Rodeo Beach 30K

Yesterday I ran my final race of the year, the PCTR 30K Rodeo Beach train run.  The weather was incredibly good, considering the day started out at 27f temperatures, but had warmed up to about 40f before the race started.

Driving there, we got lost and circled around Sausalito several times.  While driving through the town (and what turned out to be a long way away from the race start), a car pulled alongside mine and the guy motioned to roll down the window.  He asked if we were going to the race.  At first I could not understand how he knew, but then he pointed out my license plate (something around seven continents marathons ) and then understood why he asked.  After we found out the right way to go, we got there in good time for the race.  (Here’s a picture of Tim, the lost driver, before the race.)

The race was also momentous as it was Jennifer’s first race distance over 20k (which she/we ran last week – the Muir Beach race) and she did great.  Despite being a bit tired in the middle part, she was able to run the last 3.7 miles and sometimes at a 8:30 pace.  I’ve been saying that to start slow and finish fast is the way to go – to have energy to finish well and even pass people on the way in is great.  (And Jennifer learned the term “roadkill” and the requirements to qualify ).  It is very satisfying to see someone run and complete their first races (even if they already have an athletic history – kayaking and cross-country skiing seem much harder than running!).

Her story is posted at her site.

The sights were just amazing, with clear views all the way to the Golden Gate, Bay Bridge and Richmond-San Rafael bridge.  I could at various times look out over the Pacific and rugged coast, and all the way with clear views of the San Francisco city skyline.

PCTR does a great job of running these races and have fantastic food at the aid stations, the boiled potatoes with salt are the best.

They allow headphones and iPods, so playing music and enjoying the views is the best.  I’ve also learned to appreciate running with someone and how the miles can go by with conversation and laughs.

It has been a great year of running and have gotten stronger even during these past months.  Having done the Sony Ericsson marathon in November plus CIM, the 20k and 30k races in the past three weeks, I’m a little sad that the weather has turned so bad and it will probably be about five weeks before another race (due to travel and schedule).

Goals for the coming year: stay healthy, qualify for Boston and complete a 50-miler.  Oh yeah, keep having fun, smile and laugh more!