This race is one of my absolute favorites for a couple of reasons. It's flat and a great race to get a PR at, it's entertaining - a lot of bands line the race, and it's a well sponsored and very smoothly ran race.
My half marathon PR is from this race a few years ago. I ran a 1:42:06. This year I ran a 1:48:52 which is no where near that pace, but I was still pretty pleased with it. It was better than I had expected.
I had signed up super early to get the early bird savings, because if you wait too long the race will probably sell out and/or the prices will go up and it can get quite costly.
We went to the expo and it was a little bit smaller than I had remembered. It was still plenty of fun and we walked away with some nice swag. I did end up buying some brand new Hoka's there, which I did decide to run in at the race.
This year they offered a special In-Tune Premium pass. Some of the perks of this special pass was free parking 1 block away, as well as private restrooms, race day bib pickup, private bag check, a breakfast after, and pre race coffee and tea. I think it was an additional $45 ($40 if you didn't want the parking). I ended up splurging on it because in the past years that I've gone parking has been a nightmare, and I have barely made it to the start on time. The only bad part was that in order to get the premium pass at the expo you had to wait in this extremely long customer service line which I think missed the point.
ANYWAY, since the past races here have been sketchy from the start, I decided we should leave SUPER early. We left our place in San Mateo around 6:15 and got to San Jose a bit before 7 (the race is at 8:00). Surprisingly, the freeway was already starting to back up at the exit, and there were already a lot of people there. The parking lot was open to anyone, and was only $5 so I was a little disappointed that I had only saved $5.
I decided to take advantage of the premium pass and chill out at the special area that they had set up at a restaurant across the street (McCormick and Shmick's). My friend also splurged on the premium pass so we enjoyed hot tea and coffee in the warm building. I have to say...it was pretty freakin' nice. The toilets were open (I barely had to wait in line), but the best part was just being warm! I hate freezing my butt off at the starting line.
We got to the start on time, and started off quick. I tried pushing the pace at the start and ended up fading toward the end. It was my best effort though.
The course was flat and fast, there are some very minor hills which are mainly going under the overpasses and such. The bands were great, and there seemed to be plenty of them. I was worried that it was going to be hot because the predicted temps were at 80 and that's shade temperature. Most of the course is pleasantly shaded on residential streets. The only part was the last couple of miles that had little to no shade but it was at the end and it wasn't too brutal.
There were plenty of water stations and gu's, but I didn't stop for any of them. I ain't got time for that!
Psh, who needs hydration and fuel.
I crossed the finish line and was immediately handed the fancy medal and some bottled water. As we walked down there was some fruit, bars, and three kinds of chocolate milk. Reallly pushing that chocolate milk. I headed back to the premium station to get some baked goods (actually just wanted to smuggle my boyfriend a bagel).
The band that played at the end was Atlas Genius - who I have never heard of, but they seemed pretty good! I did feel bad that they were playing for a bunch of tired runners...the excitement didn't really seem there from the audience.
Leaving the area was actually not too bad, and it was nice having the car parked so close to the finish. I would definitely get the premium pass again next year. :) It's just nice to have that peace of mind that you'll not have to wait 30 minutes for the bathroom, or worry about staying warm pre race.
Oh and the Hoka's? HEAVEN! I think I ordered my last pair of Hoka's a half size too small which caused the major blisters from the marathon. These have a wider toe box and are lighter and much nicer looking. Definitely excited to have them.
Anyway, that's it for the report. I'll definitely be back next year!
