No. 6: Hollywood Half Marathon, April 6

Eric and I found our second roommate on Craigslist. We couldn't have asked for a better roomie. His girlfriend is equally awesome: She once left plates of carne asada and eggs for us after a night out drinking. Kristina was the first person to agree to run one of my #13in2013 races with me. I looked forward to seeing Jeff and Kristina. Upon exiting into "Historic Filipinotown", I was greeted by a questionable establishment's slogan: "Everyone Loves a Happy Ending". This filipina couldn't stop laughing.

The night before the race, Kristina and I enjoyed margaritas and sopes after picking up our bibs at City Walk. We probably crossed the start line more than five minutes after the official start. The course was nothing spectacular, but the firefighters and police officers in Hollywood are all extremely attractive and avid race fans. The superheroes, Marilyns, and Elvises made the course more entertaining. Our bottomless mimosas at the Waffle House were the perfect closing to a fun and memorable 24 hours with a friend.

No. 5: San Diego Half Marathon, March 10

This well-organized event features a mostly flat and beautiful course showcasing downtown San Diego. It includes highlights from the America’s Finest City Half Marathon course without the stifling summer heat. I am grateful that my friends, Donna and Lisa, were with me for this race. They piled in my car at 5:30 a.m. and we headed downtown.

 

Lisa wanted to cheer me on from the start line to the finish line. I explained that it would take us two hours to finish the race and that we would have to leave very early. I was surprised when she told me she still wanted to come. She took photos and even captured a video of myself crossing the finish line. Knowing that she was at the finish line was very encouraging throughout my race.

Lisa and I

Donna and I were both trying for a two-hour half marathon, so I looked forward to experiencing the race course with someone. She encouraged me up the challenging hill at mile 9 while she powered through effortlessly. Cramps in my right calf forced me to slow my pace and stop occasionally for the remainder of the race. I urged her to run ahead and meet me at the finish line, but she stuck by my side. I know she sacrificed minutes of her race time by staying with me. Her actions mean a lot to me because I understand how neurotic runners are about race times-I know I am!

2013 San Diego Half Marathon Finishers

I choose my friends for solely selfish reasons: I wish to emulate one or more of their admirable qualities. They are strong, encouraging, and beautiful people. They work hard, but also know how to have fun. My grandmother used to say, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you who YOU are”. If that is true, then I think Grandma would be proud of me.

No. 4: Women's Half Marathon

I knew February was going to be a tough month with races scheduled so soon after Carlsbad, but I registered for this race because I had a coupon code and I got a hooded shirt. Admittedly, I was feeling a little lackluster at this race despite the gorgeous weather conditions at the Naval Training Center in Point Loma. Although I was physically ready for another race, I was not mentally ready. The thought of other runners with their girlfriends in matching tutus high-fiving each other irritated me. I forced myself to run for over two hours. Although the course was flat and scenic, I find the multiple out-and-back loops unappealing.

No. 3: San Dieguito Half Marathon, February 10

I registered last minute for this race when I learned a friend was running the 5 K. Since my late mother-in-law was a member of the San Diego Hash House Harriers, who organize the event, I decided to run in memory of her. I pinned a photo of her and her Hasher name on my shirt. At the start line, I shared tears and laughter with her friends. I finished strong and proud that I completed my first consecutive half marathons. I will definitely run this again as the course is challenging with a friendly atmosphere among participants.
 

No. 2: San Diego Mermaid Half Marathon, February 9

My pink wig and Mylar blanket kept me warm on that chilly morning at Mission Bay. I ran the flat course conservatively in anticipation of the challenging course the next day. After the race, there was a costume contest for $100 towards Mermaid Series apparel. Winners were determined by crowd applause. I tied for third place while first and second places were awarded to two runners and their daughters in matching mermaid costumes who attended with their Girl Scout Troop. I had a great time greeting spectators and runners with mermaid cheer, but it would have been nice to win that costume contest.

No. 1: Carlsbad Marathon, January 27

The Carlsbad Half Marathon is one of my favorite events, but I registered for the marathon instead because of the Marathon Finisher's Jacket. The thought of zipping the Jacket and showing it off kept me motivated to train. I tried persuading others to train with me, but the Jacket was not a strong enough selling point for them.

Jacket, tech tee and bib

The drizzly start gave way to perfect marathon conditions on this flat and scenic course. I started out with a few friends, but became disappointed when I learned of their intentions of a four hour race. I joined a slower pace group and enjoyed witnessing the excitement of first-time marathoners. I anxiously looked forward to my husband, daughter, and a girlfriend stationed at mile 18 with whiskey, tequila, beer, and a chocolate protein shake. Until that day, I never thought tequila with a protein shake chaser could taste so good.

My high spirits turned dark along four slow miles. I was on the verge of tears when I saw my cousin waving at mile 22. Another friend awaited at mile 25 with rum, but my only desire was to finish the race. I cannot remember what my cousin said to me or what we saw those last miles, but I am grateful she accompanied me to mile 26 for a strong finish.

Mile 25 with Rachelle

Post-race, I proudly donned the Jacket and arrived at my good friend's baby shower. I wore the Jacket to work the whole week after the race. A colleague asked, "You're showing off your jacket again?" Damn right.

2012 Carlsbad Marathon Finisher

2013: 13 x 13.1

I am a nerd. I once celebrated Pi Day, 3/14, by eating pie. I track my finishing times, workouts, and caloric intake in Microsoft Excel. I snorted with excitement when I realized the numerical charm of thirteen 13.1 mile long races in 2013. Lucky or unlucky, the number thirteen appeals to me. I adjusted my glasses, pulled out my wedgie, and announced my goal on Facebook. Then, I drafted a plan:

I am not alone in this journey. A woman who blogged her twelve races in 2012 is continuing with thirteen races in 2013. You can view her blog at jillconyers.com. There are hundreds of people, mostly female, striving for thirteen races this year. Fortunately, we connect and encourage one another via social media. Thankfully, I have had friends and family present at three of the four events I have completed this year. I am discovering that achieving my numerical-based goal is more tolerable with company.