The Heavenly Half Marathon

The Heavenly Half Marathon in Auberry, CA, Sunday, February 9th, 2014

This is set up to be the first of 3 sister races in the central valley sponsored by Sole 2 Soul Sports.  I have done the Hell of a Half Marathon in Exeter twice now, and while I don't love it, I know it is sure to be a good event with lots of support until the final runner crosses the finish line.

I have never done an event that is advertised as being mostly downhill so I was a little worried about letting my feet get away from me.  While I knew it would be a PR and my 2nd under 3 hour finish, I knew if I wasn't careful I would end up doing some damage and hurting myself.

I knew after getting up the 2nd incline I had to be careful and not let me feet get away from me.  I felt as if I was constantly reminding myself to lean back and make sure my posture was alined and I wasn't stumbling down the hillside.   The volunteers were all amazing and it was fun to see some of the locals come out to encourage and cheer us all on.  The buses seemed to work well for getting everyone to the start line.  I caught a ride back to my car so I didn't take the bus back but the lines appeared to be moving fairly smoothly and there didn't appear to be any complaints.

Look forward to this one again next year, as well as completing the series of races.

They gave us random raffle tickets as we got on the school bus to take us to the start line.  Lucky winners got a new beanie.  Mine will go to a good home in Georgia. 

Was so much fun to see so many familiar faces before the race.  With Terry and Michael Caldwell and one of their friends keeping warm before the race.

With Dr. Sy after the race.  She is the general practitioner for my parents and was a volunteer at one of the aide stations.  She tried to get away from me but I sprinted past her so I could get a picture at the finish line.

Working packet pickup with my friend Emelia.

Working packet pickup with my friend Heather.

All of my race bling.  Gave myself the Gizmo Gear runner girl hat for hitting a new PR.  Everyone got a cool 1/4 zip sweater for finishing, love the thumb holes in the sleeves. 

With my friend Josette at the start line.

Stefanie & Jason's family at the finish line.  So happy to have them waiting at the end.

At the finish line with Stefanie.  So happy we were both able to PR for the day.

With Julia (Jj) at the start line.  So proud of her for all of her improvements this year as she reaches for a spot at the start of the Boston Marathon.

One of my favorite event photos.  The photographer was suspended off the side of the cliff as we ran around the corner.