Each time I run a race, no matter what the distance, even if I have run the same race before, there is a difference. There is of course a difference in the weather, in the crowds, in how I am feeling and doing and of course, I am older each year :-)
Today I ran the San Francisco Marathon which I had run earlier in 2005. The most appealing factor of the race of course, was the fact that I could run over Golden Gate Bridge in the fog, given that the Bay Area is shrouded in fog almost every morning in July. The longer the sun takes to get out, the better as the temperatures hover in the 60s and it is just perfect conditions for a run, that too a long one.
I really owe my hubby this time as he took the trouble to get up at 3:30 a.m. and drop me off for the race. He normally sleeps really late; last night he slept at midnight so it was really a great deal of effort on his part. Of course, till he actually woke up and got ready, I was sure I would have to drive by myself and figure out how my tired legs would drive back home.
The race had wave starts, something I was not used to. I had signed up with an estimated time so that I was in the last wave - very disheartening but I knew it didn't matter given that it was the chip time that mattered. So, I was in the last group to take off and it felt absolutely great as standing around in the 55 degree weather with a wind for maybe an hour was not exactly how I wanted to start the race. Listening to conversations and watching the Bay Bridge in the fog was a good way to spend the time. I am always tongue tied with people the first time I meet them though several of you may find that hard to believe:-) A mile into the race I knew that I absolutely *had* to go to the restroom. Once that was done, I was set for the rest of the race. The first toilet I spotted had two people in line and it seemed like the person inside was going to take time. So I decided to move on - bad decision. By the time the next toilet was in sight there was no way I could wait. I spent twelve whole minutes waiting so much so that I actually saw the last person in the race - that was a first - so something new. With that I knew I could not better my best time but I decided to enjoy the race anyway without being concerned about the time.
With renewed energy I took off and loped along till the first hill which I felt was conquered really well especially when I overtook several people walking thanks to my hill training sessions. This then brought me to a stretch connecting the trail to the Golden Gate Bridge. Since I was way towards the end, there were innumerable people passing the other way having already gone over the bridge. The energy level on that bridge is absolutely amazing and that alone carries me through the entire stretch with a great deal of enthusiasm. And as I remembered it, yes, the bridge was clouded in fog but not so much that it blocked the vision so it was fantastic.
Upon returning from the bridge there was a long hill going into Golden Gate park. At the top of that hill was the most breathtaking view of the race in my opinion. There was the Pacific Ocean dashing against the cliffs with a view of all the houses at the back and all the greenery around. I could have sat there for an hour just watching the waves. That was also the start of a highly energising downhill run. Soon after, the runners finishing the first half marathon were gone and a few of us trudged along. This stretch of race can be a dampener especially after all that energy. Of course, it helped to know that I was half way done and I message hubby accordingly. I was feeling pretty good till mile 15 all of this through the park but by 16 it felt like I might be a little tired. By 18 I was thinking, gosh, am I crazy - did I really sign up to do this again? All along, the views in the park were beautiful. Thanks to all the rain this year, it was especially green, the lakes looked very peaceful and the only sounds were those of tired feet around or the birds.
From the park, the route came out to Haight street, which I didn't seem to have noticed the last time I ran this race. I made a mental note of all the interesting restaurants I saw along the way, deciding that I had to come back here to eat; the most interesting name was "Squat and Gobble". By mile 20, I had regained my spirit and had decided to continue with a steady pace, no matter what the time because I knew I was going to cross the 5:00 hour barrier. Hubby called and I let him know where I was. By then, he had come back with my son to cheer me at the finish line. My 12 year old daughter proclaimed the previous day that she only wanted to sleep. There was of course a time when both would come happily to cheer their mom excitedly.
I also learned some trivia about the city and some quotations because these had been put up all along the route. By mile 21 though I was thinking - I really don't care anymore about these trivia questions. I just want to focus on my hard task ahead. Confucious said (not exact words but to the effect) that no matter what the pace, keep moving. The official bird of San Francisco city is the California Quail. The ones about Ansel Adams and the Transamerica Pyramid were what I already knew.
After mile 21 I just kept focused on achieving the next mile with a goal of 25 as I knew hubby and son were waiting around there. At about mile 24 I arrived at the AT&T parking lot, going onto mile 25 near the stadium. Soon after I spotted them; my son had made signs all on his own to support me, we chatted a bit as they ran along the outside of the path, one of the photographers took a picture of mom and son and they ran along a bit before hubby decided that my son was wearing out my energy and I needed to save it for the end. That did, however, really help with at least half a mile when I soon saw the marker for 26. As with a few prior races, I know not where that strength comes from but the last .2 miles were done sprinting to the finish line. Hurrah! Another one down. I know this is crazy but I have planned my next one five months from today as there is a marathon in California on my birthday. What better way to celebrate it!
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