33rd Bidwell HM, Chico, CA (Read 479 times)

Just got back from Chico and the Bidwell Half Marathon, a nice local event in a beautiful city park. First, I must say that this is THE Flattest Course EVER! Anyone looking for a fast half, this is your race. The course is two loops up and down a pretty little river valley. There aren't a lot of people, nor much in the way of crowd support, so what you mostly hear is the rushing river. And, for those of you who like to sleep in, how does a 9 am start time sound? Not to mention that with only a couple hundred runners and a race in a conveniently-located downtown park, you can get a room a few blocks away and casually stroll over around 8:30 or 8:45. If you like bling, well, there's no medal for this one, but there was a nice five-color tech tee (gender-specific cut, thank you very much), and some pretty good post-race munchies (I don't know what those whole-wheat, fruit-filled things were exactly, but I went back for thirds). Chico is a hip (OK, anything is hip compared to Fresno) college town, you might say it's "crunchy", if you know what I mean. There's a well-maintained, bicycle-friendly downtown, with enough art galleries, restaurants, etc to keep you busy pre- and post-race. The Cal State campus is downtown, so there are lots of college students, making the downtown an energetic place (but bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper). I stayed in a restored hotel just a few blocks away from the start/finish that was also within walking distance of almost everything in town that's of interest .. except the Sierra Nevada Brewery, which was worth a visit, although not the best brewery tour I've ever had (no samples!!). As for me, a little brag: the run was supposed to be just another training run for me en route to the OC Marathon in May, so I was trotting along gently, chatting with others as is my habit, and realized I was on a PR pace without trying - so for kicks I picked it up a little and got a nice 12 min PR. Maybe sleeping in suited me, or maybe it's that good water they put in their Sierra Nevada beer.... Arla

Pancake flat or not, a twelve minute PR is damned impressive. I had to so some log stalking, and it held the same answer it always does. Miles, lots of miles. Great job cramming more than 200 miles into a 28 day month, and great job on your race. Congrats!

Hi Arla -- BadDawg is right, your log tells the story of why you achieved a 12 minute PR. Awesome work you put into it and an awesome PR! Sounds like a really nice place to race too.

got a nice 12 min PR. Maybe sleeping in suited me, or maybe it's that good water they put in their Sierra Nevada beer.... Arla

Nope....it's the training. Very nice training=very nice racing Congrats!

Way to Go Arla!!! Fanatastic job on your training and you get to see it pay off!! Sounds like a fun place to run!!! Sierra Nevada beer....mmmmmmm

Hm, perhaps you're thinking about Chowchilla, home of the state penitentiary for women, a place you might enjoy Arla

Very KewL! sounds like one of those "feet barely touching down" kinda days! Congrats! Cindy

Plus, you don't have a state pen. Apologies for dissing your point of origin.