New Year's Race Los Angeles 2015

 

 

 

To start the new year, we ran the Los Angeles New Year’s Race on January 3, 2015.  This was a nighttime race through the city of Los Angeles.  It was a race that I had never done.  I don’t know what prompted me to run it because I am NOT a big fan of nighttime runs.  First, I HATE running in the cold.  Second, I can’t see well at night.  I ran the half marathon while the kids and Lance did the 5k race.  Both races started in downtown Los Angeles at 6 p.m.

Start line

 

 

We stayed in the historic Biltmore Hotel, which was a short walk to the start line.  It was perfect because when Lance and the kids finished their race, they just walked back to the hotel room and waited for me.  They ordered room service and watched movies.  Fun!
 

 

 

room service

The cold did not bother us too much.  I purchased hyperwarm pants for me and the kids in preparation for a very cold race, and it was cold, but as soon as you began running, it got uncomfortably hot.  I was ready to strip!  I was so proud of my kids.  Brandon finished in 32:47, achieving a PR.  Out of 21 boys age 10 and under, he placed 7^th.  Mia finished in 37:36.  It was not a PR for her, but she placed 3^rd in her age group of girls 10 and under.  There were 18 participants, and the first and second place were 9 and 10 years olds.  I’m ready for next year when Mia gets first!  Dylan ran as Brandon’s chaperone, and Lance ran with Mia.  Mia later whispered to me that Lance slowed her down.  He was nervous, because he hasn’t exercised since July, but he finished. 

my cool new Nike Pro Compression Hyperwarm pants

I was uncertain as to how well I would do in the half marathon.  I am in training for the LA marathon, and I have been doing very well in my training.  However, the New Year’s race course was very hilly, and I have not trained on that terrain, but I was pleasantly surprised because I only walked one hill.  I slowly ran up all those hills.  Additionally, I’m so competitive (even when it is with myself).  I ran up towards Dodger Stadium, and there was the most magnificent view of the city skyline.  I was exhausted after just running up a hill questioning my sanity as to why I would voluntarily do this to myself, but when I saw that view, I was reminded as to why I run these races. It was breathtakingly gorgeous, and I stopped for a few moments to admire it and take photos.  Honestly though, I did have a debate with myself, “Should I stop? It’s so gorgeous. I’ll never see it again like this.  But what about my time?” Blah. Blah. Blah.   There were no cars in the stadium lot, just the rhythmic stomping of the runners feet.  There was a serenity with that gorgeous view. 

 
The highlight of the entire race though was running through Dodger Stadium.  Wow!  This is what running races are about!  I once ran the Disneyland race, and I was given the opportunity to run through the Angels Stadium.  Entering that stadium and being able to run around the ground floor of the fields is an incredible experience!  I had to take a photo! Races give you the opportunity to do things that are not always available.  I ran across the Golden Gate Bridge and the Vincent Thomas Bridge.  I ran on the Las Vegas strip.  Lance ran through the Everglades and the 7-mile bridge in the Florida Keys.

 
When I crossed the finish line, my time was 2:13:30.  I could not have been more pleased!  As difficult as this course was, I did surprisingly well.  I didn’t have my Garmin, which was very disappointing so I had no idea how I was doing.  Yes, I did have to run with  my glasses, which annoyingly would fog up periodically.  The course was so well lit, challenging, and I loved it.  I walked back to the hotel, and the kids and Lance had already showered and eaten.  There was food left for me.  I ate, showered, and had the most restless night ever! I may have gotten two hours sleep.  I was full of adrenaline, GU, and as much as I wanted to, I could not fall asleep. 

 

Well, the kids are signed up to run the Hollywood 5k race in April while I do the Hollywood Half Marathon.  I’m excited that I now can share my passion with them.  It's becoming a fun family thing.  Running isn't just about running.  It's about seeing new places, staying in different locations,  and traveling (even if it is only locally).