.... in San Diego.
I love this city. Can't get enough of it. I grew up in Seattle. Spent lots of time in Vancouver BC, San Fran, Portland and L.A. . Yep, I am pretty much a West Coast guy. Yet, if I were to pick one to spend the rest of my life - San Diego is Tops. Nearly moved there last Summer. Yet, what kept that move happening and dampens that feeling every time we visit now - $$$$$!
San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon weekend number three completed. We had another great weekend. Only thing we missed, which we wanted to do was a Padre's game at Petco. We ran out of time. After getting in the Race Expo in Saturday, we headed over to Coronado Island and could not leave. There is always another trip. Given we are only 5 hours drive away - the invitation always seems to be there - race or not. Been three years since we have been to the Zoo as well now. Plus, if you are into it - a tour of the aircraft carrier Midway is pretty cool as well. So much more, not the least being - great Beaches, Museums and Universities to see.
The Race?
I must make a confession - my training has been lacking of late. Actually for the last three months. Yes, I am doing the races, I am finishing. This race was the second in the last 30 days. Yet, due to time constraints and lack of commitment - I am just dialing in these races. To be honest though, I just like doing them to just do them. I enjoy the event of it all. This is pretty much all I have really cared about lately. Just doing them without much concern for my finish time. However, I think yesterdays SD RR HM has woken up the trainer in me.
SD RR HM is a fun race. Fun race, yet if you don't train for it - it does have a way of humbling you. The 169 Freeway being the biggest ego beater on the course. This portion of the course has enough severely slopped concrete and hill to slap ya around. Speaking of the Hill though - it does seem to get less steep each year. Plus, I have always found the downhill worse than the uphill. The rest of the course also has enough subtle hill to it, combined with the 169 to give you a challenge.
Regardless, I did train going into this race. I focused most my effort on Hill training (which I enjoy doing over long runs). I mixed in a few longish runs as well. My training fail going into this one was twofold. Diet and Humidity (climate). The former I can control. The latter, out of my control for the most part. Living in the Mojave desert, I am blessed with less than 10%, and many days less than 5% humidity. I love it! Unless, I am training for a Cali Coast race.
Yesterday, was muggy for me. Temps were down and sky was overcast though. That helped. Plus, there was a breeze - a strong enough one that made it bearable. Still, running in humidity above 30-40% really effects my performance. My game plan - Hammer Endurolytes every even numbered mile, plus I used my Camelbak handheld 20oz. bottle. I needed two full bottles. I was a sweaty mess after mile 3. However, once done the plan seemed to work for this race. NO post race Med Tent needed for this desert rat runner. I say this only because, both, post Med Tent locations were PACKED! I have never seen so many runners using them post race.
Race Organization/Logistics?
Good. Very good. In fact, we discovered and even easier and faster way to get me to the start of the race. HUGE! This race can be a logistics nightmare getting to the start. It also has had some bad post race transportation issues as well. This year we had none. I don't recall any other runners complaining about it this year.
Rock and Roll events have their critics. I do agree with some of them (why is McDonald's a sponsor now?). It is a big money machine. This past Vegas Strip Night event excluded - they are very well organized though. Competitor Group is a Machine. A Machine that knows how to get 30,000 runners into an event, enjoy the event and out of the event feeling you want to do it all over again. I doubt I ever do my local Vegas RR Strip race again (along as it is at night). Yet, San Diego RR - see ya next year.
Oh, diet? More on that later. Plus, more Streaking.
Cheers!
5 comments:
I am doing my first R+R event later this summer. I'll have to weigh in with my opinion. You're making me want to go to San Diego.
It sounds like a great experience--but I would have wilted in even slight humidity too. Fun races are good for the soul (but training is too). :^)
Love San Diego!! Had lots of buddies running there!
My dad served on the Midway. We toured it with him a few years ago. I was so amazing to see his face light up with recognition and memories as he showed us around his old home. Priceless.
Don't forget the tide pools at Cabrillo!
Dang it! I was in the area Saturday. Sorry I missed you!
I was there, too! :) Ran with a friend who is slower so we just had a great time together. I thought the cant of the road was ridiculous and we spent way too much extra mileage weaving to get to the other side. Had I been "racing" it, I would have just endured the cant but my friend wanted to get on level ground so that's what we did. The race also had a LOT of curves, adding mileage so if it's important to cut the tangents, which is hard to do with 30k people.
Diet can definitely play a big role in race performance...good luck with your new challenge, I know you can do it!
Post a Comment