Whew, what to say concerning the Lengthy Seashore Half Marathon?
The brief reply: It wasn’t my day. My abdomen didn’t really feel nice, and I’m not fairly certain why. I had pasta…nothing loopy or out of the abnormal.
However hey, new worry unlocked: getting locked inside a public lavatory mid race.
Earlier than the Lengthy Seashore Half Marathon
I ran the Pacific of the Aquarium 5k the day earlier than. The plan was to run that as quick as doable and use the Lengthy Seashore Half Marathon as a protracted marathon coaching run. Ideally, I wished to hit 20 miles that day, however spoiler alert…that positively didn’t occur. I did a half-mile warm-up and nil cooldown. The 5k went effectively, although, and I spent the remainder of the day enjoyable.
On race morning, I wasn’t feeling wonderful and ended up operating late. I awakened round 4:30 however had a bunch of points and didn’t depart the lodge till 6:10—effectively after the official begin time of 5:30. I jogged the half-mile to the beginning line, not fairly the two-mile warm-up I wished, however ok. And with that, it was time to get the race underway.
Lengthy Seashore Half Marathon Race
As quickly as we began, I knew my legs weren’t feeling nice, however I figured I might make it work. I clocked the primary mile at 7:20, considering it wouldn’t be dangerous if I might maintain that tempo. My abdomen nonetheless didn’t really feel proper, however I hoped it could settle.
Throughout miles 2 and three, I began on the lookout for a rest room. We went over the bridge, which wasn’t too dangerous—a lot simpler at half-marathon tempo than at 5k tempo.
Round mile 5, I discovered restrooms, however they had been filled with marathon runners, so I stored going. Simply previous the restrooms, I seen some seaside loos with no line. Jackpot! Or so I assumed.
These concrete loos have single stalls with doorways that open to the surface. Once I closed the door, the pull deal with fell off, and I spotted I used to be caught. I couldn’t open the heavy door from the within. Panicking, I yelled, “I’m effing caught!” Fortunately, somebody exterior heard me and karate-kicked the door open. If I’d been caught longer than 30 seconds, I most likely would’ve been traumatized.
After that, I struggled to get again into race mode. Mentally, I used to be checked out, and my abdomen wasn’t enhancing. I knew I’d must cease at the least another time.
Miles 5–9 flew by alongside the seaside path, which gives stunning water views. I like that a part of the course, however it felt rather more crowded than final yr—both extra marathoners or simply extra runners general. I don’t bear in mind having to weave round so many individuals. I made one other porta-potty cease at mile 7, which gave me my slowest mile of the day (8:17).
After leaving the seaside path and hitting the roads, I used to be excited to have extra room to run. Simply earlier than the mile 11 hill, the marathoners break up off, and issues received much less crowded. I knew there was a hill coming, however I forgot how lengthy it was. Each time I assumed I’d reached the highest, it stored going! Nonetheless, I felt respectable and handed a variety of runners, clocking a 7:39 for mile 12.
On the prime of the hill, I made one remaining lavatory cease. After that, I advised myself: “Simply run as laborious as you may to the end and see what occurs.” My abdomen wasn’t comfortable, however I gave it every part I had. My remaining mile was 7:07, and I crossed the end line in 1:40:40. Actually, I assumed I’d run nearer to 1:45, so I’ll take it.
Lengthy Seashore Half Marathon Ideas
After all, I’m a little bit unhappy it wasn’t my day, and I’m confused about what upset my abdomen…pesto pasta is my favourite pre-race meal, and there was nothing uncommon about it. However I’m nonetheless pleased with a 1:40, contemplating every part that went unsuitable. I had zero fueling through the race since my abdomen couldn’t deal with it (I’d usually purpose for about 500 energy). My legs recovered rapidly afterward, so not each race has to go effectively and that’s okay.
Should you’re contemplating operating the Lengthy Seashore Half Marathon, it’s a enjoyable race. Simply be ready for some chaos because you’ll be sharing a lot of the course with marathoners. However general, it’s an awesome expertise and a variety of enjoyable.
You may see extra race recaps right here and Strava right here.
Questions for you:
Have you ever carried out the Lengthy Seashore Half Marathon?
What’s your favourite half marathon?
