Alameda Runners – Get After It!

Last year Brazen Racing held the inaugural Coyote Hills Half Marathon.  This was one of my favorite races of the year.  That is saying something considering I did more than 15 events during the year, including CIM, Alcatraz, Vineman and the Oakland Half Marathon.  I may have liked it so much because of the community involvement.  I do so many Brazen races, we are like family.  I ran around Coyote Hills so much; it was like my home course.  Did I mention the fact that I ran with Ron from Punk Rock Racing?  It is always fun to be around Ron.

The parking lots filled early and people were being shuttled in from the surrounding corporate centers.  At least you don’t have to pay to park in the corporate centers.  There were enough shuttle buses to keep the wait short.  When the shuttle buses are running, the line at the sweat check table can get long so mark your bag early so you won’t have to wait when it is time to start the race.

Coyote Hills is a typical trail race where the start line is on the flattest piece of terrain around.  This race quickly goes to single track that can really mess up the speedy people who start in the middle of the pack.  If you can run 7:00 miles or faster, start in the front.  I don’t mind the single track holding me up because I run most trail races as social races.  I used to get mad when I wanted to run along at an 8:00 pace and wound up behind people running an 11:00 pace.  I have learned to lighten up, enjoy the view and perhaps, socialize a bit before passing.  You never know when you will meet a new friend.

Coyote Hills is a two lap course.  I am not very fond of running laps but I will make an exception in this case.  January 28, 2012 is coming fast.  If we get lucky the Punk Rock Runner will be on hand to keep us entertained again.