Orange County Half Marathon - Part 2

OC HM, second time around, and in the books. Slightly different course this year. Which I think I like better than last years. More hills than last year. You start the race going up hill now, and there is a medium sized hill (to me now) after mile 7. Medium to me now, because ALL of March was spent running on twice as long and steeper ones.

Overall, happy with the results. I did not know exactly the course this year. No drive through before. I went into it half blind so to speak.  Plus, I am not in the best overall shape - at least I thought - due to back to back injuries. Yet, with all that stated - I could've run it harder.

I also could have done it twice. I crossed the finish, feeling very strong. In fact, I feel as if I only gave this race 60% of what I had in the tank. Probably should have done the Full? I really could've pushed this one for a better time. Yet, given the injuries and not knowing the course changes (hills), conservative was best.

Foot/Achilles - never an issue. Right knee - some but very minimal. Post race, slight twinges and a few clicking sounds/feelings. Yet, after the 4 hour drive home - popped out of the family truckster - no pain. The legs feel very strong and hardly spent.

Awesome weather. Except for an out of nowhere strongish wind in between miles 10-11, near perfect conditions. Well organized except for the start. Outside of that, nicely supported with plenty of volunteers. Plus, a number of supporters and fun spectators in the many beautiful Orange County neighborhoods we ran through. Nice views looking down and over the Back Bay area. This was a new stretch to the course. Liked it.

Will I do this again? Well, I have done it twice now. Each time has been a pretty Cheerful time, and happy getaway for our family. HM and sand in between the toes, along with the cool Pacific. What more can you ask out of a weekend getaway? So, yeah? Why not?

Just not in Brooks Glycerin 8's again though. My near next to FREE shoes - they are okay. Little too bulky and stiff for racing. Good training shoe though. Still, the Asics Nimbus 12's are the BEST. I read Nimbus 13's are out now though. Hmmmm ....? I think another new pair of shoes might be coming soon to my doorsteps? :)

Cheers!

OH - Glenn very sorry I did not catch up to you on this one. It was crazy Saturday coaching, plus a son's baseball game and getting out of town. We also did not have much time after the race. Quick trip to the beach for the kiddo's - then we were off. I will be back soon!

Congrats SuperKate!