Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Thanks to the extended business trip, I had a chance to have 32 mi solo run along Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage AK. Starting from the West end of downtown Anchorage, the trail followed the Alaskan coast line  down to Earthquake Park, around the South side of Anchorage International Airport, and through wooded trail section with fairly flat elevation. There was a major 2 mi uphill section to Kincaid Park followed by 3 mi moderate decent along Raspberry Rd to the turn around at Minnesota Rd. I tried to keep a comfortable pace through out the run, so the time to run back to downtown Anchorage was almost same as the out-bound time (2:49 vs 2:50). It was very relaxing solo run enjoying beautiful scenery and a few moose encounters.

Tacoma City Marathon 2010

Marathon Maniac Reunion Race was held at Tacoma City Marathon 2010. A lot of maniacs were running in yellow, red, black, or white maniac shirts through out the course. It was very well organized and well supported event.

The weather was not cooperating but it could not stop the fever of the running. The course was very challenging. There were a lot of hills especially in the 2nd half, although the last 2 miles were toe-jamming decent to the finish line.

My goal at TCM 2010 was to break my PR (3:36:42). Theoretically, 8:00 pace in the first half and then a little bit slow down in the second half could make it happen.

So, I started off strong with early morning excitement. I ran through the downtown Tacoma maintaining 7:40 pace until I entered Point Defiance Park where a series of uphills started. However, a stomach problem forced me to have an extended potty stop at Mile 13. Then, I passed the half way point at 1 hour and 45 minutes.

From the half point, I could enjoy the nice water view of Tacoma Narrows and beautiful suspended bridges. However, strong head wind started to pick up and it made the hill climbing even more difficult. The head wind continued for the most of the hilly section up to Mile 19. Of course, my pace got noticeably slowed down to 8:30~8:50-ish.

Getting out of the hilly and windy section, the course began to run a paved trail along the SR16 and wind effect was slightly improved, although the rolling hills still continued until the last aid station at Mile 24.

For the last 2 miles of downhill, I tried to push myself hard with 7:20 pace. I passed a lot of people for this section. About 0.1 mi to the finish, my right calf was cramping up. Maybe I pushed myself a little too much. I slowed down not to limp and finally made an easy finish.

The finish time was 3:37:02 which was 20 seconds too late for PR. Considering the tough course and weather (wind) condition, I am satisfied with my time. In fact, it's more than 1 hour faster than last year's time.

Now, I hope to break my PR at the next race (Green River Marathon). I will try to make it inside 3:30:00. Then, I will try my first serious attempt for BQ at Seattle Rock 'n' Roll in June. Backup BQ attempt race could be Skagit Flats in Sep.