The Fro Fro Blog

Race Report: DSE Fort Point 12K

This morning I awoke with a food hangover.  Not the kind that comes with a headache, but the kind that results from having too much of a good thing and wanting more.  After last night's 7x7 Top 100 Things to Try Before You Die Dinner, I knew I had some repenting to do if I ever hoped to eat that way again.  

So I headed out to Little Marina Green to run the Dolphin South End Fort Point 12K.  Granted, 12K probably isn't enough to work off what I ate the night before, but as they say, every little bit helps.  

All I can say about this race is it was 12K of cold.  So very cold.  And all I could think about was the reward I had planned for lunch.  A little hair of the dog, you know.  Yes, my name is Laura, and I'm a foodaholic.  (All together now: Hello, Fro Fro.)

So yes, back to the cold.  And the wind.  Our course took us along the Marina Green, down to Aquatic Park, back up to the Marina Green, out to Fort Point (right under the GG Bridge for all you out-of-towners) and back to the Little Marina Green.  When it wasn't raining or threatening to, it seemed like the wind was pushing me backward until the final stretch from the bridge to the finish.

The DSE Runners' motto is "Start slowly and taper off."  I'm not sure if I'm getting slower or they're getting faster, but I've been finding myself in the back of the DSE pack lately.  Crossed the finish at 1:18 today, about a 10:45 min mile.  That's OK.  I got my ribbon and earned my reward.  Stay tuned for details. 

Race Report: DSE Embarcadero 10K

When I woke up on Sunday morning it was pouring rain.  For several minutes, I wondered whether two and a half years of monthly racing would finally come to an end.  I've been talking about ending the streak for a while, and if I let this race go by, it would be done...

But I just couldn't let it end.  Not that day.  I decided to take my own advice: "Shut up and run."

I rarely - if ever - run in the rain.  At first I made a makeshift slicker out of a garbage bag to wear over to the race start.  But as we all know, it's not how you feel, dahling, it's how you look.  And I looked like a dork.  So I went back upstairs and finally found my one running windbreaker and headed down to Aquatic Park.

When I arrived, I could barely get under the tent to register, because everyone was huddled in there trying to stay dry.  It struck me as strange, since we'd all be out there running in it before long, but who am I to judge?  Where was that Hefty bag now, I wondered.

At the stroke of 9 am, we were off.  Running along the Embarcadero normally means dodging tons of tourists and bikers.  Instead of that, we were dodging puddles.  

After several minutes I realized that running in the rain isn't so bad if it's not cold.  I was actually rather enjoying myself.  I had a chance to relax and think random thoughts.

"I wonder how The Waterfront stays in business."

"Oh, there's that Peruvian restaurant, La Mar, people keep talking about.  Have to check that place out."

"I can't believe I watched 10 hours of Oscar nominees yesterday."  

"Are we there yet?"

"When you fall off the face of the Earth, where do you land?"

Stuff like that.

Along the way, I seemed to be keeping a good just-under-10-minute mile pace, which was encouraging after my (lack of) performance at the Miami Half.  Race results have yet to be posted, but according to my watch I finished the 6.4 miles in an hour flat.

After picking up my ribbon (everyone's a winner at DSE), I headed home to get ready for my big date with Hugh.

Race Report: ING Miami Half Marathon

On January 25, I ran the ING Miami Half Marathon -- but since I've been quite busy and haven't written until now (as if you hadn't noticed), much of the experience is already a distant memory.  So this race report will be less like a half marathon and more like a sprint!

Arrived in Miami on Friday night and checked into the brand-spankin'-new Kimpton hotel in downtown Miami -- called Epic.  Choosing that moniker is always a risk, but this hotel lives up to it.  Beautifully designed and every detail attended to.  Great restaurant, too -- Area 31 -- where I spent most of my meals over the course of the weekend.  Its focus is on the sustainable ingredients of its namesake region, as designated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.  

On Saturday morning, I went there for whole wheat pancakes.  They were thin and tasty -- what you'd get if a thick pancake and a crepe had three little pancake babies.  Then went to the Expo on to pick up my bib, chip and other accoutrements, including a t-shirt emblazoned with my new motto: "Shut up and run."  Perfect -- since for me running is a solitary pursuit and a chance for me to be at one with my mind and body.  I don't need to hear you yapping about your friend's boyfriend's friend, or the addition you're putting on your house, or whatever else you hear people blab about as you're trying to enjoy a race.  The motto also has broader applications in life.  Don't whine, just get the job done!    

