Divas Half Marathon Southern California - December 8, 2013

The Diva Half Marathon is a traveling 'series' type race.  They do this race in various cities.  The cities change from year to year.

Flat me before the race.

I love pink and I couldn't resist doing a race that gave me the opportunity (and excuse) to dress in pink from head to toe!

The Southern California race was held in Ontario, CA.  That's about an hour drive for me.  I had to drive out to the expo in the pouring rain on Saturday to pick up my race packet. 

At the expo.

Luckily race day dawned bright and clear, no rain.  However it was cold.  I got up before the sun and made the long drive out to Ontario.  

For every race I make a plan.  Plan A, is how I'd like to do the race. Plan B, is an alternate plan in case Plan A isn't working. Plan C, is simply to finish the race even if I have to crawl.  So far I haven't had a race go according to Plan A. Thankfully I have yet to need to revert to Plan C. 

My plan for this race was to run non-stop for the first 5 miles.  Then I would switch over to the Galloway method of run/walk at intervals of 2/1 (run 2 minutes, walk 1 minute) up to 11.5 miles.  From there I would walk to mile 12, run for 5 minutes then walk to mile 13 and then run to the finish.

Around mid point in the race.

This race went perfectly.  For once I was able to stick to Plan A!  I ran easily and comfortably for the first 5 miles.  I was really enjoying myself.  At mile 5 I switched over to the Galloway method.  For the most part I stuck to the 2/1 intervals.  There were times when I ran a little longer and sometimes my walk break was a little longer. Mostly this depended on my refueling needs.  I was still feeling good at 11.5 miles.  I walked to mile 12, then I ran for 5 minutes.  I started walking again but I was a bit sore and stiff walking and it felt better to jiggy jog along, so that's what I did.  At mile 13 they have a stand where they give you a pink boa and tiara to wear as you cross the finish ling.  I picked up mine and run for the finish.  My tiara wouldn't stay on my head so I carried it across the line.

Crossing the finish line.

Because the course was relatively flat and fast I was able to set a new PR (personal record) for this race.  I finished in 2:49.55. 

Course Map.

After you cross the finish line you get your finisher's medal, a glass of bubbly (sparkling apple cider) and some roses. 

Finisher's photo!

Finisher's Medal

The course was a wee bit on the boring side. But I really enjoyed this race.  I had a good run, everything went according to plan and I set a new PR.  You can't ask for more than that.  You could say I was tickled pink LOL.

At home after the race.

 This was my last race of 2013.