also doing their workouts. It’s a huge motivation and it has helped me prepare for my real-turned-virtual race(s).

Working from home is very runner friendly

I’ve been keeping the same weekly workout schedule that I had before Coronavirus and before I started to work from home, but I am really enjoying my new morning routine.

Two morning per week, I do a 30-min strength workout and on days where I used to head out to the gym at an ungodly hour (before 5 am), I now leisurely stroll out of the house around 6 and get a nice run in (thank God it’s light out early right now). I usually run a 4-5 mile loop on 2 weekdays and then I take a quick shower and plop down in front of the computer with a glass of NUUN and my first coffee.

I love the IG (+ blogger) running community

If I thought that the online runner community was amazing before Corona, I am shouting it from the rooftops now: THE ONLINE RUNNING COMMUNITY IS AMAZING!. To see all the runners come together, creating challenges and virtual races online to keep each other motivated and accountable, has been amazing (e.g. #theuncanceledproject and the #iwrsocialstreak).

I do miss my spin class.

One of my favorite cross-training activities for the last year or so has been the spin class (hat tip to my friend Tanja) at my gym once or twice per week and I miss that class dearly. I do not see myself going back anytime soon and I wish I could whip out the cash (and a dedicated space in our home) for a Peloton bike, but alas, that’s not going to happen.

Sticking to your routine is (as always) key.

With nowhere to be (other than your desk or dedicated work space), it’s easy to “slack off” a bit in the morning and get going later than usual. It’s nice to have flexibility, but it also translates into a longer work day.

I do try to strictly stick to my working hours and not let work spill over into my private life (which now all happens in the same space). I have occasionally worked through an evening or on a day that I usually have off (when projects required it), but generally sticking to my work schedule also means that I need to stick to my workout times. Win-win.

What have you learned during Corona times?

This week, I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics. It’s been a while.

Global running day

June 3, 2020 filed under: good things, running

In runner circles, the first Wednesday in June is known as Global Running Day. Every year, runner’s pledge to run miles to celebrate the joys of running.

But there are bigger things going on in the world, and so Brooks Running (@brooksrunning), who’s holding their own virtual event, have changed course and invite us to run in support of the day WHEN WE CAN ALL RUN ON EQUAL GROUND!
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They pledged to donate $100k to the Equal Justice Initiative (@eji_org) and an additional $1 (up to $250k) for every runner who signs up to run now through June, 7. Did I mention that this virtual race is FREE? All you have to do is run.
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Come on, supporting something important has never been easier! Tanja and I have already done our part this morning #separatebuttogether! Join us!! But also, LET‘S NOT STOP THERE!

I’ve also signed up for another virtual event, My Big Run Virtual Race, through our local Fleet Feet chapter. Fleet Feet Sports (@fleetfeetsports ) have a standing relationship with Girls on the Run (@girlsontheruninternational) and nationwide registrations have already helped Fleet Feet to donate almost $40,000 to their cause. It has also announced a brand-wide $6,000 donation to the @naacp_ldf and $6000 to @officialblackgirlsrun. Our three local stores are donating an ADDITIONAL $8 per registrant to Sacramento NAACP, when you choose Sac/Davis/Elk Grove as your home store. Check out what your local stores are doing to help!

You can run now through June, 8, so go sign up here. The fee is $10, but you get a $15 voucher to the local store and you can win some cool prizes. You also get a virtual race kit with a printable bib and finisher medal!

So, it’s really a no-brainer. If you’re a runner, you should definitely sign up for this. If you’re not a runner, you should sign up for it, too.

Let’s put some money where our ~~mouth is~~ legs are.

TODAY, we run (because we know how to do this) and donate money.

TOMORROW, we continue the other work that needs to be done.

Are you with me?

Milestones

April 27, 2020 filed under: friends, running, yes!

This weekend, I was supposed to run the American River Parkway Half Marathon with my friend Tanja.

A couple of months ago, I had talked Tanja, a self-proclaimed NON-runner (but avid cyclist), into putting a half marathon on her bucket list and signing up for the walk option of this race. We talked about training for the distance with a run/walk-interval-strategy. I know she’s always up for a good challenge, so I am not surprised that she followed through and started training right away (cursing me under her breath multiple times, I am sure. Ha!).

