Spring forward. Indeed. My friend Victor had told me about the first San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly Wild Animal Park) Half-Marathon some months ago, and I signed up--even despite knowing that last night we lost an hour of sleep.
The stars were still brilliantly shining when I arrived at San Pasqual. I took a short nap while listening to Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed, chapter 31. Got my "racing" bib and checked in my gear.
When the opening sound to the run reverberated--just after a woman rendered the Star-Spangled Banner, the crowd began to move. I was in the bathroom and started 10 minutes late, but we were wearing a chip on shoe to accurately time our pace anyway.
I was very happy that I jogged most of the 13.1 miles. There was one long loop around and through the north part of the Park. I was looking for Victor, because he was about 5 minutes ahead of me at a 2-hour pace. He finished at just under 1:58.
The course was more hilly than I expected--it reminded me slightly of the mud run. I just walked those hills. Doing long distance run-walks are mainly "fun" for me. I don't do it to improve my fitness or my time. And I burst into song outloud--anything from "Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus" by PRISM to "Toxic" by Britney Spears, or "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" by Pet Shop Boys.
Jogging most of the way was a record for me. No shin splints. Slight tightening of my IT Band. But I made it--and spent the 1401 calories to do it. Thanks, God. You are my Rock.
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