Fun experience this morning. Richie and I were seeded and subseeded (respectively) runners in this 100th annivesary of the Bay to Breakers. Over 50,000 participants this year. Course is a bit challenging with a gradual incline in the first mile which then moves into a significant climb which is purportedly an 11.5% grade from about 2.5 miles to just past the 3 mile mark - with a few rolling hills thereafter until 5.5 miles where the course heads to a gradual downhill to the finish.
Richie was well trained and really had his mind set on running very well - whereas I was not really looking for a time goal, but wanted to enjoy the experience and get a good workout in. So, I agreed to pace him through the first couple of miles to keep his pace controlled and then let him go after that.
We came through the first mile at 6:11 and as we got to about the 2 mile mark I told him, I needed to back off but that he was really breathing well and seemed very comfortable at that pace.
I timed my release and slowed pace pretty well as we hit the hill on Hayes street I relaxed and eased my way up the hill, careful not to go too hard. Mile splits for 3 and 4 were slow - 7:45 and then 6:57 and as the race began to head downhill I had some fun with it - running 6:10s through to the finish - last half mile was at 5:45 pace.
The race is a quite an event with lots of costumes and the absence of clothing for a number of folks. Where we were running it was mostly just normal competitive runners, but the photos of the race behind us are crazy.
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