Beach To Chowder Half Marathon Race Report

Race day morning was beautiful. Well, at least it was when the sun came up. Jason and I were up and on the road by 5:15 to ensure that we arrived with enough time to pick up my packet and get my shoes on. I enjoyed the freedom of flip flops/bare feet for the ride there.

The above pic is the Astoria Bridge. It takes you from Astoria, Oregon back over to Washington. Probably very confusing since you all know I live in WA. It's shorter going this route. I'll explain it some day :) For more info on the bridge and some cool pics click HERE. They also run a 10K across and back in October. I'd love to do this someday. Click HERE for info on the Great Columbia Crossing. Below is a pic as you are headed towards the WA side.

I was amazed at the weather. I heard it was going to be nice but things usually don't last, especially at the beach. As much as I loved the sun I was worried it was going to get hot. I really don't do well in the heat.

We made it with enough time to get my packet and look at the course map. We decided to drive down to the turnaround point at roughly 8 1/2 miles. We found the little park and where the trail came up to the parking lot. Jason said he would catch me there to take some pics.

We went back, parked, and I finished getting last minute details in place. Because of the sun I decided on my hat instead of my Bondi Band. Good decision looking back. A quick pic before the start and then we were off. I ended up starting pretty much in the back.

We ran up to the beach and turned right onto the Discovery Trail which is a fairly new paved bike/running/walking path. For some reason in my mind I was thinking this was going to be a nice pleasant fairly flat course. As soon as I got on the path I knew I was in for it. The path was made over the dunes so it is nothing but hills, all in different shapes and sizes. By mile 1 I was already pretty hot but the hurricane force, I mean ocean breeze, was helping with that. As much as I love the wind it could have been a tad bit calmer today. Not long after realizing what I was in for I tried to make the best of it. I enjoy downhills so I tried to focus on good form to make it up the hill and then take advantage of going down. This worked for awhile. A little over 2 miles in and you loop back into a neighborhood for a turnaround. After that I was just focused on getting back to where I started.
Here I am a little over 4 miles where you cross the beach access road we started on and head over to the other side of the trail. There are several paths and a boardwalk on the opposite side. Not many people helping out and it wasn't marked well. I was confused for a moment before I grabbed a quick drink and kept going. Afterwards, I heard several people were confused and pretty loud and upset about the lack of direction.

On the way to the park where the last turnaround was, we found this lookout. Jason waited there first and caught a few pics of me around mile 6-7. It was extremely hot at this point and not as much wind. We were also starting to climb more. Everyone was looking pretty rough.

Another issue I was starting to have was thirst. I have NEVER been thirsty during a race. I have always done well with staying hydrated. They didn't have enough water stops. I think if it wouldn't have been so hot or windy it wouldn't have been as big of an issue. Not only weren't there many stops but they barely put any water in the cups.

Here I am coming up to the turnaround. My Garmin said it was 8.62 miles. I was so happy to get here. I tossed a GU Chomp in my mouth and drank some water. They once again hardly gave me any so I requested a full cup. This wasted time but I think if I wouldn't have done that I would have been in trouble. I gulped it down and headed back out. Usually if I were to drink that much I'd instantly get side cramps. None of those today.


Just before the 11 mile mark, Jason found me on the course. I was definitely feeling the heat and the wind on the way back was so strong that it took way more energy to fight against it. I was also starting to get a pretty good leg cramp off and on. I entertained Jason with my angry ramblings regarding hills/lack of water/etc. He stayed with me until the last water stop where I again had to beg them for more water. Off I went with dreams of seeing the finish line sooner than later.

Headed towards the finish line I was so relieved. I was even happier when I saw that my friend Tressa, and her sister Alesha came back to help bring me in. Tressa & Alesha ran their first 5K's and rocked it. Just really great friends to wait around to see me finish. Thanks Girls!!!!

Done and so relieved. I finally got a bottle of water :)

Alesha, Tressa, and I at the finish.

Tressa and I showing off our medals.

We hung around for awhile to watch the awards and look in some of the shops. For our birthday we got a 1 night hotel stay as a gift so we decided to use it in Seaside, Oregon. We left Long Beach and headed to our hotel. I was so ready for a shower. I was starving but we decided to take a quick walk down to the beach before finding some dinner. Check out my blood shot eyes. I hardly slept the night before so I was feeling it by now.

The weather was beautiful. There were a TON of people at the beach. They were having a youth soccer playoff event. We stayed at the Shilo which is the blue rimmed hotel you can see on the bottom right. No ocean view or balcony for us though. We had a dark little room on the city side. I was just thankful to be there.

Jason's art work.

Lessons Learned

1. Even though it has been raining for months, don't forget your sunscreen at home. You will pay dearly. Just ask my back, shoulders, and calves. BTW, from wearing my capris I have the craziest tan/burn lines on my calves.

2. When in doubt, carry extra water on a hot day. I had a hand held with me but didn't carry it. I'm still getting use to the idea. It feels like it's throwing me off balance.

3. Get enough sleep. Easier said than done. Why I sometimes get insomnia on the eve of one race and not another is beyond me. It's not like I'm racing for the trophy or anything. I need some ideas on solving this problem.

4. Even though I went into this as just a training/fun run it's hard for me not to be discouraged. I'm so tired of being so darn slow. It's frustrating and several times along the course I almost let it get to me.

5. Don't let your physical therapist try something new 3 days before a race. I was still feeling it race morning.

OFFICIAL RACE RESULTS ~ 2:47:45 Keep in mind I started in the back and there are no chip timers. I'm going to go with my Garmin time and distance. Notice it was more than 13.1.

GARMIN ~ 2:47:38

DISTANCE ~ 13.24 MILES

Here is the link to my Garmin Stats. Embarrassing but you can see the course and it will hold me accountable.

Beach To Chowder Half Marathon by running1111 at Garmin Connect - Details