Race Review: End of Summer Fire Run

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The "after" photo taken by Diane B, who also served as our chauffer this morning. Thanks, Diane!!

I almost talked myself out of doing this race because (a) I was extremely busy,(b) I hadn't exercised in almost a week and (c) I wasn't feeling well. But I'm glad I didn't listen to that voice. I only wish I'd found the camera in our neverending move because today's 4-miler from La Jolla to Pacific Beach was picture-perfect.

It's unusual for there to be clear skies along that stretch of coast that early. San Diegans are used to a thick marine layer until around 10 a.m. When it's lacking, it can only mean one thing: It's going to be a scorcher. And it was.

But spending a Sunday morning with 1,800 others on a slightly downhill course was a perfect escape from my current stressful life. The run starts in downtown La Jolla and essentially winds down La Jolla Blvd. through Bird Rock and into Pacific Beach, where it ends at Garnet and the Crystal Pier. It raises money for local fire departments - thus the photo opp above.

I went into this as a purely fun run. No stopwatch, no clue my finish time besides it averaging around 10 minute miles. We grabbed our technical shirts and some free beverages at the finish and then drove up Garnet to Broken Yolk, beating the crowds that formed just minutes after we arrived for breakfast.

I saw a lot of people I know from various running circles, including the SDTC. It was nice to reconnect. I've been away for some time now and my running times reflect the change of pace.

For anyone thinking of doing this one next year, I will note that we arrived before 7 a.m. for the 8 a.m. race and had no trouble finding parking close by. We even had time to go down to the cove and visit the seals at the Children's Pool -- and that's with two portapotty stops too. It honestly didn't seem like that many people were there until we got going.

All in all, it's a great race and a great tradition that I hope to continue in the coming years.

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