Rush Hour

Hubs and I volunteered again for the America's Finest City Half Marathon water and electrolyte station #1. I brought my camera, but only two pictures turned out as they were supposed to. All the other still shots were videos -- All but one video turned out odd. A still shot doesn't translate well on video. Everyone is just standing there, posing, with background noise.

We trekked to Point Loma, right near mile 4 of the half marathon course, helped to set up water and electrolyte tables and waited for the masses to run through. I was able to catch up with some of my friends who did not run in the summer program.

Patricia, Jesu, Michelle, Me.  It's August and we're wearing jackets and long sleeves!

We were set up, and then we waited...

Hubs waiting for the hoards of runners.

One of the main sponsors of this event set out a sound system and had some pumping tunes for us as well as the runners. I still have "Humpty Dance" in my head.

It wasn't long until the front runners ran by so effortlessly and gazelle like. Seriously. Poetry in motion. None of these runners took water or electrolyte drinks. Then the mayhem began. Hoards of runners began running through and soon water and electrolyte drinks were everywhere, but our group of volunteers kept on top of it. Before we knew it, the hoards were through, and the back of the packers trickled in, then the lag wagon and police. Rush hour was over, the clean-up went like clockwork, and we were finished.

Hubs and I went through a fast food place for breakfast foods and coffee, then drove over to Balboa Park to the finish line to look for friends. Here's the only video that made sense, although it's only a few seconds long:


That's Rich in yellow running in for the finish, and Hubs and I yelling in the background.

Thank goodness for Anne. Not only did she set up the track club tent for the end of the race, she took some wonderful post-race pictures which you can check out HERE.

Many of my friends ran PRs, and I believe that their diligent training and cooler than normal weather helped. The skies were overcast, a little misty, and the temperatures were in the low 60s.

I really don't have any cute anecdotes or weirdness to report on, maybe because I was half asleep due to the early wake up to make it out to our volunteering destination before the streets closed.  Hubs and I weren't firing on all cylinders until well after we had coffee.  The only thing that comes to mind is we heard a couple asking the bus people  if there were shuttles back to the San Diego Zoo parking lot (where many people parked), which is probably a half mile (or less) walk through the park  from the finish line.  Really?  They didn't seem injured.

I didn't have any odd feelings about not running in the AFC half marathon, maybe because I knew I wasn't really ready for it.  I did have fun volunteering with friends and watching everyone else run through -- and that was enough.




Friday's Song:
Show Me What I'm Looking For - Carolina Liar

Peace

Half

The SDTC AFC Half Marathon Aid Station #1 Volunteers!

I volunteered at the AFC Half Marathon this morning, at aid station #1, right before the 4 mile marker. I had every intention of getting pictures of many of my friends, but it was so busy that I didn't even have a chance to think about pictures.

Here's the calm before the storm:

The front runner:

Then it happened...

(OK, that's my backside, with the blue sleeves and nifty XXL orange singlet)

Before you know it, there were masses of people running -- many more people than what is shown in the photos above. At one point the street was packed full of people running. No time to take pictures. We couldn't hand out water and electrolytes fast enough. I believe I saw Lisa run past me, but on the opposite side of where I was standing. I saw AKA Alice and was able to give her a big hug, but no pictures. I also saw some of the Heffers, including Betty and gave her a hug, too. I would not have found them if it weren't for their bright green shirts! It was insanely busy. I've volunteered at water stations before, but this was just crazy. We really did need more volunteers. After the whirlwind of people, a few people trickled through, and then the end of the pack ambulance. We made sure we stuck around and cheered for the people running just ahead of the ambulance, and made sure there was still water and electrolytes for them. Clean-up was smooth. Some people decided to head out to the finish line. Michael and I decided to get breakfast at the High Dive and invited Patricia from the track club to join us. We were eventually joined by our friend, Sam, who we were supposed to meet for drinks last night, but never happened. (This place has the BEST hot Bloody Mary's!)

Cheers!

The weather seemed unseasonably mild today, not so hot, but somewhat humid. I hope the weather remained kind for the runners. I'm looking forward to some great AFC half marathon reports!

Friday's song:
Hovering - Beulah

PEACE

Hovering

I went outside with my camera for this:

and ended up with these:

Lumpy doing what he does best... Hiding out where he thinks is a safe place away from kids and dogs.

Busted by Logan. Logan was poking at Lumpy with her paw, kind of making sure Lumpy was OK...

Logan is still making sure the situation is OK. Lumpy, in true Lumpy fashion, is meowing in protest but refusing to move.

Hovering

...and more hovering.

