2016 Rock 'n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon

October 1-2

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My third year running this city. Using the Tour Pass makes it economical to sign up for the Re-mix, 5K on Saturday with the Half on Sunday. Bling take home the same as last year>, 5 medals. 5K, Half, Remix (5k, Half), CaliCombo (SF, SAN, SJ), Heavy Medal Stairway to Seven (AZ, DAL, SF, SD, SEA, CHI, SJ). Followed the same plan as last year, including the hotel. Course exactly the same as last year, flat and fast.

Friday Fly

I had some flight points that I had to use before they expired, so I flew up on Alaska, but flew back on Southwest. Early 6:30 am flight, so I had to wake up extra early since I had to use the Economy Parking (no ride to the airport this time). The last time I used the Economy Lot was last November when we went to Las Vegas. I arrived at 4 am, and there was no attendant like last time. I found a parking spot under the solar panels, and walked over to the pick up stop. No one around, but I figured the bus had to come back at some time. Another lady showed up within a few minutes, and the shuttle bus finally arrived. There's a new private road used to get to the airport, so that was nice to see. Eventually this road would be used to get people to the Trolley. We got to the airport terminal quite early at 4:15 am. Probably too early, since nothing was open. I didn't have breakfast yet, and found out one place opened at 5 am. I decided to wait, since I was hungry. I was surprised at how long the security line was. I normally get TSA Pre-Check on my ticket, but not this time. Finally got through security by 5:40, 10 minute before the plane was to board. Had I known the line would be long, I probably would have not waited for the restaurant to open.

The service from SAN to SJC on Alaska just started this year, and a smaller Embraer 175 was used. This plane only had 79 seats, and I thought something wasn't quite right when the boarding area was not crowded. My seat was 15A, and after we all boarded there was no one behind me. Just before departure time, 2 more people got on and sat behind me (their assigned seats). I probably could have moved, but I was already settled in, and there wasn't anyone around for rows. In total, only about 20 passengers. I think Alaska loss money on this flight.

Flight arrived a few minutes early just before 8 am, and I didn't have any plans until later in the afternoon. I checked in to the Marriott using their mobile app just before I left San Diego, so by the time I landed, the room was ready. I waited at the Airport Flyer bus #10 that would take us to the VTA light rail station. It was actually quite chilly at 55°F, so I had to put on my jacket. A bus arrived, and everyone got on. After a few minutes, I realized something wasn't quite right, and asked the driver if we were going to the VTA rail station. He said I got on the wrong bus (headed to Caltrain Station), but he would be headed to the VTA rail station after he stops by the airport again. Route #10 does both loops, but the bus is the same. I guess the difference in the destination. Well at least I was warm, and another guy made the same mistake I did, so I didn't feel as bad.

When I when to purchase an all day pass, I couldn't find anything on menu. I ended up purchasing a $2, 2 hour pass. VTA changed the system, now the only way to get an all day pass is to load on a reusable Clipper card, which is not sold at the kiosk. Nearly a repeat of last year, first stop the Marriott which is adjacent to the Expo. The Convention Center stop is on a few hundred yards from the Hotel. I was meeting a friend who works at Google at 1:30, so I plenty of time to explore the city on foot.

Uber to Google, but forgot rates go up during peak. Checked earlier, only $11, now $23. Passed Computer History Museum, and knew where I was going after. Uber to VTA station at Mountain View, rush hour. Arrived back at hotel at 5 pm. Expo as Elvis, race numbers, shirts. Not many people on Friday. Thought closed at 7, but announced close at 6 at 5:45. Now a Toyota owner, brought keys. Quick run to Toyota Ride n drive for $10 certificate. Total walking distance 9 miles.

Saturday 5k

I did the 5k last year for the first time, and it was so convenient to just walk out the door of the hotel and see the start a block away. One of the reason I'm staying at the same hotel. 2251 runners, a small crowd. I started in corral 1, and right in front, too. Cool temperature at 55°F allowed me to go pretty hard, with the first mile split at 9:57. I probably went out too fast, as I had to slow the next few miles. Overall pace of 10:54 min/mile pace, not too bad. I hung around to greet some of my running friends cross the finish. Soon, the sun started to come out, so time to head across the street to the hotel for a shower.

Saturday

A group of us planned to meet at 10:30am for a visit to the Winchester House. After breakfast, there wasn't much time left, so no Elvis on Saturday. Much more crowded than Friday. We left around 11 am, carpooling. Lunch, then back at 3 pm. Expo close at 5, so decided to just rest. Never really saw everything at Expo. Dinner at the Public Market. 9 mile walk total (with 5k race).

Sunday Half

Cool start 53°F, 66°F finish. Chance of rain after 11 am, but we'd all be done by then.

2:33:41 finish (11:44 min/mile pace) a PR for the course, but only by 2 minutes. Splits 10:03, 10:06, 10:35, 10:58, 10:43, 11:06, 11:42, 11:41, 12:36, 12:28, 13:04, 13:10, 12:15.

Sunday return

Quick stop to visit friends and see kids. No TSA Pre-check. Rail arrived, ground wet, shuttle bus pulls up, cars stopped, but I cross on red, light turned green for cars, but I not finished crossing, I'm not missing that bus. Drivers see me, I make it. Flight leaves at 4 pm. I check in bag. Line long, but moving. Inside at 3 pm. Boards at 3:30. Smashburger. Other runners a few gates away when headed to use restroom. Talked with another runner on my flight, mention Elvis. Plane slightly late (10 minutes). Bumpy ride, cloudy. Luggage area, see runners with medals, talk, showed picture of heavy medal 10. Realized I'm barefoot Elvis, one of my Instagram followers, and friend of other friends. Quick selfie sent to friend, look who I found.

Shuttle bus back. Police escort 6 tour buses, what's the deal with that?