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@frankhwu
Raving since 2017 https://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/frankhwu-721 Active 1 year, 6 months agoAbout Me
My Races
Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.
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Half Marathon
Marathon
Ultramarathon
(Marathon or Ultra) + Half
Marathon + Ultra
Other
Future Races
Personal Bests (12)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result |
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San Francisco Half Day | 6 hr | San Francisco, CA | Jun 17, 2023 | 13 mi |
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose | Half Marathon | San Jose, CA | Oct 8, 2017 | 2:17:00 |
JFK 20K & MLK 5K | 20K | Potomac, MD | Jan 18, 2020 | 2:43:00 |
Frostbite Series Event #2 (MO) | 10 Miler | St. Louis, MO | Dec 28, 2019 | 1:58:00 |
Night Sweats Trail Marathon | 15K | Sausalito, CA | Sep 9, 2017 | 2:12:00 |
City2Surf | 14K | Sydney, Australia | Aug 13, 2017 | 1:41:00 |
Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K | 8 Miler | Silverton, CO | Jul 9, 2022 | 2:43:00 |
Bridge to Bridge Run | 12K | San Francisco, CA | Oct 1, 2017 | 1:23:00 |
Kendall Mountain Run | 11K | Silverton, CO | Jul 11, 2021 | 2:24:00 |
Marin Moonlight Run | 10K | Novato, CA | Oct 6, 2017 | 57:00 |
MCRRC Riley’s Rumble Half Marathon | 8K | Boyds, MD | Jul 28, 2019 | 1:03:00 |
Blue Crab Bolt Trail Running Series #3: Little Bennett | 5K | Clarksburg, MD | Aug 10, 2019 | 1:41:00 |
Future Races (0)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Paid |
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Past Races (65)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result | My Raves | My Performance |
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San Francisco Half Day | 6 hr | San Francisco, CA | Jun 17, 2023 | 13 mi |
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Baltimore 10 Miler | 10 Miler | Baltimore, MD | Jun 3, 2023 | 2:05:00 |
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Calero Trail Run (Winter) | Half Marathon | San Jose, CA | Dec 3, 2022 | 3:54:00 |
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Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon | Half Marathon | San Bruno, CA | Oct 22, 2022 | 3:41:00 |
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Dimple Dell Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Sandy, UT | Oct 8, 2022 | 3:06:00 |
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Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K | 8 Miler | Silverton, CO | Jul 9, 2022 | 2:43:00 |
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Del Dios Trail Race | Half Marathon | Escondido, CA | Jan 9, 2022 | 3:30:00 |
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Lake Mead Marathon | Half Marathon | Boulder City, NV | Jan 8, 2022 | 3:15:00 |
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Pocahontas Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Half Marathon | Chesterfield, VA | Dec 4, 2021 | 2:46:00 |
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Great Balloon Chase | Half Marathon | Albuquerque, NM | Oct 3, 2021 | 2:51:00 |
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Parks Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Rockville, MD | Sep 26, 2021 | 2:36:00 |
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Susquehanna River Running Festival | Half Marathon | Havre De Grace, MD | Sep 25, 2021 | 2:54:00 |
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Bird in Hand Half Marathon & 5K | Half Marathon | Bird In Hand, PA | Sep 10, 2021 | 2:58:00 |
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Kendall Mountain Run | 11K | Silverton, CO | Jul 11, 2021 | 2:24:00 |
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Brooklyn Queens Brewery Express | Half Marathon | Ridgewood, NY | Jun 12, 2021 | 2:56:00 |
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Reston 10 Miler | 10 Miler | Reston, VA | Mar 8, 2020 | 2:11:00 |
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Lantern Run NYC | Half Marathon | New York, NY | Mar 7, 2020 | 2:57:00 |
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CCHP Chinatown YMCA Lunar New Year Run | 10K | San Francisco, CA | Mar 1, 2020 | 1:18:00 |
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Golden Gate Trail Run (Winter) | Half Marathon | San Francisco, CA | Feb 8, 2020 | 3:21:00 |
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San Francisco Half Marathon | Half Marathon | San Francisco, CA | Feb 2, 2020 | 2:50:00 |
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JFK 20K & MLK 5K | 20K | Potomac, MD | Jan 18, 2020 | 2:43:00 |
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Al Lewis 10 Miler & 5 Miler | 10 Miler | Washington, DC | Jan 11, 2020 | 1:58:00 |
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Frostbite Series Event #2 (MO) | 10 Miler | St. Louis, MO | Dec 28, 2019 | 1:58:00 |
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Woodside Ramble | Half Marathon | Redwood City, CA | Dec 21, 2019 | 3:16:00 |
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Elf on the Run | 10K | San Francisco, CA | Dec 15, 2019 | 1:013:00 |
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Rodeo Beach Trail Run | 20K | Sausalito, CA | Dec 14, 2019 | 2:57:00 |
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Quarry Turkey Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Little Turkeys Race | Half Marathon | Fremont, CA | Nov 30, 2019 | 2:45:00 |
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Davis Turkey Trot | Half Marathon | Davis, CA | Nov 23, 2019 | 2:35:00 |
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The North Face Endurance Challenge Championship – California | Half Marathon | San Francisco, CA | Nov 17, 2019 | 3:09:00 |
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Lake Chabot Trail Run | Half Marathon | Castro Valley, CA | Nov 9, 2019 | 3:15:00 |
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Diablo Summit Stomp | Half Marathon | Walnut Creek, CA | Nov 2, 2019 | 3:45:00 |
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Tilden Trail 10K & Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Berkeley, CA | Oct 19, 2019 | 3:45:00 |
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Look Good Feel Good Race | Half Marathon | San Leandro, CA | Oct 12, 2019 | 2:54:00 |
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Boo! Run For Life 10K | 10K | Washington, DC | Oct 6, 2019 | 1:12:00 |
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SF Aloha Run for Peace | 10K | San Francisco, CA | Sep 22, 2019 | 1:11:00 |
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Alameda Running Festival | Half Marathon | Alameda, CA | Sep 15, 2019 | 2:36:00 |
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Marin Moonlight Run | 10K | Novato, CA | Sep 13, 2019 | 1:11:00 |
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San Francisco Giant Race | Half Marathon | San Francisco, CA | Sep 8, 2019 | 2:50:00 |
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Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon | Half Marathon | San Bruno, CA | Aug 17, 2019 | 3:52:00 |
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Blue Crab Bolt Trail Running Series #3: Little Bennett | 5K | Clarksburg, MD | Aug 10, 2019 | 1:41:00 |
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MCRRC Riley’s Rumble Half Marathon | 8K | Boyds, MD | Jul 28, 2019 | 1:03:00 |
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Victory Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Half Marathon | Richmond, CA | Feb 23, 2019 | 2:48:00 |
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Berkeley Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Berkeley, CA | Nov 19, 2017 | 2:30:00 |
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Schaeffer Half Marathon & 10K Trail Run | Half Marathon | Germantown, MD | Nov 4, 2017 | 3:04:00 |
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NYCRUNS Verrazano Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Brooklyn, NY | Oct 28, 2017 | 2:31:00 |
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Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose | Half Marathon | San Jose, CA | Oct 8, 2017 | 2:17:00 |
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Marin Moonlight Run | 10K | Novato, CA | Oct 6, 2017 | 57:00 |
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Bridge to Bridge Run | 12K | San Francisco, CA | Oct 1, 2017 | 1:23:00 |
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Alameda Running Festival | Half Marathon | Alameda, CA | Sep 16, 2017 | 2:27:00 |
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Night Sweats Trail Marathon | 15K | Sausalito, CA | Sep 9, 2017 | 2:12:00 |
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Night Sweats Trail Marathon | 15K | Sausalito, CA | Sep 9, 2017 | 2:12:00 |
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Zoom Dynamite Run | Half Marathon | Richmond, CA | Sep 2, 2017 | 2:45:00 |
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San Francisco Giant Race | Half Marathon | San Francisco, CA | Aug 27, 2017 | 2:34:00 |
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City2Surf | 14K | Sydney, Australia | Aug 13, 2017 | 1:41:00 |
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Devil’s Slide Run | Half Marathon | Pacifica, CA | Jul 29, 2017 | 3:27:00 |
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SPASM Lake Chabot Trail Run | Half Marathon | Castro Valley, CA | Jul 16, 2017 | 3:02:00 |
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Golden Gate Trail Run (Summer) | Half Marathon | San Francisco, CA | Jul 8, 2017 | 3:04:00 |
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Cleveland Marathon & Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Cleveland, OH | May 21, 2017 | 2:31:00 |
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Colorado Marathon | Half Marathon | Bellvue, CO | May 7, 2017 | 2:20:00 |
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Bay Breeze Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Half Marathon | San Leandro, CA | Feb 11, 2017 | 2:35:00 |
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San Francisco Half Marathon | Half Marathon | San Francisco, CA | Feb 5, 2017 | 2:27:00 |
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Coyote Hills Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Half Marathon | Fremont, CA | Jan 21, 2017 | 2:43:00 |
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Brazen New Year’s Day Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Half Marathon | Castro Valley, CA | Jan 1, 2017 | 3:14:00 |
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Town Crier Races Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | 10K | Saugatuck, MI | 2016 | 1:04:00 |
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MCRRC Black Hill 10K | 10K | Boyds, MD | Oct 17, 2015 | 1:028:00 |
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San Francisco Half Day
Enjoyed More Than I Expected
San Francisco Half Day
I ran the San Francisco One Day. I actually ran only one eighth of it. The race is a 24 hour challenge. It is about time and not distance. They … MORE
I ran the San Francisco One Day. I actually ran only one eighth of it. The race is a 24 hour challenge. It is about time and not distance. They have a 6 hour, 12 hour, and 24 hour option, and you compete for how far you make it. They also offer a 100km (62 mile) alternative for the ultra-marathon crowd who prefer that specific format. But they had to cancel the overnight. The park service changed their rules. I signed up for 6 hours. I knew all along I would drop out. I just wanted to run a half marathon as I usually do, and there were no other races this weekend in the Bay Area (the pandemic put many of these operators out of business or reduced the frequency with which they organize races).
I learned about this event because they have very nice swag. They issue a fleece jacket with a patch showing their logo, for the 24 hour entrants. Someone was wearing the top at a prior race, and I inquired. Although I initially thought that was crazy, I probably will try it at some point. That is how it goes: you scoff at something, and then you realize you are attracted to it.
The route is just over a mile. The extra bit causes a discrepancy as you loop again and again. I was worried it would be boring. It was assuring. You come by the table with drinks and food. It feels as if you are running a much shorter race. You can look forward to seeing the finish line. The volunteers also are friendly and cheering. They helped me set up my personal cup with my name on it, just a Dixie they wrote on with a Sharpie. Families were there for support. The feeling was festive.
The venue is Crissy Field. That is a wonderful green park, flat, near the Marina district and within sight of Golden Gate Bridge. I have run there many times. When SF MOMA was closed, they hosted outdoor sculptures, including by a set by Mark di Suvero.
The proprietors know me. The husband is Wendell. The wife is Lin. They have kids. One of them admired my motorcycle outfit. I rode to a race. They are friendly and organized. They have multiple series, including Coastal and Zoom and Zombie.
I had not intended to be unusual. But I realized after a few miles I was running the opposite direction. I had asked Wendell. He said you can run either direction, clockwise or counterclockwise, and he had said during the briefing some people switch each time they go over the mat. I went counterclockwise. I did that for two reasons. First, we started that way. Second, it meant I had a view of the bridge for half the time. But since I passed many many many people going clockwise, and very few passed me and I passed very few counterclockwise, unless everyone in my direction was approximately my speed, that means the majority of people had picked clockwise and set a norm. I was a contrarian without meaning to do that.
Baltimore 10 Miler
City course with gentle rises
Baltimore 10 Miler
I have run the Baltimore 10 mile race twice. I would run it again. In the most recent iteration, 2023, the route was changed slightly because work at Lake Montebello. … MORE
I have run the Baltimore 10 mile race twice. I would run it again. In the most recent iteration, 2023, the route was changed slightly because work at Lake Montebello. The course starts at the Baltimore Zoo. It heads to the perimeter of Johns Hopkins University. I went to college there, so I feel a bit of nostalgia that is among the attractions of entering this event.
The organizers are organized. They have ample porta potties. They give out wet towels at the end. I had forgotten my bib (actually, I had packed a bib for another race), and they took care of the issue with no fuss whatsoever.
Calero Trail Run (Winter)
Muddy
Calero Trail Run (Winter)
I enjoyed the Calero Trail Run. I recommend it. It was muddy and tough. It also was rainy and cold. I finished fourth from the bottom, with another lackluster time. … MORE
I enjoyed the Calero Trail Run. I recommend it. It was muddy and tough. It also was rainy and cold. I finished fourth from the bottom, with another lackluster time. In my defense, I ran 38 half marathons that year, a full, and 8 other races, while making it through COVID, a kidney stone, and pink eye.
