Hey there! This morning I was back on my run game with the Irving Running Club. It felt so good to celebrate 10k Thursday once again! Legs are still a tad sore but overall feeling good after Sunday’s 26.2.
So I figured today would be a good day to do a little race recappin’! The Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon was super hilly, super humid but also super FUN. Running along the coast, climbing through the neighborhoods and enjoying all of the awesome folks down in Cali. I arrived to town pretty early on Saturday morning, hit the expo and grabbed my race swag. The expo of course was crazy crowded so I tried to get outta there as quick as possible to rest the legs for race day.
I did a little carb loading at the local pizza spot near my hotel. Fresh tomatoes and basil = the key to my heart.
Race day! I was super thankful for the hotel shuttle that took us fairly close to the race site. They dropped us off and it was a bit of a walk but the legs were good and warmed up for the start. I lined up to the corrals and was ready to go. Temps were about 60 something degrees, overcast and the breeze coming off of the ocean. I was happy it was not crazy hot like it has been lately in Texas. Basically the weather that morning was close to perfection for running.
Going into this race I knew we would be doing lots of hill climbing so I decided to just enjoy the ride and try to hold a steady pace with consistent splits. Which for most of the run I was able to do…holding strong in just under a 9:30 pace. The race was rolling hills in the first half and then things got pretty steep at the end. I kept hearing from folks that have done this race that mile 23 was a straight uphill climb on a highway. So I braced myself for that. And boy, they were not joking.
This was probably the toughest part of the course…and there are no spectators here so it’s all heart. I held on for as long as I could but definitely struggled the most with my pace at this point.
After the beast of highway stretch we go back into the neighborhoods and back into beautiful Balboa Park. It felt good to hit the downhills here and pick up the pace. I finished strong and felt pretty good at the end. Tired…and quads were trashed…but happy and riding that marathon high. 4:12:14 finish…fastest marathon so far this year on a not so easy course.
I’ve also been seeing my times improve with marathons lately which is really a confidence booster and shows me that I’m definitely capable of possibly another sub 4 in the near future. Stay tuned!
26.2 number 20 is complete! On to the next one.
The best part of this race…they gave all of the 26.2 finishers sweet jackets!! It was like Christmas morning.
Oh, and I got to do a ton of exploring after my race! Lots of walking along the beach. Coronado and La Jolla are now my top two favorite places in Cali.
Mojitos on the beach…definitely the cherry on top.
Have you ever run a super hilly marathon? When’s your next race?
Tonight…actually. It’s just a 5k though. HA!
Nice job!!
That pizza looks yummy 😍🍕
It totally was! Pizza Nova at the Point Loma Marina 😉
I’ll have to remember that & check it out.
Congrats on a great race! Who could ever argue that a mojito isn’t necessary after running 26.2???
Haha thanks! Exactly!!!
My September marathon is SUPER hilly. Kauai Marathon in Hawaii. Not running it for time…I had to defer last year because 3 days before boarding a flight to Hawaii…stress fracture in my leg. My tan line was awesome. But…this year…I’m taking on the race.
NICE! Go get ’em!!
With your recap…I believe it is possible. Congrats on your #20.
Thanks so much! 🙂 🙂
Congrats on a great race! Looks beautiful, I love SoCal!
Thanks Rebecca!
hills are pretty much the death of me. heat i can work with but hill no way! congrats on your 20th marathon and great time! awesome race swag i love jackets:)
HA!! They are a little less deadly if you are prepared though for sure!
WOW!!! beautfiul pics and awesome job on your marathon! I can’t wait to get that jacket in November! (RnR Las Vegas!) 🙂 Glad you had a great time!
I ran RnR Vegas last year, you can read up on my recap here!!
https://thedancingrunner.wordpress.com/2015/11/17/rnr-las-vegas-vacation-recap/
I have a feeling you will love it! Happy training to you!
Awesome! Thanks!! I bet I will… can’t wait 🙂
I was tired just reading this I can only imagine running this… Like I always say you are #beastmode! Congrats on your race and you totally deserved all the mojitos in SD!! 🙂
haha why thank you!
This race sounds like a killer. I can just imagine those hills! Great job!
Girl I was sore for days and am still a tad sore! Those Cali hills aint no joke!!!
Awesome job! It sounds like you had a great trip!
I did…love me some California running!!!
Congratulations! And yes, to that pizza (and sweet jacket).
Yeah buddy! The jacket was really a sweet post race treat!
#RockStar!! Congrats on your finish!! I had to come back and read your race recap, I’m playing catch up!!
Thanks so much! It was too fun. I’ve already signed up for next year!! You guys should come run it and make a vacation out of it!
We really want to get out west, hopefully in the near future!!