I reach the intersection of Pine and Shoreline Drive with a little over 15 minutes to spare

That's a big flag

That's a big flag

Wow...when I ran the full marathon, I did not think of it as a big event. Certainly seemed small by comparison to the Los Angeles Marathon. But THIS is not a small event.

Wow...when I ran the full marathon, I did not think of it as a big event. Certainly seemed small by comparison to the Los Angeles Marathon. But THIS is not a small event.

Okay...now how the heck am I supposed to get into the corral for the first wave? All I see are fences.

I followed a couple of runners who hopped the fence. Phew. The first wave is for runners anticipating a 2:09 or faster. I am where I need to be.

I followed a couple of runners who hopped the fence. Phew. The first wave is for runners anticipating a 2:09 or faster. I am where I need to be.

Yes, this IS a big event. Apparently, I am among 15,000 runners who registered for the half marathon. I expect it will take some time for the last wave to cross the starting line.

Running around the Long Beach Harbor Lighthouse

Running down the boardwalk

Running on the bike path

And I'm done! I finish in 1:49:35...well under my 2 hour training target. I am not quite back to where I was before I fell off my routine, but this isn't bad

After a successful race, I walk back to the car. It was probably shorter for me to go around the other side of the Convention Center, but I decided to stick with the route I knew.

Time to meet Valerie for lunch at Mitsuwa.

After a successful race, I walk back to the car. It was probably shorter for me to go around the other side of the Convention Center, but I decided to stick with the route I knew.

After noodles, we head home. Have I mentioned how much Valerie loves her car?

Another finisher's medal for my growing collection