wharf to wharf race report

so we were finally on our way...

i couldn't believe it.

rich still wasn't feeling the best,

but he was going to make a go of it

and we were all excited

to get this vacation started.

finally got to santa cruz

and it was FREEZING.

we couldn't believe it

it had never been this cold...56 degrees @ midday

so crazy.

had some food and checked out the race route.

such a gorgeous 6 mile course right along the ocean...

beautiful.

got up sun morning at about 6 or so.

had a bagelthin w/pb2 and a banana

got ready and was out the door

by a little bit after 7

met up with my friend, lisa & her friends at the shuttle

we rode the shuttle and made it to the start line

the crowd was HUGE

we got in line to use the bathroom

and waited

and waited...

for about 45 minutes.

the race started while we were in line for the port-a-potties

such a huge crowd...

it took ten minutes for me to hit the starting line

and from there on i stayed to the left hand side of the road

and weaved in and out

i was running up on curbs & even in the dirt

about half mile in, the road narrowed and i was walking...

walking...

i couldn't believe it.

first mile 10:24

second mile was just as crowded...

still dodging & weaving

mile 2...10:01

third mile was still packed...

i remember there being an uphill and thought people would slow

and move to the right...

nope they started walking right in front of me.

still weaving in & out

i was passing people on the hills

felt so great!

mile 3...9:17

i felt like i could not get going...

i would surge when i could and then would have to slow down..

it was driving me bonkers

mile 4...8:43

mile 5...8:57

last mile...things started to open up a bit...

followed a girl who was clipping along pretty fast

stayed with her

until the final downhill

when she pulled away.

i felt like i could finally run

and i was running fast

mile 6...8:25

last 300 feet i was running at a 6:49 pace

so happy for it to be over

final time was 56:08 by garmin

official time was 1:07:00 since everyone has the same start time

i had fun, but didn't feel like i had my best race

headed over to the beach to grab my goodie bag & t-shirt

and took the shuttle back to the hotel

i didn't feel tired or worn out

my best race is yet to come

picture of lisa, laura, & me in the porta-pottie line :)