Race Report - 2016 Alaska Airlines Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Half Marathon

June 18

Friday Travel

Flew Alaska Airlines, since I had credit that needed to be used. First flight out of San Diego at 6:30 am. Landing around 9:30 am, much like what I did last year. Not a full flight, so the middle seat was empty, and I had an aisle seat. Wore last year's Seattle race shirt, but no one noticed, so likely no runners on this flight. Alaska Airlines happened to be the title sponsor of the Seattle race this year, so you'd think there would be more runners on board. Southwest Airlines still had cheaper flights, so usually more runners on those flights. Although I like window seats, on longer trips where I may have to use the restroom, an aisle is more convenient. Not sure if I really had a choice when I signed up anyway, as Alaska has pre-assigned seating. Possible rain in Seattle, so I packed a jacket and rain pants just in case. I brought both Elvis costumes, since the blue one tends to bleed, and I would not use it in pouring rain.

Last year, I stayed and the Marriott in Pioneer Square just north of the Expo. Although convenient walking distance to the Expo, it was located south of city center. Last year the finish and start were at the same location at the Space Needle, so I looked for a place as close as possible. The course was changed this year, and the finish is now 2 miles away. At least the start is the same location, otherwise I would have been really inconvenienced. I found a room at the Inn at Queen Anne, just a few blocks from the Space Needle and start of the race. Two beds were the same price as one, so I got that just in case I found a roomie. One of my fellow Elvi from Florida had mentioned he was also doing Seattle (when he was in San Diego a few weeks ago), so I offered the extra bed. We met along the Link Light rail line towards the hotel, since he arrived late on Thursday night and stayed close to the airport. We exited at the Westlake station, and took the Monorail to get closer to hotel. The Inn was build in 1928, and was a quaint, 3 story brick building. No frills, metal key for room, and no elevator. Everything worked, and the beds were comfortable, and there was even a kitchenette with a stove. Warm sunny afternoon, so I left my jacket in the room, and brought a long sleeve top just in case. Without the luggage (though we were carrying our Elvis costumes), we took a bus to get us closer to the Westlake light rail station, and stopped for lunch at the Westlake Center before boarding the rail on the way to expo.

Expo Friday

The light rail station is between the CenturyLink Field (football) and Safeco Field (baseball). A few blocks walk to get to the expo in CenturyLink Field, turned out to be part of the race course finish. No restroom before we entered the expo area, so we headed into the back to change to Elvis. One Elvis gets people's attention, two even more so. Not much time to spare, so we had little time to hang out. The Toyota Ride 'n' Drive was going on, so I wanted to test drive and get another $10 gift certificate. The staging area was actually the underground parking lot. As we exited for our drive, a bit of light rain. I choose the Highlander Hybrid, but we had to wait a while, since it was already out for a drive. We talked with a Toyota rep while waiting. As we completed the drive, I got a Brooks gift certificate, and my friend got the last Starbucks card. I wanted to do some shopping before dinner, so we changed back to our normal selfs before we left. My friend decided to mess with the Toyota reps, and asked them about what we'd get for a test drive. The rep told him they didn't have any more Starbucks cards, and he replied, "Why, did you give the last one to Elvis". OK, so people really don't recognize us out of costume.

We took the light Rail back to Westlake (we had the all day pass), then walked back to the hotel. Some rain, but not heavy. I wanted to visit the Luna Sandal store, but my legs were getting tired. I wanted to just use Uber, since there was still light rain, but my app was out of date, and the Wi-Fi was slow. The few minutes of rest revived my legs, and we just walked over to the store, which was along the was to the restaurant. Luna Sandals closed around 6 pm, and we got there a few minutes before. I tried on several pairs, and purchased the Leadville Trail. Dinner at Buca di Beppo at 6:45 pm with some of the Black Sheep running group. Mile walk back, and call it a night.

Race Saturday

Race scheduled to start at 7 am, so we left the hotel around 6 am, since it was just a few blocks to the start. Light rain overnight left the streets damp. On the way to the start, we walked along the corrals, which started at number 37. I found the gear check, and checked in my flip flops and a change of clothes. Lots of runners around, and the two Elvi headed to the start line. The roads were a bit rough and wet, so I found it easier to run. Although I had my emergency Xero sandals in my back pocket, I choose not to wear them since I'm Barefoot Elvis. After several photo ops, we headed back to corral 3, where the Black Sheep Group met. Race started a bit late at 7:15, due to shuttle delays getting runners to the start. Great photo just a ¼ mile from the start. Roads were still a bit rough at the start, but my legs were strong. First mile split 12:38, but then we got on the Alaskan Way viaduct which is a cut/groomed concrete road. In California, the cut runs parallel to the traffic direction, and are smooth. The Seattle cut/grooves were perpendicular, to provide better traction and a rougher surface. This was actually the ending part of the course last year, and I remember it well. I slowed my pace to 14 min/mile, and just waited to get off.

