Race: Surf City Half Marathon
Okay so this blog will be a ‘you guess why we decided to run the Surf City Half Marathon‘ type post. There are of course a ton of way cool reasons, but one reason we just had to do this run stood out (aside from the fact the Full was sold out so we did the Half). So I’ll share some of the fun and you pick the one…
1.) We got to hang out with cousin Shelly. We love family, nothing better than being able to do a race and be able to double dip by seeing some kin folk. Missed Kevin this time something about needing him to hang around for the Space Shuttle landing - like that’s more important than seeing us…??
2.) Hey it’s a chance to hang in LA West of the 405. When Randy Newman wrote “I Love LA” he for sure meant West of the 405 (i.e. the beach communities). Other side of the 405 Frwy, let’s just say no go. But LA beach cities = that California cool, movie stars, sun, sand, tiki bars and fish tacos, what’s not to love….
3.) The finishers medal for the race is a way freaking cool surfboard…
4.) The course is mostly ran right on the Pacific Coast Hwy, which in case you didn’t know means you are looking at that gorgeous blue water and sand the whole race.
5.) We got to hook up with some great runner friends we have met at other races including the Punk Rock Runner himself Mr. Ron. Cooler yet, we got to met his youngin’ who is actually more cool, a faster runner, and far better looking than the old man (must take after mama). We also got to meet a bunch of other folks we had ‘talked’ with but never met yet. In addition, we got to support a really great guy with an amazing cause. Sam Felsenfeld is a man who is out there running 60 Marathons this year to raise money and awareness for Autism via a cause he started called Operation Jack. Sam’s son is Autistic and it’s just an amazing story. Sam and his whole family are great people too. We had the chance to hang with them at a pre-race Pasta dinner they hosted and had a great time.
6.) We got to eat all that California good grub, including a most excellent post race Burger, fish tacos, dinner one night at a famous Tiki-Bar, and all the organic-farmer-market-foodie-stuff you get in CA.
7.) Along the drive to LA there is a Premium Factory outlet and Mrs Miller just loves stopping.
8.) I knew that after the run and the next day we could just hang around and enjoy that beach life. A run along the path by Newport Pier, watch the sunset on the Ocean with the woman, smell that cool coastal breeze and pretend we live here in the land of $3K a foot vacation homes.
Okay so there is the list of all the main reasons for deciding to run the race. What’s your guess? Family and friends - you know how we are? A chance to run along the Pacific twice!? Good eats, you know how I am…? To all the previous a big NOPE. We are far more shallow when it comes down to reasons to run a race. In this case it’s the Bling!! Come on, I mean a Surf Board Medal!! How in the heck can you not do it….
As for results Kimberly had a 1:57:22 which was good for Top 15% in her age, gender and almost overall (even w the boys factored in)! I had a respectable 1:35:51 which was in the Top 2.5% overall and Top 4% for my age and gender.
Some Trip Pics HERE