Of course, we were extremely bummed when because of Corona, the race was postponed and Tanja had to cancel her visit. Was all this training for nothing? No way! So, we decided to still run a virtual race on Saturday. Separate, but together in spirit. So, we both set out for our respective races early in the morning.

This was supposed to be a goal race for me. If you have followed me for a while, you know that I’ve repeatedly mentioned the goal to break the 2-hour mark in the half marathon. It’s been a process, to say the least. Turns out, it’s harder than I previously thought to shave a ‘few minutes’ off a long distance PR (my previous PR was 2:02:39).

Running a virtual race is hard. Running a virtual goal race is harder. You can’t rely on other runners, spectators, and the energy of the race to carry you through. You gotta be your own cheerleader along the way. I always underestimated how much adrenaline you get from the race atmosphere alone.

I’ve been running some of my training runs with the Nike Run Club app, which has guided run options which put “Coach Bennett” in your ear on your runs. He checks in with you every couple of miles, reminds you to breathe right and watch your running form, and he coaches and cheers you on along the way. If you do a lot of solo runs and sometimes struggle to focus, this is something I’d recommend you try. It definitely helped me through my virtual race on Saturday. He didn’t let me give up on myself.

I (felt as I) was cruising all the way through mile 9 and I was hitting my goal pace, which was really awesome, but then the last 3-4 miles got hard. My legs were ready to quit, but my head told me – looking at my watch – that I’d have major regrets if I wasn’t at least trying to see this through. So, I kept pushing (and repeated to myself that Tanja all the way down in Irvine wasn’t giving up either!).

And what can I say? It’s not an official result, but I did it! I finally ran a sub-2 half marathon on Saturday. I couldn’t believe it. It was close, but 1:59:49 is a sub-2 race, #thankyouverymuch, and I am beyond ecstatic.

Of course, I am hoping I’ll be able to repeat this on an official course sometime when race running is possible again, but at least I could prove to myself that I can do it and that hard work does eventually pay off.

I just wish I could have celebrated the completion of Tanja’s first half marathon (woot!) and this milestone PR for me with a well-deserved brunch and mimosas with my friend, not just a virtual high five. Sigh.

Tuesday Topics: My year of running 2019

January 7, 2020 filed under: fitness, recap, running, Tuesday Topics

It’s not too late to recap my running year 2019, or is it?

This was my 5th full year as a dedicated runner and I felt pretty good about my running year. Overall, it was a slower year than before. I ran fewer miles and fewer races, but I stayed – once again- injury free, which I am so thankful for, and kept a pretty good exercise routine.

I ran…

469 total miles (less than in the previous year, but I spent more time cross-training and cycled 450 miles),
3 official races – 1 Half Marathon, one 10k, one 5k,
no virtual races this year, and
no new PRs.

It definitely felt like I did a lot more, but these are the official numbers. Two local half marathons that I had planned to run last year, I had to cancel because I traveled overseas to see family instead (it was an easy decision, haha). Sometimes, your priorities shift and that’s ok.

Best race experience: Running towards the Golden Gate Bridge during the SF 1st half marathon this summer. Since the race is in July and very early in the morning, the bridge is usually covered in fog, but we got really lucky this year and had a beautiful, almost fog free view with sunshine and blue skies!

Best run: I love the runs that feel light and easy (ha, who doesn’t?!).

Running High: Shaving off another couple of minutes of my SF half marathon PR on the 1st half course.

Running Low: I had a few runs that I was totally excited for, but which felt hard and slow and where my breathing was off and/or my legs were heavy. These runs always make me question if I should continue this running thing (but don’t worry, that feeling usually doesn’t last very long).

Best piece of new running gear: I won a $50 Lululemon giftcard and splurged on some Lululemon Speed Up Shorts* this summer. I didn’t really get any other new running gear to rave about.

Best running advice that I received this year: Listen to your body. I dealt with some weird symptoms (racing heart, heartburn) in the late summer after my half marathon and even though everything checked out fine at the doctor’s and didn’t seem to be related to running at all, I scaled back my training and took it easy for a while.

