Pampering ourselves with a bubble bath - Half-It-All-Challenge. SF 2nd Half Marathon 2014

This race was dedicated to Laura Warren, fellow marathoner and Team in Training Honoree, who passed away after a decades long battle with multiple cancers. Laura's nickname was "Ten Penny Nail" because she would bend but never break. She was a warrior and a gentle soul. She will be missed.

On June 16, 2013 we completed the San Francisco 1st Half Marathon. On July 27, 2014 we completed the San Francisco 2nd half marathon to complete the Half-It-All-Challenge. As the race proceeded, the theme for this blog emerged. Fortunately, we weren't attempting a PR on this hilly course on a warm day so we had the opportunity to take more photos than usual to share with you all.

The 2nd half marathon starts at 8:15 am in Golden Gate Park by Spreckels Lake. You can either park near Golden Gate Park and find your own way back to your car. Alternatively, we used GottaPark to park near the finish line along the Embarcadero and took the free buses to the start line. Ron remarked, "Boy this race start is quite civilized." We got to sleep in our own beds at home, get up at a reasonable hour (4:30 am) and make our way to the race start.

The weather this year for the 2nd half was warmer this year than last year for the 1st half. Partly due to the differences in months (July vs. June in 2013 - the race was moved due to the America's Cup) and partly due to the later start time (8:15 am vs. 5:30 am). That being said, the organizers of the event have even the smallest details down pat. Knowing that San Francisco, especially Golden Gate Park can be cool and even cold by California standards), the circumference of Spreckels lake was dotted with heat lamps where participants crowded around to stay warm.

The 2nd half marathon included five corrals which started several minutes apart and quickly blended in with the full marathons who were going strong down hill on JFK drive. At one point, all three races converged on the same point.

Attention to detail by the race organizers who thought it wise to let participants know that there was a water station ahead. In one case, it also meant there was a beautiful waterfall ahead as well!

Surrounding Stow Lake, one particular runner caught my eye. Let's just say his race attire was a bit unusual. I came up beside him and asked, "So have you raced in this outfit before?" He responded, "No." I couldn't help but then ask, "So why are you running [the full marathon] in a bathroom and slippers?" His response made me laugh, "I decided to pamper myself today!" Ah ha! The theme for the blog is formulating in my head but it wasn't until we came up to the bubble machine on Haight Street that I knew we had a winner here. Unfortunately, the beautiful video I made of the bubbles didn't come out (let's just say I need to learn how to start/stop recording better while on the move).

Haight street presented itself with several long down hill stretches which was prime for negative splitting in the MIDDLE of the race.

The view back up the hills on Haight Street

As we emerged from Golden Gate park, we hit mile 19 on the full marathon course. Unlike most races that clearly post mile marker signs on the side of the road, in this race you have to look down on the ground for the neon tape. Given the Ron and Susan are celebrating their 19 year anniversary this year and that 19 happens to be Ron's favorite number, it only seemed appropriate to capture this particular milepost.

A few mile markers did have free standing flags. The only problem was the wind had turned most of them around backwards so you couldn't even read them!

The race just kept getting better from there. Also along Haight Street and later along the Embarcadero, a dear man and woman biked back and forth along the course with a boom box blasting Kool and the Gang among other motivating rock songs. Given there were fewer bands and DJ's on the course than at a Rock 'n' Roll race, his moving studio was particularly welcome.

The drummers at mile 12 were also setting a strong pace to bring us all home strong.

I couldn't wait to round the bend to see AT&T Ballpark which was the beginning of the home stretch for all of us. By now the sun had come out in full force and most of us had slowed down because of the heat.

Someone beside me said, the finish line is right under the Bay Bridge up ahead. "You've got this - Finish strong."

Normally coming down the shoot to the finish line I would never have stopped to take a picture. But this race was different. I was there with a purpose - to share this race experience with all of you. So I took a moment to snap a quick shot before completing what was a really fun race. It's not often you can say that your half marathon was a lot of fun but today this race was FUN!

