San Francisco Half Marathon: Burrrr!

So several folks have asked how we did in last Sunday's San Francisco Half-Marathon. Two words: Free. Zing. Actually, it was a lot of fun, but way, way crowded and, I'm not even kidding, it was cold. My husband, Bruce Brockenborough, sported this super cute shirt from iList Paducah sponsor Project AIDS Orphan. Which provided absolutely no warmth whatsoever, but it made his arms look hot. And my San Francisco BFF Eddie Herrador (right, with our friend, Shawn) ran in support of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. He raised more than $7,000 for research and support services. Yay, Eddie! It was a little foggy and chilly the whole way from the Ferry Building, all the way over... ...the Golden Gate Bridge and back (that's BB, above), and down along the ocean into Golden Gate Park. This goofball ran barefoot. Barefoot? We warmed up with some cold beers at our traditional rehydration station, Park Chow. After rehydrating, we walked out and my sweaty shirt immediately turned into a sheet of ice. Well, almost. I can't remember being so cold. Luckily, a cab came along, saving us from a shivering slog home. The highlight of the race: BB stayed with me the whole way. Usually, he darts out ahead and has a barstool waiting for me at the finish. So it was super sweet to run it with him, and he literally pushed my aching rear up the cruel three or four hills that the evil race organizers left until the very end of the race. We did the 13.1 miles in 2:31 or so. Certainly not Summer Olympics material, but not bad for an ol' gal. My 44th birthday was the night before and there may have been some extra hydration-loading in celebration. Anyway, I highly recommend the run. If you're looking for a training program, this one is really good: I'm thinking about the Nike Women's Marathon next. It's in San Francisco again, Oct. 19. I don't think there's a half marathon option, and it's for women only. But maybe I could do half and another fun gal could do the other? Any takers? Anyone? Anyone?

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