I ran the Nice Aloha Run in 2023, ending at a 7:14 tempo, and I used to be happy with that. After we went to Hawaii in 2023, we stayed for simply over per week. We stayed in Waikiki, and it was nice, however positively not our favourite trip. We even stated, “We’re by no means going again.”
Quick ahead to 2025, I used to be feeling a bit burned out at work and wanted an extended weekend within the solar. So, I booked tickets for a fast getaway. This time, we stayed on the North Shore and loved it much more. Plus, I believe 4 days was the proper period of time for us.
On our final day, the Nice Aloha Run occurred to be happening. Did we fly out only for the race? No. But it surely labored into the schedule. I believe that is the primary race the place I’ve taken a flight house afterward.
Earlier than the Nice Aloha Run
We acquired to the race expo round 3 p.m. the day earlier than. I appeared to recollect in 2023 that non-runners needed to pay to enter, however I’m undecided if that was the case in 2025. My husband stayed within the automotive.
Coincidentally, we ate on the identical Italian restaurant—not on objective, however I like garlic knots. I didn’t get nice sleep the evening earlier than, nevertheless it all labored out. We opted to remain in Honolulu the evening earlier than:a) as a result of it wasn’t Waikiki,b) as a result of it was near the airport so I may bathe earlier than heading house, andc) as a result of it was runnable to the race begin.
The morning of, I made a decision on buns as a result of the vibe was proper, and it was sizzling. The race began at round 73 levels with 89% humidity. I believe the dew level was round 70 levels. I acquired in a mile and a half warm-up, and by the point I reached the beginning line, I used to be already sweating.
Nice Aloha Run Race
Earlier than I knew it, we have been off. My purpose was to run sooner than two years in the past, however I didn’t have any huge expectations. It was sizzling and humid, and I knew it could be nice apply for Los Angeles. On an ideal climate day, I may most likely run round 6:40 tempo, however this wasn’t excellent climate.
I hit the primary mile in 6:51, and it felt nice. Once I ran the Mesa Half Marathon the week earlier than, 6:51 tempo didn’t really feel nice. However with 20-degree hotter climate and a brand new day, I wasn’t feeling dangerous. The Nice Aloha Run is flat for the primary 4 miles, then hilly-ish for the final 4.
I learn my race report from 2023 and remembered being unhappy about not having electrolytes, so this time, I carried my very own (Precision Gas Sodium blended with LMNT). It was tremendous salty however precisely what I wanted. At each water cease, I dumped (fortunately chilly) water on myself.
The subsequent mile was 6:57. Runners have been on the proper, whereas a number of military platoons ran in formation on the left. Round two miles in, we merged. Once I say it felt like being swallowed up, I imply it. I needed to run on the shoulder to get out of the best way. I’m undecided what the proper reply is there, nevertheless it felt chaotic—like when two completely different race distances collide.
Mile three was uneventful. Miles 4 and 5 have been below the monorail. It actually felt like the tip was by no means getting any nearer. I attempted to remain mentally engaged, however there was no GPS service, and my watch was telling me I used to be operating 8:00 tempo. I felt defeated till I noticed I used to be nonetheless maintaining tempo with different runners. I ended up operating 7:09 and seven:13 for these miles.
For some purpose, after I hit mile 5, I believed I solely had two miles left as an alternative of three. Once I realized it was really three miles, it felt soul-crushing.
The hills in miles six, seven, and eight felt tough, however I compelled myself to remain engaged. With fast math, I noticed I used to be averaging about 10 seconds sooner per mile than in 2023. I handed one lady round mile 6.5. I knew that after the final hill, it could be principally downhill, so as soon as we handed it, I simply ran as exhausting as attainable to the end.
I crossed the end line in 56:30, putting tenth lady general.
Closing Ideas
It’s at all times enjoyable to race one thing you’ve achieved earlier than and run it sooner (in contrast to the Mesa Half final weekend, LOL). I do know I’ve been making progress in health, however I’ve additionally had some harder race days. I ran about 75 seconds sooner than two years in the past on what felt like a tougher day. Plus, as a result of it was so heat, it was nice preparation for the Los Angeles Marathon in March.
You’ll be able to see Strava right here and extra race recaps right here.
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Questions for you:
What’s the hottest race you’ve run?
How do you carry electrolytes whereas operating?
