Category Archives: The Race “Experience”
THE DISNEYLAND HALF MARATHON EXPERIENCE: UNEXPECTED EXPO
What’s the saying: “The best laid plans of mice and men…”
Kind of a fitting statement because my plans involved a mouse named Mickey.
Anyway, I had originally intended to spend my Saturday down in Anaheim with Lindy, staying at the Marriott near Disneyland. We’d hit the expo and then wander around downtown Disney this afternoon before I carbo-loaded tonight while watching some serious Badger football (and a few zzzs) in preparation for tomorrow’s pre-dawn start to the Disneyland Half Marathon.
Well, life got in the way and plans have shifted a bit.
So I made my way down to Disney yesterday to hit the expo and pick up my race stuff.
Now I’m back in LA taking care of business and combatting my runner’s OCD as I gather up my gear.
And I guess I’ll be getting up at “ass o’clock” tomorrow morning (aka 2:30 am-ish) in order to get down to the “Mouse House” for the race.
Have a good “football” Saturday everyone… and Run on!
THE PEACHTREE ROAD RACE EXPERIENCE: POST MORTEM
Hey Trippers!
Run on Atlanta!
So today’s Peachtree Road Race marked my 10th or 11th time running the race (I honestly can’t remember) over the last two decades. The Peachtree holds a special place in my heart as it was indeed the very first race I ever ran.
On July 4th, 1994 I ran my FIRST Peachtree.
On July 4th, 2014 I ran my BEST Peachtree.
I was a tad concerned yesterday about the race because my runs this week in the humid conditions were less than impressive (huff and puff and blow this runner down). And on Thursday I picked up a bit of a cold, complete with scratchy throat and headache.
THE SAN DIEGO ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MARATHON EXPERIENCE: POST MORTEM
Hi Trippers!
At least my thumb was working.
So yesterday I ran the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and I think one of my running friends said it best when she described it as a “challenge” race for me.
In the past I’ve typically run 6 half/full marathons in an entire year. I’ve equalled that amount in just the first 5 months of 2014. And before this year I’d never run more than 2 full marathons in one year. I’ve now done 3 full marathons in less than 90 days (85 days to be precise)
I’ve been pushing my body really hard since October and while I’ve been thrilled with the results, I guess it was bound to catch up with me a some point. Perhaps I was due for a “less than ideal” race.
This was not a race where I excelled. Nope, this was a race where I survived.
THE SAN DIEGO ROCK ‘N’ ROLL MARATHON EXPERIENCE: ROAD TRIPPIN’
Rock and Run on!
Hi Trippers!
Really lousy wifi at my hotel, so only a quick post before tomorrow’s San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.
Drove down yesterday with my lady Lindy and had to brave mucho traffic on the route from LA to SD.
We arrived at 5:30pm and I had the dilemma of deciding whether to hit the expo before it closed at 7pm or waiting until today. Well, runner’s OCD won out so we hightailed it down to the San Diego Convention Center and a quick walkabout at the expo.
Look mom, I’m Gu.
It was a little surreal at the convention center as I’m used to being there for San Diego Comic Con (in 7 weeks, btw) where it’s jam packed wall-to-wall with fanboys and fangirls. Well, yesterday you could actually move freely and there wasn’t a stormtrooper in sight.
Had a good time grabbing up my bib/tech t-shirt and a whole bunch o’ running swag.
Then it was off to Joe’s Crab Shack for dinner on the water.
Today it’s an opportunity to sightsee around SD (planning on touring the USS Midway) and then a carbo-load dinner with the SA2LV/Half Fanatics crew.
And tomorrow I think I’ll go for a run.
Post mortem when I get back to LA tomorrow night.
Have a great day everyone and… Run on!
THE OC MARATHON EXPERIENCE: “RACE MORNING”
Good Morning Trippers!
Thumbs up, OC!
Up at 3:45am, dressed, caffeinated and heading out the front door of the hotel and walking right to my corral. Can I tell you how cool it is having a hotel that is starting line adjacent? That would be very cool indeed.
