Big Sur. Who's been there? Who's going?
Not my first 1/2M, but my first to Monterey. I'm coming down from Denver with my wife and another couple, all 4 running, of different abilities. I've run 1:55 at Fort Collins, and seeded myself in the 1:46-1:53 wave to push myself a little.
Has anyone been there? Any tips specific to this venue?
Anyone running it this year? We get in late Friday (freakin United cancelled our flight, and put us on a 2:30 later flight. Grrr!) and leave Monday afternoon.
-Joe
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I live in the San Francisco Bay area and get down to this area every other year or so. I should go more often!
I've run the marathon, but not the half. The full is very hilly. The half I understand is a flat, faster course through the downtown area.
The whole area is a fantastic tourist area, from Monterrey, Pacific Grove and Carmel-by-the-Sea. There is lots to see and do. Monterrey has the must see Aquarium. Carmel-By-The-Sea has dozens of fantastic art galleries and art worth millions. Lots of golf too. Restaurants all over the place with good food. It's also just fun to hang out and wander around.
Next time go for a week!
Have you registered already? I have it on my calendar and went to register this past weekend and it is SOLD OUT! Grrrr.
The course is pretty much flat. Couple of very small hills and you being from Denver probably won't even consider them hills cuz they really aren't. It is run on the Pacific Grove Triathlon bike and run course and is probably one of the most beautiful courses anywhere! You are literally running along the shoreline on well paved roads and running paths. Bring a camera.
If you wanna swim you can swim at Lovers Point and the view under water in incredible. Water is cold. Probably around 58 right now, but well worth the dip,
Hope this helps.
Yes, my wife registered us back on 8/5. Thanks for the tips... big camera or little camera?
We should have a great time.
Weekend report:
House rented through VRBO was waling distance to the wharf/start/finish area and even the aquarium/cannery row. Sweet! We could even hear the sea lions (or whichever animal was) barking through the night.
Weather was perfect. Well, I would have been happier a few degrees cooler, but that's getting really picky!
I tried to keep my pace under control, but 6 weeks of learning to enjoy "pain" encouraged me to run fast. I had a good 11 miles. My half PR is 1:56, and I was on a 1:54 pace. I gave back 5 minutes in miles 12 (1:xx) and 13 (3:xx) with cramps in my quads. I figure a bit more sweating than normal, especially figuring the cold weather I've acclimated to, I could have used more electrolytes than the 24oz of Gatorade Endurance.
Overall, a great trip with my wife. This was also our first trip with another child-less couple in the area, and we found we are compatible travelers.
I returned to my pain cave yesterday, and cranked out the prescribed workout. My motivation to run today was lacking, so I used the "recovery" excuse to bag it. Back to the bike/run (from Tuesday) brick tomorrow.
-Joe