By the time I was finished at the Expo it was lunch time, so I made my way over to the South Beach outpost of LA's Table 8 for one of Govind Armstrong's famous Beef Short Rib Grilled Cheese sandwiches.  Yes, that's a side salad and not fries in the photo.  Hadn't earned that particular reward yet.

Although I'd wanted to get out and explore Miami more (read: shop), unfortunately I was hit with a pretty bad case of jet lag.  So most of Saturday was spent Epic-ally napping.   Big mistake, because I wasn't able to sleep that night before the race.  

When I awoke, I did a quick investigation of restaurants for pre-race pasta.  There was one called Fratelli Lyon that looked good, but I just couldn't bring myself to leave my hotel.  Another big mistake, as I've since learned Fratelli Lyon is not to be missed.  It's on my list for next time.  

Epic was conveniently located about five blocks from the American Airlines Arena race start and finish.  That was nice because the race started at 6am to beat the heat, so at 5:30 I didn't have to go far.  I think it was about 60 degrees, which for me was downright balmy, but most of the conversations I overheard involved how cold it was.  I ate my Peanut Butter Builders Bar, blissfully unaware that it would be one of my last for a while.  In response to the salmonella scare, CLIF has voluntarily recalled all of their Peanut Butter Builders.  None has tested positive, thank goodness, since I eat one every morning for breakfast.  Or I should say ATE, since I won't be again until they put new ones on the shelves in late April.   

I can hear you now...we thought this report was going to be a sprint!  Well, this race proved that even when you think you're going to go fast, sometimes it doesn't work out that way.  Despite the fact that the course was mostly flat except for a few bridge crossings, I clocked in at one of my slowest race paces in a while (2:28:48).  But I'm fine with that.  I enjoyed the beautiful scenery, including Miami Beach's Ocean Drive, and the pleasant weather.  I would do the race again in a heartbeat, and recommend it to anyone considering it for next year.

After the race, I showered, napped a bit more, then headed back upstairs to Area 31 once more.  It was time for my traditional post-race burger and, yes, reward fries.

P.S.  Later that week, while I was still in Florida on business, I continued the theme of eating only in numbered restaurants by having dinner at Prime 112.  Thanks for the tip, Miss Lauren!  Though the restaurant was noisy and scene-y, and the wait staff made us wait so long that even I couldn't stay awake for dessert, the food we did have was choice.  My app was a creamy tomato soup with a mini grilled cheese sandwich plunked in the middle.  My main was a beautifully prepared petit filet mignon, accompanied by a side of the most amazing vanilla-infused sweet potatoes.  Don't let the photo fool you -- the side order portion was large enough for two to enjoy at dinner, and each have a container to take home.  

 

Race Report: DSE Conservatory 5K (San Francisco)

Today's race marks my 28th consecutive month of doing a race every month -- typically half marathons or sprint triathlons.  Last year's December race was the Las Vegas Half Marathon, but this year that race conflicted with the Jets' visit to San Francisco.  My priorities firmly in order, I chose the Stick over the Strip.  Unfortunately the Jets didn't reward me.

So with 2008 quickly expiring, I made my way over to Golden Gate Park this morning for the DSE Conservatory 5K.  When we started at 9:00 am it was chilly, but the sun was peeking through the ominous clouds.  Unfortunately, we'd only run a few hundred yards before those clouds started dumping torrential rains.  It was in that moment I realized why many of my friends think I'm a little bit nuts for doing this race-a-month thing.  But I stick to it, because when you love the sweets, you gotta move your feets.  I'm here all week, folks!

The course ran past some of the major Golden Gate Park landmarks, including the Conservatory of Flowers, the Rose Garden, and the de Young Museum.  As we made our way past the Japanese Tea Garden, I was thinking a cup of tea would actually be quite lovely right about then.  No?  OK.  Keep going.

Around Stow Lake.  Kept telling myself that I wasn't that cold.  Volunteers commended us for coming out in the rain, and one even complimented me on how stylish I looked in my pink Atalanta running skirt.  Of course Billy Crystal's Fernando Lamas springs to mind:  "Eets not how you feel, dahling, eets how you looook....and yooou looook maaahvelous!"

So I persevered, and while my time wasn't stellar, I shaved my usual 10-minute mile by a few hairs.