Most inspirational ~~runner~~ walker: My husband. He’s not a runner, but he’s gotten into a pretty regular walking routine and he participated in his first 5k at the Davis Moo-nlight Run. I was so proud of him.

Favorite picture from a race:

Race experience you would repeat in a heartbeat: I ran my first Turkey Trot this year (I know! Don’t ask!) and definitely want to do that again. It’s just amazing to see so many people turn out for a Thanksgiving run/walk!

If you could wrap up your year in a couple of words, what would they be? I am thankful for every mile.

It doesn’t matter how may races you run (in my case, not many at all last year) or how many PRs you achieve (no new ones), in the end, running is about commitment, staying active and healthy, and enjoying your self in the process. If your heart is not in and you feel “pressured” to (do any) exercise, it won’t be sustainable.

Thanks for all the support this year. I’ve come to love the running blog and Instagram community!

How was your year of running? Any highs or lows you’d like to share?

I am linking up again with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics.

* #notanad, This is not a sponsored post. I have not been compensated by the brand or anyone else for linking the websites.

12: Tuesday Topics | How do you warm up for a run?

November 12, 2019 filed under: fitness, linkup, NaBloPoMo, running, Tuesday Topics

I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics again this week and we’re talking about how we warm up before a run.

I know, many think of a run as a ‘warm up’ for other sport activities. I definitely have done ‘warm up runs’ when I played tennis, softball, and other sports in College. However, it’s very advisable to warm up your body before you head out for a run, if that’s your main workout. It doesn’t have to take long. A quick 3- 5-minute warm up routine has proven itself enough for me to prepare my body for the run.

I usually do a combination of different dynamic warm up moves. I opt for warm up exercises that can be done standing up, because I often warm up outside where I can’t really lie on the ground or do any exercises that require a mat.

High knees: Walk in place but bring your knees up so that your thigh is parallel to the ground.

Reverse lunge to knee raise: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Take a big step back with your right foot. Bend both knees, lowering yourself until your right knee is about 6 inches off the floor.Push off your right foot to stand up, and bring the knee out in front of you at a 90-degree angle. Immediately step your right foot back into another reverse lunge.

Squats: Place your feet shoulder-width and clasp fingers in front of your chest. Sit back and down like you’re sitting into an imaginary chair. Lower down so your thighs are as parallel to the floor as possible, with your knees over your ankles. Press your weight back into your heels, then push through your heels to bring yourself back to the starting position.

Torso twist: Standing with your feet hip distance apart and your knees slightly bent, simply twist your torso to the right and then to the left. Rotate at your waist to loosen up the torso, spine, core, shoulders and arms, being sure to keep your lower body still.

Arm circles: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms by your sides. Slowly swing your arms forward in a circular motion. The reverse and swing backwards.

Butt kicks: Jog in place and make sure you kick your glutes with your feet.

Hip rotation: Standing on one leg, raise one knee to 90 degrees. Circle the hip out, making a big circle with your knee. Make the movement as wide as you can while staying stable. Switch legs.

Ankle rotation: Stand on one leg. On the lifted foot, point your toes up toward the ceiling and move your ankle/foot in a clockwise direction. Reverse direction and switch feet.

Straight leg lateral swing: With your hands on a wall, keep your right leg straight and swing it back and forth across the front of your body. Switch sides.

Straight leg forward swing: Stand near a wall and hold on lightly for balance. Swing each leg front and back (with feet parallel to the wall). Switch legs.

There are many, many more exercises, of course, but this is a list of exercises that I pick from regularly.

What are your favorite warm up exercises?

I am doing NaBloPoMo this month. 30 blog posts in 30 days. Come join me. #nablopomo2019

5: Tuesday Topics: How do you budget for races?

November 5, 2019 filed under: NaBloPoMo, running, Tuesday Topics

I am doing NaBloPoMo this month. 30 blog posts in 30 days. Come join me. #nablopomo2019

I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics again this week and we’re talking about how we budget for races.

First I’d like to say, when I picked up running, I thought that it was a fairly inexpensive new endeavor. Yes, you need workout clothes (which I already owned) and some decent running shoes (which I did have to purchase), but other than that, you don’t need much gear, right?

Wrong.

