One thing that I like about this race is that they have race day packet pickup and you don't even need to pay an extra fee for that convenience. This race has improved in leaps and bounds since their inaugural race. I got to the Westfield North County Mall in Escondido a little after 5am. I didn't get here as early as last year so I had to park a little further away and take a flight of stairs down to the staging area. Before picking up my stuff, I had to fill out a waiver form. I took the shirt and bib back to my car to relax a bit before the start of the race. I really did not like this year's choice of color for the race shirt. They gave us a choice between two colors on their Facebook page, but I didn't like either one. Anyways, into the donation box it goes.
yuck, definitely not my color!
Another thing that I like about this race is that the starting line is right next to the parking lot. So you can sit inside your car until it's time to start the race. No need to stand and wait out in the cold. About 30 minutes before the race, I got my stuff ready and made my way to the lines for the portapotties. After taking care of business, I headed over to the starting area and waited by the 8 min per mile marker.
Starting line at the Westfield North County Mall
Course map
The race started at 6:30am. In hindsight, I ran the first 2 miles too fast. You don't get faster by running slow, so I always want to do some faster running whenever I run. But I have to constantly remind myself that my legs have become very fragile from 4 years of racing like a Maniac. The minor discomfort in the left ankle from 3 races ago quickly developed into a pain that was borderline unbearable. It had me worried. But fortunately or unfortunately depending on your point of view, the more I slowed down, the more tolerable it became. I knew that if it got too painful that I would have to drop out. Since the course was the same as last year, I knew where to expect the hills. Just as I remembered, the course was full of rollers. The first major hill came at mile 7. It was much less daunting facing the big climb having seen it last year. The next 4-5 miles was a slow grind. I could not push at all with the left foot. There was discomfort with every step. Then came the second major climb at mile 12. Once we got over this hill, it was a nice downhill mile to the finish line. It was a nice final mile as you wind through the zoo.
1: 7:52
2: 8:06
3: 8:33
4: 9:26
5: 9:21
6: 9:34
7: 11:10
8: 9:42
9: 10:11
10: 10:46
11: 9:50
12: 12:28
13: 8:44
13.1: 0:49
Finish: 2:06:33
I was so relieved to finish the race but it was time to take time off with my next race being not until June. I could still walk but the left ankle was super sore. Then I started to cramp up. I really liked the medal. I grabbed some fruit, a bottle of water, and Powerade. They had donuts but I passed. Thank goodness I do not have a sweet tooth. I met up with a couple of my friends from San Diego and goofed around a little taking pictures in the zoo. We even took a picture in front of the green screen which always turns out pretty nice. We then headed out and caught the bus back to the mall. I then drove home with of course a stop by my favorite ramen shop, What's Up Men, for lunch.
This has been a great race each year and I would recommend it to anyone, but I'm not sure that I would be back next year. I'm cutting back on racing and while a half marathon is my favorite distance, I will cut those races from my schedule before I cut out any marathons.
Nice medal!
Post race donuts
Friends at the finish
Running with the rhinos!
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