So here they are, my four running resolutions for 2012!
1. Run at least four half marathons in different towns.
2. Log a minimum of 15 miles each week.
3. Be more active in social running clubs.
4. Sign up for the NYC Mararhon and RUN IT if I get in.
Wish me luck!
Finally, it arrived! After meeting up for the pre-race pasta dinner with fellow runners at One Market the night before, I got to sleep early prior to the main event. My hotel near Union Square was great and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it as long as there’s a decent rate available (Hotel Monaco – a Kimpton).
I woke up around 3:30 AM (Pacific) and was more than ready to go, despite the fact that my wave didn’t start until 5:45! Although I had debated how to best get from my hotel to the starting line (about 2 miles away), I decided it would be best to get in a ‘warm up’ run and rely on my own two feet!
I arrived at the (still very dark) starting line around 5:00 ready to go. This gave me ample time to stretch, while enjoying views of the Bay Bridge illuminated in all its glory.
By around 5:20, I was locked and loaded into my wave (three) and awaiting the official start. Conditions could not have been more perfect approaching sunrise, with temps in the low 50′s – a far cry from 100 degree Carolina heat I’d been training in!
Very soon, we were off! The first several miles of the course were familiar to me (albeit without traffic) based on several recent work and personal trips to the Bay Area. We started on the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge. Proceeding towards Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf, we passed In-N-Out Burger (I forgot to return for my fix following the race so am noting that here)! Fort Mason soon beckoned with the first full view of the mighty Golden Gate. Heading into the Marina District and Crissy Field, the first hill of the course soon presented itself near Fort Point. With the magical Bay constantly in sight as motivation, I pressed on and soon was running on the road bed of the bridge herself. Though I had previously ventured into Marin County to Vista Point, there was something truly amazing to be crossing with thousands of fellow runners in the early morning, in lanes typically dedicated to traffic. This was running nirvana! I have never experienced better running…period.
After crossing the Golden Gate, we looped into Vista Point (an overlook of SF and the Bay) before venturing back across. Approaching mile 10, I really thought I was nearing the home stretch! Think again! Running into uncharted territory near Baker Beach, the last 3 miles presented challenge after challenge of unexpected hill work. Without a doubt, I lost several minutes on my time with one hill alone (just after crossing the GG). Nonetheless, I would not let a few hills ruin my first running event on the West Coast. I pressed on and very shortly found myself approaching the finish line at Golden Gate Park! Unbelievable.
Little did I know, as I crossed the finish line (still in the fog), I had set a new PR for the half marathon!!! What better place to do it? After a post-race carbo-load (including an added treat of Irish Coffee), I boarded the shuttle back to the Embarcadero and hung out while the full marathon finishers rolled in. What a great experience (less the travel issues getting there)!
I killed several hours after the race just taking in the day at the full finish line, then took the Muni to meet some friends for lunch (and wine) before taking Bart to SFO for my return red eye flight to the East Coast! Mission accomplished! Would I do it all over again? Hell yes!
I registered for the 2010 San Francisco Half Marathon back in January. There are actually two half marathon routes, with the first being the most popular since it includes the road bed of the Golden Gate Bridge. Due to its popularity, the first half often sells out far in advance and this was once again the case this year.
Since I’ve made several trips recently to the Bay Area (with even more planned for later this year), I really would be traveling *just* for the race. In an effort to minimize expenses, I opted to use Delta SkyMiles for a free round-trip ticket. I also scheduled an early morning outbound flight, with a return back East on a red eye after the race, effectively giving me 48 hours end-to-end (including travel time) for my San Fran experience. Obviously, this left little room for error as I would soon find out!
