Rock 'n Roll San Francisco Half!

I have decided that Rock 'n Roll racing is very appropriately named because of the HILLS in every one of their races! We were definitely rockin' and rollin' up and down some brutal inclines in San Francisco but it was absolutely worth it! This race was my 10th half-marathon and without a doubt the most spectacular!

My run crew and I decided several months ago that San Francisco would be a fun "run-cation" trip and we have had it on the calendar for quite some time now. I was intrigued by the idea of running across the Golden Gate Bridge and along the waterfront of the bay and I must say that the experience was everything I hoped and imagined it would be and more!

We arrived on Friday, April 5 and spent some time in the Fisherman's Wharf area before checking into our Airbnb later in the afternoon. I had previously fallen in love with Boudin's sourdough bread bowl and clam chowder on a previous trip to San Francisco so I couldn't wait to have it again! The day was cool and overcast so the soup and carbs definitely hit the spot. The rest of the day we just "winged it" as far as an itinerary, hitting up Lombard Street, a grocery store, an Asian food spot for dinner among other stops. Others in my group went out for some live music in Oakland that night but I was so exhausted from getting to bed at midnight and up at 3am for our early morning flight that I knew a good night's sleep would be a better idea for both my sake and my friends'!

The next morning, Kelli, Lydia and I got up early to meet a Bay area running club called Concrete Runners for a Saturday morning run. It's always a goal of ours to connect with the running community in other cities and we had become familiar with Concrete Runners on Instagram and seeing their involvement recently in The Speed Project. We met up with them at a beautiful trail called Sawyer Creek Trail. They were such a welcoming and fun crew and we enjoyed chatting about different upcoming races before taking off on an easy shakeout run. Kelli and I did an easy 4 miles and enjoyed the gorgeous scenery along the trail.

After leaving the run, we met up with the rest of our crew back at the Airbnb to head over to the Lands' End trail area for some light hiking and photography opportunities. The views here did not disappoint! We only "hiked" (more like a very leisurely walk) about a mile and a half but we did take plenty of pictures! From there we headed back to the Fisherman's Wharf/Pier 35 area to hit up the expo and packet pick-up. The expo was pretty decent for a Rock 'n Roll race but so many in the group were hungry for lunch (it was already getting close to 3pm) that we did not spend as much time there as I would have liked. We stopped at another waterfront seafood place for our late lunch (I had a crabwich) before eventually heading back to our Airbnb. We initially planned to eat a pasta dinner that evening but because we had lunch so late,we ended up scrapping that plan. The race the next day had a very early start (6:15am) and so I knew I personally needed to get to bed pretty early in order to be up about 4am to prepare and head to the race. 😊

Although the weather forecast had changed multiple times in the days and hours leading up to the race, the race morning actually turned out to be decent running weather. It was in the 50's, cool and humid. I started out with my lightweight Brooks windbreaker on but while I was waiting to start realized I needed to take it before we started running. We got to the start area plenty early and had no trouble checking bags or using the restroom. The only thing that was a little confusing was their new system of using LED wristbands to indicate your corral start time instead of using traditional corrals. I was a little confused on where I needed to be and when and couldn't understand anything over the PA system that was being said. I ended up just missing my Corral 2 start but was at the very front of Corral 3.

It was still dark when we started running but the temperature felt perfect to me. Within the first mile we were faced with our first challenging hill and I knew that this course was going to be a tough one. I felt good though and continued to run strong. I can't remember what mile the Run to Remember mile was (mile 4 or 5?) but it was one of the most memorable parts of the course. Photos of fallen soldiers lined the course and people holding American flags were stationed all the way up one of the steepest hills of the day cheering us on. It took my mind off how much I was suffering on the hill and instead placed my focus on how grateful I felt to be alive, to be free to run and participate in experiences like this race due to those who had sacrificed it all for our country's freedoms. The cheers and encouragement from the flag holders also gave me an added boost to get to the top. There was a short reprieve before having to attack some more inclines as we worked our way up to the entrance of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Running across the bridge was breathtaking! The views of the bay and the city behind me were spectacular. I wanted so badly to stop and take it in and take more photos/video but I was running such a strong pace that the competitive side of me didn't want to slow down or mess up my time. I decided to just focus on being in the moment and memorizing the moment in my mind. Feeling the ocean air in my face, hearing the waves crashing below, seeing the vast beauty around me created such an overwhelming sense of gratitude in my heart as I continued to run and feel the strength in my legs, the breath in my lungs, my heart pounding. I felt so ALIVE and grateful. I felt so thankful that I have the ability to run, to travel, to see God's creation in this way. Although my body was starting to fatigue, I almost didn't want the moment to ever end. Even after crossing the bridge and back, I continued to soak in the beauty of the course as we ran along the waterfront back toward the last few miles.

Although I was wearing a 1:45 pace band (the only other option at the expo was 2:00) I hadn't really expected that a 1:45 would be possible, even before I started the race. After the hills beat me up and wore me down, I definitely knew it was out of reach but I was still pretty pleased with the pace I was able to maintain on the second half. I knew I wasn't too far off the 1:49-1:50 range so I kept pushing. I saw two of the faster guys in my run crew after I made the U-turn along the waterfront which gave me extra motivation not to get caught! I was 2-3 minutes ahead of them at that point and my competitive nature kicked in, determined to expand the lead. In almost every race I've run, I've managed to negative split and this race was no different, due in part to the Chocolate Cherry Clif Shot that I swear by! (I usually take this around mile 8-9 and you can always tell an immediate difference in my splits!) I was feeling good until about mile 12 when we were hit with yet ANOTHER incline for the final stretch! I had to really fight to hold my pace on that last mile but I knew the finish line wasn't far away. There was an extremely steep decline before making a right toward the finish line (had to slow down so I wouldn't fall face first down the hill!) and then there I was in Ghiradelli Square. The beautiful race that I never wanted to end was over. I was pleased to finish in 1:50, which I think is my 3rd fastest half (I've run 1:48, 1:49, and 1:51 before, so now have the missing number, ha). and was especially pleased to finish 12th in my age group!!

I was pretty impressed at the post-race snacks and beverages provided. I think I got more snacks and goodies than we did at the Chicago Marathon! Including chocolate milk which I love after a race! I found a place to rest and refuel while waiting for the rest of my crew to finish. I had put my Hoka recovery sandals and a jacket in my gear check bag and I was glad to put that on as I got quite chilly once I stopped running. One by one all 13 Dallas runners finished, including my friend Lydia! It was Lydia's first race beyond a 5K and she had trained for 3 months with Dallas Running Club to prepare. It was such a joy to see her achieve her goal!

Once the entire crew was finished, we headed to a nearby breakfast spot called Eight A.M for a fabulous post-race brunch. I had avocado toast three ways with fruit and it couldn't have hit the spot more. We only had a few hours to shower and pack before a few of us had to head to the airport for our long flight home.

Although the course was challenging in places, I can say without a doubt that this race in San Francisco is the best half-marathon I have done, hands down. I loved every moment soaking in the beauty of this unique city as we traveled through it on foot. I'm thankful I had the health, strength, means, and opportunity to participate in such an exhilarating experience!