I am writing, however, to praise Troy and his team. I have done a few races with them. I would do more if they were located more conveniently. I infer his base is not San Francisco but maybe San Jose, and for these purposes my base is San Francisco (I live in New York City, and my wife is in SF). That is the only reason I don’t run with this outfit more. They’re not convenient from my location.
What distinguishes them is the number of options they offer for distances. I am approaching 200 half marathons, and I have never encountered another organizer who puts on events with this many choices. I almost always do the half, but if for some reason you wanted to experiment these folks will accomodate that. (The briefings are long and detailed. The ribbons marking the appropriate trail are excellent; I’ve gotten lost more than once out there, but not with Troy.)
The other aspect of their series which is different and better is the ease of transferring the registration price to another event. Like almost all their peers, they do not offer refunds. I understand that policy. I do not object, since it is explained clearly and it ensures I show up. For 18 months I had a serious health concern, requiring chemotherapy, and a couple of them were kind enough then. But by and large, if something comes up, you are out of luck no matter how legitimate the excuse may seem. Well, Troy allows you to defer to a later run. That is generous.
Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon
One big climb
Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon
I recommend the Star City Half Marathon. I rate it within the top five (of more than 175 halves to date) for the difficulty, due to the vertical gain up San … MORE
I recommend the Star City Half Marathon. I rate it within the top five (of more than 175 halves to date) for the difficulty, due to the vertical gain up San Bruno Mountain (the others being the Double Dipsea, Mt. Montara, and Mt. Diablo, all in the San Francisco Bay Area; and Colorado races up Kendall Mountain, though I did shorter distances out there). My watches clocked this at about 2500 feet, give or take, which is considerable; I have done 3200 feet before, and that is about the maximum I would consider. This is in the village of Brisbane, nicknamed “Star City.” It is just fifteen minutes from home. They arrange for parking in nearby lots. The field is sparse, maybe 150.
Almost all the challenge of this race is the initial ascent. You head upward after one block, initially through an older residential neighborhood, then into the woods. Scaling the slope, which was blustery, I was reminded of when I was a in law school in Ann Arbor and a driver in a Yugo was blown off the Mackinac bridge to her death. I thought I would never make it. I was not the only one struggling.
I consume maybe one gel in a typical race. I had four on this occasion, including a vanilla flavored one which was vile but which I squeezed the last out of for the energy boost. I prefer the solid versions of the same sustenance, the chews.
The rest of the route was okay, with a long descent, some of it treacherous; a section through an area with a solar system model “to scale,” which means the planets are spread out vast distances; another section through a new subdivision development; and a final mile along a dirt road behind warehouses. The views are spectacular. I am spoiled running in San Francisco. You become accustomed to vistas suitable for a “destination race.” I didn’t even stop to look, which makes me a bad human being.
I got the volunteer at the end to laugh with me. This is how important context is to communication, since the literal words were hostile. At maybe mile 12.5, so minutes from the finish line, the path came to a fork, with one branch leading onward directly and another branch ascending a steep but short paved hill. The volunteer directed me up the latter. I said, oh, man, I don’t like you. It was obvious that was a joke about the final climb.
I was the last male, sixteen minutes ahead of the last female.
Dimple Dell Half Marathon
It's a dell
Dimple Dell Half Marathon
I enjoyed the Dimple Dell Half Marathon. I would run it again if I were in Salt Lake City that weekend, which I likely won't be. I might travel to … MORE
I enjoyed the Dimple Dell Half Marathon. I would run it again if I were in Salt Lake City that weekend, which I likely won’t be. I might travel to Salt Lake City just for this event, because whenever I visit I think to myself this wouldn’t be a bad town to come to for fun, because it has so much to offer outdoors. I have been there several times, and always, as was true on this trip, for business.
That takes me to the first note for outsiders: SLC is almost a mile up. My Apple Watch reported the starting line as being 4457 feet above sea level; topo maps online list the area as 4800 feet. So that is nothing to scoff at. I had done nothing to acclimatize. I’ve run as high as 11,000 feet, though “run” is a misnomer, since I was staggering along at that point. But I live in New York City, and I do not spend much time in this rarified air. I try not to make excuses, even to myself. I am sure, however, this explains the lackluster performance which still was better than 1/6 of the participants — that relative standing is a norm for me. I suppose that means you should expect to be slower, unless you live at altitude. Although I don’t know how long it takes to adjust, I can say I was on the ground for a single day.
The venue was less than 30 minutes from downtown where I was staying, at the Little America hotel complex. It was still quite dark when I arrived at the park. The parking lot had enough spaces for what was not a giant field (under 200). The park had good restrooms, surprisingly already open.
Another note that is important for those considering the race. It has changed. The organizer guy said the route had been altered. He mentioned one year it was 19 degrees and the past year it was pouring rain.
A dell is a valley with trees. That is accurate. This had about 1100-1200 feet of gain, so it tops out over a mile high. The trail is 85% wood chip, with the remainder split between sand and sidewalk. The sights were interesting enough, offering relaxing vistas, woods, and a bit of suburban development.
Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K
Great venue for day 1 of 2
Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K
In every time travel movie, there is an enterprising individual who attempts to figure out what stocks to invest in or sports teams to bet on. Perhaps the most important … MORE
In every time travel movie, there is an enterprising individual who attempts to figure out what stocks to invest in or sports teams to bet on. Perhaps the most important function of a review site such as this is to offer this feature of science fiction to someone trying to decide: should I spend my time and money on this event? So I am writing as if this post were available to my former self, who was looking at this race weekend in Silverton, Colorado, put on by Aravaipa Running. I am combining a summary of the Saturday and Sunday races. To follow military memo format, bottom line up front: these are great races, destination races.
What former Frank was trying to figure out is whether this was even feasible, and, if so, at what distance. Here is the background. I have run more than 150 half marathons and another 30 races of other lengths, in about seven years (I started nine years ago as of this writing, had a break for a health concern and then the same time off as everyone due to the pandemic). My PR is 2:17 in the half. I am either the slowest runner or the fastest walker. I am always underprepared though. I’m serious but slow.
The main issue is altitude. Silverton is 9318 feet, proudly — there are signs for stores, such as the local dispensary, which list the elevation. I am a “lowlander.” I have spent time in the 5000-6000 feet, probably more than typical for a resident of sea level, due to an association with an institution in the high desert. I also have run at altitude, including in Colorado. I’ve done maybe five runs total, at altitudes from 3000 feet to 7000 feet.
So here is the most important thing I could say: yes, this is do-able. I plan to come again. I’ll try the longer distances. The location is beautiful, so much that words cannot do justice, not my writing anyway, and even photos do not communicate the majesty of the mountains and the clean air. But the thing is, you cannot treat this in the same manner you would a simple race in the neighborhood. Here is the best data point: I finished the 11k in the time it takes me to finish a half marathon on a normal day. It was, as detailed below, the toughest short race I have ever done. Given that my goal was to avoid death, I can claim success.
The problem with anything I say, however, is that you don’t know until you know, how your body will adjust to the altitude. I didn’t. Thus I took precautions: ibuprofen, Tums, oxygen canisters shipped to the AirBnB. Someone I work with shared a story of how she went skiing, didn’t appreciate the elevation issue (she was young), and passed out, falling into the lap of a stranger. I also didn’t have time to acclimatize. Either I am lucky or I have learned something: I felt fine. Now it is true I abstained from alcohol to prep, and my night between races I slept a good ten hours. But I did not feel ill. (My watch advises my VO2 max is above average, which I take not as indicating my healthiness but instead the very sorry state most 55 year old males must be in.)
On Saturday, I did the 8 miler. It was easy. The vertical gain was minor. My watch reported 400 feet or so, and I doubt it was that much. That comes to a total of less than 10,000 feet. The scenery was great. The running was primarily on a trail, I’m guessing an abandoned mining route, with a bit on the shoulder of a moderately busy road. We also passed through an RV park. For much of the time, we were alongside a creek, and it was about as idyllic as you would want. There was one point where you had to get your feet wet or make a 100 foot detour and climb a bit, to get over that waterway. My official time is off by an hour. I helped a woman who fell. We waited to the ambulance. It turned out she had broken her humerus. That is a risk with trails. This was not the worst. She was startled by an off terrain vehicle. They are prevalent in this region.
On Sunday, I downgraded from the 12 miler to the 11 kilometer. The vertical gain was about 1500 feet. That means we went to not quite 11,000 feet. This was not easy. It was 3/4 mile before any climb. So that meant it was about 1500 feet upward in about 2-1/4 miles. That is steep. It was unrelenting. I had to pause a half dozen times at the very end before the turnaround. It was like you read about mountain climbers, resting every few steps. I was breathing heavily the whole way, a raspy sound, even grunting. I have run big hills, including 3000 foot plus gains, but those were all starting off at zero. I cannot recall being so happy to reach the turnaround. Another participant about my pace was from Albuquerque, comparable to Denver, but she had never entered any race more than 5k, and she was not doing well; last I saw her, she was sitting on a rock and said she was nauseated. She actually said she was nauseous, which means to cause nausea, but it would have been inappropriate, downright rude, to have corrected her at that moment (and probably in general, since the dictionary states the incorrect usage has become standard). The downhill was much faster of course. But I was reluctant to go barreling along as I have done before. That was because of how technical the terrain was; I’d rate it the second most treacherous of races I have run. The other reason is while I did not suffer altitude sickness, I cannot report I was functioning as I would at home, so even on the descent I didn’t want to exert myself. I strolled.
My conclusion is Saturday was misleading. It was too easy. Sunday was what it is really like out there in these environs. I am glad I didn’t stick with the half marathon. I will come back to do it. I would need to train much more.
A few final notes. I flew into Durango. That is only 45 miles away, but 90 minutes, due to the curvy roads up and down. I drove at night. Some people might not be thrilled to do that because it is a thrill. It’s pitch black (no light pollution), in some instances near enough a cliff edge you can tell if you went over it would be very bad, and there are lots of deer. Silverton is a tiny town that is huge for outdoor activities. Many motorcyclists, hikers, and adventuresome folks passing through. It is worth a weekend of exploring. It is compact enough that in a weekend you could spend an hour in every single business and not fill the day.
Del Dios Trail Race
Challenging Downhill
Del Dios Trail Race
So I walked this. I had run a half marathon at Lake Mead outside Las Vegas the day before. I informed the aid stations I was the last. I was … MORE
So I walked this. I had run a half marathon at Lake Mead outside Las Vegas the day before.
I informed the aid stations I was the last. I was wrong. There were a half dozen others, men and women, behind me.
The route had more than 1000 feet of vertical gain. I have done as much as 3.5x that, more than once. But this also had 1000 feet of sheer descent. It was the most challenging downhill I have down; I’ve done as steep and as long, but nothing as technical. It was the grade coupled with the rocks that made it daunting. Mud and tree trunks also are dangerous, but this was a very hard, uneven surface, with many outcroppings jutting up and then loose sharp stones. It was two miles starting at mile 2.5, a climb, turnaround, then back. The additional difficulty is this was single track, i.e., enough room width for one person, and it was two way traffic, with multiple blind turns. This could be exhilarating, if you enjoy this sort of thing. Or it could be terrifying. I enjoyed it. I am not sure I want to do it again though.
The lake itself offered wonderful views.
The other note I offer is it gets cold in San Diego! I had no idea. I stayed in an AirBnB camper the night before. I turned off the space heater. I woke up without difficulty due to the chill. The car said it was 37 degrees.
Lake Mead Marathon
Great views!
Lake Mead Marathon
This is at Lake Mead. I believe it is the largest artificial lake in the world. If not, it is very big. It was created when the Hoover Dam was … MORE
This is at Lake Mead. I believe it is the largest artificial lake in the world. If not, it is very big. It was created when the Hoover Dam was built. For the construction, they also had to lay railroad track to transport material. That is what 80% of this race runs along.
I am glad I went. I’d go again. The reason is except for a loop at the beginning that is boring, the main part of the route has a spectacular view of the lake, with these steep and probably dangerous drop offs from the path on either side. There also are awe inspiring tunnels drilled through sheer rock face. So if you toppled into the gorge or down the slope to the lake, you probably could commit suicide or you’d at least be injured significantly. The risk is low, however, since the path is so wide, and you could catch yourself if you just slipped — to incur bodily harm, you’d have to be deliberate or very reckless. I wouldn’t ride a bicycle there as some were doing; that seems to involve too much potential for a collision and then careening over the edge. You also might not be thrilled if you have a fear of heights. I have run other places with an ocean or bay vista. This is the best lake scenery.
Two things. The parking is $25. The elevation is 2500 feet. So you need to know that. They accept credit cards at the booth. 2500 feet didn’t require any acclimitization (I don’t know how that is spelled), but I was much slower than I would be normally and somewhat short of breath (I’ve run at 5000 feet and even 6000 feet, and that burns your lungs).
This is highly recommended.
