I really wanted to run 1:31 half today but I didn't.  We ended up getting to the race with only thirty minutes to spare.  There wasn't enough time to do a warm up.  We were rushed.  But I started off okay.  My legs were feeling fresh at this point.  I hit the first mile in 6:26 followed by 6:41 for the second mile.  I was feeling a little outside my comfort zone however.  I had just raced ten miles last Sunday and other than some slow running and walking during the week, I just didn't do any real training in between.  I felt like I was missing the training.  My third mile was 6:56.  But I was under 20 minutes for three miles and still hanging in there.  But I was not myself.  I had not gotten enough sleep the last two nights.  I was sleepy tired but I was holding my own.  My next mile was 7:07 and then 7:05 and 7:07.  Certainly not what I wanted but I was still under seven/mile pace when I hit the 10k mark.   But other runners were beginning to pass me...

Normally I would surge and get back in control.  Or I would hang on to someone for awhile.  But I just didn't have the energy to do it.  I was just plain tired.  This was not going to be my day.  I had seven miles to go and I was already thinking about 1:35 not 1:31.  That didn't help.  Mile seven was 7:21.  But it wasn't like I was falling apart.  It was weird.  I had a GU packet with me I started taking it slowly over the next mile.  My next mile was 7:20, but then I dropped back to 7:34 for the next mile.  I just was not myself today.  At this point I decided to try to pick it up.  I could not afford to run another bad race like San Diego.  Mile 10 was 7:22, then I brought it down to 7:17.  Just two miles to go.  I am now thinking I can get under 1:35 but mile 12 was not an a tough mile.  I ran 7:32.  Just one mile to go.  I knew I had to pick it up.  I dug down deep and ran 7:11 for mile 13.  I finished in 1:34:39 and placed second 60 plus. 

Jodi was up for the weekend.  She ran her best half ever.  She finished in 1:57:59.  We talked afterwords about the race.  "Wished we would have left 30 minutes earlier for the race.  There was way too much rushing around.  I know I needed to be more focused to race well," we were saying.

We filmed it a little different this time.  Waitman covered the start, the 4-mile mark and the finish.  Instead of filming, Mike ran the half finishing in 1:45:19.  Then he got one of the camera and did some interviews.  Catherine did mostly still images at the same spots. 

I am now in a pickle.  I am 1:31 in total behind for my challenge.  I have 12 races to go and 78 miles.  Two of the races I have planned are half marathons.  I also have two doubles scheduled which can also be counted as four races (two 10Ks and two 5ks).  One of the Doubles is in Cabo where it is going to be hot.  And where I will be on my feet for two days taking photos of Ujena bikini models.  The other Double is the Pleasanton race.  That for sure is going to be race number 49 and 50.  I am going to have to closely look at these remaining 12 races.  I know I can still make my goal but I am going to need to make some changes I think.  Stay tuned...and thanks for your support!  photos by Catherine Cross

I really like the San Jose Rock n Roll half marathon.  I have run it every year since 2007.  My best time is 1:27:53 in 2009.  Last year I ran 1:31:22.  I would love to get under 1:31 this year.  I am feeling pretty good but my legs are not fresh yet.  I am sure all this racing is not helping.  Dr JoAnn made a motivational tape for me.  I listened to it last night and I will again tonight.  Just thinking you can do something is half the battle.  Thanks JoAnn. 

Ujena Fit Club member and Ujena model Jodi is in town.  She is running the half too.  After walking a mile with Mike, Jodi and I went to Foothill college.  We ran an easy mile and then she timed me for a mile.  I ran 6:32 evenly passed.  It didn't feel as easy as I was hoping but it wasn't that tough either.  However, my hamstring is not 100% for sure.  I went in and got a sport massage on Wednesday and that seemed to help a bit.

Our crew is going to be busy.  Catherine will be shooting stills at the start, the four mile mark and at the finish.  Plus she will be getting additional behind the scenes shots.  Waitman will be shooting video at the same spots.  And Michael will be running the whole half marathon with a Go Pro camera. 

Jodi came up on Friday.  She has run a half marathon before but that was over 12 years ago.  She started back in running at the Ujena Jam.  She has run five of our Doubles (10k + 5k) in Mexico and has been running regularly since January, 2011 when she started getting in shape for her first Double in Cancun March 5, 2011.  She hopes to break two hours in San Jose.

One thing I like to do is have a Hamburger for lunch the day before a half along with some fries.  Afterwords we went to see the new Clint Eastwood baseball movie.  Going to eat an early dinner which will be 8 oz of lean meat, mash potatoes and steamed Vegas.  

Mike and I call this our club house, otherwise known as Burger Town in Los Altos.  This is where Mike and I detailed out the plans for my challenge and our movie.  And they make the best burger in town.  My brother Barry agreed when he was out.  Lis, Justin and the grandkids are going to be at the race in the morning.  Justin will be running too!  Going to be fun!!!!

Hey Bob, I just saw the official times from the San Jose, and they have you down at 1:34:39 that is 4 seconds faster than you thought, and every second counts right now! :) My official time was 1:57:59 :) Cheers!
Jodi Labossiere 10/10/12 10:42 am

I need every second I can get. Wow, Bobby McKee ran a good race. He told me everythng just clicked for him. He ran 1:26:54...Congrats again Jodi...
Bob Anderson 10/10/12 10:50 am

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