Surf City 1/2 Marathon
I have to say that I am a bit disappointed to write this report. Prior to this race I felt good and was excited to write my first EN race report even if it's only for a 1/2 Mary.
Drove down from San Jose to Huntington Beach Friday night through some decent wind and rain. Checked into the hotel and it continued to pour. Brought my bike and was able to get a ride in Saturday after a trip to the Expo/Packet Pickup. Very crowded but got in and out and back to hotel to rest. Also very windy and no rain but cloudy at the beach. Up at 4AM as my wife was racing the full marathon with a start time of 6:30AM. About 48 degrees at 4AM, but got down and parked without issue, noticed that the wind had died down at the beach as well.
My race got started at 7:45AM, plan was:
Mile 1: 8:00
Mile 2: 7:45
Mile 3-10: 7:20
and then just give it all I had at mile 10. I felt pretty good until about mile 5, then began having some GI issues. Spent the next 5 miles searching for a portapotty. I finished is about all I can say. The last 2 miles along the beach are why I wanted to do this race and I really tried to enjoy the gorgeous view despite how I was feeling. Weather remained great, actually got some sun and if anything it was a bit warm (65 degrees by 9:30AM).
Goal time was 1:35:00, actual time 1:48:22. 54th in my age group. I am disappointed since my PR is 1:38:00. I did the best I could with what the day gave me. I know I need to do a better job of preparing myself physically (nutrition and hydration) prior to the even. Overall though a great day as my wife ran a 25 minute PR in her marathon.
Comments
Hmmm, GI issues on the run at about mile 5, huh? That's a crappy way to do a 1/2 marathon for sure. What did you do differently in the morning WRT food, fluids? Most folks don't have GI issues in a half marathon, in my experience, as they tend not to overdo the nutrition prior (as they would for a HIM, IM, or marathon). Let us know!
P