Beware the Hill at Mile 5

After two unintended days off I was ready to run today. Went out about 5:30 pm in order to catch the final light of the day and to test the warmer temperatures; I found great running conditions. There are a couple of lessons here, one I still have to practice: we must prepare for whatever conditions we are given on race day. This means it might be warmer than we hope for (the race promoters claim temperatures in the 60s) or humidity might be brutal. Today's run started at a temperature of about 74 degrees and the air was dry. This is not too hard to take. The other lesson, more one for me since I am principally a night runner, is to be prepared for the sun beating down. Even last year, when the race conditions were described as near perfect, the mid 30s chill at the start line gave way to intense sunshine and rather rapid warming. For those of us in South Central Texas, we ought to be able to test pretty much all the possibilities over the next 3 or 4 days; the forecast is for warming temperatures and a return of humidity. It's still too early to speculate on how Mother Nature will treat us on race weekend, but remember to bring the sunscreen.

If we can't control the weather, we can continue to prepare for the layout of the course. If you haven't run Rock'n'Roll San Antonio previously, let me tell you first that I think it's a great course. It shows off San Antonio, the crowd support was wonderful last year and I'm sure San Antonio will come out again in '09. Also, I think the race organization is top tier, so expect to be well cared for on the course. Oh! and please show your appreciation for the numerous bands who will be entertaining. You're never more than a mile from the next sound stage.

OK. A couple of caveats. The course is relatively flat, but don't let the hill at around mile 5 break you. It's the only section of the course where the grade might be considered a bit of a challenge, and it's something which will confront marathoners and halfers equally. You'll see the course begin to rise as you run north on McCullough and then it gets a little more challenging once the left turn is made onto Craig. I ran this section last week and ran it again tonight in order to imprint a good mental image of the almost half mile of climb. You'll get a good mental lift when you turn on Flores and enjoy a downhill to San Pedro Park. The 10K timing mat is just on the other side of the park.

Elevation

Look at the elevation graphic and you will see the obvious challenge to the marathoners. Miles 18 through 24 are a steady uphill grind. Most of us are pretty much running on empty here. Keep it up! Resist the temptation to walk. Once you get past the railroad underpass at mile 23 you've got the worst of the elevation challenges licked. Keep going..... This is why you've trained and it's why we run marathons - for the challenge of the finish. Let's celebrate at the Alamodome!