Philippians 4:13

I ran the Hot Chocolate 15K in San Diego this morning.  Left early to drive to PETCO park then warmed up a bit and dropped off gear.  Really well organized start/finish area (huge!).  Talked with Todd, Eddy and Tim at the start.  Hilliest course (besides Race to Robie Creek) that I have ever run!  No way to get a rythm so just was using the course for what it gave you.

Splits: 5:51, 5:44, 6:09,6:15, 5:56, 5:39, 5:48, 5:59, 5:15, 1:24 (4:53 pace) for last 0.3M.  4th OA and first Master.  Really fun course and fun to race another one.  Went out conservative and was running in 7th place at mile 2.  Slowly started reeling in the runners over the next 5 miles on the hills (all young guys, several HS kids).  I caught 3rd place right before 7 mile mark but he pulled away on the big hill in this mile and I was never able to quite reel him in again (9 seconds behind at the finish).

A young kid caught up to me at 8.5 miles (right after a spectator told him to "go catch the old guy!") and I thought he would be able to out kick me.  I told him to go get 3rd place and he did not make a move.  So, I threw down hard right before mile 9 and he could not respond (us "old guys" can still run...even outrun a HS kid!).  Felt great to have a kick that big at the end and push for a good time on a difficult course.

4 mile cool down on the Harbor with Eddy (winner) and his teammates.

Overall a good day, satisfied with this one and another good prep for Boston!  (Tangent 4)

6:30am...5.25 miles with Justin.  Hilly run on a warm and misty morning.  Great to get out for a run with him, nice to chat and share the time. (Boost)

Up and out early 6 miles solo on the hills around the area.  Stopped back by the house and picked up Justin for 4 more focusing on uphill and downhill form.

6 miles of walking around the zoo and downtown area.  Due to the hills, going to count 2 more miles.

Slept in and went out a bit later for a solo run.  Most hills I have run on a training run in a while...compares easily to Sunnyside hill and beyond!

From our friends' house to Twin Oaks Blvd then up a huge hill to the Ridgeline Trailhead.  About 6 miles of trail running up and down at the top of the hill.  Ran into another runner (Jose) and ran 2 miles with him.  Then downhill back to the house with an out and back before heading in.  18 miles in 2:22 on a very tough run today.  (Boost)

5.5 miles solo on a hilly route then back to grab Justin and do it again.  A great time running and talking with Justin, so glad we can share this passion and time together.  (Tangent 4)

4.75 miles solo around the neighborhood then 3.5 miles more with Justin.  Slow and tired today.  (Tangent 4)

Slept in a bit then went out for 6.25 miles solo around the area and to scope out the college track.  

Went back and grabbed Justin then warmed up for 2 miles before his 1 mile time trial on the track.  He did awesome, ran each lap well and set a new mile PR!  Great confidence builder before heading into his first meet next week!  Cooled down for about 1.75 miles back to our friends.  Heading home today via the Murphy's tonight.  Not looking forward to leaving the warm weather for the cold back home.  A great spring break vacation! (Tangent 4)