We kept up our spoiled streak where we're now used to getting more than one medal per event.

At the start of every race, one can never be quite sure what kind of race you're going to have. A lot depends on how much training you've done, how much sleep you've gotten that week, what the weather is like that day, what the course is like, etc. However, you can always be sure to make the most of the race experience, treasure those images along the race course (either by memory or by camera), and use your surroundings as fuel to propel you to the race finish. In this case, we lathered up and came out smelling squeaky clean.

Hmmm, at least we were after we took a shower back at home!

~//~

The San Francisco Marathon, 1st Half and 2nd Half Marathons have been around for 37 years. In 2013, there were 6,580 finishers in the Full Marathon (800 more than 2013) with a median time of 4:38, 8 minutes slower than last year. 7,250 5,952 in the 1st Half (2:24 median time) and 4,492 3,096 in the 2nd Half (2:16 Median time). Both half marathon attendance were up by 1,400 each from last year, but median finish time was 5 minutes slower.

The Marathon starts on the Ferry Building at Market Street and runs along the water on the Embarcadero past Fisherman's Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, Fort Mason, crosses the Golden Gate Bridge to Vista Point and back before turning down Baker Beach and into Golden Gate Park where the 1st Half Marathon finishes. The 2nd Half starts by winding through Golden Gate Park, and runs east through the city streets to AT&T Park, turning north to finish back at the Ferry Building.  The 1st half has a 3 hour chip-time cut off. The 2nd half has a 3:30 cut off. (Course Map for 2014). While we've heard that the second half was much more challenging than the first, I thought it was more due to the scenic views on the first half than the hills or terrain. The mental part of racing is still a big deal.

Weather: 2014 was a bit warmer than 2013. Temps started at 60 degrees F, even for the 5:30 AM start of the Full and 1st Half. The 2nd Half started just over 60 F and warmed to the high 60's by 11 AM. The sun came out pretty early which is kind of annoying for a San Francisco race.

Support: Very Good. I was really impressed with the logistics for the 2nd Half. If you use the shuttle system from the Full/1st Half start, you get there after they are gone, meaning restroom facilities have no waiting and there are no crowds to speak of by 6:30. The buses were typical school buses and ran on a regular schedule from 6:30 to 7:30. TIming was such that they dropped off the 2nd Half Marathoners, drove 100 yards forward and picked up the 1st Half Finishers. Starting later, we didn't have the quiet course like the 1st half as bands dotted the course every few miles. The guy on the bike blaring 80's music was a real treat. 

It was also really nice for the full marathoners that the 2nd Half Marathoners were on the course to keep them company (assuming they weren't clogging up the tangents and narrow roads). Personally, I would welcome the extra sound of shuffling feet by mile 20.

The SF 2nd Half Marathon in 2014 let us complete the "Half it All Challenge," having finished the 1st Half in 2013. While there's an additional option for doing the Full Marathon in 2015 for the 52 Club medal and sweatshirt, we're going to stick with our mantra of "No full marathons unless we leave the continent."  Shout outs to our friends Junior Silva Jesus and Pavement Runner who rocked the "Worth the Hurt 52.4" Ultra that started at midnight before the race. He and a few dozen others travel the course in reverse and must make the 5:30 AM start time in order to be eligible for the regular marathon and complete the double. Junior did admit to getting lost a few times on the first reverse trip. Given some of the neighborhoods the second half went through, it could be quite disconcerting. Also running in SF were Clorox Sole Mates Running Group members Jon Weisman, Patrick Elias (both crushing their first full marathons) and Lydia Chow (2nd Half).

The SF Marathon now partners with Huntington Beach/Surf City marathons for a bonus "California Dreaming" medal. Since we're looking to add to our 50 States list of Half Marathons, we will likely take a pass on adding more California races that aren't going toward another goal (like Rock Idol) in 2015. 

THIS - The Nike Women's Marathon San Francisco 2013

Susan and I are coaches for Team in Training. 

