The first day we decided to hike Stonewall Peak in the late afternoon after setting up camp. Had a great hike and ran into our first rattlesnake. I’ve hiked in Cuyamaca and Laguna for years and this was the first time I’d seen a snake. Phil tried to get a picture but it rattled its tail and moved on.

The second day we headed over to the PCT and parked at Pioneer Mail. Walked a short hike over to Kwaaymii Point and then back south along the PCT to Garnet Peak. On our way back we saw another snake! Then at the car noticed a screw in my tire. Thankfully the tire held up for our trip back down the mountain.

No more hiking for a few weeks as Phil has a half marathon in August and we’ll be in serious training mode. Looking forward to the fall with cooler temperatures for hiking and camping. We might even try backpacking into our next campsite. Woo!

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We walked part of the Palm Canyon Trail. It’s not far from the Visitor Center and parking was $8.

The Carlsbad Half didn’t start out so well. Only got about 3 hours of sleep and was seriously worried I would be a zombie the next day. Luckily I felt really good by the start of the race – not tired at all.

I started off a little faster than I planned but I was freezing and I think I wanted to get warm over that first mile. Phil stayed with me for about the first 1.5 miles while he warmed up and then went ahead.

So happy I wore my fuel belt! I had been training in it and didn’t mind the weight. So much better for me to be able to drink whenever I felt like it.

We had perfect weather. It started in the high 40s/low 50s and warmed up to 60s. Clear, blue skies. Most of the course was right along Carlsbad beach. This is one of the flattest courses in the area (another reason I chose it) and the small hills were pretty easy for me since I had included large hills on my long training runs. They separated us into waves which worked out great. I never felt the course was too crowded.

I felt great through most of the race. I didn’t eat as much as my stomach started to cramp a bit so I focused on drinking whenever I could. Around mile 8 my hips started to really hurt which was strange. Not sure why that happened but I managed to ignore it and only stopped once the entire race to walk about 1 minute which seemed to help a little.

Around mile 7 I caught up with the 2:30 pace group and started to get really excited. They had started earlier than me (1 wave earlier) so I knew I was on pace to beat 2:30 if I could hang with them. It was really great and probably the reason I was able to get such a good time.

All in all an awesome experience!

Feeling great after the race

For my training, 3 days a week was perfect when I was adding those last long runs. It allowed me to get enough rest between runs and keep healthy. My other days I walked and/or practiced yoga. Next time I train for a half I do want to include longer runs than 12 miles. Maybe 13-14 miles.

Next up for me is to work on getting a little faster. I’ll be signing up for a 5K and 10K in March and April so hopefully can get better times at those distances. Will be nice to get in more hiking over the next few months too!

Official Results

Phil and I are signed up for the Carlsbad Half Marathon in 3 weeks and that of course will be another major running milestone but I figured I should blog about this one just in case we get injured/sick and can’t make the race.

Our route (Thank you my wonderful Garmin)

Miles 4-8 were awesome and last two a lot harder. Body feels surprisingly good though. Some aches and pains but nothing I’m worried about. Probably take 2 days off for rest.

Temps started a little warmer than I would’ve liked (~72) but had a nice breeze and cooled down in the second half of the run.

Did really well with nutrition today too. No headache after run. I’m a very salty sweater and have had problems in the past with not replacing the salt I lose during the run. Before run had coffee and peanut cliff bar. During run drank GU2O & water and ate one gel at mile 5. After run ate one package of sports beans.

Only carried 16oz of fluids and found that wasn’t quite enough so next week will fill all 4 bottles of my fuel belt. I plan on wearing my fuel belt during the race. For runs over 10mi will try one more gel probably mile 9 or 10.

Next week we plan to add 1-2 miles if all goes well. Following weekend will reduce mileage on long run to somewhere between 8-10.

Hopefully I can stay healthy for the next 3 weeks!

My favorite memories of 2009:

• In February I turned 30 and celebrated by taking a trip to Julian to stay at a B&B. Phil and I hiked each day and got in some serious relaxing at night. So fun!
• In March I ran my first ever race – 10K St Patrick’s Run.
• Reconnected with an old friend and got to go to her wedding. Love you Jenny!
• Ran further than I ever thought I could. Next month if all goes well I’ll be running in my first half-marathon here in Carlsbad.
• Took my first cruise – a 3 day trip to Ensenada. Was great to spend some time away from everything and hang out with my mom and Phil.
• Found out my bestest and most special friend is preggers! I will be an auntie!!
• My business, BPC, did better than ever this year. Excited to see what we do in 2010!