The Half Marathon formerly known as the Stockton Half Marathon. Kind of. It's the same course. A month earlier than last year. Organized by different people. And called something different. Confused? Me too.
I hadn't run a Half road race since this one...or this other one in Stockton around this time last year. Since the course was the same, my only goal was to beat my time from last year. I figured with all the trail time I've put in, it should have been a breeze. I'll cut to the chase. It didn't happen. And it didn't happen by about 6 minutes.
At the start. I'm the head in the middle, smiling like a dork. |
How many of you have race photos that include orange plastic fencing AND a big rig? |
I do enjoy being able to ignore posted signs. Road closed? I don't think so. |
The point is not to put Stockton on blast for not being the most scenic place to run. Or complain and theorize about why it wasn't my day or even to dwell on and feel disappointed about my time. Because we RAN A HALF MARATHON.
A wonderful amazing group of people, The Miracle Mile Runners got together for long runs on Sundays to prepare for this race.
A wonderful amazing group of people, The Miracle Mile Runners got together for long runs on Sundays to prepare for this race.
On the starting line I was surrounded by hundreds of runners and a cheering crowd lining the street. I love that feeling.
Tony Vice, owner of our Fleet Feet, who put this all together, addressed us. I felt proud of our town.
Along the way, I was thankful and honored that people I love were out there to support me.
When I realized I wasn't going to blow my previous time out of the water, I was able to turn my disappointment and frustration into gratitude that I was healthy and able to run.
When nearing the finish and turning the corner, and man shouted, "13 miles in the books!". I don't think I could ever not feel happy hearing that.
I'll be back next year for the Stockton Half Marathon in Stockton called the St. Joseph's Half Marathon.
Take me to the mimosas. |
Maybe next year the race will be a trail half. That would make sense to me.
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