Pocahontas Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Wonderfully flat and smooth for woods
Pocahontas Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Today’s run report. I ran with Bishop’s Events at Pocahontas State Park in Richmond, Virginia. The organizer is a military veteran, and he tries to have a charity partner serving … MORE
Today’s run report. I ran with Bishop’s Events at Pocahontas State Park in Richmond, Virginia. The organizer is a military veteran, and he tries to have a charity partner serving that community. He honored a guy who has run 200 events with them, presenting what looked like a giant (1000x normal size) chess pawn with a nameplate; that guy receives his own customized number, which is 2. He finished first. This was the second flattest and smoothest trail course I’ve ever run (more about the first below). It went through woods. There were leaves almost everywhere. To communicate how flat and smooth, a woman pushing a stroller, with another child alongside, plus a dog, passed me, and she remarked to her older child how there weren’t branches and rocks. The vertical gain consisted of gentle rises, so subtle you could have powered up all of them without breaking a sweat. The route was a double out and back, plus a little spur. The out and back was the 10k segment, and the additional .7 miles was made up with the little spur. I ran a 2:46, finishing 42 of 52. I ran a negative split, by a considerable margin. I passed at least a half dozen people in the last leg. I came up behind two women at the 2:42 mark, and I thought I might even be able to pass them, but at the very moment I considered a sprint they took off, and they ultimately finished more than a full minute ahead, meaning I likely wouldn’t have been able to sustain a pace to pull in front anyway. Saturday Frank had to consider Sunday Frank. I will do this again by the Verrazano Bridge, and my hope is to beat today. That is not an absurd goal. I am creaky, is the problem. My knees aren’t recovering as rapidly as before the pandemic. The first trail route, ranked by flat and smooth, would be the DC Canal Tow Path — Bishop’s puts on events there too. But that isn’t really through woods.
Great Balloon Chase
Gasping But Worth It
Great Balloon Chase
The Great Balloon Chase is a destination event. It coincides with the Albuquerque international balloon festival, and it is at high altitude (approximately a mile above sea level). Both of … MORE
The Great Balloon Chase is a destination event. It coincides with the Albuquerque international balloon festival, and it is at high altitude (approximately a mile above sea level). Both of these aspects are defining features.
The balloon festival is apparently known around the world and a leading one if not the single most significant of these occasions, not that I know anything about ballooning. There are penguins and pigs and representatives of corporations and cities floating in the sky, which you don’t see every day or anywhere else. I can say I have never seen so many balloons ever, and it is impressive against the southwestern vista. The timing means many more folks are in town than usual. On the flight, you’ll hear people talking about balloons. Out and about, there are lots of chase vehicles all over.
The high altitude is the defining challenge. For lowlanders such as myself, this means huffing and puffing from the get go. Anyone not accustomed to being up at this level should acclimatize. I had two days. That is not enough. To put it into perspective, I ran a 2:35 the Sunday before. I felt great in the morning, much better than a week ago, with a full eight and a half hours of sleep, and I eked out a 2:51. I put in more effort too. I really felt the exertion in my lungs. My relative finish was terrific, my best post-pandemic. I was at the top of the bottom quartile.
That has to be taken with a caveat. I ran a quarter mile short. So I probably was closer to the top of the bottom quintile. But the point is the same: feeling pretty good, turning in a decent performance for me, I was still slow. Yet the crowd was very slow, with many from out of town and a good number of walkers.
It should be mentioned this venue also is desert. Hydration is crucial. That is always true. It is all the more so when it is as dry as this: my shoes were a bit moist due to a mishap the day before, and my running companion, who is a local, said not to worry; they’d dry out overnight. She was right. The temperatures were just about perfect. I started with a light jacket over my t-shirt, took it off at mile three and stashed it in my backpack. I had on light long pants by Under Armour, not shorts, but you could go either way with that and not regret it.
The route is an out and back. It traverses a field. A bit is along crowded roads. Most is along the Rio Grande. Thanks to global warming, it is sad looking in this area.
Back to the distance. We went through the finish the wrong way. That has to do with poor signage at the very end and a lack of volunteers.
My running companion was unimpressed by the organization. I have to agree with her that the bib pick up, at a sporting good store, was the slowest of more than 100 races. It was leisurely. That isn’t fatal.
Everyone was friendly and encouraging. So all in all, I recommend this race warmly. The word “unique” is not used properly in general. It means there is only one. This is unique. Nothing else occurs during a giant balloon festival (yes, there are races with a few, but you haven’t seen anything like this). Hundreds of balloons rising up as you take off is by itself a compelling reason to come out here.
Parks Half Marathon
Rock Creek Park
Parks Half Marathon
I recommend this. I had a great time. That was primarily because I improved 18 minutes over the day before. It was a post-pandemic personal best. This run was big … MORE
I recommend this. I had a great time. That was primarily because I improved 18 minutes over the day before. It was a post-pandemic personal best.
This run was big and suburban. Everyone was friendly, a good 1500 or so. Many were members of the organizing club, including as pacers in yellow t-shirts. “Suburban” probably doesn’t sell it, because much of the venue was inside Rock Creek Park, on paved paths through fields and woods. Short of being on a trail or in a rural area, it was about as rustic as it could be.
The morning was crisp. The 6:45 start time contributed to the cool temperatures. It wasn’t so cool as to be brisk. It was just right for shorts and a t-shirt, even at the peak once the sun was up.
A cavil, not complaint, about the porta potties. I realized I can’t stand it when folks cut in line. The fault here was the arrangement. At least three people didn’t realize you had to queue up and darted into a unit while others were waiting.
The route is flat. There were two signs warning of steep grades, one uphill just before mile nine and another downhill at the end. The grades were gentle, even these two short stretches. It wasn’t flat like the canal towpath, but by any reasonable standard this would be deemed easy.
Between the time I signed up for this and the event, my father moved into an apartment building right by the end of the race. This is point to point, from King’s Farm to the Grosvenor Metro station. That was a bonus. They had pizza and eggs and sausage and bananas and lots of food and drink at the finish.
Susquehanna River Running Festival
Small Town Charm
Susquehanna River Running Festival
This race made me think about the word “nice.” It has become a pejorative. What is nice isn’t well regarded. But that is what this event is, and that’s perfectly … MORE
This race made me think about the word “nice.” It has become a pejorative. What is nice isn’t well regarded. But that is what this event is, and that’s perfectly fine. The charm is of a small town on the East Coat. Everyone was friendly. There were enough porta potties. The weather was perfect, not yet quite “crisp.” It warmed up a bit, but not to the point of being hot. There were 300 participants. They had pacers to 2:40.
The route was mostly flat. It crossed a bridge shrouded in fog, which was literally cool and figuratively as well. If I were in the area, I’d run it again.
The bonus is a local seafood festival that occurs the same weekend. So if you like crab, you will enjoy a feast.
Bird in Hand Half Marathon & 5K 🏆
In Amish Country
Bird in Hand Half Marathon & 5K 🏆
The Bird in Hand half marathon is a destination race. It is worthwhile. The primary attraction is the locale: Amish country. I saw more cows than at any other race … MORE
The Bird in Hand half marathon is a destination race. It is worthwhile. The primary attraction is the locale: Amish country. I saw more cows than at any other race I’ve run and more cow poop on the road. I smelled more cow too. I also saw more sheep and goats and homemade cheese for sale. I also saw two camels, I’m guessing a mother and child, but no indication of the father. That was unusual enough that others stopped to take photos. There were bonnets and Amish scooter-bicycles in abundance. The organizers and volunteers all appeared to be community members. Driving in, I was nervous about the horse drawn carriages on the road. There also was lots of corn. That isn’t a distinguishing characteristic. There are other races through fields. Crops are not that interesting.
The course itself has gentle hills. They are just enough for the word “flat” to be inappropriate but not challenging enough to scare off anyone who is experienced in this type of thing. They offer agricultural views with a couple of more idyllic vistas.
Another high point, a sign of how well thought out things are, was the porta potty situation. The had ample units and a traffic guide directing folks to empty ones. They even had a few fire pits going at the beginning. It was just chilly enough to appreciate them.
Community members participated in the race as well. The guy who guided me to the start line and assured me I could get my bib grew up in the neighborhood but had moved away; he was coming back to run. A husband and wife passed me, each pushing a stroller, presumably with twins.
The medal was a horseshoe, a real one and not just a token shaped like one. I am not sure, but I might have read it was used on a local animal.
The food was excellent. I had BBQ chicken, a sausage, potato salad, celery, and cake. I skipped the ice cream. The line moved quickly. They have a great sense of how to put on an event such as this. There were big tents to sit under and picnic tables under the sun.
Kendall Mountain Run
Uphill!
Kendall Mountain Run
In every time travel movie, there is an enterprising individual who attempts to figure out what stocks to invest in or sports teams to bet on. Perhaps the most important … MORE
In every time travel movie, there is an enterprising individual who attempts to figure out what stocks to invest in or sports teams to bet on. Perhaps the most important function of a review site such as this is to offer this feature of science fiction to someone trying to decide: should I spend my time and money on this event? So I am writing as if this post were available to my former self, who was looking at this race weekend in Silverton, Colorado, put on by Aravaipa Running. I am combining a summary of the Saturday and Sunday races. To follow military memo format, bottom line up front: these are great races, destination races.
What former Frank was trying to figure out is whether this was even feasible, and, if so, at what distance. Here is the background. I have run more than 150 half marathons and another 30 races of other lengths, in about seven years (I started nine years ago as of this writing, had a break for a health concern and then the same time off as everyone due to the pandemic). My PR is 2:17 in the half. I am either the slowest runner or the fastest walker. I am always underprepared though. I’m serious but slow.
The main issue is altitude. Silverton is 9318 feet, proudly — there are signs for stores, such as the local dispensary, which list the elevation. I am a “lowlander.” I have spent time in the 5000-6000 feet, probably more than typical for a resident of sea level, due to an association with an institution in the high desert. I also have run at altitude, including in Colorado. I’ve done maybe five runs total, at altitudes from 3000 feet to 7000 feet.
So here is the most important thing I could say: yes, this is do-able. I plan to come again. I’ll try the longer distances. The location is beautiful, so much that words cannot do justice, not my writing anyway, and even photos do not communicate the majesty of the mountains and the clean air. But the thing is, you cannot treat this in the same manner you would a simple race in the neighborhood. Here is the best data point: I finished the 11k in the time it takes me to finish a half marathon on a normal day. It was, as detailed below, the toughest short race I have ever done. Given that my goal was to avoid death, I can claim success.
The problem with anything I say, however, is that you don’t know until you know, how your body will adjust to the altitude. I didn’t. Thus I took precautions: ibuprofen, Tums, oxygen canisters shipped to the AirBnB. Someone I work with shared a story of how she went skiing, didn’t appreciate the elevation issue (she was young), and passed out, falling into the lap of a stranger. I also didn’t have time to acclimatize. Either I am lucky or I have learned something: I felt fine. Now it is true I abstained from alcohol to prep, and my night between races I slept a good ten hours. But I did not feel ill. (My watch advises my VO2 max is above average, which I take not as indicating my healthiness but instead the very sorry state most 55 year old males must be in.)
On Saturday, I did the 8 miler. It was easy. The vertical gain was minor. My watch reported 400 feet or so, and I doubt it was that much. That comes to a total of less than 10,000 feet. The scenery was great. The running was primarily on a trail, I’m guessing an abandoned mining route, with a bit on the shoulder of a moderately busy road. We also passed through an RV park. For much of the time, we were alongside a creek, and it was about as idyllic as you would want. There was one point where you had to get your feet wet or make a 100 foot detour and climb a bit, to get over that waterway. My official time is off by an hour. I helped a woman who fell. We waited to the ambulance. It turned out she had broken her humerus. That is a risk with trails. This was not the worst. She was startled by an off terrain vehicle. They are prevalent in this region.
On Sunday, I downgraded from the 12 miler to the 11 kilometer. The vertical gain was about 1500 feet. That means we went to not quite 11,000 feet. This was not easy. It was 3/4 mile before any climb. So that meant it was about 1500 feet upward in about 2-1/4 miles. That is steep. It was unrelenting. I had to pause a half dozen times at the very end before the turnaround. It was like you read about mountain climbers, resting every few steps. I was breathing heavily the whole way, a raspy sound, even grunting. I have run big hills, including 3000 foot plus gains, but those were all starting off at zero. I cannot recall being so happy to reach the turnaround. Another participant about my pace was from Albuquerque, comparable to Denver, but she had never entered any race more than 5k, and she was not doing well; last I saw her, she was sitting on a rock and said she was nauseated. She actually said she was nauseous, which means to cause nausea, but it would have been inappropriate, downright rude, to have corrected her at that moment (and probably in general, since the dictionary states the incorrect usage has become standard). The downhill was much faster of course. But I was reluctant to go barreling along as I have done before. That was because of how technical the terrain was; I’d rate it the second most treacherous of races I have run. The other reason is while I did not suffer altitude sickness, I cannot report I was functioning as I would at home, so even on the descent I didn’t want to exert myself. I strolled.
My conclusion is Saturday was misleading. It was too easy. Sunday was what it is really like out there in these environs. I am glad I didn’t stick with the half marathon. I will come back to do it. I would need to train much more.
