B for Pre-Race: Volunteers were on hand to help with registration. Signs were posted w/ arrows, guiding you inside and toward packet pick-up. Walking through the expo, outside the building, to the back of the pier for pick-up was interesting. I didn’t visit any of the vendors, but everyone seemed happy & excited to share running related info.
A for Course: I was so excited, I forgot to start my GPS soon after we started! My training runs are similar to the course map. I told myself, it’s another fun run, enjoy! …and that’s what I did. I had a blast running through the city. Didn’t plan to run w/ a pacer, but he was solid, keeping us on track. Just before Noell (and mile 9), I was ready for hills. As I ran up Washington, I kept repeating to myself, “This is why you run Laurel, Torrey Pines & Washington…you got this!” It felt great going up. 6th Ave was the perfect homestretch onto the finish line.
Medical/Aid stations were full of volunteers giving motivation & encouraging us to keep going. I especially liked the aid station markers; showing how much further until our next one. Good job w/ supplying a variety of Clif Shot Gels just before Washington. They were a big help!
A for Post Race: This was my first post race walking a flight of steps to recovery stations. …and I liked it! Super organized w/ fruit, bagels and most of all, friendly volunteers. Great gear check process, too.
A for Overall: Despite the packet pick-up, it was nice to see the vendors giving you the best expo experience possible. The course couldn’t of been better; Washington & 6th Ave were the best! I’d definitely run San Diego Half Marathon again.