In running news:
I did a 5 mile tempo run on the gym treadmill yesterday. I haven't really managed a real tempo run in ages, even though I've made a few sad attempts. I managed to ease into 8:40 to 8:50 pace, and then in the low 9s. Since I was at the gym, I had to break up the run in a three miler and a two miler, just so the treadmill wouldn't shut off on me. It was that second round where my average pace was more in the mid 9s. It was OK, and I realize I have my work cut out for me if I want to become faster. DOMS will be a part of my vocabulary during this rebuilding phase. I. AM. SORE.

I'll be volunteering at aid station #1 for the AFC Half Marathon on Sunday. I'll try and wave to you as you speed by, provided you are running. There's a bunch of you! That's probably the aid station that most people will run past because they're still feeling fresh... maybe.

Tuesday's song:
Let The Children Play - Santana

PEACE

Nothing Is Easy

I really love our track club, not only for the camaraderie, but for everyone who puts in their time to make sure the runners are taken care of. Our volunteers are the best! Kudos to the the people who volunteered to take pictures for us at the 10K on Saturday. Here's a couple of mine -- I cropped them a bit. I'm running in for the finish.


I'm not sure if there will be more photos posted from our track club, since I couldn't find any of my husband running, but I'm sure the event photographers will have something up in about a week.

Other stuff:

I had my first visit with the sports rehab people. Even after just one visit, my range of motion has improved and my limping while running has lessened. We're working on particular stretches and light weight training to strengthen the muscles in my right hip/leg, which will help with posture and balance. It's tough but I need this. My therapist is going to take a movie of me running at my next visit, then again in a few weeks, THEN overlap the two movies to check on my progress. I'm very optimistic.

Saturday, after the 10K, my husband and I attended a memorial service for one of our dear friend's grandma. She really wasn't his grandma, but he ended up with the grandma in the divorce from his wife. It's a long story. The woman was in her mid 90's, and up until very recently, she was a very with-it lady. She was an avid sports fan, supporting her Dodgers and Lakers. She always had her hair coiffed, always had her nice jewelry on, always had a perfect manicure, was up on fashion, and never left the house without make-up. She did not look her age. Her advice for living a long life was to stay active, learn something new, constantly meet new people, and greet everyone you meet with a smile. I remember attending her 90th birthday party a few years ago, and thinking to myself "I want to be like her when I grow up." She was very spunky and made an impression on everyone she met, including me.

I've decided to take a back seat to blogging during the month of February. I might drop in once or twice if there's something that can't wait until March. There's a lot of activity going on right now, plus some personal issues that I need to get past. I just need to take time off and refocus. Not to worry, none of this is super serious, there's just a lot going on right now that's taking it's toll on my frame of mind. As they say, "when it rains, it pours," and it's pouring.

Yesterday's song:
The Middle - Jimmy Eat World - Planet Ynnep Running

PEACE

We Live For Love

San Diego Rock 'N' Roll Marathon 2008

Saturday, May 31, 2008 - Expo
The day did not start out as planned. We had originally planned to hit the expo early as possible, around 10 AM, but we did not get to sleep early enough the night before because our neighbor across the street felt the need to party (loudly) until wee hours of the morning. We made it to the expo around 12:30 PM. We quickly found our friend Sam then retrieved our race numbers, t-shirts, and Michael's timing chip. We walked around the expo for a while. I purchased a pair of Ininji socks, found a shirt for my grandson that says "My grandma is faster than you," chatted with the Runningskirt.com twins and purchased another running skirt with the compression shorts, then hooked up with Dori (She Do Run Run.) Our time was limited but it was as if we'd known each other for years, even though we had only met one other time. I also checked out the San Diego Track Club booth and chatted with a few members who wanted the details about my injury. Once we were finished with the expo, we went with Sam for a quick lunch, then home for a little rest before heading out to the track club pasta dinner.

Dori and I meeting at the expo.

Upon arriving at the pasta dinner, we were quickly greeted by one of our track club running buddies, and she invited us to sit with her and family at her table. It was kind of funny to see everyone in normal clothes, since we normally see everyone in sweaty running garb, with hats and sunglasses on. (We didn't think to get dressed up.) As a group, the track club actually cleans up well! More people arrived and I had to explain my entire story again when they saw the walker. It was fun to catch up with many of the people I had run with, and how excited they were about the marathon the next day. During dinner we had some words of inspiration from our coaches and a local news anchor who runs. After dinner it was more of the same, catching up with our new friends and telling our coaches thanks for a great training season. Once we were home, it was lights out for me. I have no idea what time Michael went to sleep, but I know it wasn't early.

