Just a few things

Ok so time needs to start slowing down. Just seems like yesterday I was getting ready to return to running and now I have just finished another half marathon.  I do know that I have a lot of work to do before Boston and that road is not going to be an easy one.

First and foremost, we ran the Surf City marathon and half last weekend in Huntington beach, California. If you get the chance to run it, go for it. It has a nice and friendly expo and they provide shuttles to the start line. Plus the medal is super cute and is a good destination to escape winter weather.

 

I don't usually run half marathons but with returning from the stress fracture figured this was a good way to get some higher mileage in. Plus My husband was pacing our friend for his first marathon, so Figured why not.

Expo fun

Loved this sign at the expo

Expo extras

So few things I learned during this half:
1. Holy cow are half marathons the place to be and super crowded. You never realize how many people run these verse the full marathons.
2. It was Super hard to break away from the crowd and get into my groove during this race
3. Time to get into gear if I ever want to be ready to tackle 26.2 miles again
4. My legs felt the best they ever have and physical therapy is paying off
5. Stomach issues can happen to anyone during any race.
6. Chocolate milk after a race is pretty delicious:)
7. I did see a few of the PRO compression sock ambassadors and felt pretty cool when they noticed my pro socks!

Ok so the race was not my best, my legs felt the best they ever have, but my poor belly was doing summersaults around mile 10. Not sure what was going on but it was not very fun to run through and thankful I didn't have another 16 miles to go at that point. Although the course wasn't the greatest, the weather was something you couldn't beat. Started in 50's ended in 70, can't get much better than that:) My time wasn't the greatest but I was not racing, I had to promise my physical therapist it was just for miles not speed training. My husband and friend on the other hand finished his first full in 4:05! Way to go guys, he rocked this marathon and was 10 minutes faster than he expected. He did say that by mile 20 he wanted to be done. Oh those crazy walls you hit during marathons, mine is usually mile 18. Wonder if that will ever get easier??

Yes, My husband wears his Captain America outfit for his Full Marathons,

While in Huntington Beach, we did some sightseeing. I have never been to LA so I wanted to see as much as possible.
Highlights of this trip
1. Banzai bowls are incredible. A delicious acai berry fruit mixture you can eat or get as a smoothie. I plan on making these at home

2. The Hollywood sign is not easy to find. Key thing head to the park and ask the Rangers for help.

3. Downtown Hollywood is a lot smaller than I thought, I did get to see Jimmy Kimmels studio though and a bunch of people dressed as marvel comic heroes who want to take a picture with you. Just remember you have to pay for this, it's not free:)

4. LA traffic is real and be very afraid. It really took us over 1.5 hours to go 35 miles on a Saturday morning.
5. There weather is incredible. 70's in February while everyone else is freezing or playing in snow, can't complain about that.
6. No you don't see famous people everywhere you go there, yes you do see Rolls Royce, Bentley, etc cars. I tried looking to see if these were famous people inside and then realized I probably looked pretty creepy and should stop.

Well folks, that's about all, sorry been so long since a post, just been extremely busy with life. Have a great week and happy running as always!