I wasn't sure if I was going to post any information regarding my 1/2 marathon since it doesn't involve the kid's at all and this blog is really about Bailey and Parker but I figure for my own sake of lack of memory I should go ahead and post so that I remember.
First of all - Training makes a huge difference.  I was worried about this NWM race course because I had heard from everyone that has run this race before how difficult the course is.  I did most of my longer runs and weekend runs in Forest park where the hills are frequent.  Any time I ran around the neighborhood I would choose the hill section.  I think it made a big difference because I didn't think the course was too bad.  I really enjoyed the course.
I was trying to get more friends to run the 1/2 marathon, however, only a few ended up in San Francisco when the day came.  One of my great friends from high school, Brandi, came out from Texas and a few local friend's here in Portland ran.  It was a fun weekend!  Especially because we stayed in San Francisco 2 more days after the race.
I finished the race in 1:50 (8.25 pace) so I was excited that I did what I was hoping to do.  

Heather and I in the dark morning hours getting ready for the start of the race!
I should speak a little bit about how the race is - at the end of the race, there are firefighters dressed in tuxedo's handing out the little Tiffany Blue Boxes with the finisher necklace, then the finisher tee, and then all of the goodies that are handed out.  There was about 50 massage tables set up, which I promptly took advantage of right after the race.  A huge stretching and yoga tent set up, Oxygen bar, photo's, and some other random things set up.  They really know how to treat a runner!
If interested in checking out the NWM - we may be running this race again next year.  Although they are starting a Washington DC 1/2 marathon for the first time this April which would be fun.