Despite my Resolution to race less, I’ve been (obsessively) hunting for a half marathon to do in February. Originally, I had my eye on the San Dieguito Half Marathon, which came highly recommended by a rockstar runner friend, who made the mistake of throwing in the word “challenging,” while describing it… This wee little word slowed me down from registering on the spot and after a little research, I learned it’s a pretty gnarly course–like, crazy hilly! Check out the elevation profile from halfmarathons.net:
I didn’t rule out San Dieguito right away, because I do love a challenge–I’ve really enjoyed running the La Jolla Half Marathon course, which is also very hilly; but, I would definitely say it’s not a PR-course, unless you’ve trained for the hills. Welp, my priority is a PR, and I have NOT been training hills!
And so I stumbled upon the Mermaid Run, which is an all women’s race hosted by Prevention magazine and it’s, like, spitting distance away from our front step!
If it was called The G.I. Jane Run, I probably would’ve signed up already. I’m just not a big fan of the name “Mermaid Run”–although I was a huge fan of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, oh, 20 years ago… ish… I would be much more inclined to sign up for a run that showcased tough, badass, fighter chicks…
So do I choose the sweet, flowery, girlie race over the killer, hill-saturated, challenging one??? Hang with me for a minute while I work through this:
#1) Like I said, it’s right in our backyard on Mission Bay and looping around Fiesta. While I’m not stoked about the course (which is b-o-r-i-n-g), this is very familiar territory for me. I’ve been running these same pathways since we moved to San Diego, so that’s, like, hometown advantage, right?
#2) Also, with it being in our backyard, I can SLEEP IN! My family doesn’t tease me about being a grumpy grouch for no reason, it’s because I am not a morning person. I was born that way. Leave me alone.
#3) The course is flat, flat, FLAT!
#4) It’s on a Saturday morning, which rocks, because it won’t suck up the whole weekend.
#5) Alison Sweeney–the host of Biggest Loser!–will be there and I adore her, mostly because she had a daughter a couple years ago and named her Megan, so obviously, she’s rad.
#6) Registration is “only” $60 for the half-marathon, which is durn cheap for a half-mary in these parts!
#7) The fee for the San Dieguito half currently stands at $80 and has been touted as a “cheap race.” I don’t know about you, but 80 bucks ain’t cheap to me! If I do the girlie run for 60 bones, that’s 20 bones SAVED. Or, more likely, $20 for trips to Yogurtland!!!!
#8) Icing on my I-love-racing-cake: Instead of finisher’s medals, we get necklaces!
#9) AND instead of boring old unisex t-shirts, we get HOODIES! I love me a cozy hoodie!
#10) It’s a small field thanks to it being a women’s only event with half marathon, 10K, 5K, and mini races staggered from 7:30am to 9:45am. Megaraces have their perks, but small races have their own awesomeness too!
#11) Last, but not least, a half marathon is a half marathon! Running 13 miles is a challenge with or without hills and men!
Should I channel my inner Mermaid? Or balls up and hit the hills?
Any other races I should consider this year…?
Channel your inner mermaid. I’d be happy to be your Sebatian!!! I love that Carribean lobster. And Sully could be your Flounder too!!! Maybe you can be G.I. Ariel?
Do the Mermaid!! I ran the Mermaid 10K last year and it was a great event. The finisher’s necklace was super cute and something I can actually wear, versus a medal that just hangs on the hook on my wall. And the hoodie was also super cute and something you will actually wear, not just another boring event shirt that you will stuff in a drawer. I registered for the half this year, as soon as registration opened!! I have never done San Diegito, but Mermaid puts on a good event. Rock the Mermaid!!
Hmmm…the Mermaid does sound pretty enticing…but you won’t be disappointed with the San Dieguito. Can you just do both??? ;o) XO!
I found your blog searching for Mermaid San Diego info. Anyways, I train with team mermaid up in SF Bay area and the mermaid races are AMAZING! I highly recommend them, and coach Heidi is the best announcer ever! They also have super cute shirts and necklaces. -Jill
I wish I did my research because I signed up for the San Dieguito without realizing how hilly it was! Then I realized the nice and flat Mermaid Half was on the same day! I so wish I registered for that race instead. Eek!
Best of luck on your race!