I had taken this event off of my race schedule when I picked up my most current set of injuries. But I had always planned on showing up to volunteer and watch the event. The months went by and the leg started to heal and feel much better. A couple months out, I had kicked around the idea of running the regular 5k. Come race weekend, it was still off of the schedule. Last minute race emails stated that the all day 25k event would be open to race day registration. I packed my gear the night before just in case I needed it.
I always meet up with my friends from San Diego whenever I head down south for a race. So I was really looking forward to seeing them. I was delivering some caps to one of my friends from the Runner's World forums.
Once I got to my usual parking spot at the train station, I headed towards the registration area to meet up with my friend. It was still dark and I didn't spot him right away, so what the heck, I registered for the all day 25k. I already had some conservative goals in mind for each 5k just in case.
I did one more sweep of the area to see if I could find my friend and indeed I did. I gave him the caps and jogged back to my car to get ready for the first heat.
The starting line
Rounding the final corner view from the floor
Rounding the final corner
One of the best finishing chute for any race! Why am I so happy? :)
Masters Men 40 and over
Since this was the 1st heat, I wanted to test how well the ankle would react to some speed in the first mile. Then I would cruise in for the finish. It was nice to be able to run sub 8 min miles again. There was still a little discomfort, but it felt good.
1: 7:23
2: 7:56
3: 8:03
3.1: 0:42
24:05 (7:45), goal 24:00
36:48 rest
Master Women 40 and over
I cruised through this heat to see if I could save something for my AG heat. But the ankle came up more sore than I'd like at the end of the heat.
1: 7:50
2: 8:25
3: 7:59
3.1: 0:42
24:55 (8:01), goal 25:00
16:10 rest
Men 30-39
The first mile felt awkward as the ankle was sore. But the soreness was less noticeable as the race progressed. But I kept it slow just in case so I can finish the final 2 heats. I finished this heat cramping up. The S-cap helped with alleviating the calf cramps.
1: 8:21
2: 8:46
3: 8:53
3.1: 0:45
26:45 (8:37), goal 26:30
13:30 rest
Women 30-39
Because of the short rest, the calves were cramped up during the first mile until the the electrolytes kicked in. There are steady inclines during miles 2 and 3, so I jogged it in knowing that I just wanted to finish under 30 minutes. Honestly I have to admit that I could not run much faster even if I wanted.
1: 8:25
2: 9:21
3: 9:53
3.1: 0:47
28:28 (9:10), goal < 30:00
1:36:56
I rest a bit in my car and at the all day 25k lounge. I later found my friends at the beer garden. They got some beer for me. It was good since the garden was closed after I finished the last heat.
Men & Women 29 and under
The weather really warmed up for this heat. I was a little wobbly and numb for this final 5k. The slight beer buzz was nice as I was getting pretty sore. I finished the last mile or so running on fumes. Even with the slow pace, there was absolutely nothing left in the tank. I had that "I want to die" feeling as I approached the finish line.
1: 8:36
2: 9:09
3: 9:46
3.1: 0:49
28:20 (9:08), goal < 30:00
Post-race
After finishing the last heat, I got in a long line to pick up my medal. It was a pretty neat useful medal for once. It doubles as a bottle opener! I then walked back to my car to change, grab my camera, and go watch the elite runners do their thing. Boy were they amazing to watch in person!
Here comes the men around the final corner!
3 miles under 13 minutes! wow
1st place woman checking her watch as she rounds the final corner
Nobody is going to catch her
I really love this race. When you run the all day 25k, you get to see your friends over and over again. This event is one of the reasons why Competitor Group (Elite Racing) had earned and enjoyed such early success with their races. Each year they continue to look for ways to improve the race. The all day 25k lounge was moved to a different spot this year away from the general masses. This made it easier for the crazies to access the lounge. They had GUs, fruits, water, and Sports Blast electrolyte drinks. They also setup a bunch of portapotties for us. You can check a gear bag here, but I chose to just go back to my car.
Front of black long sleeve shirt
Back of shirt, bottle opener/medal, and bib
I then drove over to my friend's house for a post race BBQ. We hung out after eating ribs and it makes me want to move back down to San Diego. I was sad when it was time for me to head home. I took the 15 to go home which is sometimes better since most people take the 5.
Post race Blue Moon opened with my new medal! Oh, it's the small simple things in life that brings me joy. :)
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