You Only Get 1 Shot

This was one race that I probably should not have run. But it was my friend's birthday race, so I had to at least show up. And if I show up, you can bet that I'm giving it a go. The race began and ended at a restaurant called The Point in Dana Point. It was one of those low key Charlie races, so the size of the field was very small and consisted mostly of Marathon Maniacs.

Pre-race photo

The turnaround

I was really trying not to wreck my body so I started the race off slow. Everybody ran the first loop together for the most part to learn the course. The course was marked earlier in the day, but the rain washed it away. About 2/3's into the out portion of the first loop, the group was running at a faster pace than I would like during the hillier section of the course, so I fell back. I would catch up with them at the tequila station on the way back after making the turnaround. I then picked up the pace a bit and ran a little in front of the pack until I was unsure of the course. We all made it back to the restaurant together.
Loop 1 out: 30:47 (9:23)
Loop 1 in: 33:08 (10:07)

Aid station: 2:06

For some stupid reason, I decided to pick up the pace again when I went back out on the course. I ran fast enough that I ended up ahead of the runners that could run under 4 hours for a marathon. Before we got to the hillier section of the course, I slowed down and let the real runners pass. As I was walking, I came across some shirtless deviants that were smoking stuff while riding on their skateboards. I thought to myself, "it's getting dark and I wouldn't want for something bad to happen when it gets too dark." I was already thinking that I should drop out at the half. What sealed the deal was when I was running through the part next to the golf course, my right hip started to hurt. The pain would not go away, so I stopped running and walked it in. I dropped out at the half marathon.

Loop 2 out: 34:18 (10:28)

Loop 2 in: 47:59 (14:39)

DNF: 2:28:19 (11:19)

I guess it was good thing that I was forced to drop out as the storm rolled in shortly thereafter. I took a finisher's shot of the tequila and ordered my meal that came with the price of registration. I got the Point burger and a Dos Equis Ambar. It was getting pretty chilly outside, so I hung out just inside the restaurant until all of the runners had finished their races. The Point looked like a nice place to hang out after work. After shooting the breeze with my friends, I wished the birthday girl a happy birthday before making the long drive home. I had a fun time even though I was unable to finish the race or stay for the post race pajama party. It was way past my bedtime! :)

Time for a shot!

The Point Burger

The "normal" folks