One other 12 months on the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon. I’ve by no means truly raced it all-out, however I’ve run it for the previous three years. I do each the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K on Saturday and the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon on Sunday. Which means my legs are by no means “contemporary” for the half, however I all the time consider it as an pleasing future with mates.
Besides pleasing is all the time a query. For the primary two years after I had some points…together with getting locked in a seaside toilet…which made it not as enjoyable as I assumed. This 12 months, nonetheless, was completely different. It was truly enjoyable.
Earlier than the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon
I’ve determined the one method to do the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon is to remain in downtown Lengthy Seaside for the weekend. It’s expensive, however the chaos and parking stress aren’t price it, particularly for the reason that half begins 90 minutes after the total and a number of other roads shut early.
After ending the 5K on Saturday, I had a fairly stress-free day. I assumed the race began at 7:30 a.m. and stored that in my head till round 6:40 a.m. when somebody within the elevator talked about it truly began at 7. I mainly sprinted to the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon begin line. Fortunately it was solely about half a mile away, but it surely threw off my plans for breakfast and warming up. Lesson realized: learn the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon pre-race directions extra rigorously subsequent time.
I had deliberate for a two-mile warm-up and ended up doing about half a mile. Since I arrived late, they weren’t letting anybody else into Corral A. Often elite runners line up late so I used to be curious in the event that they have been telling the elite runners additionally they couldn’t be in corral A however I didn’t care sufficient to argue and simply rolled with it.
Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon Race
My unique plan was to run with the 1:40 pacers, however since I began behind them, it became a protracted sport of catch-up. I may see them a few minute forward, however I didn’t need to waste vitality pushing too laborious early. I began round 7:30 tempo and held that for the primary 4 miles. It was pretty uneventful, I used to be simply cranking alongside.
I wanted to cease for a loo break since I didn’t get to go beforehand, however I completely refused to make use of one of many concrete bogs once more. To be trustworthy, I don’t know if I ever will. I ended at a porta-potty close to the aquarium as an alternative, which set me again about 30 seconds.
As we ran alongside the water, I took within the sights. What a totally completely different expertise from final 12 months. I didn’t really feel wonderful, however I didn’t really feel unhealthy both. Round mile six, close to the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon end space, I took a Carbs gel with sodium, which I’ve been liking recently. I ran for a bit with my pal Lucie and settled in.
Miles seven by way of ten alongside the Lengthy Seaside working path are stunning however can get heat. You’re totally uncovered to the solar. Final 12 months the climate was toasty sufficient that they began the race early. This 12 months it was heat however high-quality. The seaside path isn’t large, and I began passing marathoners. I perceive why the Lengthy Seaside Marathon and Half Marathon use this part, it’s scenic, however I’m not an enormous fan of slender bike paths for big races. It’s not closed off so that you cope with anybody out for a exercise on the seaside path from bikers, to canine walkers, to different runners.
Finally, I caught up with my pal Karina and the 1:40 pacers. It was the spotlight. We chatted for a bit earlier than I made a decision to press ahead round mile ten. I needed to push up the hill round mile eleven.
Is that hill laborious? It’s not simple, but it surely’s not horrible both. I ran the uphill mile at 7:18 tempo after which pushed more durable for the ultimate stretch, working a 6:55. Once I noticed the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon end line, I gave it every little thing I had. The downhill end makes it enjoyable to return flying in. I crossed in 1:36:58. I used to be each joyful and shocked to cross beneath 1:37.
Ideas
I’m pleased with how the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon went. After working the 5K the day earlier than, I knew I wasn’t racing it all-out. My legs have been drained, however I nonetheless managed to damaging cut up and benefit from the course. It was undoubtedly my most enjoyable Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon but. I’ve additionally seen how the crowds have been constructing during the last couple of years, particularly in direction of the ultimate miles.
Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon Course Evaluate
The course is quick, scenic, and largely flat with simply noticeable hills round miles two (bridge), 4 (bridge), and eleven. It begins close to the Lengthy Seaside Conference Heart, runs by way of Shoreline Village, and continues alongside the seaside path earlier than looping again towards downtown. The ocean views are stunning, however the slender path sections can really feel crowded.
Climate can range 12 months to 12 months, however count on gentle temperatures within the low to mid-60s at the beginning. It’s normally on the pretty hotter facet. Hydration stations are spaced effectively, and crowd help picks up round downtown and the end space.
Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon FAQs
When is the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon?A: The Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon sometimes takes place in early October as a part of the Lengthy Seaside Marathon weekend, which additionally features a 5K, bike tour, and children’ enjoyable run.
Is the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon hilly?A: The course is usually flat with a number of small hills round miles 2, 4, and 11, and a ultimate downhill end.
What’s the climate like for the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon?A: Often on the hotter facet, but it surely really feel sizzling particularly on the open seaside path.
Is the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon a very good race for inexperienced persons?A: Sure. It’s effectively organized, scenic, and pleasant to each inexperienced persons and skilled runners. The crowds and seaside views make it a enjoyable environment for all paces.
You’ll be able to see Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon Strava right here and all race recaps right here.
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Questions for you:
Have you ever run the Lengthy Seaside Half Marathon?
What’s your favourite half marathon?
