Your Bi-Annual Post-Race Tradition

a race report

I ran a half-marathon this weekend; it's turned into something of a tradition. Two a year, at least for the past 3 years. This was a new one, the Quarry Lakes Turkey Half Marathon here in Fremont, organized by Brazen Racing. I'm going to try to keep this short, of course, I say that every time.

This was a bittersweet race for me. Okay, you can 86 the sweet, sub extra bitter. We had originally decided to do this race as an event with our church youth group. We, as leaders, would run and encourage the students to join in with us. It's a great lesson for young people; you commit to a difficult task, prepare for it, and then complete it. The accomplishment you feel is genuine, and that's basically what you do every day in real life. In the spirit of camaraderie, I also invited several other friends to join in with me, and many declared that they would run as well.

Every single one of them dropped out, bailed out, or quit. And when race day finally came along, no one in the youth group, no one from church, and none of my friends even bothered to come by and support me and cheer along the course or at the start or finish line.

It was a very lonely race.

There was a cool moment, about a quarter-mile from the finish that a group of teenagers (who I think had already finished the race) were standing by the course. As I came around the corner, they all started whooping and cheering "Nathan! Go Nathan! You're almost there! Great job!" That I was glad for.

It was also wonderful to run into my old friend Jared at the starting line, and at the finish line. We were able to catch up a little bit after the race; I need to go running with that guy more often.

As for the race itself, it was so-so. I didn't run well, which I attribute to two main factors:

1. My training wasn't sufficient. I started over a month late (due to a century bicycle ride I did), and then I was beset by minor injuries and setbacks which reduced the number of training runs I was able to get in.
2. Three-quarters of the course was over gravel and rocky dirt trails. For most runners, not a big deal. For me with my super-thin Vibram Five Finger shoes, it meant shooting pain through my foot every time I stepped on a rock or uneven surface (which was nearly every step). In addition to the pain, my pace slowed down while I was stared down the path looking for the best spots to land without pain. This stopped me from being able to get into a zone, and was mentally exhausting as well.

I ran a 2:02:07, which is not a great time for me. According to the MapMyRun record of the race, my final distance was actually 13.58 miles (a half marathon course is 13.1). My pace with that distance was nearly identical to my last race, though still not a personal best.

Things I liked about this race:

• It was local! I was so happy that it was so close and I didn't have to wake up super early and drive all the way out to San Francisco or San Jose or somewhere far.
• Parking was simple and close. And free.
• Participant size was small enough to be personal, but large enough that I was never alone on the course.
• Very frequent aid stations.
• The post-race food selection was superb. Pie (seriously), Its-It gourmet ice cream sandwiches, plus all of the normal fixins. And lots of it. More than enough.
• Your race bib has your name on it, so 
• The race announcer saluted everyone by name as the crossed the finish line.

All-in-all, I was very impressed with the race organizer, Brazen Racing. I would definitely do more races by them.

Things I didn't like about this race:

• The course was mostly gravel paths. Already noted above.
• At the finish line, they had water, but in coolers and paper cups. I would have liked to have had a bottle of water (or sports beverage).

Anyways, it was what it was. I sure didn't think I was ready, and I wasn't, but I haven't backed out of a race yet. I don't plan to start. At least I showed myself that even unprepared, I've still got enough mojo.