All that changed last weekend as I made the trip out there for the race.
First, the expo.
It left a lot to be desired. It was basically a step up from what Cleveland's used to be. There were about 2 clothing vendors, a few shoe companies, and assorted foods and drinks, each with its own mystery ingredient. Now that I've been to countless expos I have some advice to all of you runners who are interested in maximizing your schwag.
First, there are usually bigger bags than they give you with your bib, somewhere at the expo. Find them and stuff away! Next, find something you like to eat or drink. This is key. Maybe you like gatorade, or a powerbar. Whatever. The reason for this is that every local health-food company is trying to cash in on the performance food market with their own special, performance-enhancing ingredient. I've sampled energy bars with everything in them: taurine, ginseng, haldol. And it isn't limited to drinks either. Power bars are filled with every recovery hastening, speed enhancing, nipple hardening substance known to man (and a few that to earth, presumably from outer space). Usually these are gourmet disasters. I actually went to one expo that had a booth touting sardines! So, after you've consumed a drink that tastes exactly like licking a carpet, go back to your old reliable, wash down the flavor, fight back what is threatening to climb back out and go try that spinach flavored energy gel!
So, after loading up on our free stuff (the orange sunglasses would prove key). All was set for the race.
One of my favorite things about a big, early race is seeing all of the runners on their way to the race in the morning. This was no exception. Aaron and I got out at the BART station and there was already a mass of people ready to get on the train. We sat down and they started streaming in. Usually you can spot runners in these situations: zero body fat, impromptu stretching, pierogi breath. Here, it was even easier. Everyone had on either a number, a costume, or both. We rode the train into the city with Nacho Libre, one of the incredibles, and a handful of other costumed folks. Man, this was gonna be fun!
I was actually surprised when we got out of the train at how few people there were. We started following a modest crowd towards the start (I assumed). Slowly, the numbers picked up and it was starting to feel like race day.
My primary concern was being able to get into the first starting corral. I had signed up too late to get into the first and was not looking forward to trying to push past everyone going half of my speed or less. We got to the entrance and people were directing us. I pulled my fuel belt up over my number and instructed Aaron to make like he was drafting off of me. In we went. No problem.
I pulled my belt down and separated slowly from Aaron. They immediately spotted us and told us to go to the other entrance. I nodded meekly and walked a few steps in that direction. By then, they had turned to other runners. I signaled to Aaron and we went on unmolested. Safe!
As we approached the starting area, I noticed a guy with tortillas. Oh well, whatever. Then, all of a sudden, I noticed tortillas flying overhead! Soon, the sky was filled with UFOs (unidentified flour objects). Aaron had a lot of fun picking up the wayward tortillas and tossing them into the air. We were surrounded by all manner of runners, costumes, and excitement. Now we were just waiting for the start.
As the mass lurched forward, they instructed runners left and walkers right. I wished Aaron luck and headed for the left edge. I shouldn't have bothered. There were so many people (60,000 or so) that it wasn't moving.
Ah, I thought, a little weaving and I'll be free!
Well, two miles later, I was still weaving. I managed a few short sprints, but mostly I was stuck in traffic, jogging at best. I was all over the place. Sometimes the sidewalk opened up and I had a little running room, but I was so far back that the runners who were up to speed were too slow for me. So, I continued to weave.
The highlight of the course is Hayes Hill. It goes up for at least a mile. This is where I was going to make my money. I finally had a little space on the hill and one other runner was pushing the pace. I stuck with him as best I could and gained a little momentum. Partway up the hill, they were handing out more of the orange glasses. I grabbed a pair and kept going. Along the hill there were all manner of revelers. Some people were hanging out of windows, others on top of buildings tossing mardi gras beads, encouragement, and even beer to the runners.
After the hill the course took a general downward trend. It wound through Golden Gate Park for the rest of the race. I hit the 3 mile mark in 29 minutes, about 9 minutes behind pace. So much for hitting 53 minutes. I pushed the pace, maybe I could still break an hour. The problem was, it was still jammed. It had opened up, but I was still weaving. Also, I had been doing what amounted to a fartlek workout for the last 3 miles. I was worried I was going too hard but was hitting 7 consistently on the clock for each mile.
At this point I had a little more time to admire the scenery. In the park there was a waterfall and some bands. I was also passing a lot more people, some of whom were not clothed. Let me tell you, when you are ducking between people and jockeying for position, it is important to steer clear of naked people. Advice for life, you'll thank me later.
I hit the 6 mile mark in 50 minutes. Great, all I needed to do was cover another 1.5 miles in 10 minutes or less and I'd break an hour. Sure.
The course wound down towards the ocean and turned to run along the shore for the finish. I kicked it into high gear and pushed for the end. Still navigating the crowds, I passed the line in just over an hour on my watch.
I wandered through the finish area and grabbed a water (the only refreshment they had there, booo!). There were guys spraying legs with something cool. I stood for a spritz, not sure what it was, but it felt good.
After a few minutes, I noticed my heartrate was still high and my breathing was quick. Uh-oh. I'd been fighting a cough and now I was concerned. I should have been able to catch my breath by then. Not sure that panicking helped my heartrate. After a few more minutes of admiring the spectacle, caught my breath and headed back up the course to find Aaron.
Aaron and I coordinated on the phone and I set out to meet him. Sure enough, about a mile from the end I found him. We walked in the last stretch of the course and then went off to celebrate together.
