#sanpasqual

March 6, 2018

In December 2017 I ran the Del Dios Half Marathon, another Endurance Race Series event. Despite the unexpected dry and hot weather, I enjoyed the course, the people, the shirt, the medal and most of all the post-race buffet. Even though the race in December was fun, I was disappointed with my finish time of 2:20 and placing 5th in my age group, so immediately I signed up for the next race in the series, the San Pasqual Half in February.

I was excited for this race because of the challenging climb up Raptor Ridge, not one time, but two times in this race. Uphill has always been my strong point, but when going downhill, I tend to put on the brakes. I began training with my coaches more on my balance, mobility and lateral movements along with strengthening my legs with box jumps, step ups, squats and deadlifts. I kept to my normal run schedule of 4-5 times a week on the trails with a mix of flats and hills and lots of heat training.

The week before the race I co-hosted a training run with Ultrabuds and ERS that would include the two climbs of Raptor Ridge. I know I could easily do it once, but I lacked the confidence of being able to do it twice without walk breaks. I arrived at the group run early with a few others, so that I could get three climbs in with a total of 11 miles. I left that day feeling super confident and ready to go for race day.

On race day I arrived early to pick up my bib and say hi to all my friends (and mom) who were volunteering that day. I warmed up with our other Buds, the San Diego Trail Club, which included dynamic stretching, running and some light yoga. The start was cold of course, and I fought the adrenaline rush to stay in the front and pass everyone in the beginning. I kept to my pace, saving my strength for the two climbs. During the first climb, I was able to pass three people which boosted my spirits. On the first downhill, I trusted my training and took off the brakes. At about mile 6 is when I started to see the runners in the front come back. I counted the number of females ahead of me. There were 12. I got to the turnaround where my friends from MROC were volunteering. Hearing their hooting and hollering gave me a boost and I quickly filled up my water and kept going. On the way back right before climb two, I got another boost from seeing my SDTC friends and exchanged words of encouragement. As I ran up and down Raptor the second time I passed four more people. 10 females now in front of me. Only three miles left and flat to the finish. I saw my mom at the second to the last aid station. She filled my water and threw sport beans in my mouth. Off I was. I was racing. 9 females in front of me, 1.5 miles left. Last aid station I ran by in a full sprint now. 8 females in front of me. I rounded the bend, saw the finish and gave it everything I had, crossing the line at 2:10:19. I knew I was the 9th female, but I had no idea what age group the others were in.

I headed to the buffet table where I had an ice-cold Gatorade, a veggie burger and yogurt. I relaxed with my friends, took some pics and cheered on the finishers as I patiently waited for the times to be posted. All I was hoping for was 3rd in my age, an improvement from my last race. I was stunned and excited to see that I came in 1st in my age group! All that hard training, working with my coaches, counting my macros and properly hydrating myself daily all paid off! It is a great feeling to have – the best runner’s high, when you finish a race successfully and meet your goals.

Again, another huge shout out to RD Jeff Stoner for putting on a super fun trail race! Challenging course, spirited volunteers, a motivating MC and of course the best buffet and beer at the finish line. Looking forward to the last race in the Sunshine Series, the Coast to Crest 10k coming up on March 10th!