Running is the most popular activity in Santa Barbara. On any given day of the year, if you walk along the beach you are bound to cross paths with atleast a handful of runners. That is mostly due to the fact that the weather here lends itself to outdoorsy things all year round. Biking is the next favored recreation. And whats more, its really neat running along the coast with the ocean breeze in your face. The whole stretch from the bird refuge to Shoreline through Stearns Wharf is ideal for a weekend run. That was the venue for the annual half marathon held last Saturday.
Over the last week, there has been a cloud of dense fog over the city in the mornings and given the fact that DST didnt switch back till this Sunday, the sun was rising pretty late. So we started in thick fog at around 8.30 in the morning. Although it cleared up as the race progressed, the cooler conditions made it all the more ideal for a run. Apparently, almost 2500 people took part. They had come from all over the country. Didnt seem like that many at the starting line though. Races here are organized really well. They take care of every detail. From timing chips on your shoes to measure time accurately, to providing refreshments at regular checkpoints during the race and after, to creating an encouraging atmosphere all around, you feel great about the whole thing. And whats more the registration fees goes to local charities.
The half marathon(13.1 miles) is in my opinion the perfect distance to run unless you're a running junkie. Its not as bad as the full 26.2 where you need a few months of preparation and at the end of it, you will be sore for about a week not being able to do much else. The half, on the other hand, is short enough that you can be back at work in a day's time and yet is challenging enough for you to take it seriously. And at the end of it, you feel like you've done something worthy. And ofcourse, its all the more fun running with thousands of others in your own backyard. The chap who won it was just far superior to everyone else. He finished nearly six minutes in front of the second placed man. I caught a glimpse of him around mile 8 when he was on mile 12 I think. He was being coached and guided throughout by another guy on a bike. He was completely focussed.
As for me, I placed, hold your breath....................., 333rd :). But who cares, what matters is that I had fun taking part.
