The L.A. Dime

Well, it’s over. And I finished. Not quite at the time I had hoped, but given the 81 degree temps, and that it was my first time, I’m pleased — mostly that I finished strong. I made a decision around mile 12 to fall behind my pace group. I could have stayed with them for a few miles longer, but felt that if I did, I’d be putting myself in the red zone and endangering my finish. I hooked up with fellow Racin’ 8s, Shelby and Miranda, and together we fought our way to the end and a 5:28 time.

The spirit throughout town was amazing. Hip Hollywood. Rich Hancock Park. Colorful Korea Town. Gospel singers in South Central. And literally thousands of people shouting our names as we kicked through downtown toward the finish. It’s something to experience at least once, and I remain convinced that anyone can do it with the right training.

Huge, gigantor thanks go out to Tina, Dad, Manfred, Mark D, Faleena, Michelle and Sam, for traveling the course on the crowded metro trains to keep me inspired. Andrew and Sky from my 206B class — it was amazing to see you guys, and it provided a huge lift. Mark S and Nancy where by the Coliseum urging me to “Fight On!” Greg was atop 23 on the gorgeous 6th street bridge, and Aiyana ran a quarter mile with me up to the finish, encouraging me to finish strong. Moira, Andy, Chong and Elena came out, and though I missed them, I’m immensely grateful for the effort. I ran into Jan and his bro-in-law, Mark G, on the course, and they both finished the race ahead of me — Jan did the whole thing with a stress fracture in his foot. Freak.

There were also about 12 text messages and phone calls I received along the way, all of which were much appreciated. It’s a blessing to have such an amazing group of friends and family — I could not have done it without you. Who’s running next year?

More pictures to follow.

Two days before the race, and my Dash for Dimes has raised $840 for The March of Dimes, which will be matched to $2520 thanks to Stu and Ashley Brown.

Much love and gratitude to all my sponsors: the Kerstens, Callahans, Registers, Jen & Kelly, Shannon, Kim, Anne, Laurie, Jan, Frank, Chong, and the Group 7 Road Runners Diva. I’ll be thinking of you all as I march through the City of Angels. Your support means the world to me. