Race Recap: SF First Half Marathon

So this post is way over due!  Oops.  I was going to do it on vacay last week and then clearly did not. But wait no more, here it is!

PS - my suitcase arrived yesterday afternoon only 48 hours after my flight landed!  Yay.  I know you were all holding your breathe :)

SF First Half Marathon

June 16, 2013

State: repeat

Half: #35

The purpose of this half was to really visit my friend Vanessa and Meghan, so there was not a ton of hanging at the expo like normal.  We got in and picked up our numbers and got out (okay, picked up my number.  Vanessa was 13 weeks pregnant at the time and didn't end up running).  

The race started bright and early at 5:30am.  Our hotel was only about a 10 minute walk from the start.  It was pretty easy to get to (we stayed the Hilton which had a discount with the race).  It was quite beautiful at the start, still dark out with the Bay Bridge in the background.

I was in Wave 4, which started like 20 minutes after the start.  The start was well organized and went smoothly.  The first 2.5 miles were pretty flat... and then it got hilly.  Parts of the course were the same as the Nike Women's Half.  

At the top of the first big hill

I won't lie to you, the hills were pretty brutal.  Some were short, but some (most) were long (I hear the 2nd Half is not as hilly).  But I have to admit, running of the Golden Gate Bridge was pretty amazing.  The views were not that great (it was foggy), but how often do you get to run over such an amazing bridge?  

Starting my run over the Golden Gate

Heading back to SF

Another view on the bridge

Selfie on the bridge!

After the bridge, there was a big uphill followed by a nice downhill and then a slight uphill.  The race finished in Golden Gate park.  It was nice to be done!  They had a good selection of finishers food and Irish Coffees.  Gotta love a race with booze at 8am!  The medal is pretty sweet too.

After showering and getting ready for the day, we ended out for some yummy brunch in the Mission.  I had a delicious bloody mary and some chicken and waffles.  We went to Mission Bowling Club and I would highly recommend it if you are ever in SF.  

Yummy post run brunch!

Results

Official results: 13.1 miles, 2:07:48, 9:45 pace

Garmin: 13.29 miles, 2:07:50, 9:37 pace

Splits

Elevation

Isn't it lovely?

Anyone ever do the SF Second Half?  Should I go back and do that one next?

Oops

Ok, so its been a while since I've posted. Oops, sorry! Let me give a brief re-cap of the past couple of weeks.

Shoes - I clipped in for the first time 2 weeks ago. My friend Peter helped me learn how. It was definitely a weird feeling. My feet were attached to the pedals! Was able to grasp the concept pretty easily, so thats good. I've gone on a couple of rides clipped in, which has been exciting.

Brick - Did my first brick last week. A brick is a bike followed by a run. That is the weirdest sensation in the world. You feel like you're going to fast on the bike and then I felt like I was crawling when I started running (my legs also felt like they had lead weights in them). Definitely a good thing to practice.

Open water swim - We had an open water swim clinic this past weekend. Oh my god. It was freaky. I've never really swam in open water before - it was terrifying. The waves, the current, swallowing salt water, the whole feeling of a wetsuit. I felt much better by the end of the clinic but still not comfortable. Glad I was able to get in the water before this weekend....

Which brings me to this Sunday. I decided (kinda) spur of the moment to sign up for a sprint triathlon with some friends. It will be my first tri ever! It's exciting, but also nerve wracking. Luckily, the swim takes place in a lake (so hopefully it won't be as choppy). I am nervous about the bike though. Apparently, there is a really bike hill. I hope I can make it up it and not fall off my bike. Oy vey!