My left foot had been bothering me for quite some time, so I was dreading the idea of running this half marathon. So after lunch, I finally made my way to Downtown LA and parked at Pershing Square. The packet pickup and expo was at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. It was very similar to the pickup process for the New Year's Race. However it was a smaller affair with all of the process located in the Biltmore Bowl ballroom. After picking up my bib and cotton race t-shirt, I went through the expo in about 2 minutes. They were giving out samples of Noosa yogurt. It was pretty good! Apparently the whole process took me over 15 minutes since I had to pay $4 for parking. The rate was $2 for every 15 minutes.
Noosa yogurt
Race shirt
I laid out Mr Flat Runner after dinner. My goal for tomorrow was to start out at whatever pace felt okay and preferably finish anywhere under 2 hrs. The stretch goal would be to run between 1:45 and 1:49.
Flat runner
Sunday 1/24
As with most races, I always try to get there early to avoid potential parking issues. I arrived at the Grove at about 5 am taking the Fairfax Ave exit off of the 10 freeway. The volunteers at the parking structure gate gave me a validation card so that it would only cost me $5 for parking. I found a space near the escalators and took a quick cat nap. At about 6 am, I got ready and went downstairs to use the fancy parking garage restroom. There was a long line for the toilets, but only a short line for the urinals. I then met up with my friend and we walked around the Grove before heading to the starting line area.
Dragon at the Grove
At the starting area, they had a pretty neat looking memorial wall to remember those that had lost their lives in the line of duty. Running might be a very self rewarding activity, but it's always an added bonus to run for a greater purpose whether it be for charity or for paying tribute to fallen first responders.
Memorial wall
They had a line of portapotties at the end of the corrals near the Southern end of The Grove Dr. We used those before heading into the corral to wait for the start of the race. Per the usual with this race organizer, they played a recorded singing of our national anthem by LeAnn Rimes. Mario Lopez was among the people on the stage next to the starting line to send off the runners.
Starting corral
We were in the corral designated for 8 min/miles and we were released in the second wave. It was a bit crowded, but once we made the first turn onto Beverly Blvd, the runners spread out. I blended in with the 1:45 pace group. Thankfully, the 8 min pace felt reasonable. Most of the uphill sections were in the first half of the course and the pacer appeared to be running by effort as he dropped off in pace and was behind me even though I had slowed down to 8:20's. At almost mile 3, the course took us through the Paramount Pictures Studios where we ran through the New York Street sets. We ran all the way up to Barnsdall Art Park on Hollywood Blvd before turning around and headed back to the finish line at The Grove. The 1:40 pacer eventually passed me on the first big downhill at around mile 7. I was feeling pretty good, but I knew that I was near the end of my current endurance. There was an out and back on Melrose Ave just after reaching mile 8 which involved a short climb. After reaching mile 9, my left foot was done. It was getting very sore and the heavy camber on Melrose Ave did not help. I tried my best to maintain a 9 min/pace, but could not and was passed by the 1:50 pace group. There was a final out and back on La Brea Ave that took us to mile 12. It was just another mile or so to reach the finish line. At this point, I could barely muster a 9:30 min/mile pace. I was running on fumes as I crossed the finish line at 1:52:42.
Finish line
Click here for my Garmin data.
I made the LA County Sheriff's Department video. See if you can find me! :)
I was a little disappointed that I did not meet my stretch goal, but I did come in under 2 hrs. I had to remind myself that there was a time when I would've been happy just to finish under 2 hrs. Ever since I broke 1:50, I haven't been satisfied unless I finish a half marathon under 1:50. The medal was pretty nice and was a 2 sided design.
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