Training for the La Jolla Half Marathon
I'm ramping up my training for my next race-cation at the La Jolla Half Marathon in San Diego. I'm super excited for it and sharing all about my training for this race, and why the race has been on my bucket list!
The La Jolla Half Marathon is on April 23, 2017 this year (My birthday weekend!) and I've heard so many great things about it. It's come highly recommended from my running friends. Last year I ran 30 miles over 24 hours for my 30th birthday. So I figured this year, why not invite friends for a race-cation! It's going to be one heck of a b-day weekend.
I'll get to several reasons why the La Jolla Half has been on my bucket list, but first, there's one element to this race that requires some extra training: THE HILL.
From mile 6-9 is quite a climb. The La Jolla Half course takes you along some great scenery, including the challenging climb to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park. But that shouldn't scare you, it doesn't scare me! It just means we're going to have to work a little for those awesome views at the top!
To prepare for this climb, I've started to work in more hills into my long runs. I find it best to work hills in on these longer runs because it closely resembles the actual fatigue that I'll experience on race day. So I've hit some hilly courses here in Arizona.
At South Mountain there is a ~1,200 ft climb to the top of Dobbins Lookout that equals about 11-11.5 miles round trip. I'll hit a different 12 mile route of rolling hills on San Juan road, also at South Mountain, for my next hilly training run.
Although hills SUCK, I do feel the more I train on them, the stronger of an overall runner I become. So while the actual climb come race-day may be a challenge, I'm ready to tackle it now more than ever.
Now, on to the exciting features of the La Jolla Half Marathon that's going to make the Torrey Pines climb worth the hurt! This event was listed as one of the 12 Must-Do Half Marathons in the U.S. by Competitor, and for good reason.
First off, all the ocean views! I live in the Arizona desert, so these coastal views are hard to come by. And being able to run alongside the ocean is going to make the miles fly by. I mean, even the finish line has some amazing ocean scenery.
Speaking of the finish line, it's right on La Jolla Cove and the scenery isn't the only awesome part. The finish line is more of a party--what better way to celebrate the race AND my b-day?! There's live music, a beer garden courtesy of Ballast Point Brewing Company (I'm hoping their Peppermint Victory at Sea or Calm Before the Storm is available), and even chips and guac from Rubios. Pretty sweet.
There's also some pretty awesome SWAG! Check out everything you get, including that medal. I enjoy race medals that tie in something really local to the medal--makes it feel more personal. This year has a Torrey Pine on it and I love it! Also, the shirts aren't white and look pretty fitted, which I also look for in race swag.
The La Jolla Half Marathon is also part of the Half Marathon Triple Crown Series, which includes 3 other just-as-awesome California races. I wish I could run all three and earn all the extra bling.
It really is going to be a fantastic race weekend and I'm so excited! Come join me for the race-cation and my bday celebration.
Use promo code "BIBRAVE10" to save $10 on the La Jolla Half Marathon.
Until race day finally arrives in April, catch my training updates over on Twitter and Instagram. If you've ran this race before, be sure to leave a comment below telling me what you loved best about the La Jolla Half Marathon.
The La Jolla Half Marathon is on April 23, 2017 this year (My birthday weekend!) and I've heard so many great things about it. It's come highly recommended from my running friends. Last year I ran 30 miles over 24 hours for my 30th birthday. So I figured this year, why not invite friends for a race-cation! It's going to be one heck of a b-day weekend.
I'll get to several reasons why the La Jolla Half has been on my bucket list, but first, there's one element to this race that requires some extra training: THE HILL.
From mile 6-9 is quite a climb. The La Jolla Half course takes you along some great scenery, including the challenging climb to the summit of Torrey Pines State Park. But that shouldn't scare you, it doesn't scare me! It just means we're going to have to work a little for those awesome views at the top!
Although hills SUCK, I do feel the more I train on them, the stronger of an overall runner I become. So while the actual climb come race-day may be a challenge, I'm ready to tackle it now more than ever.
Now, on to the exciting features of the La Jolla Half Marathon that's going to make the Torrey Pines climb worth the hurt! This event was listed as one of the 12 Must-Do Half Marathons in the U.S. by Competitor, and for good reason.
First off, all the ocean views! I live in the Arizona desert, so these coastal views are hard to come by. And being able to run alongside the ocean is going to make the miles fly by. I mean, even the finish line has some amazing ocean scenery.
Speaking of the finish line, it's right on La Jolla Cove and the scenery isn't the only awesome part. The finish line is more of a party--what better way to celebrate the race AND my b-day?! There's live music, a beer garden courtesy of Ballast Point Brewing Company (I'm hoping their Peppermint Victory at Sea or Calm Before the Storm is available), and even chips and guac from Rubios. Pretty sweet.
There's also some pretty awesome SWAG! Check out everything you get, including that medal. I enjoy race medals that tie in something really local to the medal--makes it feel more personal. This year has a Torrey Pine on it and I love it! Also, the shirts aren't white and look pretty fitted, which I also look for in race swag.
The La Jolla Half Marathon is also part of the Half Marathon Triple Crown Series, which includes 3 other just-as-awesome California races. I wish I could run all three and earn all the extra bling.
It really is going to be a fantastic race weekend and I'm so excited! Come join me for the race-cation and my bday celebration.
Use promo code "BIBRAVE10" to save $10 on the La Jolla Half Marathon.
Until race day finally arrives in April, catch my training updates over on Twitter and Instagram. If you've ran this race before, be sure to leave a comment below telling me what you loved best about the La Jolla Half Marathon.
Happy Running Everyone!
This sounds amazing! I wish I could join you for a race-cation. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou seriously should check into this one! Next year I think I'm going to do the whole "series"! :)
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