A few final notes. I flew into Durango. That is only 45 miles away, but 90 minutes, due to the curvy roads up and down. I drove at night. Some people might not be thrilled to do that because it is a thrill. It’s pitch black (no light pollution), in some instances near enough a cliff edge you can tell if you went over it would be very bad, and there are lots of deer. Silverton is a tiny town that is huge for outdoor activities. Many motorcyclists, hikers, and adventuresome folks passing through. It is worth a weekend of exploring. It is compact enough that in a weekend you could spend an hour in every single business and not fill the day.
Brooklyn Queens Brewery Express
Unsanctioned, Nighttime, Urban
Brooklyn Queens Brewery Express
This was a wonderful urban race with enthusiastic runners and an even more enthusiastic organizer. Although I have run over 100 half marathons by now, this a first: it was … MORE
This was a wonderful urban race with enthusiastic runners and an even more enthusiastic organizer. Although I have run over 100 half marathons by now, this a first: it was unsanctioned and at night (5pm start time), basically a couple of hundred people on the sidewalks of Brooklyn and Queens. If unsanctioned, night, or Brooklyn and Queens is not for you, then you’ll know right away this isn’t what you’d enter. But if you’re game, it’s worthwhile.
As soon as I appreciated what I was getting into, I thought I was would get lost or be run over. Neither happened. The organizer gave out maps showing no streets but a route that was a squashed triangle. I thought it was useless. He then explained there were only three turns, with aid stations at each. When I checked my watch and app afterward, sure enough the tracking matched the map: it was a squashed triangle in the exact shape and proportions. So there was zero difficulty unless you were deliberately inattentive (no headphones allowed). As for the possibility of being run over, well, that was a real risk. You need to be a savvy street runner. If you have made it to adulthood in NYC, you’ll be fine.
I loved the neighborhoods. The organizer said we’d get to know them. We did. Every person I passed was, without exception, friendly — and regardless of who they were or who I was. An older African American gentleman with a salt and pepper beard, hanging out on a stoop, asked how far the race was. I said 13 miles. He said, “Damn.” That was funny. Multiple people on their porches were encouraging. If you ever thought ill of New Yorkers or city dwellers, this should have challenged stereotypes and changed your mind. There also were lots of cars festooned with the Peurto Rican flag because of the big parade, a great celebration of diversity.
The last indications of the spirit were the reaction at the beginning and the sweeper. So by coincidence a club or gang, depending on your perspective, of motorcyclists with matching jackets on sport bikes convened at the same starting point. It was loud and smelly. The organizer was not put off. Instead, he treated it as if it had been a planned escort for us, and the embrace of the raucous group is the positive attitude we need in life to get along. As for the sweeper, he was carrying, no kidding, a gold broom. He also had a PR flag. He did his job dutifully. I was maybe fifth from last. He waited for everybody and made sure they got across the finish line.
These folks do a few other runs in addition to their weekly event. Among them is the Kessel Run on May 4, a 12k. I can’t wait to try it. (If you don’t get the joke of that race title and distance, never mind.)
Lantern Run NYC
Small Race, as Advertised
Lantern Run NYC
This race made me wonder why we sign up for races. I mean that positively. I'll explain. This race is what it is advertised to be. It is not a … MORE
This race made me wonder why we sign up for races. I mean that positively. I’ll explain.
This race is what it is advertised to be. It is not a giant event. It is capped at 25 runners for each event during the day. The organizers are two guys with clipboards, stopwatches, and a pallet of bottled water. They set up, runners show up, check in, are given instructions, and then are sent out there. I’m betting they don’t need or bother with a race permit. You’re out there like joggers, of which there were a number, and it’s casual.
Yet while I could simply have shown up on the pier, mapped out a route, and run it as a solitary activity, I know I — others might, but not I — would not do that. I am a run commuter, and an avid racer. But I rarely, indeed never, head out for a solo run for reacreation. So without an organized effort, my paying an entry fee, and the formality of being a competitor. I would not have had this exercise.
That is why I am indebted to these organizers. They are entreprenuers like any other race organizers. Their event is just not as fancy. I am glad I saw their website. I would race with them on another occasion. (Apparently they do this regularly. They have many other cities too.)
The race itself was four loops. I have done four loops before, including at venues I already know. I doubt I’d want to do more than four loops. But this was not someplace with which I was familiar, and there was enough variation that even without headphones I was not bored by the scenery at all.
The start point, which is in the middle, is Pier 45 in Manhattan. This is along the Hudson River. It was south to Pier 25, looping around it; north to Pier 51, which is developed and doesn’t have pedestrain access along the actual pier; back to Pier 46, looping around it; then looping Pier 45. Then repeating the big loop as described three times more, for four times total. My watch clocked it at just over 13.1, but that was with a tiny bit of cheating on my part on the last lap, when I went through part of Pier 25 that cut maybe 50 feet off, and also cut the corners on Pier 46, for another 100 feet savings. It was quite windy. The sun came out though.
Reston 10 Miler
Easy, Flat Course near Dulles Airport
Reston 10 Miler
I had run a half marathon in NY City the day before. I had dinner with an old friend in Philadelphia, then visited my father in Washington, D.C. I lost … MORE
I had run a half marathon in NY City the day before. I had dinner with an old friend in Philadelphia, then visited my father in Washington, D.C. I lost an hour because of daylight savings. I spent another hour renting a car at the BWI airport, so I could store my lugage in it during the race, rather than take the train from Philly to DC and uber out to the venue. That is more detail than most would want to know. I’m just excusing myself for the lackluster performance, chasing the cutoff of 2:15.
This was a good race on a flat course (mostly so; by San Francisco standards, it was about as flat as possible; by other standards, there were gentle rises that nobody would object to). For those unfamiliar with the area, it is near the Dulles airport. That is why I signed up. I had a flight that afternoon. It was perfect. I’m glad I spent the morning doing this.
The race started at the local high school. I believe it somehow benefits that institution or another charity. The field was friendly, medium sized (no corrals or waves), and included walkers. The route was easy and easygoing. It wound on pavement through suburbs.
This is a good race for locals, or, if like me, you happen to be passing through.
CCHP Chinatown YMCA Lunar New Year Run
Heckler
CCHP Chinatown YMCA Lunar New Year Run
I ran the Chinatown 10k. I ran a negative split. It is two loops. I was significantly faster the second go-aroind. I was listening to the Good Place television show, … MORE
I ran the Chinatown 10k. I ran a negative split. It is two loops. I was significantly faster the second go-aroind. I was listening to the Good Place television show, which is funny and probably resulted in me being slower. As I went through the Financial District, a woman, probably in her 60s, white, pushing a shopping cart with items other than groceries, i.e., likely homeless or otherwise troubled, was shouting. She was one of those people who shout at nobody specific, but non-stop. It was “Go home, you parasites!” over and over and over. Then it was “Go back to Golden Gate Park. You disrupted the bus service!” Then it was, “I can walk faster than you can run!” But mainly it was “Go homse, you parasites!” I am not sure if this was heckling or racist heckling. (The field for the Chinatown 10k is heavily, but not exclusively, Asian/Asian American, even for the San Francisco Bay Area.)
For people wondering about the race, it proceeds from Chinatown to the Embarcadero to the Financial District, back to Chinatown, then along a similar but not quite the same route. There are two hills that don’t even count by Bay Area standards. Lots of families, lots of children, and welcoming to all (no need to worry if you aren’t of Chinese background!).
Golden Gate Trail Run (Winter)
Should be Considered Destination
Golden Gate Trail Run (Winter)
I have run out here probably a half dozen times now. It is the Marin Headlands. This is a true half marathon. Some organizers have a route at the same … MORE
I have run out here probably a half dozen times now. It is the Marin Headlands. This is a true half marathon. Some organizers have a route at the same venue that is short, and some call it a 20k (12.4 miles). They are all good, but the variation in distance and elevation gain can be considerable. I asked the organizer of this one, and it’s just how they lay them out; it isn’t anything about the park rules (I thought perhaps they require different things or make people alternate). This one runs clockwise, with the big ascents at the very beginning and then continuing over the front half.
I think people have realized this is spectacular. Folks are traveling to take part. You see the bay, the ocean, and the city. There are hills, and there are woods. You even go through a working stable. You have to be careful not to disturb the horses.
The organizers are friendly and good. The main guy has several different race outfits. The volunteers are terrific. There is a really nice older fellow, who I think I have insulted, because he always says it’s downhill from the aid station, and I never believe him — I’m just joking, but in fact there were little rises which by that point you think, geez, it wasn’t true it’s downhill . . . It’s funny how perception changes as you get tired, because it’s absolutely factual those later bumps are nothing like the beginning. It’s 2500 feet plus of gain. It’s not as bad as the 3000 feet challenges in the San Francisco Bay Area, not only because of course it’s 500 feet less, but it’s not as steep. It’s more of a steady climb.
I never hesitate to sign up for a race out here. I like these organizers (they go by Coastal and Zoom, and the naming depends on how difficult/easy to course is). Highly recommended.
San Francisco Half Marathon
Windy!
San Francisco Half Marathon
This is a race I have to run. It was my first half marathon six years ago. The starting point is a mile from my house. For San Francisco, this … MORE
This is a race I have to run. It was my first half marathon six years ago. The starting point is a mile from my house. For San Francisco, this route is about as flat as you’ll find: Golden Gate Park; along the Panhandle; down the Pacific Coast Highway with Ocean Beach right there.
It was enjoyable. But there was an issue that has not arisen the past five years, not that I recall. The wind was fierce. Beach sand was being blown with such force, it was as if you were receiving an exfoliation treatment. I put on my jacket, which I had taken off much earlier; I’ve never done that before. People without sunglasses had to cover their eyes. The birds were even having difficulty. Some took off and despite working their wings went nowhere. A few flew inland, away from food, but coasting on the current. I don’t know if this was an anomaly or a sign of extreme weather that will be our permanent future. I’m guessing everyone was affected. My time was not impressive. But it wasn’t bad, compared to my relative finish in a typical race (top of the bottom quarter).
At the end, I sprinted. I was fast enough the announcer called out, “Look at that Frank Wu go!”
JFK 20K & MLK 5K
Canal Tow Path!
JFK 20K & MLK 5K
The canal tow path is great for running. I've run multiple races at different parts, more in the city and also like this in the suburbs. It's not crowded even … MORE
The canal tow path is great for running. I’ve run multiple races at different parts, more in the city and also like this in the suburbs. It’s not crowded even for bigger races, and this more of a smaller race. What makes is special is the waterfront view the whole way, or, if blocked by trees then the foliage view. It’s flat and easy — not a hard concrete path and also fewer risks than on trails. I would not turn down a race in this venue. The weather was typical of winter in the region: literally just above or below freezing, but right at about that point.
Al Lewis 10 Miler & 5 Miler
Flat course at Hain's Point
Al Lewis 10 Miler & 5 Miler
This is an almost loop around the golf course at Hain's Point, twice. It isn't a full circle. It's out, back, and again. It's 2.5 miles each time, so 10 … MORE
This is an almost loop around the golf course at Hain’s Point, twice. It isn’t a full circle. It’s out, back, and again. It’s 2.5 miles each time, so 10 miles total. If you don’t know Hain’s Point, it used to be where that Awakening sculpture was, a giant hand emerging from the ground, but they moved it, so now people refer to it as where that formerly was located. I am not that familiar with the area, but there also is a public golf course, which meant the pro shop was open early (with restrooms and soft drinks). There also is sufficient parking, including right at the start/finish. The course is flat. It offers waterfront views, including of Reagan National Airport. By DC standards, it’s picturesque.
My time was back of the pack once again. That’s okay. It was the first race of the calendar year, and I improved 50 seconds over the last 10 miler, the last race of 2019, in St. Louis.
I’d run this again. It was casual, small, and easygoing. But there were fast runners. My relative finish is usually higher than it was here, meaning there weren’t really walkers on the course. (The wintertime date might deter the less serious, but thanks to climate change it was a balmy 65 degrees or so, and I believe later that day was record setting.)
Frostbite Series Event #2 (MO)
Through Forest Park, St. Louis
Frostbite Series Event #2 (MO)
Here is what other runners might be interested to know. This run loops through Forest Park. My wife is from St. Louis, so I have been there more than two … MORE
Here is what other runners might be interested to know. This run loops through Forest Park. My wife is from St. Louis, so I have been there more than two dozen times. Forest Park is the big urban green space, with the museums in it and various attractions; it’s a vast, wonderful Midwestern version of Central Park in Manhattan or Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, and it’s every bit the equal. The course is on the roads within the park, winding around, with good views of what there is to see, and it is less wooded and more open than Central Park or Golden Gate Park. The best vista includes SLAM, the St. Louis Art Museum, in the background, and you pass it twice. It’s more serene than either a city run or trail run.
The weather is unpredictable. The first time I ran this, it was pouring rain at a temperature just warm enough to allow liquid water. The second time, 2019, it was mild and a bit foggy.
