The best thing about a race weekend is that you get an opportunity to be around people who understand your crazy. Last weekend, was the Rock ‘n Roll San Diego Half and Full Marathon — there was also a 5K on Saturday which many of us signed up for to complete the “Remix Challenge” (2 races, 3 medals).

In the middle of all this, it was also sort of the official-unofficial launch of #WeRunSocial at an event. Pro Compression also came strong over the weekend as well. They were hosting a shakeout run Saturday morning and an after party on Sunday. As you can tell, it was going to be a very exciting weekend.

Friday:

I flew in late morning, an easy flight from the Bay Area. Checked into the Hard Rock Hotel (right across the street from the convention center — super convenient) and made my way over to the expo to pick up bibs, shirts, and goodies. Throughout the day I met up with friends, took pictures, and just had a good time.

Later that night a group of us made our way out from some hydration, laughter, and of course — Jenga.

Saturday:

I knew that I was going to be “racing” the 5K, but didn’t have a time goal in mind. I wanted to run as fast as I could and if it resulted in a PR, then so be it. I was talking with Carlee and Leslie before the start and told them I was going to try to go fast and was trying to encourage them to “go for it.” They seemed down after a little hesitation, but after taking a bunch of selfies and photos, we didn’t realize that the race was starting in a matter of seconds. They went to the start line, calling me to join them, I turned for one second and they were gone. Damnit. I went into the corrals and was the crazy guy screaming “Carlee!” before the start. I couldn’t find them.

Since there were a couple of out-and-back segments I saw several friends, as well as Carlee and Leslie who didn’t look too pleased that I convinced them to go fast, then didn’t start with them. Oops.

Mile 1: 7:03
Mile 2: 6:32
Mile 3: 7:02

5K: 21:34
Overall: 66/2987
Division: 13/178

That’s 49 seconds faster than my 5K in Boston a couple months back, which means the hammy is stronger (since this was a harder course)… and 41 seconds away from my PR last year, which means I still have some work to do.

The course had some incline/declines which made building up some speed tricky, but it was a solid course through Balboa Park. The We Run Social cheer crew was holding it down steps from the finish line. Michael and Andrea were cheering on runners and as each of us finished, we joined them. It was a great way to gather post-race and cheer on our fellow runners.

Pro Compression Shakeout Run

What do you do after a 5K? You run with friends again. That was true for some of us that ran the 5K. We didn’t want to miss out on the annual Pro Compression shakeout run, so we jumped in our cars and made our way to Mission Bay to run again — this time at a more comfortable pace. It was also a great way to see people who didn’t sign up for the 5K and wanted to shake things out before Sunday. PRO had some snacks, hosted a giveaway for several items, and led a comfortable 3 mile run right next to amazing scenery (sand, water, and palm trees).

Suja was there and brought some Essentials for the runners. Everyone was stoked about it as it’s a great, delicious, and organic product. I had never tried one, so I was excited to give it a try. I then proceeded to have 4 more bottles over the weekend. Consider me a fan.

The rest of the day was pretty low-key. We ate, hydrated, went by the expo again, and planned out how we were getting to the start line in the morning.

The weekend was just getting started.

If you want #WeRunSocial gear – get it now, it’s almost sold out.

Be sure to check out Monday’s post which will include:

• Half Marathons are fun
• Chasing Carlee
• We Run Social cheer station (more shenanigans)
• Pro Compression after party

 What’s your favorite part of a race weekend?