I left for the airport around 4:30 AM for my scheduled 6:30 flight from Raleigh to Atlanta where I was scheduled to connect to San Francisco. Everything seemed to be in order upon arriving at the gate except for a minor delay with arrival of the inbound flight from Los Angeles. An announcement was made to expect imminent boarding once that flight had deplaned. However, this did not end up being the case. Houston, we have a problem! Apparently, due to severe weather in the Midwest the night before, there were no flight attendants available for the flight to Atlanta (they were stiuck in Detroit) and therefore the flight was canceled. Total scheduling fail! Next flight to Atlanta? 1:30 PM! This was obviously not going to get me to San Francisco in time for race packet pickup (closed at 5 PM Pacific). Once it was clear where this was headed, I immediately called Delta’s reservation line from the massive queue at the formed at the gate where everyone was now scrambling to get re-booking assistance from two agents. After multiple attempts, I finally got connected and was placed on hold for about 20 minutes. The Delta rep was very helpful in researching options once I pleaded my case. However, given limited flight options, I could see my options disappearing as the minutes ticked by. I seriously thought I may be heading home. Sure, I could get to SFO, but I had to be there by 3 PM to realistically give me enough time to get to the packet pick up venue. Finally, the Delta rep came back with the only option. I could connect through Chicago O’Hare on American, departing in 15 minutes! So, I thanked the rep graciously and sprinted to the American gate at the end of the terminal.
All good, right? Time to relax? Think again! I don’t know exactly what kind of magic wand the Delta rep had at her disposal (other than it requiring special approval), but I was given a confirmed ticket number on American. Upon arriving at the American gate, I was greeted by an all-too familiar welcome sign – ‘Oversold – Volunteers Needed’! Somehow, Delta was able to squeeze me in above other American passengers. Needless to say, while I was happy, American was not so elated. They asked me to take a seat until everyone else had boarded then finally gave me my boarding pass and said I was good to go. I still have no idea *exactly* what happened but I sincerely apologize if others were unintentionally bumped because of me.
After boarding the American flight to Chicago, it seemed that all was in order for a quick flight and connection to SFO. After only 30 minutes in the air, however, our pilot announced that due to an incredible line of storms we would need to divert around, the standard 600 mile flight path would now become over 1,100 since we would need to head west to Kansas City before turning north. As a result, we would not arrive into O’Hare until 5 minutes *after* my SFO flight was scheduled to depart. Once again, my heart sank. Would I now be stuck in the Windy City? I tried to stay optimistic. Five minutes after making the initial announcement, our pilot came back on and said that air traffic control had located a gap in the storm system allowing us to turn north sooner, over St Louis instead. As a result, we would now arrive in Chicago only 15 minutes later than our scheduled time! Yay! We were going to make it! While it wasn’t the smoothest landing coming in off Lake Michigan facing the Chicago skyline due to unstable air, we did arrive in time for me to catch my connection to SFO only a couple of gates away. As for the ORD-SFO leg (about 3.5 hrs), it was smooth the entire way. I made it into beautiful San Francisco International around 1:30 PM Pacific with plenty of time to hook up with BART, check in at my hotel, and cab over to the expo at the San Francisco Design Center for packet pick up! My journey must have been meant to be, despite the many obstacles to overcome. Much like the distance running experience itself!
Arrival @ SFO
From WRAL.com:
The temperature at RDU Airport has hit 101 degrees, which beats the existing July 7 record of 100 degrees.
Stay cool!
Well, I’ve managed to log 182 miles to date in 2010. Needless to say, I’m off my goal – in large part due to the crazy weather we’ve had in North Carolina (read: lots of snow and ice…go figure)! Here’s to a productive Spring!
I ran a quick 5 miler yesterday on New Year’s Day and a little over 3 today due to brutal Northwest winds accompanying an arctic air mass that moved into NC overnight! At least my pace is picking up (shaved about 30 seconds a mile off)!
I’m looking for a good mile countdown to show my progress as a widget…stay tuned!
My first resolution of the New Year relates to running…surprised? I didn’t think so! 
Well, I’ve decided to set a goal of running at least 2010 miles to mark the arrival of a new decade. How far is 2010 miles? It’s like driving to NYC from Raleigh, making a u-turn…then…rinse and repeat! That’s right, *two* round trips to NYC from Raleigh is just about 2010 miles.
Stay tuned for updates on my progress!
Happy New Year!
Well, I did it!!!
Months of training finally paid off when I finished my first marathon (and beat my time goal) on Sunday! Yes, I ran the Space Coast Marathon *all 26.2 miles* in sunny Cocoa, FL (about 45 min from Orlando).
