Not too shabby for a 13.1-mile run. I fought a traffic jam for the first two miles (and hit a 6:40 pace), climbed over a mental wall (and a decent-sized if short hill) between miles seven and eight (when I dropped to a 7:50 pace), but managed to power through and finish at a sprint. (The dip at the end, which is a tenth of a mile off) is me fumbling about trying to get the iPod nano out of my pocket and pause the Nike+ clock.)
The course beautiful. We started on West Cliff Drive along the Pacific coastline, wending past strawberry fields and historic farm buildings to Wilder Ranch Sate Park. The loop on the unpaved Old Cove Landing Trail was my favorite. I hit a decent stride with no one passing me. The rugged ocean bluffs were a good distraction. I misjudged the ending, however, and left too much in the tank when I reached the finish line at Cowell's Beach.
Jenny walked the 10k race and saw a whale breach off the coast. Her legs are stiff and sore, but the cortisone shot in her foot must have done the trick because she's not limping too badly.
A more serious half marathon training program as well some upper-body workouts would help with my flexibility as well as my core and shoulder pain. We'll see what Apple comes up with for the gym. Meanwhile, it's a beautiful Saturday afternoon. We have a birthday party and barbecue to attend. All is well with our world.
