The Silver Strand Half Marathon is now History. Rain was in the forecast but the weather was perfect for running - mid 50s at the start, the air was crisp with a light breeze, and partially cloudy. It never rained. The course was mostly flat, starting at the entry to the military base at the far northwest end of Coronado Beach at Sunset Park, just adjacent to dog beach. Most of the people I knew who said they were participating backed out due to injury or scheduling problems, but we did recognize a few people. One of my husband's employees and his friend were there, we spotted one of the Runningskirts.com twins, and we saw a bunch of people who we sort of knew from the San Diego Track Club.
This particular HM was unique because it highlights athletes with disabilities. There were several amputees participating. There was also a relay competition, a skater's division, and a "bike" division. Prior to the start of the race we were informed that there would be a film crew there, filming the HM in Imax for some sort of documentary on a well known athlete's life... I can't remember who the athlete is.
The majority of the route went along SR 75/Silver Strand State Beach with one incline that was an overpass. The race finished near the Pier in Imperial Beach.
At about mile 4 I found myself running along side a man who I finished the Balboa Park 8 mile run with. He remembered me. We ran the rest of that mile together, then we wished each other well, and he went ahead. I never saw him after that.
My time was 2:13:11 - about a 10:09 m/m pace, a PR!
I knew I was doing well when I passed the 6 mile marker and my time was under an hour. When I passed through the finish line the clock was 2:14 and change, so I knew my actual time would be better! I knocked off just about 6 minutes from my last PR at the San Jose Inaugural Half Marathon in October 2006, of 2:19, which was also a flat course. My mile splits were the best I've ever had for a half marathon distance.While waiting in line to dine on bananas,oranges, fruit juice, bagels,water, etc, I saw a woman with a SDTC t-shirt on and asked her if she was in the San Diego Track Club. She said she was and I went on to tell her that I plan on joining them. We introduced ourselves, and Alexis and I chatted about SDTC events. As we chatted I found out that she runs with Anne/Run-DMZ. (Anne, if you're reading this, you are famous for your post run baked goodies.) I also met several others who belong to the SDTC, who were exuberant about running and about the club. Now I really have to join.
My husband finished the race with a decent time, considering that he didn't train. He came in at around 2:50. We're still waiting for the results to be posted on the internet site. I found my results posted at the event, but my husband's weren't posted at that time. A very cool thing that I was able to do was watch my husband finish his race and be the one to place his finisher's medal around his neck.
We brought a camera and took several pictures, but SOMEONE left the USB cable at work, and for some unknown reason, the media card won't fit into the appropriate slot on the computer. I'll post those pictures another day, when the USB cable is present. The picture above is from my cell phone, at the IB Pier, right after the race. My husband is in the very center of the photo, white shorts and white shirt.
After feeling blah about my runs all Summer, it's a wonderful feeling to be back in the swing of things, and feel revived and good about my running. A PR highlights how much better I feel. It's about time!
Peace
