Dreamboat Annie

I was somewhat amazed, but not totally surprised that the Nike Women's Half Marathon sold out. I was hoping to have someone I know join me but I guess I'll get to know some of the 15,000 other women who are running it. The last time I checked, there were still sign-ups for the full marathon.

At the crack of dawn on Saturday morning, Anne (Run-DMZ) picked me up at my house and we made our way to the bay for the 43 Annual Sue Krenn 15K. It was fun getting to chat with Anne briefly before she went off to attend to her volunteer duties. She also introduced me to many runners, and even pointed out a few who run at about my speed. It was a little brisk out but not really all that cold, although some of my fellow San Diegan runners were chilled at the 40 degree temperatures. LOL... After stretching out and a warm up run with the San Diego Track Club, we went out to the street for our run. This is the same area where I do my weekend runs at. The course was familiar and there wasn't any thing unusual, mostly flat. I've never run a 15K timed event before, so I wasn't sure how I would fare, but had somewhat of an idea. I sort of figured I'd finish in 1 hour 45 minutes. I finished in about 1:30:50 and change, probably closer to 1:31:00, which is probably around a 9:45 minute mile. All of the women runners were given a rose at the end of the run, and a really cool tie dyed t-shirt will be sent to me. There were some incredibly fast people at this run. I run that fast in my dreams. One of my former college teachers was there. I'd seen him at a prior event but wasn't sure it was him until after. I said hello to him and, of course, he had no clue who I was, since I had him as a teacher well over 25 years ago. He said that every now and then a former student will spot him at a run event and say hello. He's in his mid 70's and almost always places in the top 3 in these runs. Oh, I also came away with a bottle of Pinot Noir. They were giving away wine in a "random" drawing to the runners... After Anne was finished with her volunteer duties, we had a nice long walk back to the car, and a wonderful chat. It's always fun to talk to someone about running and everything that goes with it, and understands it. Anne and I also had plenty in common, aside from the running. In addition, it was great to be around a group of people who get excited about running. They were all so encouraging to each other. I kept hearing "great run" or "good pace" or something positive through out the run. I'm guessing that there were about 500 people at this run. Anne brought me back home and had a little time to meet hubbie, so he could get a photo of us. Oh, that's my dog, Logan, at our feet - trying to get attention.

I'm hoping that sometimes in the near future I'll be able to run with Anne. Now I'm seriously thinking about joining the SDTC. We'll see.

Change gears, shower, dress, and had my son drive me downtown for a spa afternoon with the ladies at work -- as part of a birthday celebration/bridal shower for one of my coworkers . The timing was perfect. After a couple of pomegranate mimosas, I had a mini-facial, a salt scrub and massage -- then spent time in the sauna... Niiiiiiiice... Ahhhhhh... After a few hours at the spa, we all walked across the street to the W Hotel, for drinks at their "beach" bar at the top of the hotel. The bar is set up to look like a beach, with beach furniture, cabanas and sand. We enjoyed our drinks as we watched the sun set. I had never been to that bar before, so it was enjoyable, plus my bosses and coworkers are a fun group. Dinner and beer followed at the Karl Strauss restaurant just a block a way. One of my bosses drove me home, so I didn't have to worry about having to get someone to pick me up.

Once I was home, I was done... It was still relatively early, but I was good for a night of uninterrupted sleep, and it was great.

Peace


EDIT - OFFICIAL 15K TIME
344 IRENE 836 47 12/21 F San Diego 1:31:01 9:46