Surf City Half Marathon (Huntington Beach)

I went into the Surf City 1/2 not really knowing what to expect. I have been dealing with some Achilles tendon issues and haven't been able to run the amount i would have liked. However I was hoping the fitness from swimming and biking would carry me through!

Well that didn't happen!! I started off at the same pace I had in October when I ran 1:37 at the Rock n Roll San Jose. However, I quickly noticed that my HR was a good 8-10 BPM higher than in October. I guess that's the difference between end of season fitness and early season fitness!

I held the pace for the first 11-12 km but then at the turnaround to head south the combination of headwinds and fatigue caused me to start losing 5, 10, 20, 30 seconds per km.

I struggled home in 1:41:34 almost 5 mins slower than my PB but overall it was a great short trip down South as I did the race with 4 old friends from when I used to live in Orange County - and of course a great Super Bowl party to follow later in the day!

I intend to take at least a week and perhaps two entirely off from running to see how the Achilles responds - although it is funny that after a tough 21 km it feels better today than it has in weeks!!

Onwards and upwards!

Steve Eastman

Purple Patch

February 06, 2020 11:45

Steve - thanks for the honest report. Hearing lots of reports about the headwinds on the way back. This past week's podcast comes to mind. You controlled what you could control (including injury) and, while it wasn't a PB (they can't always be), you came away satisfied and with plenty of lessons. Plus, a great time with friends. What's better than that? -PPF

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