This month completely got away from me. I closed out October with a week off from work and a new car—that's right, my little mini Lola has been passed on to a friend and replaced with a VW Taos, which is still nameless for now— and entered November with the best of intentions. It was going to be the month of getting back to the gym, keeping my running on track, and choosing a birthday race.
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I haven't been sick since having covid in 2023. I forgot how annoying it is.
As soon as I was feeling better, I got back into it, but I've lost a lot of strength. Volleyball has started again, too; I'd forgotten how much I missed playing and getting some practical exercise in during the week. But I've still got a bit of a lingering cough and while I'm back to running decent 5ks, I'm nowhere near ready to tackle 7 or 8 mile runs...which means my plan to stay super consistent and ready for a birthday half have been shelved.
Kind of. I mean, I still plan to run a half, but I don't think it will be nearly as strong as I was hoping.
Despite that, I still want this race to be special, because it will be the first race of my 40s. I want to run a destination race to avoid the anxiety of facing a big race day in February in Seattle, where it could be gorgeous...or icy, or snowy, or rainy, or all three. I researched some February half marathons in cities where the climate would be ideal, and came up with three options.
Option 1: Rock 'n Roll Las Vegas Half
I've never run a Rock 'n Roll race but I've heard good things, and the Vegas race has got to be the best of the series. The courses tend to be well-supported, energetic, and fun. The swag and after party are top tier. Plus, a trip to Vegas would make for a fun birthday weekend, as I've heard the gluten free food scene has exploded since I was there last. The typical February weather would also be a bonus.
The biggest downside of this race is that the entry fee is expensive. Pair that with the cost of a flight and hotel, we're looking at a fairly expensive long weekend. I think it would be worth it—you only turn 40 once—but I want to be realistic about what I want to spend.
This race is also the week after my birthday, which isn't a huge deal but generally I like to run my birthday race as close to my actual birthday as possible, so the date does irk me a little, although it would give me one extra week to train.
There are a couple more cons I need to consider when making my decision. It's a nighttime race, and generally I don't love running long distances at night. It's too hard to figure out my eating/rest/hydration throughout the whole day leading up to the run. The other issue is that because it's such a big race, the logistics of getting to the start are pretty messy. Reviews mention the snarled traffic on the way to the race and congestion at the finish. If I'm looking for a low-stress option, this isn't it.
Option 2: The Lost Dutchman Half
This half marathon is in Arizona. This is another well-established race that boasts beautiful views and excellent execution. While the crowd support and course may be on the quieter side, based on reviews, this race still seems like it would be something special.
The experience sounds really unique, with campfires at the staging area, a dessert sunrise in the first 10k, and gorgeous mountains along the course.
It costs less than Option 1, and we'd also save money on this trip because I wouldn't necessarily want to extend the weekend...what am I going to do in Arizona if I'm too tired to hike?
This race is on my birthday, which is a perk. I do love running a race on my actual birthday.
Option 3: The Palm Desert Half
This race is on the list, but it's definitely the backup option's backup option. The website doesn't give much information, so I had to track down some reviews on Race Raves. It seems this race was pretty good when New Balance sponsored it, but has lost some of its luster in the years since.
While the course is fairly flat and has good views, the weather the last few years has been a little warmer than I'd like to run in. But, the race is in California, which means travel will be a little easier, it's on my birthday, and it's by far the least expensive option.
I think Matt and I could make a long weekend worth it if I chose this race. The venue is only 45 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, which we've never been to but definitely want to see.
Bonus Option: Ft. Lauderdale A1A Half
The race that started it all, the original birthday race...This wasn't originally on my list, but it occurred to me recently that it should be. I'm trying to plan a trip down to Florida to see my family, and timing has been tricky. I could kill two birds with one stone and plan my trip for mid-February. The idea of running this race again, especially for my 40th birthday, is alluring. The sentimental part of me loves the idea; the logical side thinks it's terrible. This race is going to be warm and humid—I struggled through the sun and heat every year even when I was acclimated to Florida weather, and these days I'm a total pansy when it comes to humidity and any temperature over 60°.
But I've run some iteration of A1A six times, and closing out my 30s/welcoming my 40s in this familiar and beloved race holds some real appeal, and I'm truly considering it.
So, assuming I get my training in gear, these are my options for a 40th birthday half. Although I'm running my usual winter race here in Seattle on February 8, I can't help thinking it won't feel like a birthday race given its early date. I'll be running the 10k this year because I don't want to sign up for the half in case the weather is terrible. (But if the weather looks nice and I'm in shape for it, I may upgrade to the half last-minute. It's a really nice route!)
Hopefully in the next few weeks, I'll narrow down which of these races is truly speaking to me and can iron out logistics for flights, hotels, and dog care and dial in my training. Whatever I end up picking, I just want it to be a race worth remembering.
Ali
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