We have day jobs that pay the bills, but our coaching job is what feeds our spirits.

THIS is our job description.

THIS is my office

Mile 6: The start of the first hill at Crissy Field.

THESE are our mentors

Coach Al and Mama Lisa have trained thousands of marathoners and ultra marathoners between them and they continue to inspire generations of coaches to follow their example.

Florencia Borelli (Half Marathon) and Emily Gordon (Full Marathon) won the race.

THIS woman also won.

Coach MaryAnne Ravano with Shellie David. Shellie trimmed 15 minute off her previous full marathon PR.

so did THIS one,

Tiana showing her heart in the half marathon on the Cliff House hill. I tell people she was so far in front of the pack that you couldn't see anyone else.

and THIS one,

Lally Reyes finishes her first half marathon. We had to pry her away from her family at mile 12.9 to do it.

and all of THESE women. 

The San Francisco All Bay Walk Team - Team Remo. We raised over $140,000 this season.

and so did 30,000 more.

THIS is how the mission started.

Bruce Cleland and his daughter Georgia. Bruce started Team in Training 25 years ago. He and his friends raised over $300,000 for cancer research in honor of his daughter. 

THESE are our customers. They are the reason we have our jobs.

The Honored Patients at the Inspiration Dinner representing close to a million people in the US with blood cancer.

THESE are our coworkers. They all stay until the lights go out.

THIS is our annual report.

$9 million raised in 2013 for Nike alone.

and THIS...

Sue Yee is a long time participant and cancer survivor. She had been worried about not being allowed to finish the full marathon because of the new cut off time.

THIS is our paycheck.

She made it. And she set a personal best.

With four weeks left to our two state, double half marathon, this was our longest mileage of the season. Our legs are ready.

And now our hearts are full. That should carry us the rest of the way.

~//~

The Nike Women's Marathon San Francisco celebrated its 10th year in 2013. The 30,000 participants makes it the largest women's race in the world. There were 26,404 finishers in the Half Marathon (median finish time 2:36) and 4,261 finisher in the Full Marathon (median finish time 5:14). Despite the name, men are welcome to participate as 383 did in 2013).

The 2013 course had a slight modification near mile 4, heading up Van Ness instead of through Fort Mason. The Government shut down was rumored to have some effect on route planning. The Full course was modified to be an out and back to Lake Merced instead of a loop, giving some flexibility in sweep points. Fortunately, the race organizers were generous this year and none of our participants had to hop the sag wagon. 

Weather (2013): low 50's F at race start and fog that held through the entire morning. It got a bit chilly on the Great Highway. We apologize for not having the spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Race weekend activities: Fortunately, the Government run tourist sites were open. Locals were fighting the Bart Strike to pick up bibs during the week, but Bart had no effect on the race. Susan was busy working since she was doing a quick turnaround back to Bethesda for a conference.  We DID manage to get a post-race dinner with the walk coaches and a few of our rock star participants at Zingari.

This year was our 9th time participating in Nike. It's still my favorite race to support. Be sure to Like our Marathoning For Life Facebook community page!

It's time to Commit - The Nike Women's Marathon and Half Marathon San Francisco

This weekend, "Team Remo," our Fall All-Bay TNT Walk team held our Honoree Brunch in Novato. Remo Patri (pronounce RAY-mo, we were reminded of that constantly) was a long time teammate who passed away earlier this year after complications from leukemia.  He was a fixture at the Maui half marathon for the past few years. He lived life with attitude and said that in the end, he was hoping to just wake up dead one morning. He was joking at the time, of course, but in January, he did just that.

Our agenda included a quick core exercise demo followed by 6 - 7 miles. We pushed through the training even as temperatures climbed into the triple digits. I spent  lot of time with first-timer, Lally, who has been following the calendar faithfully including our Tuesday night core workout at Sports Basement in Walnut Creek. She is in the group that John Bingham would describe as 'maximizing her marathon dollar'. Despite the heat, she really wanted to get to the turnaround point to get her full mileage in. Not only did she win the Spirit award this week, she is also a Fundraising Wizard! This past week, she confirmed a company match that will get her to her fundraising minimum. No reason to stop there. Fundraising doesn't stop until we have a cure for all blood cancers! We see great things for Lally's season ahead.

