First race of 2012 done and done 
I ran the Southern California Half Marathon this morning. It’s held in Irvine, CA – where Ben used to live when we were dating. I remember doing a long run by myself and seeing other people running a race in January. I always told myself “next year” and would forget!
Finally I remembered this year. Kinda. I signed up for it yesterday. The Southern California Half is a small, local feel race. There’s no big expo, cotton shirts (boo) and about 4,000 half marathoners. 
Sarah (Once Upon a Lime) opted not to run this one, but provided some killer cheerleading and photography. I felt pretty good for the entire race, hit a bit of a wall around mile 8 but took a gel and felt better 
I wish there were more aide stations and there were no gels on the course. The entry fee was not cheap enough for that to be okay.I heard there was food at the end, but I didn’t see it. All I got was a bottle of water.
I have not trained for a half marathon for years. At this point I just run half-ers if I feel like it and have been able to maintain enough fitness to survive. But, I didn’t feel like I was in good shape today – just didn’t feel like I was running strong.
This was a pretty flat course and I was still 15 seconds over my PR (and that race was hilly). I’m considering maybe actually training for a half sometime this year. Maybe.
Half Marathon – 1:47:18 Average Pace 8:13
Okay, I have to come clean – I don’t even run, I actually bike the course!
Actually, Ben rode his bike to the race to take some pictures. It is about 9 miles from our condo.
Post-race we went for FOOD.
I voted for my favorite restaurant – Whole Foods.
That upper left corner is a huge piece of Crème Brule French Toast. It was so good it made me cuss.
Today is another gorgeous day! I should really get outside (even though I want to stay in and nap).
Hello to Lindsey, Monica and another reader (forgot your name) who stopped to say “Hi!”!! Congrats on the awesome race! Today seemed like an “on” day for everyone
{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }
Because you care, obviously, I lived in those apartments off of Culver! And, it was while I was dating my husband Ben. Crazy, right? Right? Ok, I guess not.
Great Job Monica!!!
Nice run, nice food, nice weather.
Great start to 2012!
Great job! I found your blog looking for tips, races, routes, people who run in OC — my husband and I recently moved to Irvine. Anyway, we ran the race today too– just a lot slower.
it was fun, but I definitely need to get used to the idea that 4000 people is a “small” race in SoCal.
sweet racing my friend. now i regret not doing it. thanks alot.
I wish I had your time without training
… makes me feel bad for whining about my 4 mile run today … but I did it … that counts right! 
I’m glad you had fun at the race! I would take your time anyday! If I trained really hard, I probably still coulnd’t run one in 1:47! You rock and are an inspiration!
Your Whole Foods box of food looks so good, I wish I lived close to one!
Great time for not even training! Whole foods after for the winn
You did a great job! Yay for cheerleading and husbands!
Wow, awesome job, 1:47 is a kick ass time!
Nice going on the race! I’m drooling at the Creme Brulee French Toast!
It would be cool to see just how quickly you could run a half if you trained for one! I’m a little jealous that you can run a 1:47 without having a strong race…but I know we’re all different
I bet you could pull out a seriously killer time if you trained for a half.
I cant wait to run a half this year, I haven’t even SIGNED UP for one yet though!
The only way I could run a half that fast is if I was being chased by a lion. Awesome!
So unrelated to your race but I needed to share with you since I discovered Vitatops on your blog : http://www.eversave.com/orlando/vitalicious-3
$15 for $30 on their website! Score.
I totally got that deal last week!
Great job on your half marathon! I wish I could just go out there and runa half marathon without really training! Maybe someday I’ll do it.
I love Whole Foods. I’ve only been there once for breakfast – I made my hubby take me on our anniversary.
I know it is all a matter of perspective but a 1:47 half is FAST! Or it would be for me. It is all a matter of where you started. GREAT job!
The Kidless Kronicles
Congrats on your first race of 2012! I can’t believe you don’t train for halfs. I think I would die!
I want to break 1:50 for a half so bad, and you make it sound so freaking easy! Great job! Is 4,000 for a race really small where you live? That’s just crazy. Wegmans salad bar is my favorite restaurant, so I understand.
Monica, the fact that you can just run a 1/2 and rock a 1:47 is pretty bad ass in my book. congrats girl! and happy new year!
Thanks!
Congrats on a successful first race of 2012!
Congrats on your first race of 2012!!
It still fascinates me that people actually run races. It just isn’t something I think I could ever do! I’m a gym girl at heart. I’m just glad that your blog is finally letting me comment! Well I guess I’ll know when I hit submit. So I might be typing this all out for nothing. But I’ve been reading!
I want to be able to sign up for half races willy nilly. Races are so fun! Sorry it wasn’t the best one though.
PS – I would cuss over creme brulee french toast too. And OH – that reminds me. At one of the breweries we went to in Savannah, they had creme brulee BEER. It. Was. Un.Be.Liev.A.Ble.
That is like my PR! Way to go.
Nice job on the half!!! French toast…yummmmm
Way to go!!! Looks like a beautiful day for a race.
Love Whole Foods!
I cleaned that place out the weekend of my Half Ironman.
Hm, isn’t your PR actually more like 1:42:xx? Thought I read that somewhere. (Sorry for being nitpicky…)
And yes, you’re fast – sounds like a lot of fun!
And a small race with only 4000 people – that’s what we would call big races…
And yeah, you should be able to run closer to 1:40 if you trained specifically for a half!
My 1:42 race was a downhill so I didn’t think it was really comparable
Thanks!
And yeah, I know the feeling, my fastest 5K (took first female) was really fast, but the course was too short so I am not counting that as a PR either.
Haha – any food that makes ya cuss has got to be blissful
Nice job Monica!! I think it’s cool Ben rode along with you.
What a way to start of the year! I can’t believe you’re at the level of fitness where you can just run a half marathon anytime you want. I’d have to train for at least a million years to accomplish something like that. Congratulations
What a beautiful day! You totally rock!
wow nice job on a great start to the year!
Great Job! I want to try that Apple Cinnamon yogurt! I love all things apples lol. Oh and btw – did you pick a winner of your giveaway last week?
awesome job on the race.. my goal is to run my first 1/2 this year.. and someone recommended Hal Higdon’s training plans.. have you ever used them?
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