For me, it was a milestone. Twenty races following a major health crisis, I finally ran one faster than before. Two years ago, however, I suffered a wardrobe malfunction. I had sweat pants, old ones, without a waist drawstring, which, once sopping wet, were very heavy, like weights swinging on the pendulum of my legs. I had to clutch the waist for 9-1/2 miles, and for a moment I thought about stripping to boxer shorts despite the cold. As a consequence, I was if not the last finisher almost certainly the last male. It was not difficult to better that result. I was five minutes faster, or 30 seconds per mile.
On the subject of gender, I am pleased to report my niece placed fifth for women her age, and beat me by a good 30 minutes. That is another confirmation that sexism is inappropriate in the sense of being factually inaccurate, aside from morally wrong. The best male and the average male might be quicker than the best female and average female, respectively — though even that is empirically not the case often enough — but the bell curves are so wide that any actual male is foolish to suppose there isn’t a real female who will display superior performance in an athletic competition, versus the extraordinary (by definition) number one and the hypothetical mean.
Woodside Ramble
Gravity Assisted Negative Split
Woodside Ramble
Here is what you need to know. This is a trail race. It is in the woods, in the shade, mostly on single track, and it has one big hill. … MORE
Here is what you need to know. This is a trail race. It is in the woods, in the shade, mostly on single track, and it has one big hill. That means it is missing something you might be looking for: there is no grand vista, though there is a view that includes power lines and towers, which you see twice, sort of a sign of how modern life cuts through the wilderness. In my book, however, it makes up for it with the forest setting, which is about as isolated as you’d want though it comes close to the road a couple of times.
They advertise 2600 feet vertical gain. My watch, a Garmin Fenix 3, recorded only 2250. That’s not a quarrel with anyone or my device. Accuracy is not great out there — at least twice while I was looking at it, the mileage count backed up, and, probably not by coincidence, it was during an ascent or descent. Suffice it to say it’s not trivial. The incline is so long, however, it isn’t as brutal as some of the races in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The moral satisfying aspect (since it involves work and delayed gratification, so it comports in the old school sense with how a scold would want the world to work) is that you get probably five miles of descent in the back half. It isn’t too technical either. So you can really fly downward.
Then the last mile has a bump. The two other runners I was alternating with, one runs this park every Saturday and called it “rude” but warned us; the other complained about how terrible it was in a manner that inspired laughter and sympathy. But, yeah, the last mile goes back up, mildly, but definitely. So you’re thinking almost there and it’s a reminder of reality.
I believe I have run this race before, but I am not sure (Athlinks shows me at 106 races at this point; not a brag; just why I cannot keep track.) I know I have run out at this venue before. [Addendum: I checked. I ran it two years ago, 7 minutes faster. Still on the comeback trail.]
As for me, it was another lackluster morning. I wanted to beat 3:15, but I missed. I was at the top of the bottom tenth. Well, considering I did the 17 mile San Francisco urban hike on Monday (plus a half marathon and 10k that weekend), I’m fine with it. I will come back to this park.
Elf on the Run
Great views, very flat for San Francisco
Elf on the Run
I love running this route. It is Crissy Field in the Marina District, San Francisco, with the Bay alongside, to the Golden Gate Bridge, where waves are crashing onto the … MORE
I love running this route. It is Crissy Field in the Marina District, San Francisco, with the Bay alongside, to the Golden Gate Bridge, where waves are crashing onto the path, and a turnaround at a landmark old fort. For the 10k, it’s two loops. By San Francisco standards, it is level.
The organizers are competent, and the crowd is friendly. We even got parking at Sports Basement, by arriving an hour early.
Friend Ali thought he was DFL. He was not. Several more came in after him.
Rodeo Beach Trail Run
Destination Race
Rodeo Beach Trail Run
Here is what people would like to know, unrelated to me. This venue has great views. It usually isn't mentioned as a destination race. But it is. The Marin Headlands … MORE
Here is what people would like to know, unrelated to me. This venue has great views. It usually isn’t mentioned as a destination race. But it is. The Marin Headlands give you a perspective on the city of San Francisco, the Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and lots of varied scenery, including a horse stable. Some people traveled for this. So word is out. Even the least interesting parts were interesting relative to most places.
The route was muddy. That’s fine by me. It wasn’t the most muddy I’ve run. But it was soggy many places. These folks do a nighttime race in the same area. That also is highly recommended.
There are multiple routes though. This one had, I think, 2300 feet vertical gain as advertised. The other direction is harder, if you ask me. Some organizers claim a half marathon but it’s short (my watch measured 12.4), so these folks have it right. They are, by the way, pretty good. No complaints. They had hot food (one serving) and booze (no limit) at the finish line.
I beat my friend Ali by 45 minutes. That is the most important part. As an organizer said last time I was gloating, what are friends for if you can’t enjoy beating them? But as my wife said, don’t make the guy feel bad.
Quarry Turkey Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Little Turkeys Race
Post Thanksgiving Slowness
Quarry Turkey Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Little Turkeys Race
First, for other runners considering the race, the basics. I have run out at Quarry Lakes probably a half dozen times; I cannot recall if I have run this specific … MORE
First, for other runners considering the race, the basics. I have run out at Quarry Lakes probably a half dozen times; I cannot recall if I have run this specific race, but the route is similar. It’s flat for the Bay Area. The plus is this is a laid back, family friendly event put together by Brazen, who are my favorite outfit. I recommend it without hesitation. The minus is weather isn’t the best (this year a storm threatened but did not materialize; there were a few drops of rain) and the path is boring compared to other options (it’s next to a suburban development and along a river or canal or water feature that I’m guessing is artificial). So this is for locals; it’s not a destination. Lots of aid stations (I believe seven), with electrolytes, water, and snacks. Really, I have only praise for Brazen. They know how to do this. Enthusiastic volunteers. I love their races, especially for the crowd.
Second, a non complaint. Just a warning or observation. It actually is good for me. I also appreciate why this has to be: if you want the race to be a real 13.1, sometimes this is necessary. My mild, semi-facetious annoyance is a moral failing on my part. Here’s the thing. At the very end, when you approach the finish, there is an extra little tiny bit, about .25 miles, so you have this loop, to make the distance. I always am crushed to see that. I anticipated it. It wasn’t bad. It’s just funny: you know the feeling? You’re coming along; you see the end in sight; you hear the announcer, and, man, there is about 2 minutes more while you are practically there but not there.
Anyway, recommended. If I see a Brazen race and another that conflicts, I always pick Brazen. (No, I don’t have any conflict of interest. That’s a genuine endorsement.)
Third, if you’re wondering, I’m basically a back of the pack runner. I was 11 from the bottom, the bottom 7 percent. When I got there, the finish was still up, but they were breaking down the shelters. (It will be, however, 15 or 16 half marathons this year, plus 7 or 8 races of lesser distance, for more than 20 post chemotherapy!)
Davis Turkey Trot
Photo Finish!
Davis Turkey Trot
I stayed with the 2:20 pacer for three miles, then the 2:24 pacer for another mile. A police officer was killed recently, and her badge number was 224. An Asian … MORE
I stayed with the 2:20 pacer for three miles, then the 2:24 pacer for another mile. A police officer was killed recently, and her badge number was 224. An Asian American guy had his own sign to pace at 2:24. We were chatting. He gave me a fist bump. I said I had run 100 half marathons; he has run 78. Anyway, he was a friendly guy. I beat the 2:40 pacer. The 2:50 pacer was not good: she finished ahead of the 2:40 pacer, in probably 2:39. I ran a 2:35 and change. At the end, I was racing a fellow, Jim Lane, whose chip time was 1/2 second faster. We actually both sprinted the last quarter mile. The photographer perked up. I gave in six feet before the finish line. So he won. I probably don’t have enough drive at the end. I’m too willing to call it a day.
For other runners, here is what you want to know.
Right downtown. I stayed at the Hilton and walked. I left the hotel 7:30 for an 8:00 start, and I could have left 7:50. I had my bib.
Flat except for the ramp to a bridge at about 2.75 miles. That was maybe 25 feet of rise, max. So an easy course.
Family friendly. Lots of strollers.
Great vibe.
The North Face Endurance Challenge Championship – California
Course changed
The North Face Endurance Challenge Championship – California
Let me say upfront. This is a very good race. I would run it again. So don't interpret anything I say below too negatively. Three years ago, I ran this … MORE
Let me say upfront. This is a very good race. I would run it again. So don’t interpret anything I say below too negatively.
Three years ago, I ran this with a friend who came up from San Diego. It was a huge challenge. I had run half as many races then as I have by now. I ran 36 half marathons in 2016, my big year. I was just getting started.
It was cold at the beginning, there is a huge vertical, the crowd was enthusiastic, and Marin County does not disappoint.
I invited my friend back up. We signed up. We were enthusiastic.
The whole course has changed! It still is in Marin. The start is different, the elevation is much less (it went from 3100 to 2300, plus or minus), you go over the Golden Gate Bridge, and you end in Crissy Field in the city, It is still difficult. I would not call this easy. Perhaps for someone elite, but I finished in the bottom seven percent, so I’m not about to brag about my speed headed uphill.
The aid stations are bare bones: water and electrolyte drinks, no snacks at all. The Golden Gate Bridge is open to traffic on both sides, and it is noisy — if you had headphones, it would be terrific for the view, but if you are listening to cars and trucks whizzing by it ruins the experience.
So this is still worthwhile. It just isn’t the super special race it seemed to be before.
Lake Chabot Trail Run
Regular venue in San Francisco Bay Area
Lake Chabot Trail Run
I have run out here at least a half dozen times. But the route varies. It is about 1700 feet vertical gain, give or take depending on exactly what they … MORE
I have run out here at least a half dozen times. But the route varies. It is about 1700 feet vertical gain, give or take depending on exactly what they have plotted out. It’s just challenging enough. I did multiple races in the month prior, at least two with 50% more rise. So this was a nice break. Scenery is fine. Crowd is laid back. Not too technical; ideal for novices. Cool weather.
The marathon winner beat the record by almost 30 minutes! He whizzed by about a mile from the finish. Wow. People behind me were marveling. They were skeptical he could have been the marathon distance, because we were just coming within sight of the finish in half that.
These folks and friendly and well organized. It’s a husband and wife, it seems from the website. Their races are neither the smallest nor the biggest. They are just right. I like running with them.
Diablo Summit Stomp 🏆
Easier than I Expected, But Very Hard!
Diablo Summit Stomp 🏆
So I downgraded to the half marathon hiker division, which is an early start. I finished in 3:45, with a measured 14.09 miles and 2782 feet vertical gain (Garmin Fenix … MORE
So I downgraded to the half marathon hiker division, which is an early start. I finished in 3:45, with a measured 14.09 miles and 2782 feet vertical gain (Garmin Fenix 3). I was last for men my age (52). I was not last among hikers, and I would not have been last among runners either. Take what I say with the proverbial grain of salt.
This is not easy. I almost tried to upgrade to the 30k to see the summit, but I thought it was wiser not to tempt fate. I am only saying if you have done a big race in Tilden or Mt. Montara or another of the hill climbs common in the Bay Area, this is ever so slightly easier. The reason, I believe, is it is a solid 9 miles of ascent (with minor dips along the way), but that is much less steep than some rivals. Then from the 9 mile mark, it is basically downhill the whole rest of the route (I have not studied the map — it is a loop, not an out and back, but the loop doubles back onto the outbound path at some point).
Some of my sense also is my own condition: better rested and not sunburned and happy to be out there. The climate was good: the start was in the 40s, which was good. It warmed up enough to sweat pretty good, but it wasn’t sweltering all day.
Brazen is my favorite local organizer. I have run with them dozens of times. I’m not sure why the distance was longer than 13.1, but I am sure it was not just me or my watch. I am usually fine with discrepancies; I’m just noting it (so I would have had more of a 3:30 at the proper length!).
The scenery was varied. There isn’t a single vista that is worth a postcard, but that is by Bay Area norms that spoil you with natural beauty. Nobody will be disappointed. I would run this again, but I should progress to the longer option.
Tilden Trail 10K & Half Marathon
DFL!
Tilden Trail 10K & Half Marathon
I achieved another life goal. I was DFL, technically. But I was not last, actually. The cutoff was 3:45. They packed up the timing equipment after I crossed the finish … MORE
I achieved another life goal. I was DFL, technically. But I was not last, actually. The cutoff was 3:45. They packed up the timing equipment after I crossed the finish line, but there were at least two others behind me, walking. The race organizer, a nice guy, decided they would be coming through only a long time later, and they had announced the 3:45. So it was fair.
I am not sure why I was so slow. The route was changed overnight. There was some sort of utility work. I passed a tree that was down, with a note that PG&E was coming out, and there was a tree you had to crawl under at one point. The route went from 2700 feet vertical gain to in excess of 3000 feet as measured by my Garmin watch.
I had never run this specific route. I ran a race in the park, a 10k, not long ago, and I might have run nearby one other time. But I had not expected such hills. There were three big ones. I’ve run bigger in the Bay Area, but never as slowly. Angel Island, Mt. Montana, San Bruno, for example, are all more challenging. And the Dipsea is in a bunch of different races, and just one loop on it is pretty tough.
