American River Parkway Half Marathon Race Report

Well, this story starts last Saturday, when my daughters and I went hiking. Without sunscreen. So today, race morning, I was still feeling a little tight and sore from the sunburn. But I woke up right on time and got there early to pick up my packet. This year I started out right, but it was thanks to the traffic jam back at the 12 + minute group. That was okay because I needed to slow down. I set my Forerunner for a 8 min run, 2 min walk and ran the first 28 minutes. Got 2 miles done in about 23 minutes. I'm wondering if maybe a quarter marathon is more my style, because my right hip and left front of the ankle were complaining starting around mile 8. Long story short - new PR, baby! Last year's race took me 3 hours 10 minutes. This year I shaved off 21 minutes! Next year, who knows - I might come in at 2:30! I'm sure I could if they would just hold the race at night - I do NOT like to run for fun in the hot, hot sun like some Dr. Seuss characters you might be familiar with.
The only weird thing was that all the muscles in my lower left leg seized up as I was starting to drive home. Wouldn't you know my car is a stick shift. I thought I was going to have to call a couple of my kids to come drive me home, but I sweet-talked my muscles into relaxing and made it home safe and sound.
Next race - a moonlight 10K in Davis, CA July 14. And finally, the Big Sur marathon Sep 29. I think I must be crazy to attempt that, and I will probably only do one more race after that this year. I like to do a 5K around Thanksgiving. Listen to me - I sound like a real runner!