San Francisco Giant Race, Half-Marathon

"The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will  beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit, its about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done." 

-Rocky Balboa

Crisp, clear and chilly morning. Bay area fog and the smell of sea in the air. Perfect conditions for a race. 

This was a race that I was physically primed for. Although, after losing my first pregnancy and subsequent depression, this was a race that had many mental hurdles.  

But that is the beauty in running. Constant forward motion.

Finishing this race was the beginning of my journey to 26.2.  

Mr. KofColors picked up my packet and my Matt Cain bobble head. Funny because he gets asked a lot if he is "Matt Cain". 

Race day started unlike any other race. They started the 5K portion first (including strollers) and the 10K racers started with the Half-marathon. 

It was crowded. 

My first mile averaged at 12:00. It was a slow start. 

This is one of the most scenic races I have ever ran. Second only to the Seattle race, this takes you on a "tour" of the San Francisco waterfront, including Ghirardelli Square, Presidio Park, views of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. 

Race Highlights:

My friend Megan put on me blue glitter eyelashes, they matched my outfit. 

Funniest Sign: Someone drew a T-Rex trying to put on his medal. 

Favorite song for this race: "I Will Wait" by Mumford & Sons

My fastest miles ever ran in a half-marathon were my last three miles of this race, I averaged an 8:30 mile. 

The race finished on AT&T field, after crossing finish line I was able to stretch in center field. 

Something new that I loved during the race, I used peppermint essential oil from duTerra on my hands before the race. Judy from Essential Oil Remedies  sent me the sample and it worked wonders. When I wanted a surge of energy, smelling the oil from my hands gave me the boost I needed. Going to get this for future events for sure!

BEST PART:

Lance was able to ride his bike with me for the entire race. This was the first time where I actually had someone to talk to the entire time, I was able to share all of the sights and experiences with him.  

After the race Mr.KofColors took me to breakfast where I had the most delicious Red Velvet Cake pancakes. 

 Taking a few days off of running (*lost a few toenails, thank goodness BOOT season is starting) and then going to hit the pavement again. 

It's funny, I look at my feet and think "Boy, you have really have gone a lot of miles." 

Not sure of my next race, thinking either Santa Barbara Half or Oxnard's Santa to the Sea?

Either way, working hard for Disney World in January.

~Amanda