Well, the need to use up my vacation rental credits won out vs. limiting my travels to limit my potential exposure to the coronavirus. So it's another short weekend trip out to Vegas for another Calico half marathon. It's not like I do much during these short trips that would lead to much potential exposure. I drive and only ever go outside to pick up food and run the race. It's actually nice to get away from everyone and everything for a couple of days. That's especially nice for an introvert like me.
After lunch, I hopped in the car and headed on out. Before getting on the freeway, I filled up the gas tank. I might need to rethink making the drive out to Vegas right after eating lunch. I totally zoned out and nearly rear-ended the car in front of me when they abruptly hit their brakes. I should've been paying attention as the traffic always bunches up during the stretch through Victorville. Other than that little close call, there wasn't too much traffic. I made good time and arrived at the WorldMark Las Vegas - Spencer Street property at about 4:15 pm. I got checked-in and was assigned unit #103.
Murphy bed inside
After I dropped off my bags and got settled in, it was time to go back out to pick up dinner. I drove to the usual McDonald's down the street to pick up my traditional pre-race meal. I used a mobile app deal to get a free Quarter Pounder with cheese with the purchase of a Big Mac at regular price.
Big Mac at regular price, free QPC
Flat runner
Saturday 2/6
I got ready and left my room just a little bit after 6:30 am. It was a short 10 minute drive over to Sunset Park even though I had turned into the park one entrance too early. Once I parked my car, I headed over to the start area to pick up my race packet. Per the usual or what has now become the norm, they measured our forehead temperature and asked us a few questions concerning any recent exposure to COVID or having symptoms of COVID. After getting my packet, I went back to my car to relax a bit before the start of the race at 7:30 am.
I hung out at the start area a bit with some of my old racing friends. Sometimes it makes me a little sad to see my friends move on to other things. There's life after racing! We used to see each other at most, if not all of the Disneyland races. Even before this pandemic, the Disneyland races were no more. :(
As the 7:30 am start time grew closer, I made my way closer to the front of the start corral. That was probably a bad idea since I ended up going out too fast for my current fitness level. My first two miles were both sub 8 minutes. It did feel good to move faster again. Also the scabs from those broken blisters on my arches did not bother me. I took walk breaks after each mile to slow my heart rate down, but it was too late. I was pretty pooped by the time I reached mile 6. My pace per mile plummeted for the rest of the race. I should've been able to finish today's race in under 2 hours, but instead I finished about 3.5 minutes over 2 hours. Every time I start out too fast, the chances of crashing and burning are quite high! :)
Finish: 2:03:29
Click here for my Garmin data.
While I didn't run a very smart race today, I was still happy to have finished another half marathon. After getting my medal and some post race snacks, I headed back to my car to free up my hands and to put on my jacket. I then hung out at the finish for a while to wait for some of my friends to finish their race. While waiting, a couple of my local friends showed up for the second of three available races for today.
After snapping some post race photos, I said my goodbyes and headed to my car to drive back to my timeshare property. I got cleaned up while catching the remainder of the Fulham v. West Ham match. That one ended in a 0-0 draw. I then watched the following match between Man United and Everton. Everton scored a late goal to end the match in a 3-3 draw. I was feeling pretty lazy and not-so-hungry, so I didn't head out to get food until close to 3 pm. Before heading to the usual Jollibee, I stopped at the Chevron gas station to fill up the tank for the drive home tomorrow. For my meal, I ordered the usual palabok fiesta with 2 pcs Chickenjoy, pineapple juice, and a peach mango pie. It was enough food that I didn't go out later in the evening for any more food.
Sunday 2/7
I got up early to catch the Tottenham v. West Brom match at 4 am. Thankfully, the Spurs won 2-0. I then followed that up with the Wolves v. Leicester match while getting ready and packed for an early drive home to avoid any traffic. I checked out of my unit just a few minutes before 7 am, well ahead of the required 10 am check-out time. I made good time and the drive home took about 3 hours and 15 minutes. After several consecutive months of making this drive, this has become my monthly race routine.
Race shirt
Back of race shirt
3 friends back together again
As the 7:30 am start time grew closer, I made my way closer to the front of the start corral. That was probably a bad idea since I ended up going out too fast for my current fitness level. My first two miles were both sub 8 minutes. It did feel good to move faster again. Also the scabs from those broken blisters on my arches did not bother me. I took walk breaks after each mile to slow my heart rate down, but it was too late. I was pretty pooped by the time I reached mile 6. My pace per mile plummeted for the rest of the race. I should've been able to finish today's race in under 2 hours, but instead I finished about 3.5 minutes over 2 hours. Every time I start out too fast, the chances of crashing and burning are quite high! :)
Time to race
Mile 1 from Run to Improve Photography
Near mile 2
Near mile 6
Finish: 2:03:29
Click here for my Garmin data.
While I didn't run a very smart race today, I was still happy to have finished another half marathon. After getting my medal and some post race snacks, I headed back to my car to free up my hands and to put on my jacket. I then hung out at the finish for a while to wait for some of my friends to finish their race. While waiting, a couple of my local friends showed up for the second of three available races for today.
Finisher medal
Post race snacks
Local friends show up for 2nd race
Natalie at finish line
Palabok fiesta with 2 pcs ChickenJoy, pineapple juice, and peach mango pie
Sunday 2/7
I got up early to catch the Tottenham v. West Brom match at 4 am. Thankfully, the Spurs won 2-0. I then followed that up with the Wolves v. Leicester match while getting ready and packed for an early drive home to avoid any traffic. I checked out of my unit just a few minutes before 7 am, well ahead of the required 10 am check-out time. I made good time and the drive home took about 3 hours and 15 minutes. After several consecutive months of making this drive, this has become my monthly race routine.
No comments:
Post a Comment