At mile 3 we started down 2nd Ave, there was a potty stop, but there was also a line, so I passed. Surface texture much better, so I was able to hit a 12 min/mile pace again. Around mile 5, we turned on to Rainier Avenue which was one of the roughest roads last year. A few spots were patched, but it was still rough, pace dropped to 16. Some where around there, I felt a sharp object on my right foot, which felt like glass. It's hard to see anything, since the ground was mostly wet. I swiped, but did not feel anything, but on occasion, I would feel the sharp pain. Not a heavy pressure area, and away from the heel towards my mid foot. The roads were so rough, I was touching gently anyway, so I just let it go. If swiping does not get whatever is there off, it's stuck there. The potty stop mile 6 was somewhat hidden behind the water station with no line, so I made a quick stop. Off Rainier to Genesee Street at mile 8. Roads slightly better, but we are headed toward the path along Lake Washington, which I know it very rough. The interesting thing about Genesee is that it's a major street in San Diego. I remember someone said Genesee on the course last year, and it caught my attention. On to path by Lake Washington, still rough, and even worse, wet. 17 min/mile pace. The only highlight was the memorial to the fallen service members, and the mile of flags. I started to read the names on each board, but got tired. You really understand how many they were when you look at each one. Uphill after Lake Washington, mile 10 on to I-90, then into the mile long tunnel back towards the finish with a slight positive grade. Although one of the smoothest parts of the course, still slightly rough. After we exited the tunnel, we are still on I-90 to mile 12, cut concrete again, painted line slightly better. No spectators along the highway, so hard to keep motivated. Exit off I-90, and back to the road and crowds. Uphill between stadiums, but short. Final turn to the Finish, but that section is still rough. I picked up the pace slightly, but my legs were pretty tired, so not much left. Stopped before the finish to get a selfie with the race announcer Ann Wessling. Finished in a slow 3:31:17, just enough to beat last year's time by 3 seconds.

The exit chute road surface still rough, but I was glad to not have to run. Over to the Heavy Medal booth to pick up my Roadie medal for completing 5 RnR Races. I got my Roadie last year here in Seattle. Exact same medal, so I'm not as excited. Rain seemed to have stopped, so I just waited at the booth, since I had many friends finishing the Marathon that would stop by here after the race. My Elvis roomie finish around 5:30, and we headed off to lunch few blocks away at McCoy's Firehouse Bar & Grill. The two Elvi sat down and ordered a burger and fries. I went to the restroom to change to normal clothes. When the waiter came back he told me he was about to say "Sir, someone is sitting there", but realized I was the same person. Uber back to hotel, since my friend limped slightly after finishing the Full Marathon. No rush, since we were staying an extra night. After my shower, I inspected the area where I stepped on something sharp. Sure enough there was a cut in the skin, so I dug out the small shard of glass that was embedded deep. Started to bleed, but a little pressure made it stop. Bandage on top with some anti-bacterial ointment (yes, I carry that stuff in my travel kit, tweezer too). I almost forgot about the injury, since I worn cushioned flip flops after the race, and never felt any additional pain except during the initial encounter.

Dinner with my niece and her boyfriend. Rain light but steady, so it was nice to be in a car. Dinner at Five Hooks, same as last year in Queen Anne, just a few miles north, where you can actually find parking. Dessert at Yeti Yogurt, which had a parking lot. Sunset at 9:30 pm, so we got back to the hotel late. Next year I'll have to remember to stop at McMenamins, which I enjoyed going to in Portland.

Sunday Return Home

Late breakfast, a short walk to the next block, behind our hotel. I had planned to go to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room, since I missed that last year. It was already about 10 am, so we decided to just check out since we may not make it back after coffee. Uber to Starbucks arrived around 11 am. Posted that I was having coffee, then a few other friends showed up. I never realized the others were meeting here too. We had a little group of 6, and enjoyed talking. Luckily the extra few hours there after I drank my coffee allowed the liquid to go through my system, i.e restroom stop every 10 minutes. A few of us had a flight out at 6 pm, but there seemed to be enough time to go to Chihuly Garden and Glass, Art museum & sculpture garden showcasing Dale Chihuly's large, colorful glass works. Long lines for tickets, and $27 for admission. We realized that we would not get our money's worth, and decided to go to airport. One of the guys needed to stop in Chinatown pick up his luggage. Got to the airport before 5 pm, but my flight would depart at 6:30, or that's what I thought. Turned out the departure was 5:30. I think the 6:30 departure time from San Diego was still in my head. Rushed to the gate, and most people have boarded. With the reserved seat that would not be a problem. I even found an empty space in the overhead above my seat. Full flight. No race runners seen on board. Used restroom twice, just after takeoff (no time to use before flight), and just before landing, I guess that coffee was still having an effect on me.

Sunday was also Father's day, but I didn't know that until after I booked the flight. A nice ice cream cake celebration at home, but no time to unpack since I had to work the next morning. Always nice to visit a familiar city, looking forward to next year, but I'm sure the road surface won't improve much.