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You could say that Surf City was my spring board into half marathons. 

It wasn’t my first half marathon, not even close.  It wasn’t even my first travel race.  However it was the first time I spectated an event that didn’t involve working any water stations.  Prior to Surf City 2011, I had volunteered numerous times at water stations for the local fun run and even the Master Elites didn’t inspire me to run.  They also never wanted my water but that’s not the point. 

I drove NikeC down to Huntington Beach to run Surf City back in 2011.  I remember standing on a corner with her aunt and now uncle and watching all the runners run past feeling a little lazy.  I thought to myself- I can do this.   So I started training (sort of) for my first half and ran a local one a few months later. 

It took me years to get myself back to Surf City.   I ran it for the first time in 2015 and then again in 2016.    Now, full disclosure, I love Surf City but it doesn’t love me.    The course is fairly flat and the humidity runs pretty high.    To some that is PR ready and the first two times I ran it, I attempted to run it fast and my lungs pitched a fit by mile 8ish.    This has always colored my view of the later miles which bites because you run along PCH and the beach is right next to you!

Which is why I am looking forward to going back in 2019!  Time to live it up!

So this time, I plan to have no plan.  Well, that’s not true.  I still remember the really good breakfast place we all went to after NikeC’s race years ago so I want to run the race leisurely, enjoy the party atmosphere, the beach and then walk all over until I find it again!  #goals

Want to join me?  Use code SCMBR10 to save 10%!

Ever run Surf City?

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