EVENT: Avia OC Half-MarathonDATE: Sunday, January 6, 2008
LOCATION: Newport Beach, CA
RACE BEGAN: 7:30 am
FINISH TIME: 02:08:14
I've been behind on posting complete race reviews, but at least I get them up.
Prelude: I stayed over in Irvine the night before the race, but in the process, I somehow left my shoes at home... NOT a good sign. Luckily, my friend picked them up for me, so I was good to go.
Overall, the course was a gradual uphill most of the way, narrow at many parts, and particularly crowded. The views were not spectacular; the highlight was a creek around miles 9-10. The rest were roads, residential areas, and even through some semi-private living areas. Very strange.
Although it had been raining the night before (and poured post-race), I overheated starting at mile 2-3, and I was only in a T-shirt and shorts. I knew something wasn't right when I saw my sister pass me at mile 3 (she usually does at 6). I was just feeling low on ener
gy and decided not to push overly hard due to another half a week after next. After tha halfway point, I slowed down because my legs were feeling heavy, as is now usual as of late, and just had a goal of not walking (except at water stations). I didn't really have a time goal this time, since I wasn't really "feeling it," though I actually did try to pick up the pace after what I perceived was mile 10 (the sign was nowhere to be found, though I heard it blew over?).I sprinted the last 0.1 mile faster than probably ever before and came in at around 2:11 gun time. Not the best, but not the worst, either. So far, this is my second-best time.
The water supply was ample, thought the Hydralyte/Gookinaid was not. I made particularly sure to walk through those because I needed some electrolytes, as my right hamstring was beginning to twitch/cramp. My left hip was also starting to hurt. If I learned anything from this race, it was that I need to eat more bananas. Speaking of bananas, I had half after the race even though they were STINGY with the food... I mean, I wanted an extra cereal bar, and they gave me the evil eye.
Next stop is Carlsbad... what a crazy way to begin the year!
Must hop on the OC Half bandwagon! :s
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ReplyDeleteAwe I hope you still enjoyed staying over despite some of the drawbacks from this Half. Yeah, I totally agree with what you said about the route and food recovery area. Could have been better.
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