I had no idea all the follow-up costs of my new hobby. Shoes have to be replaced on a regular basis. Even better, if you have a few different models that you rotate for different workouts. And other ‘needs’ will pop up, like a GPS running watch, running belt, hydration pack, you get the idea. Who knew I would get so swept up in running (oh, only every runner could have told me that!).

One question though that I haven’t really “actively” thought about was how to budget for races, tbh. I don’t run too many races throughout the year, maybe 5 or so. Most of the races that I run are local or within driving distance, so I am not incurring a lot of expenses besides the entrance fees, which I usually absorb from a general “running” budget category.

I allocate some money every month to that category in my budget and then pay everything running-related from that “pot of money”. If an expense comes up and I don’t have enough saved up in my running category, I usually supplement from a general spending category.

I do try to take advantage of early bird pricing or coupon codes when available, which depending on the race can make a significant difference.

I am curious if you have a budgeting strategy for races, and, if you’re inclined to share, how much you spend on average on races per year.

Tuesday Topics: What are your running or race pet peeves?

September 24, 2019 filed under: linkup, running, Tuesday Topics

It’s Tuesday again and time to link up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics about all things running and workout related. Today we’re talking about our running and race pet peeves. Oh how fun, because come on, we all have them.

Running Pet Peeves

+ Cars turning right at a red light or rolling through a stop sign without yielding to pedestrians/runners. HELLO! I’ve been cut off multiple times this way and now always expect it rather than assuming that people will make a full stop before proceeding into the intersection.

+ Runners who don’t acknowledge other runners. When I am out for my run, I see a ton of other runners (and (dog) walkers!) and I always try to make eye contact and acknowledge them in some way (a smile, a hello, a wave, or a head nod). Some people just ignore me and I just don’t understand what’s so hard about being nice.

+ People who take up the whole path or side walk. Some of them even see you coming, but instead of stepping aside, they stay right where they are in the middle of the path looking at their phones and make me step into the street gutter. I mean, really?!

+ Runners that make sudden stops without a shoulder check or moving to the side. It’s not hard, people.

+ When people ask me about my next marathon. I have yet to run my first marathon, so I am always a bit baffled (not really offended, but confused) when I talk about my next HALF marathon and then people say “so, when is your next marathon”? There is a 13.1 mile difference between the two, just sayin’.

Tuesday Topics: What are your running/racing pet peeves? #tuesdaytopics Click To Tweet

Race Pet Peeves

+ Slow runners/walkers at the front of the race. Even if the race is coraled, if the slower runners/walkers line up at the front of their coral, they slow everybody down. It’s just a fact and if it’s a big race, it’ll take a while for crowds to disperse.

+ When people drop their paper cups on the ground when they pass the water station. I get it, ain’t nobody got time during a race, but just dropping your (half-full) paper cup on the ground is not only rude, but dangerous, because it makes the ground very slippery.

+ Inconsistent pacers. I know, I should be appreciative that there are people who volunteer to be pacers at all (and I am!), but I’ve experienced a few times (when I tried to hang with a pace group) that the pacing was very inconsistent and hard for me to keep up with. I don’t know if pacers are “supposed to run” a steady pace throughout the race, but starting out slow and then speeding up when the hills start is not a way to keep your group together.

+ When runners cut corners or cut you off. Don’t cut someone off on a tight corner or when you’re weaving around people. You might trip them up.

Tell me about your running/race pet peeves? Are they different or pretty much the same?

Tuesday Topics: Taper time, love it or hate it?

September 17, 2019 filed under: running, Tuesday Topics

I am linking up again with Kookyrunner and Zenaida for Tuesday Topics and we’re talking about taper time before races.

The first time I trained for a long-distance race, I thought I had to follow the training plan to the T, and that included taper time. Even though I wanted to trust the training plan and was afraid to skip a workout or move workouts around (you live and learn, friends!) and diligently clung to the rest of the training plan, taper time seemed counterintuitive. I didn’t hate it, but it freaked me out.

I felt like my level of fitness and endurance that I had worked so hard for over the last few weeks would disappear instantly, even though I remembered from my training theory classes during my P.E. education that this wouldn’t be the case. But still.

What do you mean, I reduce my mileage and only have to run 2 miles today??