The Dolphin South End-ers stuck around to chat and snack, but I had to keep running.  My Jets were at it again at 10, thankfully this time with a better result.   I'm back home now, in from the cold and rain --and it's finally time for that tea.  

 

Race Report: U.S. Half (San Francisco)

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.

Race Report: Bridge to Bridge 12K

The Bridge to Bridge has always been one of my favorite races.   It starts at the civilized hour of 9am, I don't have to schlep anywhere except downtown, the weather is usually exceptional and the course is a nice, flat stretch from the Bay Bridge area (Ferry Building to be exact) to the Golden Gate (Fort Point) and into the Presidio.  That's the 12K course - FYI there's also a 7K version that cuts out the Fort Point loop.

Last Sunday, My J-E-T-S, Jets Jets Jets had a bye, freeing me up to do the race without missing a minute of Gang Green action.

About 8:15 am I called the trusty Veterans Cab company.  When my ride arrived I got in and was immediately entranced by the smell of delicious coffee.  It was so amazing I had to say something to the cabbie.  

"That coffee smells so good!  Where did you get it?"  

"At Ritual," he replied.  "People think Blue Bottle is the best in the city, but I think Ritual is.  Do you know it?" 

"Do I know it," I exclaimed -- giddy that I might actually be one of the coffee cognoscenti.  "I was just there yesterday picking up my supply of Misty Valley," referring to the beans with the distinctive fruity notes from the Yirgacheffe region of Ethiopia.  "Do you know it?"

"Do I know it," he exclaimed -- equally giddy -- "I'm from Ethiopia where they're grown!"  

We engaged in coffee talk the entire ride to the Ferry Building.  He told me about beans from Panama called Esmeralda that are so rare that they can cost $20 for one brewed cup.  But they're that good, he affirms.  I'll have to go on a mission to the Mission for that someday soon.

But back to the task at hand. I said goodbye to Cabbie in front of One Market and made my way to the Ferry Building. As I ate my Builders Bar I wondered why I hadn't paid more attention to the weather report.  It was gorgeous, sunny and warm -- and I was wearing long running pants and a long-sleeved shirt.  That made me cranky.  That and the fact that I was PMS-ing.  TMI, perhaps, but I feel I owe you the full scoop.  At least I'd remembered to bring my sunglasses.  I stretched a little, and listened to the radio station announcers trying to psych up the crowd -- "Who here is a FOG-head?"  -- but people were either too tired or too busy chatting to care.  

The race started on time, but since there were so many people running, it took me several minutes to cross the starting line, which made me even more cranky, since this race doesn't use timing chips.  Therefore, I couldn't really compare my time accurately to previous races -- and my main yardstick of achievement is whether I've gotten faster as time goes by.  I put this out of my head and tried to simply enjoy the beautiful day in my beautiful city with thousands of my fellow San Franciscans.

We made our way around the Embarcadero, through Aquatic Park, up and over that infamous hill, down to the Marina and Crissy Field.  Then - whaddaya know - I heard someone cheering for me.  It was Dena!  I was so excited and grateful that she'd come to show her support.  What a sweetheart.  Dena and I ran together for a mile or so, then I went ahead as she hung back and, in true Dena fashion, struck up a conversation with a stranger who looked like she needed a little encouragement to keep on running.  

By now I'm on my way out of the Fort Point area and making my way toward the Presidio.  Smile for the camera!  One last hill, and then a strong surge to the finish.   

    

I wasn't too pleased with my time, which was 1:22:27.  Five minutes slower than the last time I did the race two years ago -- but like I said, that could have been a starting line issue.  Whatever, it's done.  Check the box and move on.  It's time for brunch!

I walked home from the Presidio (adding another two miles to my 12K), showered, and made my way over to Peter D's for some scrumptious raisin bread French toast and bacon.  

As I ate, I read an interesting article in the New York Times Magazine about the power celebrity-endorsed brands may have to subconsciously improve your performance.   If that's the case, I need some Usain Bolt gold Pumas.  Or a Thomas Keller spatula.

Race Report: See Jane Tri (Pleasanton)

I'll try to keep this report short and sweet - just like the race.

This was my third year running (and biking and swimming) for the See Jane Tri, so at this point I knew the drill.  Get there early to get a good transition spot, which means leaving home at 5:15 ish (yes, in the a.m.) to drive roughly an hour to Shadow Cliffs Regional Park in Pleasanton.  I arrived to find nicely upgraded bike racks and scored a prime endcap location.  The weather was also much warmer than previous years, which was another welcome change.  After setting up my area and getting my bib and chip, I headed back to my car (which I found even though it was still dark) and caught a few more Z's.