I was well rested (7 hours 19 minutes sleep). I had had only a glass of wine the night before. The weather was perfect: not too hot; not too cold.
Well, it’s fine. I would run with these organizers again, and I’d run out at Tilden Park too. The race was small; the course was marked decently, but a lady and I went off course at maybe mile 10, and we did an extra half mile. We figured it out when we came to a fork without flags. It was our fault. There were flags; we had missed them, however, coming down a hill too fast. The two older fellows ahead of us reported at the end they got lost twice.
Oh, one explanation. The trail was not only hilly but also technical. There were lots of loose rocks all over, including big ones. So footing was a challenge lots of places. I did not fall. It was dry. I am sure it would have been terrible wet.
So if you’re headed out there, pick shoes with lugs. I need to get some more suited for this type of course. Suggestions welcomed.
An addendum. The preliminary results came via email. I am indeed 48 of 48. What is interesting is the winner was more than half my time. So I am okay with the relative standing. On trail races with big hills, I usually figure I will be 2x the winner. I actually beat that every so slightly.
Look Good Feel Good Race
Best swag!
Look Good Feel Good Race
So I'm an easy grader, an A for effort sort of guy -- I guess most races are too, since you receive a medal for finishing. This race is tiny … MORE
So I’m an easy grader, an A for effort sort of guy — I guess most races are too, since you receive a medal for finishing. This race is tiny (39 in the half) and for charity. I would run it again.
Let me mention the problem. The course markings were non-existent. I went a half mile off. I have done that before as a result of user error. This was different. I wasn’t the only one. At 4.81 miles, the guy in front of me turned around to talk to me. He wondered if he’d missed the turnaround, because he was doing the 10k, meaning he had overshot by about 1.7 miles. He was pretty funny, because of how surprised he was, and he said, “Oh, F–k.” He was probably late 60s/early 70s, so it was funny that this old guy was swearing (that’s probably some sort of age bias on my part, though it isn’t a negative comment about age, and I’m 52 anyway so not young, but positive, that usually an older fellow is more dignified; he was just shocked and ticked off, but perhaps it was a “you had to be there moment”).
Anyway, the other thing is for the Bay Area, this is on the one hand flat and on the other hand not the most scenic. It’s okay in terms of what you’re looking at.
That is all made up for, however, by the two bits of swag. One I didn’t even receive, because I didn’t need it. At the turnaround, they had Hydrapak Speedcups rather than disposable, and you got to keep it! Those are wonderful little silicon cups, coming into use to avoid waste. Then the goodie bag had a one liter Hydrapak collapsible water bottle. I’ve gotten stuff like this before, but not from a name brand.
I’d run this again. They have other races out there — back to the city is a pain, because of traffic, but that’s life. This one is different because it’s such a small crowd.
I was sixth from the bottom. Back there, at the end of the field, people are spread out. You can’t always see someone to follow. I’m still working my way back from my health issue. At least it’s 10 half marathons for the year to date (October 12) and 8 shorter races.
Boo! Run For Life 10K
Easy Run in Capitol
Boo! Run For Life 10K
This is a race organized by a charity trying to cure a disease; it is not anti-abortion, if you were wondering from the name. It is set up well. It’s … MORE
This is a race organized by a charity trying to cure a disease; it is not anti-abortion, if you were wondering from the name.
It is set up well. It’s a moderately sized crowd, not a giant race and not a tiny one. Parking is not that difficult considering it’s near the Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool of the national mall. I was there 45 minutes before the start, and I parked about 2 long blocks away.
The route takes you along the Potomac. Unless you run regularly in DC, you probably don’t know this area. I lived there 15 years, and I never traveled this path. It’s paved the whole way, with moderately interesting scenery. It is flat. Weather was perfect. Two aid stations.
I had run a 10k the day before, through the woods in the suburbs. My performance was my usual lackluster self: top of the bottom 1/6. The way it goes, you loop around folks a couple of times. I thought, wow, I’m doing great. Those folks are fast. And I’m ahead of them. Except I was behind them.
I’d run this again. It was a no-nonsense, no-fuss, very nice event.
SF Aloha Run for Peace
Why San Francisco is Great to Run
SF Aloha Run for Peace
I like this run for three reasons. First, and likely of greatest interest to others, this has the wonderful scenery of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. You run … MORE
I like this run for three reasons.
First, and likely of greatest interest to others, this has the wonderful scenery of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. You run along the water out to Fort Point twice; the turnaround is in front of the structure. If you don’t know the area, that is under the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. Waves crash onto the rocks. It’s about as scenic as you could wish for. It’s also only a 10k or 5k, so you don’t have to do a marathon or half for this view. Many races come out to the same turnaround, but this is probably the shortest. The Giant Race, for example, does on the 13.1 distance.
Second, this is flat. If you’re running in the Bay Area, you’re running hills usually, whether on a road course on trails. This is one of the more rare routes with virtually no elevation gain (or loss). My smartwatch measured 141 feet, which I consider nominal.
Third, the field is superfriendly, family friendly, dog friendly, and just filled with non-runners and first-timers out there for fun. That is good both for the positive spirit and to improve your relative finish. Lots of kids, stroller pushing parents, and probably more canines than any other race I’ve entered.
And a shout out to the race director who helped with a registration problem 24 hours in advance, which was due to my own error. He was very kind and took care of it. (I’m not on the official results list, but I was there and not a bandit.)
I run lots. In 2016, I did 36 half marathons. So basically there is no race I wouldn’t run again in terms of the route, but there are organizers I prefer. This is a race that ranks at the top of my list for casual, if I were inviting someone else to join. Highly recommended.
Alameda Running Festival
Island Time Forgot
Alameda Running Festival
Hi, folks. I am approaching 100 half marathons despite a one year break due to a health challenge. I had a 2:17 PR in the 13.1 distance before; this is … MORE
Hi, folks. I am approaching 100 half marathons despite a one year break due to a health challenge. I had a 2:17 PR in the 13.1 distance before; this is my best finish since coming back (with about, I think 8 or 9 outings). So I am happy about that.
Let me start with the best aspect. The pacer for 2:40 was just great. She learned names and shouted them for encouragement. I am a run-walker. It was thanks to her help I did as well as I did. So I am grateful. Not easy to do that job. What a nice gal.
For those who aren’t from the Bay Area, Alameda is an island on the Oakland side. They say time forgot it, because it has a quaint 1950s vibe and half the buildings match (the other half are more modern). It’s an idealized suburb. You see a bit of that. I would say for a race through a town, it’s pretty good. You also see old shipyards. That’s interesting too — some haven’t been repurposed yet. There is the USS Hornet, a war ship that is a museum, at one of the turnarounds. I’ve run through cities and forests, but you don’t usually run through a town. Unless you are a grouch, the varied scenery should be worthwhile. (There is a weird parking lot of abandoned cars. I think it is an actual site for demolition derby type action.)
The other thing that was just great: parking. I arrived early. I did that two years ago. I parked one block from the start line, legally. That is about as close as was possible, and it made it so convenient.
They also changed the route. I don’t think it was because of me or anything. I had a minor complaint. That’s not even the right word. It was an observation about my own human failing. Maybe 2% of races have this feature, presumably to ensure the distance is correct, where you are coming toward the finish line, then it turns out you turn and you have to do another half mile, within sight of the celebration, and when you can hear it. It’s just a moment when I feel, oh, geez, I’m not done, and I’m crushed for that moment. Anyway, they didn’t have that doubling back. So I liked it better.
For some reason, they had a real nice gift: a glass carafe. I gave it to my wife.
Marin Moonlight Run
Friday the 13th Full Moon!
Marin Moonlight Run
These folks are friendly. I appreciate that. Small races have the advantage of race directors who say hello as you show up and then again when you finish. The venue … MORE
These folks are friendly. I appreciate that. Small races have the advantage of race directors who say hello as you show up and then again when you finish.
The venue is a former military airport that was turned into a mixed use industrial park with a planned community of upscale apartments and houses all around, and, for some reason (it’s good!), a remaining area that is undeveloped, with what seems to be a marsh and then something growing (not corn, not sure what).
The organizers plan for the full moon of course. I was thinking, geez, how lucky is that, and then I realized, no, they must arrange everything looking at the almanac. They call everyone out to see the moonrise. Boy, was it big. That alone made it an experience. There was no need for artificial lighting though they give you glowsticks. (I’ve done other night races that require it.)
So the surface is partly paved, partly dirt, partly gravel. It is all safe. For a race after the sun has set, that has to be one of the least scary in terms of falling or there being some sort of problem with the path. On the second of the two loops, i.e., not the same loop twice but a different loop like a figure eight, there is a bit in sort of wilderness, but it would be a problem only if you are very scared of the dark or think actively about Ichabod Crane and the headless horseman (I admit it: I’m still mildly scared of the dark, as a 52 year old).
I recommend the race highly.
San Francisco Giant Race
Destination Race
San Francisco Giant Race
I have run this thrice. The big draw is ending up in the outfield of a baseball stadium. That was great. I enjoyed it. But it's not the only reason … MORE
I have run this thrice.
The big draw is ending up in the outfield of a baseball stadium. That was great. I enjoyed it. But it’s not the only reason to run.
Personally I’m not into destination races. I am lucky though. I live in San Francisco. So I have been over the Golden Gate Bridge and seen lots of great sights. There is a race every weekend someplace in the Bay Area. That spoils you.
This easily qualifies as a destination race. The swag is the Giants bobblehead. This year, it was the mascot, Lou Seal. That is worth it.
For San Francisco, this race qualifies as flat. There are three gentle rises. You see the Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, Crissy Field, the bridge, and of course the stadium. There are more than adequate aid stations, one serving a Clif Bars and goo blocks, with the wrapping pre-cut for convenience. The production values are top notch. They don’t advertise it, but there was as much music en route as for a Rock ‘n Roll.
The early start means an early finish. Parking is shockingly easy. I arrived 45 minutes before the gun. I was two blocks from the start line.
Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon
Much harder than you might think
Star City San Bruno Mountain Half Marathon
This is a little race in the sense of a limited field. It is a big race in terms of vertical gain. I'm a little off in my assessment. I … MORE
This is a little race in the sense of a limited field. It is a big race in terms of vertical gain. I’m a little off in my assessment. I am approaching 100 half marathons, run in 5 years, but I had a serious health problem and had to take a year off, and I’m much slower as I try to make a comeback.
Anyway, this is comparable to Mt. Montara or the Dipsea. I had not realized that. It is one big, steep hill at the beginning. The views are great. The end is through a suburban development and then along a path behind some sort of warehouse, but by then I was beat and didn’t care.
They do this in conjunction with a local music festival. You get free admission and a hamburger or pulled pork sandwich from the Lions or Rotary (can’t recall). So that is a bonus.
I recommend this race. You just need to take it seriously.
I think I was the fourth from last, and the second to last male. I might have been fifth from last. But you get the idea.
MCRRC Riley’s Rumble Half Marathon
Casual race through Montgomery County
MCRRC Riley’s Rumble Half Marathon
I like this club. I live in San Francisco. This club is in suburban Washington, D.C. I joined. My father (and brothers, but they are Foreign Service) live out there. … MORE
I like this club. I live in San Francisco. This club is in suburban Washington, D.C. I joined. My father (and brothers, but they are Foreign Service) live out there. I only run a couple of times per year with them. But they are so friendly I wanted to belong.
The prices make it worthwhile too, even if you only show up to a limited number of their events.
This goes along paved roads and paths, next to cornfields, and it’s a casual, mostly flat, reasonably fast course with many more people than I had expected. If I am around for one of their races, I will definitely enter.
Victory Half Marathon, 10K & 5K 🏆
Flat in the San Francisco Bay Area
Victory Half Marathon, 10K & 5K 🏆
I have run this at least twice; lost track. Brazen is very well organized. I have run dozens of their races. I recommend them. Fun crowd, too. This race starts … MORE
I have run this at least twice; lost track. Brazen is very well organized. I have run dozens of their races. I recommend them. Fun crowd, too.
This race starts at a historic site, where Rosie the Riveter worked in WWII. It’s in an industrial part of Richmond, in the East Bay, but it has great views of the city, from a distance. It does have a section along a highway that isn’t as much fun, but it benefits overall from the flatness of the course, which is remarkable for the region.
You get to shop at the Columbia Sporting Goods discount store. That is a good deal.
This particular race weekend was cold. That is not unusual. But if you are coming from out of town and don’t realize, Northern California can be chilly on winter mornings — think of it as halfway between SoCal and the East Coast in terms of temperature.
Blue Crab Bolt Trail Running Series #3: Little Bennett
Actually a 10k
Blue Crab Bolt Trail Running Series #3: Little Bennett
I clicked 5k for this review, because they didn't list the 10k on the pulldown menu. I have run out here before, but with a different organizer. It is a … MORE
I clicked 5k for this review, because they didn’t list the 10k on the pulldown menu.
I have run out here before, but with a different organizer. It is a family run historic farm, which they say is in actual operation. You go through pastures and a cornfield and alongside and into woods. I really like the change of scenery. There are gentle rises, but nothing significant.
