My first race of 2014 is just around the corner, tomorrow, literally. I'm doing something I've never done before, a half-marathon. Don't get me wrong, I have run 13.1 miles, and in a racing environment, but that was part of a triathlon, this time it's just the run. I'm thinking I'm insane, I'm a swimmer, not a runner, but that's how I'm starting off this year. I am doing this race, on Super Bowl Sunday of all days, with a bunch of friends, so it should be a fun experience.
There's a beer garden at the finish line, cool looking surfboard finisher medals, what's not to like. Well, there is that 13.1 miles of "running" I have to do before reaching that finish line. I, of course, put running in quotes, as what I do is a combination of running and walking, and my running isn't that fast.
Okay enough with the self doubt and negativity, I'm going to have fun!! My goals for this race are simple and few. 1. FINISH, 2. Goal time: under 3:20, preferably under 3:00, as my only I finished my only other 13.1 mile race in 3:21, 3. HAVE FUN with my friends or make new ones out on the course.
Pre-race activities: I picked up my packet Friday afternoon. It was a long line outside the expo tent, but what do you expect from a race with over 20,000 runners. Once I got into the tent, there was only one person in front of me in the bib line, and one person in front of me in the shirt line. Goody bag-- Surf City designed reusable shopping bag and women's long sleeve tech-t in bright pink. This shirt is the most bright pink I've ever seen, not sure it will see to much use except being worn under other shirts, as I am not the biggest fan of the color pink in general. Rode a portion of the course today, loosening up the legs for tomorrow. Being a triathlete, I think I "need" to ride before running, especially in a race environment.
Post race plans: Hit the beer garden, head home and shower, go to Disneyland. Why Disneyland, you ask?? Well in addition to it being Super Bowl Sunday, it is also my sister's birthday, we both have annual passes, and she wants to go for her birthday. I may end up tooling around D-land using my dad's electric scooter, 13.1 miles is enough for one day. Then I have a week to rest up before tackling my first century bike ride on the 8th...you think I'm a glutton for punishment don't you. The rest of the weekends in February are taken up with my nephew's baptism and a local reverse sprint triathlon and my birthday. I may just take the shortcut with a friend on the century.
