Jan 14 2007
The Big 2-0
Well…I did it. I ran 20 miles yesterday. It was 37 degrees at start time, and the temperature barely reached the mid 40s by the time we finished, three and a half hours later. So much for sunny California. A chilly, moist wind blew off the ocean at 15 MPH most of the day. But the Racin’ Eights fought through with the help of our fantastic, inspirational pace leaders, and lots of GU, Gatorade, Gummy Bears, and Pretzels. The route went from the center of Venice Beach up to California Ave. in Santa Monica, then all the way down to Playa del Rey and back again. It’s a beautiful course right along the beach, but I must admit to remembering very little scenery. After about ten miles, my focus remains dead ahead. Last night I dreamt of pavement, and the backs of dozens of heads bobbing up and down before me.
The highlight of my run was bridging a three minute gap to the group when I stopped to use the facilities at mile thirteen. Oh, and of course, it was against the wind. The idea of soloing seven miles to the finish was not an option. There is something about the goup dynamic. Fifty people running two-by-two in a steady train of effort and support. I know millions of people train for marathons by themselves, but I fear I would not have finished yesterday had I not caught back on, and I know my marathon training as a whole would have ended months ago without the camaraderie and teamwork of the Roadrunners.
So today, I’m sore. I have illotibial band syndrome (runner’s knee) in my left knee, which means lots of ice and a longer recovery time. With six weeks to race day, we still have 20 and 22 mile training runs to go. I’ve decided to run my marathon in support of the March of Dimes. Please check out The Dash for Dimes page to learn more about why I’m doing this and how you can help.