Around 7:30 I ate my Builder's Bar and headed to the starting area.  Much more crowded than I remembered. Word on the beach was that this year's race had 3x more participants than last year.  Whoa!  As I looked around, I marveled at the spectrum of ages, shapes and sizes.  For those not familiar with triathlon customs, they mark your bib number on your arms and legs and your age on the back of your right calf with a thick black Sharpie.  The bib number helps identify you in photos.  The age helps you compare yourself to everyone around you before and during the race, sometimes somewhat cattily, I admit.  She's 70? Wow, what an inspiration!  She's 28?  No way.  I'm kicking her ass! 

The 400-yard swim waves started a little after 8 am, by age group.  When they called my group, we waded into the water and awaited the horn.  The water temp was lovely, but wading through the muck on the ground was not.  I looked on the bright side and remarked, "It's good for your skin ladies!"  The horn sounded at 8:35 and we were off.  There was the usual jostling for space, swallowing lake and making sure I was heading in the right direction.  All was going according to plan until ...OUCH! Dammit, that hurt!  Someone had kicked me in the nose so hard that my goggles were knocked to my forehead.  I got my bearings and since miraculously I wasn't bleeding, I kept going.

The rest of the race was fairly uneventful.  The 11-mile bike course began with a small hill and had another medium-sized one in the middle, but was otherwise flat.   The 3-mile run course, on the other hand, was mostly hills, some quite steep.  But the weather and the Shadow Cliffs trails were both beautiful.  I was glad I'd packed my sunglasses at the last minute.

As I approached the finish line, I couldn't believe the race was already almost over.  In the days beforehand, I was feeling physically ready, but was having trouble getting myself mentally psyched up.  Now, the race was coming to an end and I was wishing it would keep going. I was feeling happy but somewhat unfulfilled because I knew in my heart of hearts that I hadn't tried something I was unsure I could do, and achieved it anyway.  That's the biggest rush -- and I wasn't feeling it.  So I made a mental note that it's time to find a new challenge.

In the meantime, I donned my finisher's medal proudly and headed back out toward the home stretch of the course to cheer on some of the other participants.  It feels great to have a crowd of strangers cheering for you, and I wanted to give back some of what I'd gotten.

When the results were posted, I saw that I'd clocked in at 1:16:34, seven minutes faster than last year's time.  Not too shabby!

Then I drove back to San Fran and sought out some sweet rewards at Sweet Dish and Simply Chic.  Nothing says congratulations like candy and a cute top!  

Race Report: DSE Stern Grove 4M

This race wasn't on my original schedule for this year, but I'm considering it "insurance."  I'm still doing the race-a-month routine, and staring down the prospect of a triathlon on the 27th.  I'm 99% sure I'll do it, but it's that 1% nagging at me that got me over to Stern Grove this past Sunday for the Dolphin South End Runners Stern Grove 4M (4 miles).  That and Big Bob, whom I recruited to be my chauffer, running coach and brunch buddy.

Bob's much more serious than I about the whole running thing.  He geeked out on me with talk of calibrating his race watch and getting there early to do a substantial warm up in order to increase the odds of a p.r.  I told him, "Duuuuude.  I just wanna run."   In all seriousness, I'm looking forward to Big Bob's training regimen shaving minutes off my time, but after having done a big brick training workout the day before (over two hours of swim, bike, run, bike, run) I really did just wanna run.  I was able to be convinced to do a bit of a warmup, and then shortly after 8am we were off.    

DSE races are usually as flat as pancakes.  Mmmm, pancakes.  With syrup.  Wait a minute, where was I?  Oh, right.  Flat courses.  NO, not for this one.  Surprise!  Hills -- big hills!  Steep, steep climbs, as well as descents you had to take carefully to prevent yourself from careening into a face-plant.  So much for the nine-minute mile.  I had to reset expectations and shoot for different goals: a sub-40, and having no one pass me once we got going and the pack thinned out.

For the first half of the race I was biding my time behind two guys - one obviously coaching the other.  (After some words of encouragement, my coach had taken off like the wind.)  As luck would have it, right around mile 2.25, the coach friend picked up a nearby branch and gave his buddy a friendly "crack of the whip."  It got me going too -- and I kicked it into gear to pass them and kept that pace going for the rest of the race (monster hills not included).