It was hot, but that’s nature for you. Other than that, no complaints, and even that is just what makes reality more interesting than watching television.
There is ample parking on site. This is a moderately crowded race.
Berkeley Half Marathon
Worthwhile
Berkeley Half Marathon
I ran the Berkeley Half Marathon today. I finished in a lackluster 2:30. I had hope when I found myself ahead of the pacers for 2:20 at mile 11, but … MORE
I ran the Berkeley Half Marathon today. I finished in a lackluster 2:30. I had hope when I found myself ahead of the pacers for 2:20 at mile 11, but I am certain they finished later than they were supposed to.
I saw several people I see from time to time in the Bay Area.
There was Spiderman. I was pleased to see he has friends. I have run behind him or just ahead of him multiple times. He is always dressed as Spiderman. I said hello. I told him I had seen him out there. He explained his costume makes him faster, because children cheer for him and he doesn’t want to disappoint them.
There also as Lloyd. He has been a Brazen Racing “streaker,” meaning he has done every one of their races. He has a fake mohawk and matching furry leggings. He is a walker. He has many fans who shout out, “Lloyd!” as I did.
Afterward, I saw my friend Simon Boehme. He did the 10k. It was his first, I think. He introduced me to a French bulldog, named Frank! He is dating the human to Frank, who apparently is a relation of the actor in the Men in Black movies (he’s a grand-nephew, not a son).
This course is flat for the Bay Area. It has two tiny gentle rises and then an uphill in each direction up the overpass. That overpass leads to the part some runners dislike: it’s between the highway and the bay, along a paved path for about 2.5 miles total (1.25 miles each direction). I can’t say it’s my favorite part of a course, but it’s not bad.
Schaeffer Half Marathon & 10K Trail Run
Mostly Woods, Some Fields
Schaeffer Half Marathon & 10K Trail Run
Easy and fun. Laidback crowd. Some mountain bikers. I had lackluster performance. I wrote a little blog at Huffington Post -- I'm probably in the wrong, but I can't say … MORE
Easy and fun. Laidback crowd. Some mountain bikers. I had lackluster performance. I wrote a little blog at Huffington Post — I’m probably in the wrong, but I can’t say I appreciated the other runner yelling obscenities at me as she went by. Comments welcomed, including constructive criticism. See https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-moral-dilemma-of-the-cell-phone_us_59fe1a13e4b0d467d4c22587
NYCRUNS Verrazano Half Marathon
Saw Pre, Snow White, Waldo
NYCRUNS Verrazano Half Marathon
So I was looking for the start line for the Haunted Half Marathon in Brooklyn. I passed a guy who looked as if he had just been brutally attacked, with … MORE
So I was looking for the start line for the Haunted Half Marathon in Brooklyn. I passed a guy who looked as if he had just been brutally attacked, with injuries still bleeding, like the Joker played by Heath Ledger — apparently that is called a Glasgow smile. I thought, man, I am not approaching that guy to ask directions. Only later I realized it was a Halloween costume. He was another runner. He also alarmed the check in volunteer at the race.
The more eerie costume I wonder how many recognized. It was a young guy with a 1970s mustache, long flowing hair, and an University of Oregon t-shirt. I was freaked out by the uncanny resemblance. He was the late Pre, Steve Prefontaine, the greatest runner in American history, dead in an auto accident at 24. It was like seeing a ghost. This guy was a middling runner. When he passed me the second time, I told him he had a terrific costume. He got a big smile at that. So I am guessing only a few understood who he was meant to be.
The route was not hipster Brooklyn. It went along the water though, out and back twice. The weather was perfect. The course was flat.
I blame Apple for my poor time of 2:30 and change. I had headphones. But I forgot the adapter for Bluetooth connectivity. Thus the race had no pace music.
I did finish ahead of Snow White. She complained of overheating. I have no idea if costume choice correlates to athleticism. But I believe I beat most of the Imperial Stormtroopers and was beaten by all but one of the Waldos. I think I am too old for Waldo. But it must have had some influence. I saw at least five Waldos, male and female.
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose
Flat and Fast
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose
This was my PR (to date). So I have only positive things to say. It's flat, which accounts for it being fast. I also had a personal pacer, someone I … MORE
This was my PR (to date). So I have only positive things to say.
It’s flat, which accounts for it being fast. I also had a personal pacer, someone I run with often who is much faster but nice to me. We finished with the exact same time.
Mass start. Bit of a wait for your turn. Not complaining; just noting.
I am spoiled by San Francisco. I can’t say I really am dazzled by the sights of San Jose. However, it is fine.
I probably will run this again.
Marin Moonlight Run
Cheated in the dark
Marin Moonlight Run
I ran another night race. This is my second. It also was in Marin County, a town called Novato, which took quite a bit of time to travel to through … MORE
I ran another night race. This is my second. It also was in Marin County, a town called Novato, which took quite a bit of time to travel to through traffic. Unlike the earlier event, which went through woods and had hills, this was on a paved path around a marsh. The crowd was enthusiastic, with families enjoying the evening. There were many parents with kids walking the 5k.
Night races have a totally different vibe to them. I suppose that’s hardwired, the circadian rhythms that all animals have inside them. They are exciting yet mellow, somehow not what you’re body expects you to be doing at that hour.
They gave out glow sticks. I put one in my pocket, thinking, I don’t really need this. Sure enough, it fell out. Then I felt bad I hadn’t saved it securely for another occasion. I suppose that means I am, in fact, OCD.
I signed up for this to train a bit more before the half marathon 36 hours later. I need to beat my friend Tseming, who was 3-1/2 minutes faster than me on the same course a year earlier. So this was a final bit of preparation. I’m glad I did it, because it set the tone for a weekend of exertion.
The moon rose a moment before the start. The race organizer joked about how he had arranged for the sight.
I cheated. It was a mistake. When I finished, I said, “Is that it?” My phone clocked it as 5.25 miles, or almost 1 mile short.
I asked the guy cutting up the watermelon what the turnaround sign looked like. He said he wasn’t in charge. I had assumed, and I said this, that because he was holding a big knife that he was the race director. He pointed me to the right guy. A woman who overheard our conversation, with whom I was alternating the lead as between the two of us, said it was her fault — she thought she hadn’t done the full distance either, and she had turned just before me when she didn’t see anyone ahead, and she became nervous. Anyway, after consulting with the race director, I realized indeed I had turned after a fluorescent traffic cone probably not quite a half mile too early, following the woman. The always warn you: don’t assume the person in front of you knows where they are going.
It was decent time though, a sub-11 minute mile pace. I’m ready for the next half marathon.
Bridge to Bridge Run
Great views
Bridge to Bridge Run
Today's race report. I ran the Oral B Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge 12k. The branding is funny. It isn't merely the manufacturer but a specific product. I was hoping … MORE
Today’s race report. I ran the Oral B Glide Floss Bridge to Bridge 12k. The branding is funny. It isn’t merely the manufacturer but a specific product. I was hoping they’d be giving it out. I didn’t see any though.
This has been rated the most beautiful race in the nation. I see why. If you live in SF, you are lucky to have a half dozen choices for this basic route along the embarcadero, through Fisherman’s Wharf, past Crissy Field, and out to Fort Point. The views are difficult to match, with a mix of the bay, tourist attractions, and the Golden Gate Bridge, with only a single gentle hill. This is a point to point course, easily accessible by public transit. (The Muni train had not started. I took the owl bus packed with runners. A couple had not received their bibs in the mail as promised.)
The weather could not have been better. It was neither hot nor cold. There was a gentle breeze.
The field was more casual. I like that. The winner was competitive at 5:23 per mile. But I finished at least in the top half when I checked results, compared to my usual top of the bottom third in a trail half marathon. My stretch goal was 83 minutes. I did it, rounding down.
I would have been faster but I had a one tenth mile detour through beach sand. There was a downed runner on the little wood bridge. EMTs had come. The area was blocked off. Can’t complain. Looked as if they got the person back up a minute later. But boy soft sand is not easy to run on. Most folks walked that bit.
I’d do this race again.
Alameda Running Festival
The Island Time Forgot
Alameda Running Festival
I recommend this race. It has only been staged twice, including this morning’s edition. They do a bunch of distances over two days, and I met a friend of mine … MORE
I recommend this race. It has only been staged twice, including this morning’s edition. They do a bunch of distances over two days, and I met a friend of mine from Dallas, who had a friend of his who had grown up in the area. For a race in the Bay Area, it’s about as flat as it could be. For a race in the East Bay, to a San Francisco based participant, the drive was very easy — with a 7am start time, even after the finish the traffic had not become too bad.
This is the island that time forgot, according to locals. I had been there exactly once before, despite my time in the Bay Area. People who live there love it. I can see why. It’s an actual island, accessible only via tunnel and drawbridge, and there is a boozy commuter ferry into San Francisco. There a a bunch of Victorian houses that rival, if not surpass, anything in the city, and there is a decommissioned naval base that is home to an endangered tern and a bunch of manufacturers of beer and spirits, including absinthe! In terms of views, there was a little bit of the town, a moment with the San Francisco skyline, lots of the repurposed military hangers, and a weird parking lot with a half dozen cars that looked like they had been in a demolition derby and then set on fire. Probably at least three places where someone such as me, into photographing abandoned buildings, would want to take a snapshot — though I did not; in comparison, on SF runs, there are lots of people posing for selfies showing the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
They served free food and drink at the end. I had a burrito. And a beer. There also were vendors and booths. The fair was actually decent given the crowd (they said 1500, which I think was total for all events).
A criticism that isn’t actually fair, a criticism of me, and praise.
The criticism that isn’t fair is that I went to the wrong place. The instructions said the start was at Bladium health club. That turned out to be true. But the check in was two blocks away. In the dark of 6am, you couldn’t actually see where you were going. It was a moment of confusion. Also Bladium is so big the address is only approximate. I checked what they sent. It was “my bad” as kids say, because the final pre-race note indicated the proper location for check-in as distinguished from the start line. A bonus is I parked one block away, for free, because I was super early (I anticipated, erroneously, that there would be more volume on the Bay Bridge.)
A criticism of me. I wish organizers didn’t do this, but I understand they are trying to be true to the advertised distance. I always am crushed when I am approaching the finish, only to realize you have to make another little loop around it. Let me try to describe it, so you can picture it and then see the psychological effect. This isn’t the only time it has happened. Maybe 5 percent of races have this “problem.” It shows my weakness, because I lose heart. So to be clear: it’s me, not the race organizers. What it is, is: you are heading toward the finish, which can tell by the familiar sights, and if it were straight it would be, say, a quarter mile away. In this instance, you approached three times from different directions, and once you were less than a block away, so you could glimpse the balloon pergola thingie, and you could hear announcements as people ahead of you came through — except you then saw you were coming at it from behind, not in front, so you had a turn and then do 3/4 miles more! Man, that last bit is tough when you were feeling you were done. No doubt there is a term for this emotion.
Finally, praise. The 2:30 pacer was great. I was with the 2:20 pacer for about three miles. That would have been a PR. I did my usual intervals (“fartleks” to those in the know). But I eventually slowed a bit. I told the 2:30 guy he was “my pacer,” and he said he’d shout out when he was catching up. He then did it, and thanks to the desire to beat him, which I expressed, and his encouragement, I finished ahead of him and the whole pack accompanying him. It was 2:27, which is my third-best finish in about 73 or 74 races. I have lost count, and I am have not updated my spreadsheet.
PS Race organizer a super friendly guy.
Night Sweats Trail Marathon
Dark, Foggy, Drizzling, Dusty, Rocky
Night Sweats Trail Marathon
BUT GREAT! This weekend’s race report. I ran the Pacific Coast Trail’s Night Sweats 15k at Rodeo Beach. It was my first nighttime event. I crushed it. I have run … MORE
BUT GREAT!
This weekend’s race report. I ran the Pacific Coast Trail’s Night Sweats 15k at Rodeo Beach. It was my first nighttime event. I crushed it.
I have run the venue several times, but at the half marathon length during the day. The last time, I was at about 3:04. It is slightly short, about 12.5 to 12.75 miles. Today, my time was 2:12, and it was about 9.75 miles. So that is a significant improvement, with elevation gain that was slightly less relative to the distance.
It was dark, foggy, and drizzling at the start. It also was dusty and rocky along the route. I was tempted to take off my top layer, but I did not, and I’m glad, because it eventually got colder. I wore a baseball cap, a brand new Deep Springs College Centennial commemorative one, and it was soaked through with sweat.
People liked the Knuckle Lights (version 2.0) I had. I bought them only recently. They worked perfectly. They have a rubber strap that attaches them to your hands. One couple said they didn’t mind me running right behind them, because I was bright.
The impressive people were running ultras at 50, 75, and 100 miles. At mile 5, some lady went by a group of us. We could tell she was doing an ultra, because she was headed in the opposite direction. We all said, “Good race” etc. as is customary to encourage someone putting in grueling effort. She said, “You’re going to die.”
It was actually funny in context.
I finished 60 of 104. That is about 20 places ahead of my expectation.
