Valley of the Flowers Half Marathon

(My 8^th Half this year.)
When my family first moved to Lompoc, CA, it was simply a tiny beach town of about 12,000 people. (It’s easily quadrupled in size now.) Back then, we had two high schools, two grocery stores, and if you craved Asian food, the Rice Bowl, alone, would have to do (
.) It was all that Lompoc had to offer. We were small. I mean, this year’s Disneyland Marathon turnout was over 16,000 strong! Runners at Mickey’s resort outnumbered our entire population!
So in coming home for the Valley of the Flowers Half Marathon, I figured it would be an intimate run. In fact, there were roughly 75 of us racing around La Purísima Mission’s scenic course. Many times, I ran alone, weaving around dirt trails, pausing to snap a few photos, reminiscing and remembering, daydreaming… It really was beautiful, as it always has been. And I took my time.
The race wasn’t always at the mission though. Lompoc, in its past, was actually known as the «flower seed capital of the world.» I suppose it’s arguable now, but at one time, we held the honor; and during that reign, the «Valley of the Flowers Half Marathon» truly coursed around and among open flower fields. Now having been relocated to the historic La Purísima Mission, the Half still makes for a stunningly beautiful run; but old names die hard, I guess. Plus, it’s about tradition, and tradition is important.
Lompoc, I’ve missed you. I was happy to come home. =]