Oakland Running Festival: Half Marathon Race Report

How I Ended Up Here

The Oakland Running Festival offered a 50% off registration with my San Francisco Half Marathon goodie bag.  I normally try to avoid buying things simply because they are on sale.  I jumped at the chance and registered for a half marathon for only $35.  

What I Saw From My Hotel Window on the 18th Floor

An actual view of SOMETHING.  

Since the half marathon didn't start until 9:15 (utterly late for a half-marathon), I was hanging in my hotel room and could see the marathon runners who started at 7:30 make their way down Broadway and then turn around to head back the other direction.  One runner didn't get the memo to make the u-turn.  I think she started late.  She ran off the course and past our hotel INTO TRAFFIC.  I kept watching to see when she would realize that she was off course and come back up Broadway.  She eventually headed back up STILL RUNNING IN THE STREET WITH TRAFFIC.  Holy hell, woman!  Get off of the street.  I saw her ask a volunteer who finally put her on track.  

Good grief.  

What I Learned About Oakland From Running Oakland

1.  People really hate their mayor.  When she was introduced the runners (many of whom were local) booed her.  

2.  Raider Nation is loud.  Very loud. 

3.  There is a place called The Crucible.  And it looks amazing. Fire! 

4.  Lake Merritt is pretty.  I wish I lived near a place with a lake to run around.  

5.  A few residents were mad about street closures.  But the majority of Oakland residents were so kind and encouraging.  

How I Fared

About 3/4 of a mile into the race, the 4,000 runners are still pretty bunched up.  An Oakland Running Festival volunteer froggered his way across the street thick with runners.  I nearly hit him.  I may have turned my head and called him a name.  In fact, I'm sure of it.  This is so unlike me.  He must have really, really, really, really deserved it.  

I hit my pace and went into cruise control mode for the rest of the race.  I'm shocked at how even my splits were.  

For the first time in my running career (odd word, but can't think of a substitute), I didn't listen to music or podcasts while running.  I tuned into all the conversations around me, yet I can't recall a single one that I eavesdropped on.  

Finished in 2:13:10.  Definitely hit my A goal which was to break 2:15.  I'd have to look it up to be sure, but I think that this is a 3:58 PR from Big Sur Half Marathon 2010.  I really need to be better about recording stuff down like that.

Overall Assessment
I'm not a fan of such a late start for a half marathon.  I'm not a fan of the Marriott host hotel who didn't give me a late check out, but then I discovered on Facebook that they granted other runners a late check out.  I'm not a fan of weak corralling and people sardined into the start area.

However, the course itself was nice, and I have to admit that the half marathoners seemed to merge easily with the marathoners.  Of course, I don't know how the marathoners felt about the merge, but it seemed okay.

I'm not sure that I will be back next year for this one.  It depends on my goals and running schedule for next year.  It is definitely not a must run race, but it is also definitely not one to avoid at all costs.  

Prediction of Rain

Tomorrow I run another half marathon.  The threat of rain is imminent.  In preparation, I've searched my iTunes library for some music about rain.

No judging.

Very excited to encounter "November Rain" while running in March.  I still love it when Axl Rose sings "If you want to love me, then Darling don't refrain."

I also love "Dry the Rain" from The Beta Band.  I haven't heard that one in a while.

And I love, love, love, love Mint Royale's "Singing in the Rain."

I'm starting to look forward to my run tomorrow.  My training went better than expected.  I have tanlines from this most recent iteration of training.  That's how wonderful the weather has been this winter.

Goals:
A:  Break 2:15
B:  PR
C:  Have fun and finish strong.

2012: The Plan

• 10K in January:  Done!
• 10K in February:  Need to register.  Will bring the Boy along for the Kid 1K. 
• 13.1 in March:  Registered since forever.  My $35 Half! Training right now. 
• 13.1 in July:  SF again!  Going for my Half it All Challenge Medal!  
• 13.1 in November:  Haven't decided which half I'll tackle in November, but I want to do one. 
• 26.2 in December:  Going to register as soon as registration opens.  I heart CIM.  

Goals:  10KPR in February.  13.1 PR either in March or July.  I'll have to look at course elevation profiles.  26.2 PR in December (fingers crossed).  

^That's ambitious.  

Things I May Have Lied to Myself About

Marathons in 2012.

I told myself.  I told my husband.  I was firm.  I was resolute.  No marathons in 2012.  I wanted a more relaxing year.

It is eight days before CIM.  I'm in the middle of a taper.  I only had to run three miles today.  It felt odd to only be out for three miles.  Why even bother getting laced up and stuff?

I'm planning on at least three half marathons in 2012:  Oakland, SF, and Big Sur.  That should be enough to keep me running and sane.

But it doesn't feel like enough.  After all these weeks of training (like 30!), I don't know how I can go back to NOT training.  But I suppose I can.

I'm flirting with a registering for a very pricey but very scenic 21 miler.  I ran it in 2010.  I could come back and try to beat my time.  And since 21 miles does not equal a marathon, I will be keeping my word.  What to do!  What to do?