For most of the second half I was running behind two women -- one in a bright red top, the other in blue.  So I decided to play a little game:  Red for Republican, Blue for Barack.  The two women kept trading places with each other, and I pretended they were representing the candidates' standings in the polls. I had to keep up with them to see who would win!  Thankfully, it was blue.  Let's all pray for the same outcome in reality.

I came to the home stretch and was really feeling great.  Steep hills behind me, I was cruising!  I'd achieved my goal of "no passing," and when I spotted the time clock, the other goal was in sight.  Mission accomplished: 39:39.

After the race, Big Bob and I headed over to Presidio Social Club, which now serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10-2.  There were beignets to start -- the same light, fluffy ones they serve for dessert at dinner, with maple syrup for dipping.  

No fillings like my faves at Brenda's and Magic Flute, but still a great warm-up to the main event -- Rum-Soaked Challah French Toast with Bananas and a side of bacon for me, Scrambled Eggs and Hash Browns for Bob.  I would have hollered for thicker challah, but what I got was still quite good.  One of my favorite bites of the meal was a crispy edge of Bob's hash browns.  

 

It's also worth noting that the service was prompt and very friendly.   So if you're looking for a new brunch option in San Francisco, join the Club!

Presidio Social Club | 563 Ruger Street, San Francisco, CA 94129 | 415.885.1888 | presidiosocialclub.com

Race Report: San Francisco Marathon - 2nd Half

Back-to-back weeks of Race Reports, aren't you lucky!  Last week was the Windmill 10K - and since it's already August (I know, can you believe it?) today was the San Francisco Marathon.  Racers may register to run the full marathon, the first half or the second half.  For the second year running, I chose the second half for several reasons:

a) later start time

b) the course has a better elevation profile than the first half -- more flat-to-downhill than the first half

c) the main feature of the first half is to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, which is lovely, but not a lot of fun for a race.  Click here and JoJo will tell you why.

d) this bod ain't doing the full megillah any more.  I can do a half with no more training than my regular workout schedule.  A full would be too much meshugaas.

Saturday - The Expo

So, second half it is.  I showed up at the Expo yesterday for the usual routine:  pick up bib, get timing chip, and shop.  Upon arrival, I was pleased to get a photo opp with Cardboard Barack, who was getting out the vote with his nice but large-thumbed volunteer.

Once inside, I learned that the race organizers had decided to use the new disposable tags to time the race instead of ChampionChips.  Kind of a bummer, since I own my own ChampionChip in order to track all my races together on their web site.  However, I recently discovered Athlinks, which lets me do the same for most races so it should all work out in the end. 

Besides, I'm certainly not one to pooh-pooh progress, and as I meandered around the show, I discovered two other exciting race innovations.  

First was BazuMedia -- who for $5 will text your split times to up to five friends' cell phones real-time on race day.  

Second was WearYourNumber.com.  Sanctioned by race organizers, they'll silkscreen your number bib with a personalized phrase onto your race apparel, so no more dealing with pesky safety pins, unflattering number belts or rustling paper bibs, period.  And they do it right there at the Expo while you wait.  How cool is that!   They have a few moisture-wicking microfiber styles to choose from, or they'll put it on a shirt you provide.  I chose the Women's Sleeveless for $29.95.

Another thing I noticed at the Expo was that the running skirt trend is definitely picking up.  I used to secretly mock the skirt when I saw women wearing them at races.  Then I tried one.  I'm a believer! They're comfortable, and I must say I have even more of a spring in my step when I'm feeling cute and feminine.  You know what I'm saying, ladies?  Both RunningSkirts.com and  atalanta athleticwear were there with some really cute apparel, but since I already had my Nike skirt picked out for today. I restrained myself.  This time. 

One More Mile was also there with their myriad of mantra t-shirts.  My favorite said:  "Running is my Happy Hour."

I took that as my cue, and headed out to do some pre-race prep -- in the form of a salad and pasta dinner from Polk Street prepared foods proprietor Andrew & Company.

That evening, I realized I hadn't really been paying attention when the volunteer was telling me how to affix the disposable number tag to my sneaker.  (Perhaps I was still having separation anxiety from my cheerful yellow ChampionChip.)  As luck would have it, there's this amazing thing called the Internet -- and I was able to find an instructional video on the ChronoTrack manufacturer's web site -- along with all kinds of other useful information about the contraption.  Maybe this thing isn't so bad after all.  

