The Conquer the Bridge 5.3-mile race continues to be one in every of my favourite races. This was my fourth time operating it, and my third quickest time. I knew I used to be in higher form than the day earlier than, however my physique simply wasn’t feeling it. Some days, you get up like that.
Earlier than operating three years in the past, I did some analysis and located that the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia is 135 toes, whereas the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro is 180 toes. The Bay Bridge in Annapolis is 190 toes, and the Jordan Bridge in Norfolk is 144 toes. So sure, the Vincent Thomas Bridge is tall!
Earlier than the Conquer the Bridge:
We headed down round 1 p.m., picked up our packets, ate an early dinner, and went to mattress early. Over the vacation weekend, I actually tried to concentrate on my sleep as a result of I’ve been so drained these days. It was a really uneventful night. The morning got here early, and I awoke at 4:30 a.m. The Conquer the Bridge race begins at 7 a.m.
We arrived on the race round 5:50 am to safe an honest parking spot. I warmed up a few miles, however I didn’t really feel good. I might inform it was going to be a type of days when my physique simply wasn’t cooperating.
Conquer the Bridge Race:
The Conquer the Bridge race began simply after 7 a.m. After we started, I used to be shocked by how briskly folks had been operating. I stored telling myself: “Lots occurs on the bridge, and you may move them.” I took the primary mile out in 6:54, my quickest for the reason that first 12 months. Many of the first mile is flat earlier than it begins to go over the bridge.
The second mile is half uphill on the Vincent Thomas Bridge and half downhill. I ran a 7:11, however my legs didn’t really feel good. I wasn’t excited for the fourth mile, which is sort of fully uphill.
I attempted to push by way of the subsequent mile downhill and across the turnaround. After happening the Vincent Thomas Bridge, there’s a small incline simply earlier than the turnaround. I might see the leaders turning and counted that I used to be in regards to the eleventh or twelfth lady. That may be disappointing, particularly since I used to be third final 12 months, however you simply by no means know who will present up!
Anyway, we headed again up the Vincent Thomas Bridge for the subsequent mile. I ran an 8:13, and that is the place I misplaced essentially the most time—about 30 seconds slower than most years. Wanting again, I by no means discovered the bridge as difficult as I normally do, and I doubtless simply didn’t push it. Darn. My legs didn’t have their ordinary race day pop (much like Conquer the Pier…perhaps I ought to cease conquering issues). I did move two girls on the bridge.
After that, it was time to cruise downhill. I picked up pace and ran a 6:27 on the descent. From there, I centered on the end line. When you get off the Vincent Thomas Bridge, you’ve got about three-quarters of a mile to go, nevertheless it feels prefer it by no means ends. You may see the end line from over half a mile away. I noticed my husband and simply stored pushing, feeling like I had nothing left within the tank. He stated my tangent operating was horrible, however I solely ran 5.33 versus 5.3.
I crossed the end line in 37:58 and completed because the ninth lady total.
Conquer the Bridge Ideas:
I’m disillusioned with how my race went, however I additionally perceive that I wasn’t feeling my greatest that day. It stinks when it occurs, particularly on race day, however if you race typically, it will probably’t all the time be your day. I’m comfortable to have run a 7:07 common up the bridge on a difficult day.
You may see Strava right here and extra race recaps right here.
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Questions for you:
Do you take pleasure in bridge runs?
What’s your favourite race?
