I don't know if Suzette Smith or Debra Cramer said this, but both of my traveling companions are psyching themselves out before the California 10 in French Camp, Ca. I try to reassure them that they'll do fine while we stay warm inside the San Joaquin County Hospital, the site of the race. The California 10 used to be the first race in the Pacific Association (PAUSATF) season, with a very competitive field. In 2006 it lost its relationship with the PAUSATF and now draws a smaller and slower field. I expect the three of us to win medals today.
The three of us made the trip through the fog because there's not many other races in January, and 10 miles is a good training distance. Debra's running the Boston Marathon in April, and I haven't raced anything longer than 5K since July. I have a half marathon coming up in a few weeks, and would like to run something between three and thirteen miles.
The temperature is in the low 40s and the air is moist with fog. We're glad to start and get warm. The course is on rural two-lane roads. The limited vehicle access in the area requires the roads to stay open, so we have to stay on the shoulder as much as possible. I see an Impala ahead of me, but can't catch her. It's Liz Gottlieb, the same woman who finished ahead of me at the Run Wild for a Child 5K in November.
I make the turn at the midway point of the out-and-back course in about 31 minutes. Within a mile I get a big cheer from Suzette and Debra who are running a relaxed pace amid a pack of runners. From time to time I get cramps in my hamstrings, which I think is caused by not racing much over the last six months. I push hard and finish in 1:03:10, which translates to a 1:24 half marathon. I haven't run that slow since 2005, but it is a PR for me for 10 miles. This is the first flat 10-mile race I've ever run. I finish 13th overall and second out of 11 in my age group (M45-49).
The real excitement is with the women. As Debra describes it, "All I can say is that I have some sick satisfaction beating those younger than me. Suzette and I smoked a group from a Sacramento running club, plus a 27-year old from Berkeley. While they were panting behind us, we were chatting away."
Suzette says that if you run in a group with Debra you will learn everyone's life story. Debra and Suzette finished first and second respectively in their age group (F50-54), nine minutes ahead of the competition.
After the race we relaxed and talked mostly about running in the cafeteria where we were offered soup. I had a bowl of minestrone, but it was a little too tasty after squeezing my digestive system with my respiratory system for an hour, and downing a Cliff Bar and Luna Moons from friend Jane Watson. We preferred the bagels and cream cheese that I brought because the race started relatively late.
The morning was a comfortable start to the running year, sort of like waking up in a warm bed after a good sleep. The logistics were excellent, with plenty of indoor access for restrooms and a place to hang out, and the soup was a nice touch. At $25 the race costs about as much as a small 5K, and is one of the best bargains I've found if you don't mind making the drive.
I'm very encouraged by my performance and look forward to the next race on Super Bowl Sunday, the Davis Stampede Half Marathon.
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