   

Sunday - The Race

Although my wave wouldn't start until 8:25, I woke up at 5:45 in order to drive to the Embarcadero Center and catch the race shuttle to the start in Golden Gate Park.  This would allow me to have my car close at hand when I finished at AT&T Park.  However, what it also meant was I spent the better part of an hour and a half shivering (serves me right for not doing the sweats check again) and nauseated from the smell of port-o-potties.  Why am I doing this again?  I banished the question from my head, stretched and munched on my CLIF Builder's Bar.  

We were called to the starting line and the gun went off at 8:27 on my watch.  I started running and although I'd stretched, it was just so cold that I wasn't warmed up.  My IT band decided it wanted to be difficult and my right leg cramped right up.  Scary.  For a minute I thought I wouldn't be able to do the race, but it turned out it was nothing a little extra stretching couldn't cure, and soon I was trotting along normally.  Whew.  

As we wound our way through Golden Gate Park, we saw the First Half runners finishing.  Isn't it nice that they're already done!

Throughout the entire course, there were signs designed to entertain and educate everyone with a little trivia about running and/or the Bay Area.  One sign would ask a question, then several yards later another sign would provide the answer.   For example, Question: What is the state bird of California?  There were also several inspirational quotes.  Here are two of my favorites:

"How you respond to the challenge in the second half will determine what you become after the game, whether you are a winner or a loser." -- Lou Holtz

"If you feel like eating, eat.  Let your body tell you what it wants." -- Joan Benoit Samuelson

There were lots of photographers along the way, so hopefully there's a decent shot of me in my cute running skirt and paper-and pin-less t-shirt.  If there is, I'll post an update. (UPDATE: Posted at the end of this entry.)

You may also be wondering how those Bazu real-time-texts worked out.  Unfortunately, they had network errors, but luckily I was able to get the most important text of all -- my finish time of 2:13:50, which was a minute and 10 seconds faster than my 2:15 goal!  

So, another one down.  Next up:  See Jane Tri in Pleasanton 9/27.  In the meantime, watch this space for updates on my "training regimen" of great food and other fun stuff.  (Latest discoveries are the Italian fare at Ducca in SOMA and the burger with fried onions and chipotle aioli at Long Bar and Bistro on Fillmore.)

 

Answer: California Valley Quail.

Race Report: DSE Windmill 10K

Since the Dolphin South End folks host a race almost every Sunday, I knew I could count on them to help me get my July race in under the wire today.

After my morning Ritual and CLIF Builder's Bar, I headed out to the big windmill on the Great Highway at JFK Drive.  With a cold, heavy mist in the air, I was having second thoughts about wearing shorts and a tank top to show off my Vineyard tan. Gotta love San Fran summer.

Luckily parking karma was with me even if the sun wasn't.  I was also happy to see that the DSE crew has upgraded to fully branded, standard number bibs. I registered, paid the oh-so-reasonable $5 entry fee, which today is going toward the Sri Lankan Runners Fund.

Stretched.  Shivered.

Marveled at the turnout.  Might be more than 100 runners here.  

Shivered.  Stretched.

Race was called for the civilized hour of 9 am, and by 9:03 we were off.  It was an out-and-back on JFK Drive, so anyone familiar with that stretch of Golden Gate Park knows it's pretty much all uphill on the way out.

Despite the chill, I warmed up pretty quickly.  Passed the De Young, the Conservatory of Flowers, the Rose Garden, etc.  Every time I run in Golden Gate Park, I marvel at how beautiful it is and tell myself I should come out and run there more often, instead of always doing Crissy Field.  Maybe this time my resolution will stick.  

Was feeling great on the way back, since as we all know, what goes up must come down.  Although I wasn't able to pass one of the guys I'd been pacing back and forth with most of the time, I did best another as we approached the 6 mile mark. I saw the time clock at the finish line was ticking through the seconds of 59-minute mark and really kicked it in so I could finish in under an hour at 59:44.

Another fun DSE race down.  Finisher ribbons for everyone!  DSE is even starting to do goody bags.  Today's didn't have much in it, but I'll certainly enjoy the 15% coupon at Sports Basement, and the Chocolate Crisp Attune bar.  Bring on the probiotic wellness.

Now it's time for my other rituals -- say it with me:  mani/pedi, burger and fries!