Monday, February 04, 2013

Race Review: Surf City Half Marathon 2013

My weekend went like this:

Friday
11:00 PM Start packing for Surf City 32 hour trip to So Cal
12:30 AM Go to bed

Saturday
5:00 AM  Wake up
6:00 AM In taxi headed to SFO
6:30 AM COFFEE and little food at the airport
9:30 AM Arrive in Orange County and wait for the Oregon crew to arrive
11:00 AM Expo for packet pick-up where we saw the rest of the blogger world as well.
12:00 - 2:30 PM Hotel check-in and lunch at some Vegan place that had Phad Thai so I survived
2:30 - 6:30 PM Back to the hotel where the group sat around and talked about all things triathlon, racing, running etc... yes for 4 hours straight!
6:30 - 8:30 PM Dinner & Beer at Yard House
9:30 AM Bed Time (Wake up at least 18 times throughout the night)

Sunday
6 AM Wake up at get ready for Race Day
7 AM Out the door to walk a mile to the start
8 AM Cross the start line
10:08 AM Cross the finish line
10:30 AM Pick up Beach City Challenge Medal
11:00 AM Back at hotel to shower and pack
12:30 PM At the OC airport gate starving and getting anxious about the flight being delayed and missing the Superbowl
3:30 PM Sitting on a friends couch in SF watching the Superbowl (with my suitcase in the corner b/c I couldn't be bothered to drop it off at home)
9:30 PM Finally get home and CRASH!!  Holy crap I was tired.
Portland Tri Club Reunion at start line! Pic Credit: TriTreats

Needless to say it was a whirlwind trip and although I loved being back in SF for kickoff, it would have been nice to enjoy the beach and the perfect weather a little more.  Plus since the 49ers lost it wasn't nearly as exciting being in town post-game:(

The race its self was awesome!  I feel like I always say that but I would put this in my top 5 easily and definitely the best out of the three Beach City Challenge Races.  I would say: Surf City, OC and then Long Beach in terms of ranking but this one blows the other two out of the water.   The course actually is along the water for the most part, flat, good support etc... For 15,000 runners it had a local vibe and didn't feel overcrowded at all which was a nice surprise.  The expo was easy to get in/out of.  There is a HTC like party in the beer garden afterward.  I didn't attend because I had to get my ass on a flight but it looked pretty rad.  I love the surf/beach shack theme and the weather was perfect. There is one out and back that is a little draining but you're by the water so it didn't bother me too much.   I am not crazy about it being on Super Bowl Sunday but depending on who's playing , I would make this an annual trip. I highly recommend adding it to your race bucket list if you haven't.  It does sell out so make sure to register early! Plus check out those medals:

The Niners may not have but Surf City definitely Won The Day!

1 comment:

  1. I love the re-cap!! I had so much fun!! Can't wait for our next race!!! I am going to try and get us Giants tickets...wish me luck!! :)

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