I was ready to start by 4 AM (though the race didn’t actually start until 6 AM)…ask Stacia about that one! The weather was picture perfect for the run along the Indian River shoreline that started out in the dark for abut the first 45 minutes or so. At 13.1, I was doing great and could have beat my PR for a half (by a wide margin) if I didn’t have another 13+ ahead of me! Miles 21-26 were brutal…I fell back by two pace groups in this span. But, I stretched and walked to avoid injury and ultimately prevailed!
Here are the pics of the day, courtesy of MarathonFoto (I just ordered the digital versions).
I did a lot of running in San Francisco…the most running I have ever done in a vacation locale!
It was simply a running utopia and I can’t wait to go back. Weather = prefect…trails = pure awesome! Below is a synopsis…
Run 1: Market Street, The Embarcadero, Crissy Field, Chinatown, Little Italy
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| From Running in San Francisco |
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| From Running in San Francisco |
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| From Running in San Francisco |
Started from Union Square, headed South to Market Street through financial district. Followed Market Street to The Embarcadero at Ferry Terminal. Followed Embarcadero to Pier 39/Fisherman’s Wharf and observed eerie quietness of tourist area without tourists (or homeless beggars). On to Fort Mason overlook and then to Crissy Field for pure bliss watching other runners (and dogs) with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. After pausing for a moment (or two) to admire the view, I hesitantly make a u-turn to head back toward center city. Instead of heading back to Market Street, I decide to hang a right at Powell since that will take me to Union Sq (shortcut)? This leads me up a hill toward Little Italy and then Chinatown (and another hill)! Needless to say, the hills DON’T STOP. Finally, I reach a plateau and head down the home stretch back to Union Sq. Distance: 9.2 mi.
Run 2: Market Street, The Embarcadero Loop
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| From Running in San Francisco |
Started again from Union Square. Quick run today following same path as above but stopped just after Fisherman’s Wharf at Old Casino. However, I made the complete loop back up Market. No Powell Street hill for me this time! Distance: 6.1 mi.
Run 3: The Marina, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Car
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| From Running in San Francisco |
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| From Running in San Francisco |
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| From Running in San Francisco |
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| From Running in San Francisco |
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| From Running in San Francisco |
Today was perfection. Woke up around 4:45 AM (PST). Left Union Square hotel in a cab to get jump start from Fort Mason. Warmed up at Fort Mason and Marina while still in the dark. Headed toward Crissy Field and saw groups in training from local Road Runners club as well as Tai Chi. Continued along Crissy Field to Fort Point and then up trail to bridge crossing/toll plaza/gift shop. Time was 6:45 AM. Headed out across bridge and was in awe of calmness and clarity of the sky. Water beneath also relatively calm. Noted crisis signs along bridge and seismic retrofit zones. Stopped to watch sunrise at mid-bridge (beautiful). Upon crossing, stopped at Vista Point for some hydration and views of San Francisco skyline across bay. Knowing I had to run back there, geared up for the second leg. The way back was much quicker partially due to fewer photo ops and downhills vs uphills. Ran reverse to Fort Mason then slightly beyond to Ghiradelli Square. Caught a cable car donated by Atari! back to Union Square to check out of hotel and then to SFO for flight back East. This was by far a signature run and maybe the best ever tied with the Potomac/National Mall run in DC! Distance: 11.3 mi.
I had a great time with Stacia at the Nickelback show @ Walnut Creek in Raleigh last night.
Unfortunately, the weather proved to be the sole negative of the evening…it was just a pure gross combination of heat and humidity. Luckily, Nickelback didn’t take the stage until after dark – making it *somewhat* more tolerable. The opening acts included Hinder, Papa Roach, and Saving Abel though we didn’t arrive early enough to see them all (no loss IMO).
Here’s a pic from our vantage on the lawn…
From Nickelback’s “If Today Was Your Last Day”
My best friend gave me the best advice
He said each day’s a gift and not a given right
Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind
And try to take the path less traveled by
That first step you take is the longest stride