On Sunday in the wee early hours of the morning, Kelli and I got up and got ready for the Nike Women's Half-Marathon. Sweet Will was kind enough to drive us down to the start line at Union Square.
It was a pretty phenomenal sight, masses of excited women lining up before the race and grooving to the music that was playing...
A little inspired running, on behalf of my Mom:
I had decided a couple weeks prior to not worry about running for time (e.g. trying to run the fastest run possible), as I had been doing a lot of work travel and was worried about the hit in my training leading up to the race. Instead, I took the philosophy of trying to run for fun, which was a new one for me, and the first time in the last 20 months (and over 15 road races). I enjoyed the musical entertainment (check out the choir below along the Embarcadero):
I enjoyed all the aid stations (amazingly supported race, with aid stations every two miles with Gatorade and water at each one, and some had Luna moons, oranges, Ghirardelli chocolate, etc.). I felt strong all race, and was surprised at how good I felt on the hill climbs.
Kelli had a tough last 4 miles, so I was glad to have been there to help her through that. It was worth it in the end, she gritted through (yay Kelli!) and we finished on the Great Highway, with the sun shining. We were happily greeted by the famous firemen in tuxedos handing out the even more famous Tiffany's finisher's necklace.
After the run, we headed to Beach Chalet for post-run breakfast (hello, Bloody Mary!), and check out our awesome finisher dry-fit shirts:
I was happy to have finally run the Nike Women's half marathon. All the Saturday mornings spent going to the Nike Women's Run Club at the Marina (and sometimes in Danville) to get into the race was worth it. I hope I can get in next year, it would be great to take on the course again.
I enjoyed all the aid stations (amazingly supported race, with aid stations every two miles with Gatorade and water at each one, and some had Luna moons, oranges, Ghirardelli chocolate, etc.). I felt strong all race, and was surprised at how good I felt on the hill climbs.
Kelli had a tough last 4 miles, so I was glad to have been there to help her through that. It was worth it in the end, she gritted through (yay Kelli!) and we finished on the Great Highway, with the sun shining. We were happily greeted by the famous firemen in tuxedos handing out the even more famous Tiffany's finisher's necklace.
After the run, we headed to Beach Chalet for post-run breakfast (hello, Bloody Mary!), and check out our awesome finisher dry-fit shirts:
I was happy to have finally run the Nike Women's half marathon. All the Saturday mornings spent going to the Nike Women's Run Club at the Marina (and sometimes in Danville) to get into the race was worth it. I hope I can get in next year, it would be great to take on the course again.
