Santa to the Sea Half Marathon Race Number 4 Recap

Still a kid at heart!

It's official. I am out of the double digits and down to only 9 races! Today I ran the Santa to the Sea Half Marathon in Oxnard and had a blast! I am not too sure if it was the actual race or the fact that it is the holiday season, but everyone and I mean everyone was beyond cheerful and happy. I saw more Santa's than one could count, I saw a person in a wrapped box running as a present, and even a group where two people where dressed as Reindeer with the third person dressed as Santa. What great ideas by everyone who dressed to truly embrace the holiday season. I wish that I had thought to do something, but I was more concerned about being warm today than cute. Maybe next year! Besides my stomach taking a vacation this morning without me, today was a perfect day. I even had a chance to talk to Santa and tell him what I wanted this year. The holiday season sure brought out everyone's most positive spirit!  I sure hope the beginning of this holiday season is bringing to you and yours ear to ear smiles and memories galore!!

Rock the Park Half Marathon Race Number 3

Though I am very tired from today's half marathon I am exhilarated from the experience. Today was a first for Melissa, I came in 3rd place and earned not only a medal, but a trophy! How cool is that? I was hesitant about this race as it was promoted as a low key race with a maximum number of participants. After partaking in this race I realize how stress free a low key race can be. I did not have to spend my Saturday prior to the race visiting an expo and picking up my bib, which was nice, but missed as every girl loves a Shopportunity! Anyone who lives in the LA/OC area that is not tied into a specific charity and wants a low-key atmosphere with really great people I highly recommend Charlie Alweine Racing. I can proudly say that I can now check race number 3 of my challenge off of my list!!

Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon

The second stop on the train to crazy town was the Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon. Since I did not stay at a hotel, I woke up at 4:40 am and left my home at 5:00 am, yes I was a fireman in my past life I am the master of getting ready in a hurry. Luckily the ride to Long Beach went smoothly and I did not hit any traffic until I switched freeways and transferred onto the 710. Regardless of the 710 traffic, I arrived with plenty of time for the 7 am start time. I had enough time to purchase a banana and go to a real bathroom which to me is really important as I was raised in the school of no soft tissue no tushie.

Living in Los Angeles I oddly enough do not explore Long Beach enough so I did not know really what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised! This is really a picturesque community! This is an ideal place to run, weather and scenery were equally gorgeous.

The first couple of miles were less scenic than the rest of the course, typical running through the streets of Long Beach. Running over a variety of bridges and turns through downtown Long Beach, but as runners turned around the bend at mile 5 the most spectacular view of The Queen Mary. I now finally understand the allure and beauty of travelling on ships of such as The Queen Mary and the Titanic, yes I know that it sank, but I would have booked passage on either liner.

After passing The Queen Mary and the Long Beach fireboat we continued on to the boardwalk before heading to bike path on the beach. To me running on such paths as the on the beach are an ideal setting for running. Beach running is a total mind clearer, easily and without much thought all troubles and problems seem to dissipate with each crashing wave. Everything in my mind always becomes clear and suddenly manageable.

Running Long Beach International City Bank Half Marathon was a great experience and I would like to thank my friends, family, supports, those reading this post, and D.K., I am unsure if she would like to have her name posted, for supporting me and assisting me with race registration. Crossing the finish line is and always will fill me with a sense of accomplishment and pride. A sense of feeling strong and that I can handle the challenges and obstacles life throws my way.