2015 San Diego Holiday Half Marathon

December 27

Last race of the 2015, and 15th Half of the year. One of the nicest things about this race is that it is close to my home. The start is just 8 miles away, and the finish 9 miles. The inaugural race was in 2013, and I've participated every year(2013, 2014). Promoted as a point-to-point course with a net downhill drop of 714 feet, but the rolling course has a few uphills. The previous two years, the race started in the shopping center parking lot. This year the start was moved across the street near the DoubleTree Hotel, which allowed the parking lot of the shopping center to be used for runner parking. The first year, I parked at the start, but the bus line from the finish was long, so last year I parked at the finish across the street from the finish area parking lot. Runners exiting a parking lot tend to bottle neck, so I always park away from the crowds to allow a quick exit. Race packet included a space blanket, and gloves, a nice touch since they knew it would be a cold start.

Last year, the shuttle buses to take runners to the start line came late. We were very cold waiting, so this year I made sure to bundle up. The morning temperatures were forecast in the 30s, so this would be the coldest race start from the previous years. I normally wear a Santa hat and red shorts, and had planned to wear some red arm and legs sleeves with white cuffs, but with the near freezing temperatures, a full Santa suit would have been more appropriate. Unfortunately, I did not have anything warm to wear that I would fit the Santa theme. The course temperatures varied, due to shaded sections, canyons, trails, bridges, and open area paved trails. The course surface is not ideal for barefoot running, and since I don't have much speed, I did not want to slow down any more than necessary. I decided to run in my 4mm Xeros Sandals with toe socks, my first race in sandals. I had worn this footwear before in training when the temperature was below freezing. Long tights, and the long sleeve shirt from the inaugural race, with a sleeveless shirt under, gloves, and of course the Santa Hat. Pre-race included another long sleeve top, jacket, scarf, and warm up pants. Luckily the buses were waiting, so the runners were able to board before we headed to the start line. We arrived at the start at 5:30 am, and the start line was still being set up. I used the Porta Potty, then looked for an warm place to wait. The DoubleTree hotel was hosting a breakfast, but not many runners were here this early. One of my runner friends was waiting for the Jack in the Box to open at 6 am, so I headed across the street to meet up. Stayed there until about 7 am. The sun was just starting to rise, but the morning temperature had dropped to 36°F. One last potty stop, then I when back to the DoubleTree breakfast area to stay warm for the race. I took advantage of the warm room to strip down to my race attire and pack up my stuff for gear check.

I was assigned to corral 2 of 3. Each corral had about 1000 runners going off in 3 minute intervals. The new start location this year was actually better since everyone was organized in one large group. Previous years, the runners had to loop around the back of buildings in the shopping center, and it was difficult to enter corrals since there was no way to get in the middle. Race started on time at 7:30 am, and with my socks and sandals, I blended right in. Normally as a barefoot runner, I would hear all sorts of comments from both runners and spectators. As normal, I ignored the pace on my watch, but I knew I wasn't going that fast. I focused on keeping my form smooth even though I couldn't feel the ground much. Took off my gloves at mile 3, but otherwise felt comfortable with what I was wearing. Aid stations only had water, even there were suppose to have TriFuel energy drinks (did they run out?), but I was looking forward to the Honey Stinger Gel stop around mile 7.6. I actually appreciated the sandals, as I didn't have to slow down on the rougher surfaces. Had my first gel (my own) at mile 6. I saw a few dropped Honey Stinger gels around mile 8, then realized that they must have run out. Some of the shaded sections felt like they were below freezing. I had been hanging with the 2:30 pacers for a while, but lost them around mile 10, as my legs were getting pretty sore and I had to slow. One more gel at mile 11, but I was fading fast. I saw one guy in Xero Sandals pass me about a half mile before the finish, but I couldn't speed up to talk with him. Finish line temperature at 53°F, so a comfortable finish in my attire. Splits 12:22, 12:04, 11:46, 9:48, 11:28, 11:42, 12:12, 11:14, 11:50, 11:58, 12:50, 13:04, 13:14. Finish at 2:37:22 at an even 12:00 min/mile pace. As a bonus, I didn't have to stop for the potty on the course.

The sandals really made a difference, and I'd probably use them on this course in the future. The previous years, I under dressed and was cold in the shade. This year, slightly toasty in the sun, but not over heating. Hope this race will continue in the future.