This was my very first 'A Better World Running' race. It was a late addition to my racing schedule as I wanted to see a couple of my friends and wish one of them a happy birthday. Since it was my first time, I made sure to get to the race a bit on the early side. The starting time for the half marathon was at 7:30 am and I arrived at the Woodley Avenue Park at about 6:30 am. Per the instructions, I parked at the northern end of the parking lot near Victory Blvd.
Bib pick-up was really quick especially when one of the volunteers knows you. Since it was fairly chilly, I quickly headed back to my warm car after exchanging pleasantries. I ate the usual breakfast bar while listening to music on my iPod. I got back out to use one of the nearby portapotties at about 7 am. As the start of the race got closer, I started heading over with everyone else to the start line via the Woodley Ave underpass tunnel.
Familiar faces at the start line
The course was well marked and very simple to follow. The half marathon course was a run out from Woodley Ave over to Balboa Blvd then making a loop around the Balboa Golf Course and Encino Municipal Golf Course before heading back to the start. We had to run that twice. My first time through the course went okay, but I started having trouble with the left foot starting around the 7th mile. Eventually the discomfort forced me to walk. The walk break brought some relief, however I had to change my running stride a bit.
Finishing loop 1
Finish line
Finish: 1:55:31
Click here for my Garmin data.
After crossing the finish line, my right butt cheek cramped up most likely due to that final steep incline coming out of the underpass. I got my finisher medal, I picked up a KIND bar, a banana, and a bottle of water. Then I limped around trying to find a spot to sit down. Eventually I sat down at a bench at the nearby playground and ate the banana. Apparently people use that playground to do their workout as I was asked if I was doing sit-ups. Since my butt cramp had subsided I moved aside for the guy to do his sit-ups.Relive 'A Better World Running Reindeer Run'
I walked over at the finish line area and hung out with my friends. Shortly after our friend finished her race, it was pretty much time for me to head out. I wished them a Merry Christmas as well as an early birthday wish to my friend, the Latino Heat.
On the way home, I stopped in at the usual McDonald's. However I was there a bit too early. This particular location did not start serving lunch until 11 am. I'm used to the one near work where they start at 10:30 am. Lately there hasn't been very good deals on the mobile app, so I ordered their mix and match deal for $5. For my two items, I got two Quarter Pounders with cheese.
Medal and Quarter Pounder with Cheese x2
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