 "Photo: Photo by Krista Torralva")
By now you should have your running shoes picked out and broken in, so you’re ready to roll.
Hopefully you have your team organized. If not, go to the Beach to Bay web site (beachtobayrelay.com) ASAP and print out the registration packet. You want to send it in before April 7 while the team price for entry is $195 because after April 7, the price will rise to $275 per team.
Decide early among your team members who is running which leg. If you know where and far you will be running, you will be better able to gear your training to your leg.
With that in mind, this week, we will review the legs so you can shotgun your first choice before other teammates nab it.
Leg 1: This leg starts a quarter mile south of Bob Hall Pier at Park Road 6. Although this leg is one of the shortest, I find this one the most challenging for two main reasons:
1) The beginning of the race is a mess! Last year’s Beach to Bay had a record 1,980 teams. That’s 1,979 runners around you, packed together. And when that gun goes off, that’s 1,979 runners pushing, shoving and tripping around you. It is literally a claustrophobic’s nightmare.
2) At seven in the morning, the sand along the whole route will be soft, causing your feet to sink. This means more work for you, a slower time and sand in your shoes. Now having ranted about the first leg, it’s time to pay that leg its dues. If you are prone to shin splints or have had any knee problems, this leg is for you.
The struggle will outweigh the pain and you will avoid slamming on the concrete or pavement in the other legs which puts pressure on your knees. Also, I recommend this leg if you are aggressive or quick to get out in front.
You may not love the leg, but take one for the team. Plus you get your 4.08 miles out of the way and can beat the traffic getting to Cole Park for the finish.
Leg 2: Leg 2 begins just North of Park Road 6. It starts on the sand, but you are only on it for about a quarter of a mile. By the time the baton is handed to you, the hoards of runners should be pretty evenly spread out.
This leg is primarily on flat pavement and is, for the most part, a straight forward shot to just under the JFK causeway. At 4.67 miles, this leg can become a little boring, but is also pretty enjoyable and can’t get any easier considering the distance.
Leg 3: This 4.36 mile leg begins under the JFK causeway. Most people either really look forward to this leg or really dread it. There are few people in between. Leg 3 is a scenic run as you actually go up and over the bridge.
Going up is not actually as hard as most people imagine, but you should train for this leg by running the hills at Cole Park or West Guth Park and running the Harbor Bridge. Once you get to the top, the hard part is over, so have fun racing down.
Leg 4: My favorite, Leg 4 begins at NAS Dr. and Waldron Rd. At 4.69 miles, the longest of the six, this leg runs through the base. At this point, the heat is at its peak and it’s a pure-guts run. You want to be well conditioned and have plenty of endurance.
Often it will seem like the end is near, but it’s a trick every time. I recommend running this leg for practice so you know exactly what to expect come race day. Like most of the other legs, this one is also flat, so as long as you have your endurance built up, this should be a cinch.
Leg 5: This leg picks up on Ocean Dr. at NAS North Gate. This is the shortest of all the legs, measured at just 4 miles. If you like running in front of as few people as possible, this is the leg for you.
Since it is the shortest, you really can’t go wrong. Except that there is this awful stench right in the middle of the leg since you will be running past the Laguna. However, it is a flat, short, straight leg, so it is pretty easy.
Leg 6: Ah the finish. . . to the race and this column. This 4.4-mile leg is probably the most fun because there are a lot of spectators cheering and pouring water on the runners along the way. This is also the most convenient leg because once you finish running you are already at the park where there will be food and festivities. However, Leg 6 is probably the fastest of the legs because all teams will have their fastest runners on this leg. Have your speed workouts behind you so you are prepared to keep up.
This week, negotiate with your team on who’s running what, get signed up, and start getting mileage under your belt. No matter which leg you run, you need a good, strong base.
I suggest running for time this week. That means set your watch for half an hour and don’t worry about how far you get. Just run the entire 30 minutes for conditioning.
Until next week, stay safe and healthy!
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