The expo was in the parking lot at the beach. I got my bib, #10759, then my long sleeved white v-neck shirt, then a fancy bag (which I really like!). I peeked around a bit and headed back up to LA.
It was my friend's 30th birthday that night, and I didn't go out. I was nervous about getting enough sleep, getting up in time, getting to the start in time, being too tired. I woke up at 4:30 and made toast with peanut butter and honey. I put it on a paper plate and got dressed. I hopped on the 405 south and would up in a school parking lot.
This is where I learned what a D-Tag was. How the heck? After carefully reading the instructions as I sat in my car in the dark I guessed and tied my laces around this loop. Now, nearly a year later I know better than this, and put it beyond the loose laces... but this was my first D-Tag.
I put on the bib like I had in Seattle, covering my beer belly. I ate my little breakfast and got in line for the shuttle bus to take me to the start.
The start was insane. I texted my 3 friends looking for them, but it was too packed to seek anyone out. I kept looking down to make sure my little orange D-Tag was still there. I stood in line forever to use the bathrooms. I started getting worried when the gun went off and the lineup of runners started moving... but seeing the lineup behind me quelled any fears. Eventually I found my corral far from the finish and flowed in the sea of runners once more.
This was my first race without my Mom. This was my first race alone. I went with the flow for the first few miles along the beach, keeping just over an 11" pace. There was a small hill around mile 3 that slowed me down a bit. As the sun came out I started to get a little warm. I wish I had brought a hat. I didn't even own a visor at this point.
Mile 5 we turn off the side street back onto PCH. At this point I'm finally warmed up and feeling pretty decent. I see the pace group I wanted to be with behind me, and told myself to just stay ahead of them. I was feeling really good. The Bolsa Chica Wildlife Reserve to my right was beautiful.
At mile 8 we had to turn around. This was the part I did not enjoy. The sun was pounding down on me. I didn't have sunglasses OR a hat. This was my lack of preparedness, what with my first and only half in the drizzle of Seattle. I tried running with my hand shading my eyes, but it made me too tired. I started to get a headache around mile 9.
At one point on the way to the finish PCH was flooded, and all the runners had to either run through a few inches of water on the road, or jump onto the median and walk. This slowed everyone down, since few wanted to run another 4 miles with wet shoes, and so many people packed onto the median. I was fine slowing down to a walk.
When I started running again I got sore in the quads at mile 10. I pushed and pushed. At mile 12 I was out of energy. My legs wouldn't lift up. I walked most of the last mile, saving my energy for the finish. Man was that a hard fight.
I wasn't sure how I did but I was glad to be done. Half #2 done! I was dizzy so I walked around until I felt better. I called my friends, but they'd already left. Hmnn, guess I better just go home then. I walked to the shuttle back to my car. Little did I know that I might have walked past other runners who would become good friends one day.
I checked the website for the race on the shuttle back to the car. I PR'ed by 20 minutes from my Seattle time! To date this is my 2nd fastest time for a half marathon. I had been training with the L.A. Leggers very hard, and following a strict workout through the week. I was thrilled with how I did. Then I went home, showered, and went to a super bowl party in L.A. and enjoyed a fancy Stone Brewing Porter.
I got a surfboard medal. I love it. No other like it. I told myself I'd never run this again. I'm signed up to do it again next month... This time, I'll bring sunglasses... and a hat.
Great looking medal. Engrossing blog post!
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