Run Through Redlands Half Marathon

Another so-so week of training. I am tired of hearing myself whine, so I can imagine how you all feel. So, instead of focusing on the minimal running during the week (crazy work schedule) or the failed 20 miler on Saturday (20+ mph winds, with gusts of more than 50 mph), I will instead tell you about the half marathon that I ran on Sunday.

And I’ll show you this:

At least I eat well when I’m training poorly.

Run Through Redlands Half Marathon

Actually, I had planned all along to run a half marathon this weekend. Originally, I was planning to run La Jolla Half Marathon, a race that Alan usually announces and that I love, challenging though it is.

But then, a scheduling conflict left Alan planning to announce the Run Through Redlands, which is much closer to home and saves us a lot of expenses in gas and food because we can drive up the morning of the race. They have a half marathon, 5k, 10k, and even a Color Splash run, so there really is something for everyone.

Then, after our tough 18 mile run last weekend, Alan wanted to run 20 miles this Saturday. I decided to run it with him, mostly because the 18 miles was so hard that I felt the need for a do-over. And it looked like the weather would be cooler (the heat was a big challenge the weekend before). Unfortunately, that cool weather came at a cost: extremely high winds. We did head out for our run, but after about five miles we mutually decided that it was just too much. So, I decided to run the half marathon after all.

It was a bit chilly (for us) in Redlands on Sunday morning, so I stayed in the car while Alan worked until about 20 minutes before the race. They start all the races at different times, with the 10k starting at 7:00, followed by the half at 7:20 and the 5k at 7:45. I watched the 10k runners get started, then headed to the starting line.

I started off the first two miles pretty strong (especially considering I have done virtually no speed training). Then the hills started. I have run along the course before when Alan was working, but I had never done the race. So I was surprised to find out just how hilly it was! I really think it can compare to the La Jolla course, which is one of the more challenging out there.

I had a little asthma scare at about mile 4.5. I can feel it coming on, so I stopped running, used my inhaler and walked until I felt ready to start running again (I really can feel it lift). I was concerned because it was so early in the race, but I was fine after that until the final mile.

I really loved this course. My grandparents lived in Redlands, so I am a little familiar with the area, but it’s different to experience when you’re an adult. It is an older area, with stately homes on huge lots in some places. There are still orange groves along the route, plus some spots that are almost forest-like, with old trees and brush. These pictures are from the previous times I’ve run through Redlands.

Beautiful, isn’t it? That being said, it is not the race you would want if you like to have cheering crowds to root you on. Aside from the volunteers, there was virtually no one out there.

The weather was perfect. What was too cold before the race, low 50s, was just right during. It stayed cool through the entire race, even when the sun peeped out from the clouds in the last couple miles. I did have one more asthma event (not attack because I stopped, walked, and used my inhaler before it got that far), in the last mile, but I was still able to get running again for the last half mile.

I’ve told you before how Alan greets me when he is announcing a race, usually starting with the words, “here comes my favorite person in the whole wide world!” This time he really piled it on, telling everyone my marathon PR of 3:16, that I was first place in the Encinitas 5k, and a few other things I couldn’t even hear. Of course he didn’t tell them that was all about 15 years ago!

I finished in 2:13:52. By my Garmin, I ran 13.25 miles, at a 10:06 pace. My official results were 13.1 at a 10:15 pace. Whatever, it was good enough for third place in my age group!

I started to get cold soon after I finished, so I headed to the car to change and get some warm clothes. When I got back, after checking my results and picking up my medal, I decided to take my own advice and take advantage of the free massage that was being offered. It was short, only about 10 minutes, but, along with my stretching and foam rolling, will help my recovery. Plus, I think I’ll get another massage this week. I earned it.

When I was walking back from changing into warm clothes (the start line, where we parked is about a quarter mile from the finish line, so it was a bit of a hike, tired as I was), the Color Splash run was just finishing up. Talk about perfect timing, they were playing the Dirty Dozen Official Ragnar Song as I was walking by!

I had done a little research before we went to Redlands, and somehow managed to find my grandparent’s address (in spite of it being over 30 years since they passed away). I found out that it was right in the middle of the race route! I had always felt that I was close by when I was running there in the past, but I couldn’t remember the street, let alone the complete address. So, after the race, Alan and I decided to drive by before we went home. Amazingly, it looks pretty much the same!

I can remember every bit of the inside. I have memories of my mom, grandma, and sisters playing cards in the dining room (the windows just about in the center of the house). We also had tons of fun in the swimming pool, and when we got older, we were allowed to sleep in the little guest house that is in the backyard. Good memories!

I spent the rest of Sunday recovering. When we got home, I took a nap, stretched some more, and used the foam roller.  And I made this again for dinner!

With five more weeks until Rock and Roll, I know I have to get serious with my training. I have a tempo run planned mid-week, my 20 miler next weekend, plus two other middle distance runs to help get my mileage to where I want it to be. I need to get my butt in gear or I will not have a pleasant experience in the marathon. I don’t want to just survive it, I want to run a strong and successful race. With no asthma, if that’s possible.

How did your weekend go? Did you have any races or other events? Or a massage? Share!!!