Brentwood Run – 2010

Today was the 34th annual Brentwood Run 5k, 10k, and Kiddie K.

I like this run because it is close, it is community driven (proceeds help the local YMCA) and it’s just plain fun! I ran this 10k three years ago as I was training for my first triathlon (like the Santa Monica Classic).

I signed up for the 10k race a little early so I was able to take advantage of the LA Tri Club discount – and it was very reasonably priced. Super Husband’s ankle has been feeling better so he decided to join me – but wanted to venture out on the 5k, not the 10k in order to not do any damage to a healing ankle.

Admittedly, it did not take much arm-twisting to convince me to run the 5k with Super Husband rather than a solo 10k. Running for me, is the experience – the journey…. and my journey is with my Better Half.

Yesterday (Saturday – day before race day), we picked up our race packets and Super Husband registered. There was NO line at CPK (California Pizza Kitchen – one of the sponsors). Easy in, easy out. Note to self: race morning was NOT busy – so if we do this again, we can easily show up race morning and take care of the administrative packet pickup onsite.

There wasn’t any “swag” at bib pick-up – but I imagine it was because space was very precious at CPK. We simply received our cotton t-shirts (which Hubby likes better than wicking material – I don’t mind either since I have PLENTY of both kinds…. frankly, for the cost of this race, any shirt is a good deal!).

Anyhoo – we awoke at 6:45 a.m. to make the 8:30 a.m. 5k start. The 10k started at 7:30 a.m. – which gave us extra time. This was officially the LATEST we awoke for a race – EVER! Neither of us were feeling it – we just wanted to crawl back in bed and get some holiday weekend zzz’s…..but because I am carrying the Team Odwalla name, we went forward with the race. After a quick preparation (race belts and bibs prepped, timing chips attached to shoes, etc.) we were off. We found some street parking a few blocks away (it took a while to find, but Super Husband has a knack for finding the good small spots!). Otherwise, many found parking at the VA. It was $10 parking there (proceeds went to help the VA – so good cause) – but the line was quite long (we scooted up the back side and avoided any kind of traffic).

I wore my Odwalla jacket – which was a mistake since it was in the high 60′s at 7:30 a.m. Oops! It looks great – but I ended up tying it around my waist before we lined up at the start. Speaking of the start – there were many booths worth visiting: food trials, snacks, Don Francisco Coffee (I love the fact they come to the local races!) – I had Hawaiian Hazelnut…yum!, other local community summer race tables, local non-profit agencies, etc.

Neither of us were hungry – so we didn’t rush the food tables like many. We just sat back and watched the 5k’ers get ready by stretching, doing their “wind sprints” again (see Santa Monica Classic 2010 post for my thoughts on that….) and enjoyed the warm morning. The DJ played the best music we’ve ever heard at a race, by the way….not sure who was DJ’ing – but he played great, fun, energizing music: “Pride” by U2, “Jump” by Van Halen, Linkin Park, etc. So, Mr. DJ (whomever you are) – GREAT JOB!

Before we knew it, many of the 10k finishers were walking over to our group and getting into the start line with us (they were doing both the 10k and 5k) and we started! This was a simple 1.5 mile down, 1.6 mile back on San Vicente. Super Husband’s ankle held it together and we enjoyed the shade on the way back. There was one water stop for anyone who many need it at mile 2 (2 and 5 for 10k) with pleasant volunteers. The family and friends at the finish line were positive and happy and cheered as everyone crossed. Very fun race vibe.

Super Husband and I crossed, hand in hand as always – one more for the record books….

Positives about the race:

• Small, local race (just a few miles from home)
• Well organized race (34 years strong)
• Great booths, great music
• Inexpensive (early registration plus tri club discount was about $25)
• Nice cotton t-shirt
• A medal – for a 5k!  Rare, indeed!  (Cute medal)
• Stroller friendly for those who like to run with their wee ones
• Entire roads closed – no worry about cars getting too close
• Pleasant volunteers
• Porta Potties – no line!
• 10k was able to go prior to 5k (I like that – normally I have to wait for the 5k to begin before I get to start)

What Can Be Better Next time:

• I honestly don’t have any suggestions!  Such a great race!

Thank you, Brentwood for another great run! I am sure I will return again soon….

Super Husband and Team Odwalla take on the Brentwood Run 2010

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