Well helloooo, darlings. I know. It's been so long since we've been together and I'm sorry. But in case you haven't heard the latest news, the economy's in the crapper. So I've been working extra hard and bringing home the bacon more than I've been eating it.
But nothing can deter me from my race-a-month program, so last Sunday I ran the U.S. Half, right here in my hometown of San Francisco. It's so convenient, in fact, that I can walk to the race start and home from the finish. The start was called for 7:00 am, and when I woke to see my bedside clock said 7:03, my heart was doing the racing until I realized it was actually only 6:00 am since it was time to "fall back."
I donned a new outfit for the occasion, a red-white-and-blue ensemble I picked up from Atalanta Athleticwear at the Expo at Sports Basement the day before. I used to mock the skirt, and now I can't get enough of them. I'm a girl, for God's sake -- I want to look like one, even when I run. Especially when I run.
We'd had torrential rain the day before, but thankfully there was none as I walked over to Aquatic Park while eating my Builder's Bar. I arrived and made my way through the large crowd, noting lots of hopeful smiles and Obama-wear. The announcer noted that the crowd was 60% female -- chalk up another point for girl power!
Soon the race gun went off, and I crossed the starting line at 7:03. Yes, this was where I was supposed to be at 7:03. The race began with an uphill climb out of Aquatic Park, then right out to the Marina Green in time to see a beautiful rainbow over the Golden Gate Bridge, reminding me for the millionth time why I love living here.
I was feeling good, especially since I'd dressed appropriately -- not like the long sleeves/long running pants mistake I wore for the Bridge-to-Bridge last month. I know I'm harping on the wardrobe, but it really does make a difference in terms of how I feel during a race.
We made our way into the Presidio, and it started to drizzle a bit, but I didn't really mind. Made a mental note that I should get out and run in the rain more often. That thought didn't last, and nor did the rain -- by the time we got out of the Presidio we were back on dry land.
The rest of the race was one big blur of hills, punctuated by a trip over the Golden Gate Bridge.
I hadn't been looking at my watch much, but when I got off the bridge I realized I was pacing very slowly. I wondered how this was possible, since this race had been my personal best for a long time until this year's See Jane Run in May. I'd always suspected that this one wasn't measured properly and maybe now they'd finally corrected it. I'm sure that's not the case, but I was searching for answers. I have none, other than the fact that at least I know Africa's a continent, not a country.
Then I decided that even though I wasn't going to be breaking any records that day, I'd kick it in for the final two miles. I finished strong -- beating this woman in front of me in a sprint to the finish line while the announcer cheered me on: "Go, Laura, Go!"
My time was 2:27:01, which quite possibly could be a personal worst. But as you can see from the smile on my face, I actually had a great time, which is what really counts in the end.
Nice with the folks in jeans crossing the race path behind you. Tsk tsk!
Great report!
Posted by: Smurf | November 09, 2008 at 03:48 PM