Two hours later, we were stretched and cooled down. Our sincere thanks go to the Novato Fire Department for letting us use their air-conditioned facility for the post-training brunch. Thanks also to Honoree Captain Cathy and Coach Susan for organizing an amazing spread. Elaine brought lumpia and potstickers (not shown, but definitely devoured).

Yes, this is what happens when my wife is on TNT staff. She even brought the tablecloth.

After refueling, our 5 attending honorees took turns telling their stories. Jessie (below, top left) wasn't able to speak through the tears last year, but held up great this time. She has been racing in 5K's, 10K's and a few half marathons with Mentor Roz. Lior (left middle) has become a ball of energy and is training for her next half marathon. Her condition is much improved from a few short years ago. Lior urged LLS not only to move forward with cures but also to fund preventative measures like vaccines if possible.  We were afraid that Gail (left bottom) wasn't well enough to make the brunch while still in treatment. I'm glad she did. Gail told the story about crossing the finish line for her first Nike half at age 70. Sue (middle bottom), has been with the team for 8 years and is going for another full marathon this fall. Her speech was eloquent and full of gratitude for people raising money.  Years ago, Sue was outed as a closet Honoree and has become a full-fledged team member and constant reminder that there is hope for all honorees. Finally, Remo's daughter Andrea spoke about how both she and her father got involved with TNT. Her husband, Gardner, son, and four-week old daughter came out to support as well.  I can't ever remember having that many honorees present at a brunch and it reminded me of why I stay involved with TNT. Spirit Lion will soon be donned with adornments each week as he rotates around the team for more bling!

Team Remo is now 60 members strong. We hope to add more members now that the results of the Nike lottery have been announced.  If you didn't get an entry through the lottery, the only way to get a bib now is through fundraising. That's where Team in Training can help. The fundraising isn't as hard as most people think. There's plenty of support with an online website and even an app for iPhone and Android that lets you take donations on your phone. All you need to do then is put in the training time and we'll make sure your race day experience is as fulfilling and empowering as it's been for over 500,000 former participants over the last 25 years.

Susan and I left the Honoree Brunch to catch the last half of a birthday party for our sister-in-law Alisa. It was 106° F by mid afternoon in Pleasanton. About 4 pm, Alisa noticed an older woman having all the signs of heat stroke and rushed to attend to her. Years of nursing certification classes and prompt action may have saved a life that. The lady had a compromised immune system and other issues resulting from complications from lymphoma.  It's like Remo was watching us the whole day and put us in that park for a reason.

Daniel calling out bingo numbers and Alisa saving the world, one life at a time.

We have three and a half months to Nike and a lot of races in between. If you were lucky enough to win the lottery entry or are awesome enough to be raising funds for TNT, I hope to see you there.  Look for me at the base of the Crissy Field hill, wearing a bright green TNT Coach's jersey and ringing a cowbell for all I'm worth.

A view from 'my office' at mile 6.

The 10th Nike Women's Marathon and Half Marathon San Francisco will be held on October 20, 2013. It's the same weekend every year, but Nike doesn't announce a final date until March or April when the lottery opens. This year with Nike DC, the lottery for Nike SF was delayed until early June. Lottery results were announced on Friday June 28th.

Nike is the biggest event for Team in Training, drawing up to 5,000 fundraising participants for a single event and raising $128 million for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society since the first Nike in 2004. In 2012, the full marathon had 4,452 finishers (median time 5:05). The half marathon results page is currently down for maintenance, but I'd put the number at 15,000 (20K total for the event).  For those of you who have to ask, the Female/Male ratio is about 10:1 (maybe higher).

