As the summer of weddings came to a close, it was time to focus on running. I’m happy to say the early morning runs, now entirely before sunrise and becoming cold, paid off. The weekend long runs through rolling hills paid off and then some.
Early in the race, when one has the energy to be goofy.
The Urban Cow course is mostly flat, weaving through a popular Sacramento park, then near the state capitol and into Old Sacramento before sending runners on a painfully long stretch along the bike trail next to the Sacramento River.
It heads back through the city streets to the park where we started, making a few turns before finishing with a great crowd cheering us on. Race operations felt very smooth and professional, the course was well marked and water stations were well-staffed and moved fast.
This race, however, was more than just a half marathon. It was my first half marathon. It was me achieving a goal I set last New Year’s and better yet, I did it in the time I knew possible if I left it all on the road. It was a great day, a great race and an even greater amount of fun. After all, if this isn’t fun, then why bother?
I’m getting better at eating quality pre-race foods, timing the recovery drinks/meals and have learned the importance of foam rolling everyday. But I’ve also learned the joy and pride in training and running a race. It’s becoming addictive; the longing for the finishers medal pulling me in.
I’ve decided to push harder from here instead of taking my foot off the gas. Greg and I are running the US Half in San Francisco, hills galore, in two weeks. I don’t expect to beat my Urban Cow time (1:59:51 chip time) because this course looks significantly more challenging, but I hope to keep it under 2:10.
For those who might be wondering why my wife, Kari, didn’t run with me, there’s a good reason. Though we both registered, she’s 14 weeks pregnant and doctor’s orders said no long distance running. Thankfully I have a best friend who can, with two weeks notice, train and run with me. Greg’s support is a big reason why I crossed the finish with nine seconds under the two-hour mark, sprinting with jello legs. Thanks dude.
To anyone with a used jogging stroller, I’m in the market. Let’s make a deal!
canuckaphobia 