Zoom Dynamite Run
Good for Two Loops
Zoom Dynamite Run
I ran this in record heat. I have run at this park before. They have various routes. They said this was the 10k twice, but my devices clocked 13.5 miles. … MORE
I ran this in record heat. I have run at this park before. They have various routes. They said this was the 10k twice, but my devices clocked 13.5 miles. They used to test dynamite out here or some such thing.
Usually I don’t like to repeat a loop — who does? But if you have to, it could be much worse. This is scenic with variation: water; woods; prairie; swamp; hills. So no complaints from me.
The Coastal Zoom folks are very nice. They usually have a bit of BBQ: burgers and hot dogs.
I would recommend this venue. Also the organizers. Weather will be a problem the rest of our lives unless we wake up to climate change.
Oh, one problem not the fault of anybody. Bay Area traffic is awful now. No good way to get back to the city from this park. 90 minutes by either bridge. That would be 45 minutes in the morning when it is clear.
San Francisco Giant Race
You get to go on outfield
San Francisco Giant Race
This race has two big gimmicks. First, you get a bobblehead. It's hosted by the Giants, with other sponsors -- this year, Alaska Airlines. So you get a player bobblehead. … MORE
This race has two big gimmicks.
First, you get a bobblehead. It’s hosted by the Giants, with other sponsors — this year, Alaska Airlines. So you get a player bobblehead. People collect them.
Second, the finish line is inside the stadium, on the outfield, and they let you hang out there. Unless you are major league baseball player, I am not sure you will ever have an opportunity to lounge on the grass, looking up into the bleachers.
The course also is reasonably flat for San Francisco. There are two moderate hills, but really nothing by Bay Area standards. I think total gain is under 250 feet. (Strava reported 234 feet. That seems right.)
Well run. Enthusiastic crowd.
They did have my name wrong, but that could have been user error too. They combined middle initial and last name. So a two minute complication at bib pickup. Not a big deal.
City2Surf
Biggest Run in the World
City2Surf
Today's Race Report I ran the City2Surf in Sydney, a 14k event (that is about 8.7 miles though most end up running 9 miles). They claim it is the world's … MORE
Today’s Race Report
I ran the City2Surf in Sydney, a 14k event (that is about 8.7 miles though most end up running 9 miles). They claim it is the world’s largest non-competitive run. There were 65,000 people. This was the only time I have ever run where it has been crowded, not just moderately but densely, from start to finish, with the need to wind around people and avoid crashing.
As you might expect, there were corrals rather than a single mass start. Even with corrals, however, it was slow going. There was about a three minute delay from the time the Singapore Airlines Blue gun went off until the middle of that group crossed over the start line.
The course is scenic. The event is the equivalent of Bay to Breakers. It starts at Hyde Park right downtown and ends up on Bondi Beach. There is one hill in a residential area, called Heartbreak Hill as all of these seem to be. It isn’t bad compared to San Francisco. But it is long. (Addendum: unlike Bay to Breakers, no naked people. However, a smattering of costumed folks, such as the chicken who was just ahead of me the whole way.)
The most positive aspect of today’s run is my performance relative to the field as the race progressed. I became faster and faster. My final time put me just below the middle of the pack.
If you run and you are in Sydney, this is a must. If you are with non-runners, they have a fun section, full of families with children, so they also can join.
Devil’s Slide Run
Hardest yet
Devil’s Slide Run
I have run 69 Half Marathons in 2-1/2 years. This is the hardest yet. Actually, it's tied. I have run up Mt. Montara twice. Each run was extraordinarily difficult, more … MORE
I have run 69 Half Marathons in 2-1/2 years. This is the hardest yet. Actually, it’s tied. I have run up Mt. Montara twice. Each run was extraordinarily difficult, more than Angel Island or the Dipsea. It’s about 3000 feet of vertical gain.
On this race, there was a woman really struggling. It was her first trail run. The guy with her, a husband or father or coach, was trying to encourage her. I felt bad for her.
So I write with what is an invitation or a warning depending on your perspective. It’s a great run, but be aware it is not easy. I would not make it a first trail run unless you are a very strong athlete. The one big hill is a doozy.
SPASM Lake Chabot Trail Run
Intermediate difficulty
SPASM Lake Chabot Trail Run
These folks organize the Coastal and Zoom series, plus a few other races such as this. They are friendly and well organized. Lake Chabot is used by many. There are … MORE
These folks organize the Coastal and Zoom series, plus a few other races such as this. They are friendly and well organized.
Lake Chabot is used by many. There are multiple routes. For about a year, a dam has been under construction or repair of some sort, so they have changed the usual course. They are all hilly, with 1200 to 2100 feet of vertical gain.
Mass start, a few hundred participants.
Golden Gate Trail Run (Summer)
Harder than you think
Golden Gate Trail Run (Summer)
I have run this venue several times. I like it. I am writing to report two aspects of it. First, you might think it's easy because it's beautiful. But it's … MORE
I have run this venue several times. I like it. I am writing to report two aspects of it.
First, you might think it’s easy because it’s beautiful. But it’s deceptive. This is much harder than you think. Elevation and a bit rocky.
Second, it’s slightly short. Every race I’ve run there ends shy of 13.1. You can’t really complain. By the time you’re there you’re happy to be done.
Cleveland Marathon & Half Marathon
Not enough porta-potties
Cleveland Marathon & Half Marathon
I would run this again if I were there. (I live in San Francisco.) On the plus side, I was flying in and couldn't pick up the bib at the … MORE
I would run this again if I were there. (I live in San Francisco.)
On the plus side, I was flying in and couldn’t pick up the bib at the expo. They had a person handing them out on race day. That was nice. You missed out on the t-shirt. But that’s how it goes.
On the negative side, not enough porte-potties. There were many. But not relative to the size of the crowd. So I was still in line when the gun went off. It was a mass start, surprising given how many people there were.
The course itself is not bad. It’s probably about as good as you’d get in a Midwestern industrial metropolis (that’s not knocking the Midwest or industrial metropolises — my hometown is Detroit; it’s just saying it is what it is). Not hilly. Interesting urban scenery.
Oh, also, parking was much easier than I expected. I got a cheap rate in the stadium garage. In a race at a popular destination, it would have been much more expensive or farther away.
Colorado Marathon
Personal Record
Colorado Marathon
I ran the Half Marathon. It was a personal record for me at 2:20. That was about 60 Half Marathons into my running career; I'm at 72 now, and I … MORE
I ran the Half Marathon. It was a personal record for me at 2:20. That was about 60 Half Marathons into my running career; I’m at 72 now, and I have not topped this finish.
Four notes.
Altitude. I had chlorophyll drops. I asked a Ph.D biologist if that would help. He said, “If you’re a plant.” They were recommended as a regimen by a New Age-y young lady. They didn’t hurt (though they did turn my poop green). I was gasping the whole way. Be warned. That didn’t prevent a very fast race. But I would not want to run every race this way.
Start. You ride a bus 30 minutes to a canyon. It’s a cool place, literally and figuratively. It was too cold to be comfortable, but unless you discarded your sweats (as some do), you would be shivering. It also was cool in the sense of wow, the sunrise!
Downhill. It’s a slight, not great but slight, downhill the whole way. I am sure that accounts for my speed. It’s just enough to feel. But not enough to worry you re knees.
Train. Stupid train. It would have been a 2:17 or 2:18 at worst except for the freight train. I could see the finish. Made me think about that movie, Edge of Tomorrow, and trying to roll under a vehicle. Maybe 50 of us affected. Not the fault of the organizer. Just part of a funny story.
I would run this race if I were in the area. I run all over, but I usually tack on a race while traveling. I’ve never done a “destination” race. I could see this being that for some folks, and you wouldn’t be disappointed.
Bay Breeze Half Marathon, 10K & 5K 🏆
Muddy but flat
Bay Breeze Half Marathon, 10K & 5K 🏆
I have run lots. 69 Half Marathons in 2.5 years. Just started at 48. Typically finish at the top of the bottom quarter. So that's me, Brazen is friendly and … MORE
I have run lots. 69 Half Marathons in 2.5 years. Just started at 48. Typically finish at the top of the bottom quarter. So that’s me,
Brazen is friendly and well organized. Their races have 250 or so in the field. They are my favorite of San Francisco Bay Area outfits. I recommend anything they do.
This course was unbelievably muddy on the day I ran, at the start/finish. It was fine once you got out there. But boy were my shoes covered before I began. Not their fault. And would vary by year.
For the area, this is one of the flatter courses. I would run it again without hesitation.
Mainly, I write to endorse Brazen. (I have no relationship to them of course.)
San Francisco Half Marathon
Flat in San Francisco!
San Francisco Half Marathon
Mass start. Goes out of Golden Gate Park along the panhandle; back into the park; south on the Pacific Coast Highway, which they close. Probably the flattest race you'll find … MORE
Mass start. Goes out of Golden Gate Park along the panhandle; back into the park; south on the Pacific Coast Highway, which they close. Probably the flattest race you’ll find in the city, with only a very slight rise at the finish. Start and finish are not at the same place. Otherwise, everything is great. This was my first Half Marathon, and I’ve run it thrice. I’m becoming and intend to be a regular.
Coyote Hills Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Brazen is Great!
Coyote Hills Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
I have very little to add to what has been said other than these folks are friendly, organized, and enthusiastic. I ran 36 Half Marathons in 2016, most in the … MORE
I have very little to add to what has been said other than these folks are friendly, organized, and enthusiastic. I ran 36 Half Marathons in 2016, most in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I rate Brazen as my favorite outfit. Their runners are laid back too. Lots of people know others but it’s not a clique. Pick Brazen. (I have no relationship with them; i.e., this is an endorsement with no conflict of interest in the background.)
Brazen New Year’s Day Half Marathon, 10K & 5K 🏆
2 races in 2 days
Brazen New Year’s Day Half Marathon, 10K & 5K 🏆
I am revising my older reviews. I realize other runners really care about information that will help them decide whether to run a race, not my personal story about it. … MORE
I am revising my older reviews. I realize other runners really care about information that will help them decide whether to run a race, not my personal story about it. So I’m adding as much as I can. I should add that I am easygoing and open minded, to put it positively; or indiscriminate and lacking standards, to put it less so. What I mean is I have run more than six dozen races in under three years, so an average of more than 25 per year, and I liked all of them. I have minor quibbles about a couple. But I basically just love getting out there.
I really like Brazen. They are the best Bay Area outfit. Super friendly crew, lots of regular runners, well marked courses. I would pick a Brazen race over any other race that conflicted with it on a specific day.
They do a New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with medals that lock together. I ran with two sisters, one the first day, the other the second day.
Lake Chabot is a tough course. Not the most difficult, but not for first-timers. As the second leg of the two-day series, this had my beat. I walked about half the distance. There are multiple courses in the same park. They are all mildly deceptive. They just look as if they should be easier. But they have considerable vertical gain, in the middle by Bay Area norms.
I signed up for 2017-18.
Town Crier Races Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Flat course in small town
Town Crier Races Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
My wife's family has been doing summer vacation in Saugatuck or Douglas for more than a decade. These are little towns on Lake Michigan, across from Chicago, and they are … MORE
My wife’s family has been doing summer vacation in Saugatuck or Douglas for more than a decade. These are little towns on Lake Michigan, across from Chicago, and they are a wonderful place for a fourteen people to rent a house to spend a week relaxing. I have run this race twice, both the 10k and half marathon versions — I disqualified myself from the latter, since I only finished 10 miles, having missed a turn.
These are easy races. It’s a flat course in a small town. The funny part is there is an actual Town Crier, in a old-timey uniform, ringing a bell. Apparently this is a real job, a part-time one, for ceremonial occasions. The mosquito count was tolerable. But this is the Midwest and it can be muggy and thus buggy.
MCRRC Black Hill 10K
Run through the woods
MCRRC Black Hill 10K
I really like this club. It is in suburban Washington, D.C., on the Maryland side. I live in San Francisco. But my dad lives in Montgomery County, where these folks … MORE
I really like this club. It is in suburban Washington, D.C., on the Maryland side. I live in San Francisco. But my dad lives in Montgomery County, where these folks organize events. The cost is low; the people are friendly; and the races are interesting. It was well worth joining. The only issue is you need to remember the bib and the chip, which are issued for the year.
This run is easy, though I was slow. It has by SF standards low/moderate vertical gain, but by non-SF standards moderate vertical gain. It also has some technical sections and a couple of creek crossings over rocks. So it isn’t bad if you have ever run trails and would be fine for a first-timer except someone prone to falling. (An older fellow did fall, and he was bleeding. He wasn’t seriously injured, it looked, but whenever you have an injury to the face it looks bad.)
There were ample volunteers to guide you. One fellow said, when you go over that hill, say Hi Allie to the young lady. So I did that, and Allie got a big smile as if she knew me, and said hello back. Then, as I ran by, I said, the guy back there said to say that, so she realized it was sort of a trick/joke played by I’m guessing her father. I thought I was last, which I’ve always wanted to be, but, no, I was fourth or fifth from the last.