• July 4th, 2015
• Long Beach, California
• Summer 7 Day 7 Half Marathon
• Sharon: 2:18:27
• Tim: 2:37:37

 

49 down only 3 to go.

Just like last weeks race this was another, it’s the closest race to us, repeat race. We did this exact race only 4 races ago (#45 Rock The Ocean). At the end of that post I wrote, “Well damn – next month I have to run faster than 2:27:10.” At the time I did have this race pegged as my next PR attempt. I nixed that idea in a rare fit of common sense. I have been having a problem with my left Achilles tendon. It is sore even when I walk. Also, the 2 blisters on the pads of my feet, while almost gone, are still tender. Because I have been trying to let my Achilles tendon heal I haven’t been running during the week. I have also gained back 4-6 pounds (damn it). So while I did try to run most of this race I took it relatively easy, meaning I actually looked at the ocean more than I looked at my watch.

I love that Charlies races start at 6:30am. It helps beat the heat but also means that we have to get up at 3:00am to be there by 6ish.

Although charlie has t-shirts we decided not to take one this race. We already have 3 of his shirts, any more and it will start to look like Charlie dresses us.

This was a special race because it was Hank Donigan’s 100th marathon! Charlie brought a cake.

Once again my stomach was nauseous before and during the race. This time I can’t blame french fries or killer Mai Tais. Luckily, the course route had lots of bathrooms. I have had to duck into the facilities in a couple of races but this is the first time I had to use the restroom twice in one race. I’m so glad I didn’t target this race for a PR or I would have been sitting on the toilet pulling my hair out.

Even though I had tummy issues and my feet hurt, I enjoyed this run. This race is all run on a beautiful beach path. What’s not to love? My life is so awesome that I can choose to suffer for fun.

We wanted to dress a little patriotic for the 4th of July so I tried on my only pair of blue running shorts fully expecting them to cut off my circulation. They fit! These are the shorts I used to run in before I gained my Elkton weight. I am over the moon happy about fitting into my old running clothes, even if they are a little tight. I found a great shirt for Tim. I wasn’t sure he would wear it running because it’s cotton but he did. He said it gave him one chaffed nipple. Yes – just one. It’s not recommended to run in cotton. I think he looked awesome.

This course was an out and back, done twice for the HM ( 4 times for the full marathon). I like seeing Tim. He always looks so happy to see me that I get an energy boost.

There was another, much larger, 4th of July race that started at 7:30am. I managed to time it just right. I was running towards their start line right before their race started, so the entire path was blocked. Again, I’m glad I wasn’t trying for a PR or I probably would have tried to barrel through the crowd. It wasn’t a big deal to go around them. The only reason I am even mentioning it is because it was a pretty uneventful race for me and this was one of the only out of the ordinary things that happened, except for my bathroom issues, which I am being vague about on purpose because I want readers next week.

On a completely different topic I just started massage school and, so far, I love it. I’m very excited about starting a life in San Diego.

Cons

• No trophies this week (We both would have gotten one)
• Charlie’s website dosen’t work on my phone

Pros

• Another well organized race
• Close parking
• Cool medal featuring Hanks 100th marathon
• Beautiful course
• Great running surface
• Great food
• Interesting, friendly runners
• We are fond of Charlie, which make his races more enjoyable for us

I don’t think it will come as a surprise that I would indeed recommend this, or any of Charlie’s races. He puts on a well organized, fun event with great food. This is the 4th Charlie Alewine race we have run and at every race we have met some fascinating people. Being able to park next to the start/finish line is a big plus for a beginning runner, or anyone attempting a new distance. I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that this race is on a public beach path with plenty of bathrooms and water fountains, so anyone can just come out and run this course for free. That maybe true but being in a race is fun. We always enjoy Charlie’s races. And really, that’s what it’s all about.

In fact, we like this race so much that we are going to run it again in 2 weeks. OK – we’re doing it because it’s the closest race that weekend but we did have an option that was only about another hour away. We chose this race for a reason other than laziness, cost and the pleasure of Charlies company. I wanted to do this race again because I am going to make a last attempt at a PR. My A goal is 2:25 and my B goal is 2:27:09. Even if I fail I promise to run as hard as I can.

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