Number of runners for OC Marathon/Half: 14,000
Temperature forecast for the start (5:30am): 63 degrees.
First Song on My Running Mix: “Promises”- Def Leppard
Bring on the 26.2…”Post Mortem” later today.
Run on!
THE OC MARATHON EXPERIENCE: “AT THE FAIR”
Hi Trippers!
Woo Hoo…26.2!
Greetings from sunny Newport Beach. Drove down around lunch time to grab my bib and tech shirt at the OC Marathon Expo.
Located at the OC Fairgrounds (which also serves as the finish line and race after party) the race expo was overflowing with energy as excited half marathoners and marathoners milled about checking out the latest in running gadgets/apparel and sampling some of the race foods and drinks offered by vendors.
I ran into Rob from RaceGrader and got a chance to chat about upcoming races. He also asked when I was going to attempt my first triathlon… my dance card is full for 2014, so I’m thinking next year.
Rob from RaceGrader.
It was a good time walking about the floor and I ended up making a few purchases. I picked up a pair of compression socks to try out on the ride home tomorrow.
Squeezin’ da calves.
I also saved a few bucks and registered for the Surf City Half Marathon in February. Yup, I’m currently signed up for races all the way through April of 2015.
Running at the surf in 2015.
And I also met the head of CrankSports and he gave me some samples of their e-Fuel endurance products to try out. I’ll post a review once I’ve given them a test run in the weeks to come.
e-Fuel Endurance Blend.
Now it’s time to hang for a little bit at my hotel…located right at the starting line. Yup, I get a whole extra hour of sleep tomorrow morning (I’ll still be getting up at “Sparrow’s Fart”… as in really damn early) and won’t have to deal with catching a pre-race shuttle.
So, before I head off to dinner with a bunch of Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs I’ll leave you with a few other images from today’s expo.
Run on!
THE OC MARATHON EXPERIENCE: “COMICS FIRST”
Hi Trippers,
Free Comic Book Day swag from DC Comics!
It’s Saturday morning… or should I say “Race Day Eve”?
My bags are packed, my runner’s OCD is in full swing and I’m ready to head off to Newport Beach for the OC Marathon. By the way, organizers are expecting a record turnout for the race (22,000 runners pounding the pavement for the various events).
I can’t wait to get down there and dive right into the mayhem. But before I hit the road I must feed one of my other passions.
Today is the 2014 installment of “Free Comic Book Day.” If you’re a fan o’ comic books or haven’t picked one up since you were a kid (you can also use your own kids as an excuse to let your inner geek out for a stroll), be sure to check out the link to the Free Comic Book Day website. It’ll let you know all about it and a way to locate participating comic book stores near you.
REVIEW: HOLLYWOOD HALF MARATHON (4/5/14)
“Hollywood” and “Challenge” bling!
“Hooray for Hollywood!” This past Saturday morning saw a “premiere” like none other as over 10,000 racers lined up outside of the famed Chinese Theater to take part in the 3rd running of the Hollywood Half Marathon/10K/5K. Started back in 2012, this race happens just a few weeks after the Los Angeles Marathon and utilizes some of the same course. For those of us who pounded the pavement at the LA Marathon, this race serves as a nice follow-up and a second chance to hit the streets of Hollywood. The race raises money and awareness for local homeless youth shelters (a very worthwhile cause) and has a very positive vibe about. The Hollywood Half Marathon/10k/5K features a combined start for all three distances, meaning the beginning of the race has the feel of a bigger city event. In 2014, over 5700 entrants ran the half marathon (making it the most popular distance) while the 10K and 5K each had between 2100-2300 participants.
THE HOLLYWOOD HALF MARATHON EXPERIENCE: POST MORTEM
Damn, that’s a big medal.
When I laced up my shoes this morning for the Hollywood Half Marathon I realized that barring any last second additions, this was going to be my last half marathon until mid-August (my next two monthly races will be full marathons). I knew the outcome of this race was going to be bouncing around my mind for the next four months. My hope was to push it a bit and have a good race.
I didn’t have a good race….
I had a friggin’ awesome race.
One of my best ever.
