See Jane Run Race Report and Pictures

I ran about 8 different races in 2012 and See Jane Run was my absolute favorite in every way.  This year, SJR did not disappoint.

But before I get to the race report, I want to just say how proud I am of my sister who ran this race with me.  Just thinking about all of what she has accomplished this past year brings tears to my eyes.  Just a bit of a background...my sister is the one person who inspired me to run in the first place.  In 2007 she ran a marathon.  Back then, I was in complete awe and I didn't quite understand why anyone would want to run 26.2 miles.  But I thought it was amazing how NO ONE can take this accomplishment or feeling away from her.  Back then, I couldn't run around the block without having to walk so I basically felt that my sister had magical powers at that point.  To make a long story short, I eventually started to run myself and my sister supported me, pushed me, guided me with every step of the way.  Whenever I felt like giving up or whenever I felt like I was having a difficult run, I would think of how she did a MARATHON.  If she can do that, I can for sure do 1 more mile.  

When I got to a point when I felt comfortable participating in races, my sister got pregnant with her first child.  Basically, this whole time I've been running, my sister hasn't been able to run with me because she was busy being a brand new mama.  She had my most favorite, most amazing nephew in August 2012.

See Jane Run was the first real race I ran with my sister.  We ran the whole thing together.  And she was AMAZING.  She is nine months postpartum and still breastfeeding.  She is a first time mom.  She is very sleep deprived (you remember how those babies sleep that first year?  Yeah she is now very aware.)  She also works a full time job that requires her to work 50+ hours a week.  How she accomplished running a half marathon at this point is beyond me but I now know that ANYTHING is possible.  If YOU think YOU are too busy to workout or run, please remember this story.  She is my inspiration.  

So for my race report.  :)  Let's start with the expo.  

SJR throws an expo for their bib pick up.  They had several days and times for you to pick up your bib so it was convenient!  The expo was at Oakland's Jack London Square.  

my friend and her sweet daughter.  Fit mama Vivi is pregnant and she did  the SJR 5k walk.  Amazing!  Vivi is also another runner that I've always looked up to; she has been running longer than I have. 

We arrived at a time when it was not crowded so it was really fun to have most of the booths all to ourselves.  And there was no line at bib pick up!  I love when things go so smoothly like this.  

  

my sister and I.  This sign is SO us.  

I was born and raised in Alameda where this race took place.  My mom still lives there so I slept over her house the night before.  I'm so glad I did this as I'm always running a little frantically in the mornings but this time, I was able to wake up and take my time because my mom lives so close to the start line.  My brother in law was able to drop us off within a block of the start line (Thanks B!).  Thank goodness too because there was ZERO parking when we arrived 45 minutes before the race was to begin.  

the organizers led a warm up/stretches right before the start.  This, paired with heart pounding music, pumped everyone up.

Unfortunately, race day landed on The Hottest Day of The Year.  We live in the bay and Alameda rarely gets too hot.  Well it happened.  It got too hot.  REAL fast.  We started off well, we paced ourselves, knowing how hard it would get later when it would get even hotter.  There were pacers at this race and we kept up with the 2:05 and then the 2:10 pacer for a long time.  This is our typical pace so we felt really good.  

Then we hit a wall when we got to the heart of Bay Farm Island...the business park.  Tall, boring buildings blocking any sign of wind.  No neighbors to cheer you on.  And then there was the heat.  It was difficult.  We slowed down at this point.  

Raiders headquarters.  Touchdown RRRRRrrraiders!  Sorry I'm a Raiders fan.  Had to let that out.

When we reached mile 6, there was an aid station with Gu and gatorade.  It also happened to be across the street from Raiders headquarters.  #GoRaiders  All of this combined gave us a second wind and before you knew it, we were out by the beach/waterfront again and the cool ocean breeze was definitely welcomed.  

Beautiful views of SF and the Bay Bridge

We slowed down a bit during the last two miles.  Leg cramps, the heat, not being hydrated enough caught up to us.  We were so thankful for these good samaritans supporting everyone on the course.  

she passed out pretzels and water.  this wasn't an official aid station but so thankful she was there.

There was this little girl holding out a water hose for everyone to run through.  I ran through there and got pretty soaked.  It felt so good.  Sadly, it was so hot that I was completely dry a half mile later!

Despite  being in pain, my sister ran the last half mile like a champ.  I kept pleading with her to slow down because I didn't want her injuring herself but I should've known better.  She is a runner through and through.  They never quit. 

We got our awesome medals, champagne glasses and See's CHOCOLATE at the end.  #happygirl

There were only two things I wanted to note that I wasn't too happy with.  What happened to Luna Bar Alley!??  Last year Luna Bar sponsored an aid station complete with live DJ, 20 cheerleaders with blue wigs, and tons of luna bars.  It was definitely a big party of an aid station.  I missed that because Luna wasn't at this race.  The other thing I noted was that there was no Zico's left when I crossed the finished line.  I look forward to my icy cold Zico after each race.  But I heard they ran out an hour and a half before I even got to finish.  

BUT even after those minor hiccups, SJR is still one of the most organized races I've been a part of.  Everyone is also so supportive and the camaraderie here is so great compared to every race I can remember running. 

They also gave out one of the coolest race medals I've ever seen.  This just might be my favorite.