After checking the weather forecast one last time before going to sleep, it looked for certain to be a rainy race day tomorrow with the rain stopping at around 9 am. I was certainly not looking forward to a wet race, but I laid out my flat runner accordingly while mentally preparing myself for the rain.
Flat runner
Thursday 12/26
After a year hiatus, the race returned this year. I was glad as I always have the day off from work and it gave me something to do. Per the usual, I entered into Dockweiler State Beach at the end of Imperial Highway. As informed in the final race instructions, parking was at a cheaper rate for the first 300 cars. I'm always down to save a few bucks, so I made sure to show up a bit early. I parked my car in the usual area, in the row right next to the beach path. That way I can see it as I run by during the race.
$5 parking for first 300 cars here for the race
To everyone's delight, there was no rain. It turned out to be a nice brisk day with clear skies. Thankfully the rain had already passed through. After picking up my race bib and t-shirt, I went back to my car to hide from the cold morning air.
Yea for no rain!
Not a very lucky number for Chinese people! :)
Race shirt
As the start of the race approached, I went back outside and got in line to use one of the portapotties before heading over to the start area. The recent rain and the wind made it feel a bit colder than it actually was. There wasn't a Half Fanatics or Marathon Maniacs pre-race photo. However per the usual, the Latino Heat went around taking selfies with everyone. :)
Start line
Almost time to run
After a few last minute instructions from the race director, we started the race at about 7:30 am. With the planes flying overhead, he should probably start using a megaphone speaker to amplify his voice. I was standing near the front and I could barely hear him.
Well, I learned at this race that when I press the start button on my watch while receiving a notification from my phone that it will not start the clock! I actually had to clear the message first. Good thing I noticed pretty early on in the race that the clock didn't start! It would turn out that I was about 10 seconds behind my timing chip. While I didn't really have a time goal, I always would like to finish a half marathon in under 2 hrs. I made sure not to over do things as my legs didn't have a full week's rest from my last race which was run at a harder effort. Although it was fantastic that it wasn't raining, we did get some windy conditions. I'm not a fan of running into a headwind. It was quite demoralizing for me.
Here we go!
I was dealing with leg cramps at right about the very last turnaround with 2 miles to go. My legs seized up a bit during that last mile, so I had to walk way more than I had wanted in order to get them to loosen up. Those pesky leg cramps cost me a sub 2 hr finishing time. I should have easily made it under 2 hrs, but I missed it by 7 seconds.
Finish
Finish: 2:00:06
Click here for my Garmin data.
While I was a little disappointed that I didn't finish in under 2 hrs, I quickly reminded myself that as of late, my legs were starting to feel much better and more importantly the race was for a great cause! It's always good to make sure to have the proper perspective.
After getting my finisher medal, I hobbled over to the post race snack table to eat some bananas and potato chips to help alleviate the leg cramps. I then hung out with the other finishers while cheering on the runners that were still out there on the course.
Finisher medal
Cheering on those running the marathon
Friend running with Old Glory!
My fellow Half Fanatics
After we were done cheering on our friends, a couple of my friends and I drove over to a Chick-fil-A along the way home to eat lunch. I totally forgot that my friend was vegan, but thankfully she was able to find vegan options on the menu. Both the parking lot and the restaurant itself was very crowded, but I was able to find a parking spot and snag an open table. I conveniently skipped the long line by placing my order via their mobile app. I ordered my usual Cobb salad with chicken nuggets, Chick-fil-A sandwich, and a lemonade.
Cobb salad with chicken nuggets, Chick-fil-A sandwich, and lemonade
After we were done eating, it was time to head home. We went our separate ways. Along the way to the freeway, I drove by one of the original McDonald's. One day, I'll have to actually stop by and check it out. They have a museum and they deep fry their apple pies!
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