I’ll leave discussions about the course and race for the full race review (coming tomorrow), but it really was a wonderful experience today. Read the rest of this entry
THE HOLLYWOOD HALF MARATHON EXPERIENCE: RACE MORNING (AKA “WORLD PREMIERE”)
Good Morning Trippers!
Up at 3:00am, dressed, caffeinated and out the door in time to catch the 4:35am Metro Rail at Universal City Station.
Number of runners for The Hollywood Half Marathon, 10K and 5K: Approximately 11,000
Temperature forecast for the start (6am): Approximately 51 degrees
First Song on My Running Mix: “A Light That Never Comes”- Linkin Park
Hooray For Hollywood and let’s do this…”Post Mortem” later today.
Run on!
THE HOLLYWOOD HALF MARATHON EXPERIENCE: EXPO AT LIGHTSPEED
Expo to the stars!
Hey Trippers!
It’s been an uber-busy week and between a major delivery of a project at work, some home projects, auditions and tax prep (April 15th is coming up quick), I’ve been pulled in a million directions… at least it gives me a good stretch. As a result, not only have I not been able to “Stop and smell the roses,” but I’ve barely had time to glance at them as run by “full tilt boogie.”
And that “Hurry, hurry, hurry” mentality has even spilled into my race prep. On the way to the expo for the Hollywood Half Marathon yesterday, I got a call that there was a “hiccup” at work (or maybe it was a belch, I’m not sure what qualifies as what) and they needed me over in West LA ASAP. I normally like to take my time and enjoy the “Expo experience” but yesterday ended up being a lesson in “Get in and get out.” Read the rest of this entry
RUN RUN RUDOLPH!
Just a fun little bonus and some food for the ego. I received an e-mail today from Run Racing premiering their new promo video for The Holiday Half Marathon in Pomona.
I happened to see a familiar face wearing reindeer antlers… and check out the :40 mark for some slow-motion goodness. Ho-Ho-Ho!
Run on!
THE SURF CITY EXPERIENCE: “POST MORTEM”
I came, I saw, I surfed.
The race is run and the day is done.
Surf City was the site of my very first half marathon back in ‘09 and today’s race was my 25th half marathon overall. It seemed fitting that I ran my silver anniversary race back where it all began.
I had a good run, going out with a bit of a chip on my shoulder. One of my goals is always to run a “negative split” (second half faster than my first half). It turned out that both halves ended up being equal. I think I was slowed a little bit in the second half by the headwinds that kicked up in the last five miles and a bunching of runners near the end. I also went out of the starting gate a wee too fast, burning up my energy a little too rapidly early on and thus preventing me from quickening my pace in the last few miles.
Still, a great race and a helluva lot of fun. Can’t wait to run it again in 2015.
CHIP TIME: 2:06:33 (New PR)
PACE: 9:40 min/mile
PLACE: 4761 out of 15,447
And now it is time to sleep.
Good night… and run on!
THE SURF CITY EXPERIENCE: “THE MORNING”
Cowabunga!
Race morning. Up at 3:30am.
Number of runners for The Surf City Half Marathon and Full Marathon: Approximately 20,000
Temperature at the start: Approximately 46 degrees
First Song on My Running Mix: “I Can’t Stop Loving You”- Van Halen
Let’s do this.
Run on!
THE SURF CITY EXPERIENCE: “THE CALM BEFORE…”
The night before the race.
Always a fun (and OCD filled) time for me as I check, double check and triple check my stuff in preparation for tomorrow. I sit at the desk, look over the course and plan my race strategy.
Sit & Think
Of course it’s always a little different being on the road and tonight I’m lounging out at the Double Tree Club Hotel. I live close enough to Surf City (about 50 miles away) that I could have driven down in the morning (early early in the morning, mind you).
But given the parking/traffic headache (20,000 people cramming into this oceanside town) coupled with the 405 freeway being shut down overnight in Orange County (detour, anyone), I decided to pony up for a room, get an extra hour of sleep and use the hotel shuttle to get me to and form the start line. All good.
Tripping The Kenyans 