Bridge to Bridge 5K (San Francisco Originals Series) Recap

"Race season" is almost over and it's one to be proud of.

Sure, I didn't reach many of my loftier goals (sub-8 race paces are still taunting me) but I finished my first half marathon, finished my first sprint triathlon, and PR'd my high school 5K distance. All within 2 years of my ACL Reconstruction surgery. I am a bona fide badass when you put it that way!

The Bridge to Bridge 5K was not completely flat with 91 ft of gain and a not insignificant hill in mile 3. Compare that to the flat and fast Giant Race 5K and any attempt at a PR becomes a lot more difficult. Strava failed to record my run so I'm only left to guess what difference the elevation gain made. Despite feeling stronger this race, I ended up finishing 50 seconds slower at 24:26. I also did not start near the front this time so I ended up weaving a lot more.

Pre-race support was a little lacking with Bridge to Bridge but I find this to be true of many charitable races (n=3). However, I liked that Bridge to Bridge was willing to mail their bib to you--especially since they were not giving out technical shirts for this race. I didn't mind the lack of shirt because anything to increase the amount that actually goes to charity, right (Special Olympics Northern California)? I was quite happy with some of the swag they did pass out (Oral-B Glide earphones x4??? and floss!). Finally, the SF Originals Series medal, which I didn't find too appealing from the promos, was actually a lot cooler in person.

Here are my times from the SF Originals Series:

• Bay to Breakers (12K) - 1:01:39 (8:16/mi), 90th/2472 division F25-29
• San Francisco 2nd Half Marathon (HM) - 1:49:38 (8:22/mi), 60th/609 division F25-29
• The Giant Race (5K) - 0:23:36 (7:35/mi), 3rd/423 division F25-29
• Bridge to Bridge (5K) - 0:24:25 (7:52/mi), 5th/162 division F17-29

Perhaps opting to do the "San Francisco Originals" run series was one of the things that pushed me to keep going despite setbacks and stress injuries. I've learned to train smarter and with more discipline (like running slower on easy days and warmups). Because of the series, I set a bunch of high baselines for myself. With a little more work, I will be breaking 8:00/mi in the longer distances next year. :) 

My final event of the year will take me back to my Bay Area roots at the Berkeley (<3) Half Marathon.

DOMS is setting in big time since my second half century bike ride right after the race... >_>