This year for the first time, there will not be an early start for marathoners at 5:30AM. Instead, the race will start at 6:30AM for all participants (a half hour earlier than usual). There's a 1:30 PM cut off time, so full marathoners will need to maintain about a 15 minute/mile pace including the wave start delay (7 hour GUN time cut off).

The marathon and half marathon start in Union Square, then travel east towards the Bay down Post, Montgomery and Washington, turning left on the Embarcadero all the way to Crissy Field and up Lincoln Boulevard. At the top of the hill is the Mission Mile where Team in Training Chapters place their Honoree banners. It's one of my favorite places in any race. There's a quick downhill section on Camino Del Mar before turning on 32nd, Clement and Point Lobos to the Great Highway.  At mile 11.8, the half and full courses split in Golden Gate Park and the full marathoners travel an additional 3 miles before rejoining the half course on Martin Luther King Drive.  At the end of Lincoln Avenue the half marathon turns right to the finish line about 100 yards away. The full marathoners, however, take a left turn to finish an additional 10 miles down the Great Highway, around Lake Merced and back. There are a few big hills on the half marathon. The back 10 miles of the full are relatively flat.

Weather: Ranges from high 40's to mid 50's at the start warming about 15 degrees by finish time.  Due to the characteristic  San Francisco micro-climates, prepare for wind, fog, sun and more wind if you're doing the full marathon once you get to the Great Highway at mile 15. We've had sun and rain at the finish line. Team in Training has a shelter set up based on the forecast.

Things to do: Definitely find your name on the Wall at Niketown in Union Square when you pick up your bib. If you're thinking of booking an Alcatraz tour, DO IT EARLY as they sell out well in advance, especially if you want to get into a night-time tour. Cable Cars take you over the hills to Ghirardelli Square, Aquatic Park and Fort Mason. Muni (light rail) can get you most places and Uber has a good presence. Renting a car gives you access to Sausalito and Muir Woods if you have time. Napa wine country is about 60 miles away. Plan for traffic to make that a 90 - 120 minute drive at peak commute. Here's a Hidden Gem for those looking for good Vietnamese cuisine (Thanks, Al!).

Course setting:  The first half of the course showcases most of the classic San Francisco attractions including Fisherman's Wharf, Ghirardelli Square, Alcatraz, Fort Mason and the Presidio. Don't be so focused on the Lincoln hill that you forget to take a look at the Golden Gate Bridge on your right. Look back after you pass it also, there are great views you won't see on the postcards. There are audible gasps of awe when most people come down the hill towards the Cliff House and see the Pacific Ocean, though that could be relief because its the back side of the second big hill. Both courses turn into Golden Gate Park for a few milder hills. The Great Highway can be attractive, but as the last 8 miles of a full marathon, the winds can be a challenge. The finish area is on Ocean Beach. Don't hesitate to use the free cold-bath just steps away from where you get your Tiffany Necklace. 

Support: Good/Very Good. Aid stations and cheer stations are set up every 2 miles or more. There's a bra-swap at the top of the first hill at mile 6 (ohhh kaaaayyyy) and "Chocolate Miles" at mile 11 on the half and 23 on the full where volunteers hand out Ghirardelli chocolate squares. Of course, the main attraction is the firemen at the finish line handing out the medals - Tiffany Necklaces in the traditional blue box. This is a great event to wear TNT purple. There were close to 500 staff and coaches supporting last year's event. The full marathon aid station support is a bit lighter, but look for bright green jerseys if you're in need of help.

Although Susan and I have been at all but the first Nike SF, we've only raced in two of them. Year 2 (2005) was our first half marathon and obviously our PR's. In 2010, we had the honor to be early-start pacers for the 6:30 and 7:00 finish times in the full marathon.  That was Susan's 9th full marathon. Ron wanted his 10th to be special and there was no better place to do it than our home town. Though we've earned 4 Tiffany medals, we only own one. Ron gave his 2005 medal to his mentor, Nancy, who came down with a bug just before the race and was unable to participate. Both of us gave our 2010 medals to friends who had strong connections to the Cause.