martinlittle.com:thinkThin

During the week, when I was looking for a weekend run, I spotted that the San Francisco Marathon was this weekend. There were a few options to run it: 5k, relay and half marathon. After some consideration, I took the first half, for the better views.

There was a 5am(!!!) start, but I took the 7am. Thankfully, my hotel was not too far from the start, so I managed to stumble down and get there on time. It was a nice run, and I felt pretty good throughout. Here's my route from this morning and the route elevation. The weather was very much like running in Edinburgh: misty/light drizzle, cool and slightly windy at times. The supporters along the way were great, really, really encouraging.

By my watch, I clocked 1 hour 51 minutes, which is OK I think, although I have to admit I would like to knock a bit off that. The official results are not online yet, and neither are the official photos. Watch this space.

At the water stops, there was electrolite (that made me happy to hear; it's one of my favourite words ever), water and 'goo' (energy gel). Looking at the SF Marathon site, I see this is actually 'Gu'.

As many runners know, Vaseline is your friend (think chaffing prevention). I remembered the important parts, but forgot my nipples. As I said, in parts it was cold ... and now I have pain (as well as a nice blood-red stripe on my top!). Ouch. Lesson learned.

Right now, I'm online in the lobby of the hotel as there's no broadband, wired or un-, in my room. Now it's time to get some food and a well-deserved beer.