Pacifica 30K Race Report

Me: It's been a long time since we talked or simply hung out and had a beer together! How are you? How's your running going? Anything new and exciting happening in your world?

You: It has been way too long since we got to talk. The election week was emotional and I'd rather not talk about politics. I hear you ran a race on Saturday! How did it go? Did you have fun?

Me: After that crazy election week, I think we all need a beer and a really long run! And yeah, I ran the Pacifica 30K this past Saturday. It was really no big deal. Just a good long training run with good friends, great weather, gorgeous trails, and a beer (an ale actually). 

You: That does sound like a good time. But why 30K? I thought you ran really crazy long distances all the time.

Me: Haha! A 30K trail race is a great way to train for the longer stuff, especially if you haven't been doing enough trails! 

You: How has your running/training been going? 

Me: It's nothing special. I'm not training for anything specific. I'm running 3-4 times a week. Usually just 8-10 flat miles at a time. At least once a month, I'll go out and do a long run on trails if possible. 

You: I'd love to hear more about this 30K you ran. I know you don't want to bore me with mundane details so give me an executive summary.

Me: The race was supposed to be 30K race, but it ended up being only about 16 miles long according to my Garmin. I went out too fast, not knowing how hilly the course was. The first 10 miles were quite hilly! Some of the downhill sections were very steep. After a couple miles, I dialed back the effort level and just enjoyed the weather and the scenery. I was done after 3 hours and 19 minutes. 

Here are the pictures I took with my iPhone: 

You: Any closing remarks?

Me: I really enjoyed this race distance. I felt good after the race and I didn't feel like I needed any real recovery time. Races with old friends on awesome trails remind me of how much I enjoy this stuff. It's easy to forget about the things you love in this crazy world. Find the time to do the things you love, people. Life is too short to neglect the things that make you happy. And be kind to one another out there.