So Cal Half Marathon - Do we smell retirement/A Visit from Dad and Neil

With our 7th half marathon together under our belt, Eddie has threatened retirement after this cold and rainy half marathon. Those that don't run probably wonder why we keep doing the same thing. Those that do run realize that every race is different providing a totally unique experience and let's just say our readiness seems to vary per race also which also makes things interesting. This time, we were both not as prepared with Eddie running up to 5 miles and me up to 8 miles prior to the race. Miles 10-13 were the toughest - note to self- don't forgo water stations! Crossed the finished line and orange juice never tasted so good. My wonderful hubby waited for me at the finish line, but unfortunately, we missed each other. He hadn't even eaten yet when I saw him, but he brightened up after a bagel and banana. Overall, we enjoyed the race, and I'm really proud to have another half under our belt.

The best part was yet to come - a dim sum lunch fit for a king. Lucky for us, our hotel was close to our favorite haunts. We ordered a ton of food to go and ate outside, devouring it all in 15 minutes. It was way better than waiting in line to eat inside! The best meal ever! I love that food just tastes 100x more amazing after a half.

Dad and Neil visited after Christmas. It was great to have them, I felt like having them here gave as the green light to try new restaurants and eat out the entire weekend. My family insisted on BBQ so I took them to Phil's and as you can see they did not go home unhappy. The visit flew by too quick and ended with a home cooked meal by yours truly. For my 5 year anniversary gift at work, I chose the T-Fal steamer. It's been a great gadget for some really delicious meals.

As for our racing future, it remains undetermined, however, I have a feeling we'll get the itch for the next one soon.

So Cal Half Review 6.5-7 Rating

Pros
Well organized
Clearly marked mile markers and timers
Plenty of post race food/caffeinated OJ, Einstein bagels, cookies, bananas, water bottles
Flat course
Plentiful Parking
Convenient location near really good restaurants
Inexpensive hotel
Plentiful water stations
Saturday race so we can recover on Sunday

Cons
3 porto potties per rest stop - line backed up with 15 or more people - a 15 min wait at least
No real expo
No tech t-shirt just a white t-shirt
Medal was incorrectly labeled 2014
3 block walk to the car (Eddie's complaint)
Smallish race
Sparse Gatorade stations
Loop course was all streets nothing scenic
Crowded race - you're never going to alone - shoulder to shoulder at times
No real time race results

Getting excited to start the race!



How Eddie still loves me after getting him to run 13.1 miles on a cold rainy Saturday is beyond me.

Limbering up.

 

My first time seeing Eddie after the race. He waited at the finish line for me - what a guy!

Chipper!

Still smiling after 13.1!

 

Dad loved the beef ribs at Phil's.

My brother and Eddie who was too hungry to stay still.

Walking off bbq in Old Town visiting the Sheriff's Museum. Dad's always curious about how things work.