I felt that this wasn’t a good idea after I had been logging so many miles (more than I could have ever imagined) the previous weeks and I was afraid that taper week would ruin my momentum.

BUT: Sometimes your feelings can be wrong and I’ve learned first hand (over and over) that this is not the case and that the taper really gets your body ready for the race.

Yes, there are a gazillion different factors that can make or break race day for you, but taper time really is not one of them.

I first realized this when I was forced to take a training break due to a bumped toe. Granted, it wasn’t really a taper, but an interruption of my training routine and I thought if I took a few days off, I’d have to start from scratch. But strangely enough, the first run after a week or so off, I felt surprisingly strong and energetic. And I imagine that is what taper time does for your race readiness. You get some rest in the week leading up to a race, so that your body is ready to perform.

Here’s an article that I had bookmarked a while ago, when I contemplated if tapering was really necessary. I think it explains pretty well why taper is so good.

Honestly, I embrace it now, even look forward to it in every training cycle.

How do you feel about taper time?

Tuesday Topics | My favorite running shoes

August 13, 2019 filed under: fitness, linkup, running, Tuesday Topics

It’s time for Tuesday Topics again and I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida to talk about our favorite running shoes! It’s probably the most important piece of “equipment” that runners have and I know people have a lot of opinions about their running shoes!

My first pair of running shoes, that I got fitted for at the running store, were Brooks Ghost 7’s. I am a neutral runner and I basically didn’t have a preference and went with what they had in stock. I didn’t love the colors, but of course, I was told that “colors” don’t matter (although, if we’re really honest with each other, THEY DO!).

Anyway, I was pretty happy with the Ghost 7s, but I did realize after a wile that I had to size up another 1/2 shoes size for my next shoes as I was having a bit of a problem with blisters at the front of my toes.

I ran the Asics Gel-Cumulus 18s the next year (and they were fine), but I didn’t love them, so I returned to Brooks again afterwards.

To be honest, the only thing I care about is the fit and that they feel comfortable (and if they’re pretty!). I have a hard time really feeling the weight or midsole drop differences, to be honest.

As I said, I was fitted as a neutral runner, but I have run in support shoes like the Ravenna7s. I did some research and found that the Ravenna also works for neutral runners (and I can confirm that!) and I was very, very happy with them.

Brooks Ravenna 7s

I got lucky (twice!) and won more Brooks shoes in Instagram giveaways, so I was able to try out the Launch 4s and Levitate 2s so far and have been happy with both of them. I’ve been using the Launch 4s as my Gym and speed-work shoes and the Levitate 2s for my long runs.

Brooks Launch 4s – currently my Gym (speed-work) shoes

Brooks Levitate 2 (love, love, love the colors!)

I should probably branch out and try some other brands, because I don’t really know what I am missing out on, I guess, but I’ve been I’ve been so happy with my shoes that I’ve been pretty Brooks-loyal so far.

What’s your favorite running shoe? If you’ve run in Brooks and love them, but also tried other shoes, which ones would you recommend for me to try?

Recap | 2019 SF 1st Half Marathon

August 7, 2019 filed under: recap, running

A little over a week ago, I ran the 1st SF half marathon again. This was my fourth year and I think it’s hard to deny that this has become one of my favorite races, because I obviously I keep going back. The event combines a great race with a fun weekend in San Francisco, so I ask you, what’s not to love?

By now, I have established somewhat of a routine for race weekend. While I was hoping that either J or my friend Tanja were able to join me for two days in the City, it ended up being a solo-weekend for me again. Last year, I took the Amtrak into the City and since that had worked out so well, I decided to do it again this year. J dropped me off at the Amtrak station around 10:15 a.m.
I had time to grab a coffee at Starbucks and when I was on my way. I switched to BART in Richmond and was in Downtown SF with my backpack around 1 p.m.

I was lucky and found a somewhat affordable deal for a hotel near Union Square again (via Travelzoo) a couple of months ago and I was able to do an early check-in. I dropped off my backpack and then headed out to catch the free shuttle bus that departed from Embarcadero/Market St and which took me to Fort Mason to the race Expo.

