The Half!

Yup, another Half Marathon under our belts! WOOT WOOT!!! 

We run to eat and eat to run!

San Francisco had their annual Half and Full Marathon on Sunday, July 26th. SIX years ago, Dick and I ran this event but only did the 5K - that it was Dick's very first race EVER! We also consider this our 'Dating Anniversary'. Thankfully, six years later, we still enjoy running!

Our Half Marathon Record:

Visalia Half Marathon - May 2004 - Time: 2:33

Huntington Beach Half Marathon - February 2008 - Dick Time: 2:26 My Time: 2:31 (Dick broke away the last 2 miles)

San Francisco Half Marathon - July 2009 - Dick Time: 1:59 My Time:2:16

Upon waiting for the start, Dick saw the 1:50 sign and wanted to run with that pacer to finish under 2 hours. So, he kept up with them until mile 4. Then, he just wanted to keep in front of the 2 hour pacer and succeeded!! An old coach told me a long time ago, "On race day, you forget your training partner and give the race everything you have to see what your Personal Best could be!" He decided to give that a try and did GREAT!! Here he is with a BIG smile crossing the FINISH line - with his thumbs UP!!! 

I started the race running along with Amy and having every intention of running the majority of the race with her. But, something happened around mile 3. I got in a zone and just felt the rhythm and felt I could do better. I ran up ahead of her. I felt bad, but at the same time was enjoying the run, the park, the music and anticipation of FINISHING!! So, I went on ahead. All was well until mile 9.9. I had to take a 3 minute potty break and gather myself back together. At this point, I just wanted the race to be over. I finished in 2:13 - one of my better times. I ran the Nike Women's Half in 2:09 two year ago.

It was a misty, foggy morning until the last 2 miles when the sun came out, which actually made for a very pleasant temperature for running. When I saw the camera men I made sure they saw ME!!! LOL

Where is the next run? Well, they offer a beautiful medal of California if you finish the SF, Long Beach and Huntington Beach races! So...yup, the next one is Long Beach in October. I am fully committed but Dick is still deciding. Amy is running it too along with her friend Jelena and her husband. Should be fun and FLAT!!! YEAH!!!

So the training continues. This next race I will be better trained. These past few months have been really busy with moving and some trips so I was not able to run some 10 milers before race day - which I think helps a lot!

Dick's niece and her husband - aka Lindsay and Jeff - trained for the FULL Marathon and did really well!! Their goal was 4:15 and finished in 4:14!!! YEAH!!! It was Jeff's first marathon and Lindsay's second. Waaaaaaaay to go!!!