San Francisco 2nd Half Marathon

After not having raced the distance in nearly 2 years I found towing the line to be a rather terrifying experience.

Having to weave through the slower marathoners as we wound the way through Golden Gate Park was definitely odd. I'm sure many of them were off put as the first wave of 2nd half marathoners was released on to the course. There was one point in the 2nd mile where I was completely pend in and had to make may way across an entire lane to try to capitalize on a downhill.

No PR, no smile. I finished 25th in 1:17:23 and averaged 5:55 minute miles. It was hard to push the pace in the final 100meters as I would normally do when you finish alongside people who you assume to be running a different race. Many spectators could not discern between those running the half and full marathon. Even if the effort was slightly off my very best, it is reassuring to know that your body is still capable of achieving.

The substantial and infamous San Francisco hills result in heavy legs more akin to what you might expect from a full marathon performance. Despite the lack of a groundbreaking performance, I was grateful to have a significant contingent of the family out to support me in my first big city marathon affiliated race. I'm certainly not done PR hunting in the Half Marathon. In fact, I believe it may be my favorite distance. Next however I will toe my line at the 20k distance at the national championship in New Haven. I know I will be so soundly outclassed that the first runners will have time to complete a few uber rides before I finish, put I will strive to finish top 60 all the same. It is not everyday you get to run "with" people you read about online.