But first I ran into the Safeway across the street to pick up some water and a sandwich for a late lunch. Then I walked over to the expo, picked up my bib + t-shirt, got my picture taken at the Biofreeze wall, and grabbed some freebies along the way.

Around 4 p.m., I started heading back to Union Square. First, I walked through Great Meadow Park over to Ghiradelli Square. Although it was beautiful and sunny, Karl the Fog was keeping the Golden Gate Bridge well under wraps. No pretty views of the bridge. Meh.

I enjoyed the view for a little while and then hiked up to Coit Tower via Greenwich Street on the West side. It’s the first time I’ve seen the tower without any construction going on, but there was a long line out the door, so I didn’t get to go up. I still enjoyed the view from the top of the hill.

Then I descended on the East side down the steps. It’s kinda cool because you have to walk in between houses and almost through peoples’ backyards.

I hung out at the piers for a while and then sat down on a bench to figure out what to do for dinner. I didn’t really feel like going out to a restaurant by myself, so I picked up a personal pizza at a little Italian place and made my way back to the hotel.

I talked with J, had my dinner, got my stuff ready for the next morning and then watched some Friends re-runs before I turned off the light.

My alarm was set for 4:45 am. I slept pretty well, even though I woke up a few times (always!).

I got dressed, had a protein bar and some water and made my way over to the Embarcadero start line at 5:45 a.m..

I had plenty of time to drop my bag off at gear check, use the port-a-potties and warm up a bit, before I made my way to the corral. It was a beautiful morning and we were granted a beautiful view of the sunrise over the Bay Bridge.

6:30 a.m. was go-time for us half-marathoners.

Since the marathoners had already left 45 minutes earlier, the start was much less crowded and the crowd dispersed much faster, which was great! I was off to a good start.

The first 5 miles are considered the ‘easy’ part of the course because they are mostly flat except for one relatively short hill in mile 3 and I was actually hitting my goal pace.

Mile 1: 9:13

Mile 2: 8:56

Mile 3: 9:07

Mile 4: 9:07

Mile 5: 9:06

It felt freakin’ fantastic and even better, when we entered the Marina District and the Golden Gate Bridge – in all its glory and without Karl, the fog obstructing it – came into view. I mean, how can this view not make you fly?

Of course, I knew it was going to be hard to keep that up with the second part of the race being so much hillier. And the hills happened soon. Mile 6 is where the inclines start.

Mile 6: 9:41

Mile 7: 10:19

As you might recall (or not) from last year’s review, the half marathon was changed and does not go over the bridge anymore (which is a bummer). Instead, we run up to and then under the bridge, along the California Coastal Trail and the Fort Scott Batteries in the Presidio and then down Lincoln Blvd along Baker Beach. It’s the steepest downhill of the course and where I – non-surprisingly – hit my fastest pace.

Mile 8: 8:26 (!!!)

Mile 9: 9:51

Then we took a turn into the Central Richmond Neighborhood, which is a moderate, but steady incline, and over to Golden Gate Park.

Once in Golden Gate Park, we had about 3 more miles to go, a loop through the park with some rolling hills before we reached the finish line.

Mile 10: 9:38

Mile 11: 9:11

Mile 12: 9:36

Mile 13: 9:50

last 0.25 Miles: 9:11

I remember feeling really good throughout the race and once again, I was able to run all the hills. That’s huge! It’s always nice to see the finish line though. Ha!

I shaved another 1:42 minutes off my previous course PR from last year and finished at 2:03:21. My Garmin watch was scarily accurate this time as well. I ran a nearly perfect race line and the time was off by only 2 seconds.

You can see the official photos here and I really wanted to buy this one photo where I actually smile (I am getting better at this race photo thing!), but $20 for a single image was a bit much.

I collected my medal, some water and a banana, and got in line for a finisher photo.Then I made my way over to the bus shuttles that took us back to the Embarcadero marathon (and 2nd half marathon) finish line and to the race festival.

I had time to go back to the hotel, take a shower, and get some brunch at Mo’z Cafe before catching BART back to Richmond and Amtrak back to Sacramento.

Kudos to you if you made it all the way down here (I know that was a long recap!) I am sure you can tell I really had a fantastic weekend and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Have you run in San Francisco? Join me next year?