Woke up this morning at 4am. 4am on a Sunday people! Yes, we are crazy. Odessa and Michelle met me at my house and we piled into the "clown car" as we named it several years ago. Parking was easy and we headed over to the Embarcadero to find Elana.
It was dark and chilly, the Star-Spangeled Banner played and we got in line for the port-a-poties. Then we got in line again : ) Our wave started at 5:55.
The course went all along the Embarcadero and up around Crizzy Field until it finally lead us onto the Golden Gate Bridge. This is the only reason I got talked into doing the race. The view of the bridge was socked in by fog but it was absolutely beautiful. The mist blew on our faces and made our whole bodies a bit damp. Perfect running weather in my opinion.
At some point I left the girls and was running on my own. I felt good. I could breathe for the most part which these days seems to be a big deal. The hills were tough (some of the same Nike hills) but I've been trained well by Coach Al and can pretty much run through any hill.
I heard several people comment on my shirt. Which says "Amy" on the front so sideliners will call my name and "do the damn thing" on the back. Coach Al's favorite quote. One girl even pointed it out to her friend saying "she must know Coach Al"...that man gets around : )
THe bridge seemed longer going out than back..perhaps it was a slight incline? not sure....Maybe it was because I had no idea what mile I was on; but I like it that way.
Next thing I know I see a mile 10 marker and the next mile is all downhill. woo hoo. We run through some nameless SF streets on our way to the park but there are some rolling hills left that are a bit tiring. Then I hear some woman shout "only a quarter of a mile left"! My math being as crappy as it is was thinking...oh great almost one more mile left. HA.
The finish line came up before I expected and I had enough energy to sprint through. I think I did it in 2 hours and 11 minutes?? still not sure. If I wouldn't have stopped at 2 port-a-poties perhaps I would have broke 2 hours!
My girls were close behind and finished strong. Everyone had a great race. I think I'll sign up again next year ; )
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