Amy, Amy and I - just a couple of months ago, running at Torrey Pines State Park...

...and here we are at the pasta dinner

Sunday, June 1, 2008 - Marathon Day
The alarm was set for 4:00 AM but we didn't get out of bed until 4:15. There really wasn't much to prepare for, just get dressed, eat, and go. Our son, Erik, was the driver, so he was also summoned to be up early. Because of prior marathon morning traffic experience, we've learned to take a back route to the start area. It took only 10 minutes for us to make our way there. I figured it would take Erik and I 10 minutes to get to the volunteer parking. I was wrong. It took about a half hour because we got stuck in marathon traffic and a road closure that I completely forgot about. Once we got out of traffic, it was a smooth drive to the volunteer parking area, and somewhat of a short walk to the 23.5 water station. After signing in and receiving our volunteer t-shirts, Erik quickly went to work helping to pour water into the cups, and I set out cups. After that, it was a matter of waiting. Several people there knew about my ordeal, but a few didn't, and I had to explain all over again what happened. Other long time runners talked about their injuries, some no longer run, but are still active in the running community. They volunteer. It's a good group of people to belong to.

Erik helping out.

Getting ready for the runners!

A couple of hours go by and the first chair participant goes by, soon to be followed by a couple more chair participants. Not too long after the lead male runner goes by, and everyone begins to cheer. I'm sure the guy is working it, but he makes his run look effortless. A few more male runners go by before the female leader goes by about 20 minutes later. Since I normally run in the marathon, I never see the elite runners. I'm probably somewhere near the halfway point when they're finished, and probably already back in their hotel rooms when I do finish. Needless to say, I was thrilled to see such athletes go right by me, as I attempted to get their pictures.

A few of guys from the track club had wondered what it would be like to run with the elites, so they decided to follow one for a few feet. I'm not sure how often that happens, and I'm not sure what the etiquette is on that, but it was kind of funny, and I'm sure it's something these guys will definitely remember for a long time.

It wasn't much longer, but the masses began to stream in. I saw several of my track club friends and gave them hugs as they stopped by. I spotted the 4:30 pace person and group go by, and felt slightly melancholy that I wasn't a part of the group, but happy for them that they were just less than 3 miles from the finish, and still all together.

Cindy cheering on the runners!

Michael finally came by, and with 5:15 on his clock at that point, and with less than 3 miles to go, I knew he would have a new PR. He was happy to see me and I gave him a big kiss and a hug. He poured water on himself, swigged down more electrolyte, and was off. A while later Sam went by. He said he was hurting but was determined to finish. Then Dori came by, was having some pains as well, still smiling and still looking like she had enough in her to finish, and she did.

Michael ahead of schedule!

Dori still smiling!

Around the 7 hour point, Erik and I called it a day. There were several walkers still on the course. We gathered up our things and trekked back to the car, and then to MCRD to meet up with Michael and Sam at the track club tent, where they were enjoying their post marathon beer.


Once we were home and rested, Michael decided he was feeling well enough to attend this year's post marathon concert featuring Pat Benatar. (How can someone so tiny have such strong vocal pipes???) She sang most of her hits, and we did enjoy ourselves. The concert wasn't that long, though, and we were home before 10:00 PM.

Post Marathon Day - June 2, 2008
It's back to work for Michael, and he brings his medal to the office as proof that he did yet another marathon. As for me... I'm not sure what happened, but I could not even hold down water for most of the day. I can't pin-point what I ate to make me feel so crummy, but I am glad it only lasted a day. Michael is still feeling fantastic about getting under that 6 hour time hump. I think this is the first time I have seen him really excited for himself about running and excelling. He's usually mentioning something about the pain at this point, but this time it's not so much.

Official Results:
20494 Michael M San Diego CA 50 M chip 5:49:23 clock 5:57:16 pace 13:20 10K 1:08:32 half 2:28:51

Yesterday's song:
Slow Motion - Third Eye Blind

PEACE

Perfect Day

Today was the expo for the marathon. I picked up my race number and t-shirt, but not timing chip. I'll be at water station #17, which is located at mile 23.5, right where people water or encouragement most. I was able to meet with Dori, and it was wonderful to see her once again. I'm hoping to see her as she runs by... I'm actually pretty excited about tomorrow, since I get to watch most of the runners go by, including the elites. I rarely see the elite runners, since they're probably finished and back at their hotel by the time I'm done with any race. We also attended the pasta dinner. It's funny how different everyone looks in regular clothes. We ususally know people by how they look in their running gear. I'll update about the marathon in a day or two.

Yesterday's song:

Have A Nice Day - Bon Jovi - Simply Pink

PEACE