Nike Report and Training Update

77 days until my first Marathon. The jitters are definitely starting now that I have no races left to think about between now and then. The mileage is getting up there. I have an 18 mile run to do, which I have postponed until tomorrow due to John being away. Depending on the weather, and when he makes it back, I may split the run and do 7 or 8 miles on the treadmill, and then continue outside for the last 10 or 11 miles.

I had a really good time at the Nike Women's Half Marathon. I think it increases the enjoyment when you can share a weekend with friends or family. The expo was fairly well organized. I visited on Friday afternoon, when it wasn't too crowded - the lines were getting longer when we left. Since the run is sponsored by Nike, don't expect to be able to find ANY other brands of anything. There were free manicures (which I didn't line up for), free gait analysis (recommending Nike shoes - surprise surprise), free smoothie samples, free IPod engraving (only 3 or 4 choices of design though, no personalization). Everything at the main expo was free, with all the logoed clothing available at nearby Niketown. Niketown is 3 floors of Nike shoes, clothing and accessories. Outside of Niketown is the large mural with all the racers names on it. All names are also on a commemorative poster that was for sale. Niketown was very crowded, but I bought some shorts with NWM logo, and a headband for John.
When you pick up your number, you are also supposed to pick up a wrist band that corresponded with your planned pace. You were able to pick up more than one, and decide later which group to start with. Of course the wrist bands are all a bit of a sham, as no one checks them race morning, and about 20% of runners seemed oblivious to where they should be lining up, or just didn't care enough (or arrive early enough) to get to where they needed to be. The "corrals" are not closed in any way, shape, or form, so there were spectators crammed in here as well. The start, in my opinion was the worst part of this race. They really need to do something to organize it better. With the congested and disorganized start I spent the first few miles dodging and weaving around people (and had much faster people passing me - no doubt they could not squeeze into their correct corral and had to start further back) Anyway, the scenery on this race is really nice. After a jaunt around the financial district, the running is along the piers with a view of the bay. At about mile 6, there is a very big hill. You are supposed to be rewarded with a fantastic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, but when I went through, it was still foggy. I understand that within half an hour the bridge was clear and beautiful. The hills on this run, although they only stretch over about 3.5 miles (Mile 6-9.5), are killers. I'm not used to running on hills like these, and I know it slowed me down. I also don't think I'm in quite the shape I was in the spring. Since I'm ramping up for a marathon, I'm working more on longer runs and less on speedwork at the moment.

Splits for the race were:
Mile 1 - 9:46
Mile 2 - 9:46 (mile 1&2 split due to missed marker)
Mile 3 - 10:46
Mile 4 - 10:46 (mile 3&4 split due to missed marker)
Mile 5 - 8:05 (this "mile" came up short on the Garmin)
Mile 6 - 10:20
Mile 7 - 11:40
Mile 8 - 9:36
Mile 9 - 11:49
Mile 10 - 9:14
Mile 11 - 9:56
Mile 12 - 10:49
Mile 13.1 - 10:03

I think some of the mileage markers may have been off. One of the "miles" came up short on the Garmin (0.82), and others seem particularly long. I think my pacing was fairly consistent through the first 5 miles, but it sure looks bad above!

I did really enjoy the race, and everyone in our group finished within about 35 minutes of each other. I likely won't enter the lottery next year, as I am planning to do the Disneyland Half in September and possibly the WDW Wine&Dine Half in October. I would recommend this race to any woman who hasn't run it before, and it's even better with friends.