Ok...so, um...Long Beach kicked my butt. Sorry, I can't make that any nicer. Allow me to explain. The Long Beach Half is really a wonderful race. This was my first time running 'The Beach' and I have to say, it is VERY scenic, and energetic. The first five miles of the race take you through Rainbow Harbor, which consists of parts of the Long Beach Port, near the historic Queen Mary, past the Catalina Express docks, past Lighthouse Point, The Aquarium of the Pacific and other lovely Pike points of interest. The first 5 miles had variable inclines due to the many many MANY vehicular ramps and bridges...and this is where I suffered burn out. By mile 6 at Shoreline Village, I was pretty much spent. Even though I was dialed in at about a 7 out of 10 with about a 10 minute/mile pace...I was still worn OUT. The next 4 miles are along the cement bike path on the beach itself. This was pretty nice considering the breeze off of the ocean kept us cool.
Let me just say, as many of my close friends and fraternity brothers know, I have spent A LOT of time in Long Beach. I think another reason why this didn't go as 'fast' as I would of liked was probably because I knew that running from The Pike to Belmont Shores and back was just kinda crazy haha. Just a sidebar.
Meanwhile, when we arrived in Belmont Shore around mile 9 or so, we were greeted to more yummy Go-Go Juice 'Powerade' and donut holes...which might I just add were rockin'! We made our way back through Belmont Shores and headed back up Ocean Avenue back towards the The Pike! With the minor pain in my IT band in my left knee I hobbled across the finish line with a finishing time of 2:33:35. Not the best, but hey at least I finished! You have to keep in mind...you can't 'win' every race. It is important to keep that into perspective. The next race is Rock 'n' Roll - St. Louis and I am ready to get back into the saddle and try again! Will I run this race again? Absolutely! I want redemption! That race time ain't hot! But the race was beautiful! One more race (Surf City 2013) and I will complete the Beach Cities Race Challenge!!! YES! AHHHH The Clink of Success is Near!
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