Race Report: See Jane Run Half Marathon

Well looky here, it’s my first ever race report. I know, I know…you were up all night just waiting for this to be posted. Well, wait no more because the first half marathon of the summer is officially complete.

Ahh, this is a frightening photo, but the only one I have.

Now let’s be frank, I didn’t prepare for this race at all and to be honest, it kind of showed. I have been casually running as I prepared to start Chicago training just to keep my muscles alive, but by no means did I train or taper properly. However, I did do the one thing that I never forget to do for races: CARB LOAD. Yes, that may be one of my favorite parts. And I digress…

I was up bright and early and made my way to Alameda. Usually Chicken Face and Lola come with me but, but not so this time…I was on my own. Upon arrival, there was only one way to describe the morning: unorganized. The line for parking was huge, no one directed you where to go once you parked, and the line for packet pick-up and the pooper was a disaster (reason again why packet pick-up should be the day before). Randomly, I ran into Kerry in the packet pick-up line and felt better that I wouldn’t be sitting there by my lonesome self.

Before you knew it, we were lining up at the start line. I made my way to the designated corral (if you can even call it that) and immediately began my people watching. Some people like to jump around and keep their muscles warm (which is probably wise) in the start line, but I on the other hand like to people watch and listen to people chat it up. “I shaved 6 minutes of my 10K time,” one woman boasts. That’s lovely lady…move over. This was a female-centric race, so I also took my dear sweet time scoping out other women’s running apparel (another favorite race day pastime). Oooh, she has an IronMan hat on…watch out for her. Why is that lady wearing cotton? Doesn’t she know she will die of heat exhaustion in that?

In the midst of my people watching…BANG! The gun went off without any warning whatsoever. Ok, then. I guess that means we start.

I started off in sub-seven miles and once again realized that I went out too strong. I have a bad case of “No problem, I can keep up with them” and it always ends up biting me in the butt. When will I learn? The fog stayed around for the first couple of miles and slowly but surely burned off and thus began my demise. Not only did the sun come blaring it, but the humidity (which is extremely unusual for the Bay Area) was so intense, I wanted to gag. I could feel the humidity sucking every last ounce of energy out of me with each step I took. If you haven’t noticed yet, I despise running in the heat. Bleh.

Around the mid-mileage it hit me…I have to use the little girl’s room. I finally came up to an aid station that had port-a-potties and when I went to open the door, all of them were still zip-tied shut! What?!?! I said forget it and moved on…I’d have to wait two more miles for the next aid station. Couple the bathroom disaster with the fact that the course was pretty dang boring (some ocean side running, plus residential area and business parks) and I’m one whiny baby.

Long story short, I didn’t watch my splits, only my pace. By the time 13 miles came around I was so ready to be done. The crowd was great at the finish line as they all cheered you in, then finally, I was done. 1:39:39. Not my best, but I’ll take it.

The post-race refreshments were great: Smart Water (I’ll take two please!), bagels, peanut butter, a bunch of other random food, and a commemorative champagne glass with chocolate. I love race swag and was so excited for the glass!

After cruising around the vendors for a bit, I got to see Aron come blazing in and eventually met up with Tara, Maritza, Kerry, Naomi, Melissa and all of the other ladies!

The Racing Ladies

I then meandered to the results board and noticed…holy shazam…third place in my age group and 15^th overall! Maybe this race wasn’t so bad after all?!  Thus, I decided to wait around for the awards ceremony…2 hours later it had arrived. The overall winners got some really sweet prizes and then they started to announce age group winners. They called the girl in my age group who had won first place and she got a really cool Mizuno backpack! Sweet. When I went to the tent to collect my prize, the woman promptly handed me my prize…wait for it…a reusable See Jane Run grocery bag and a tin of chocolates. Um, I’m really greatful and all, but the last thing I need is another reusable grocery bag (I have too many) and chocolates (which I don’t like). Thanks, See Jane Run, but next time can we just do medals?

Overall, a good race. Not the best, but still good.