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What a great day to run the Great Chocolate 10 miler in Long Beach!

The day started off cold and breezy but it was clear and warm when the run was done.

Up early to get our miles in…

The race was fairly small–not even a port-a-potty at the start–(that I could find), seemed organized (despite the port-a-potty issue), parking was easy ($10 to park in the structure or use metered street parking, which I did for $4). Getting in and out was easy too—that’s why I like these small races. And, the start and finish were in the same general area—another plus!

We enjoyed 10 miles of clear skies and beautiful scenery. I love Long Beach.

The Queen Mary at her finest. I welcomed the chance to stop and take a few pictures. A perfect reason to stop and walk a bit. I have a hard time taking walk breaks even though I constantly read about how beneficial it is in recovery and improving finish times. Check out Jeff Galloway’s book Run, Walk, Run Method to learn more.

I wish I could have gotten a better picture of the snow-capped mountains in the background. Our local mountains are looking amazing right now! Gotta love Southern California!

Running with other people who love running is always fun and inspiring!

Remember, if you want to stop and walk or take pictures, move over to the right. Try to avoid walking 3 abreast in narrow areas of the route, especially if you are sharing the road with cyclists. Cyclists don’t take kindly to runners in their path.

More on race etiquette…

Please don’t litter. I don’t know when or why throwing your empty water cup on the ground became acceptable but apparently it is in the running community. Trash cans are provided a short distance from the water stop, please use them. I literally saw a man throw his cup on the ground right in front of the trash can today! I know the volunteers are going to go around and pick up all the trash we left behind,  but why not make it easier for them. After all, they are volunteering for us, so we can have water. 🙂

Okay, I’m off the soapbox…here’s picture of me and Soladad at the finish…

10 milers are the perfect distance.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still doing my halfs, but 10 miles is just about the time you’re ready to be done. I like the fact  that race directors are catching on to this. Half marathons are great and there certainly are a ton to choose from, but 10 miles is still a respectable distance. I hope to see more in the future.

And then there was this when I got home…

I forgot to take a picture before I dug in and started eating. :-/ It was delicious!

Next race on the calendar…San Luis Obispo Half

Click here for more information. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for reading! 🙂

Keep Running!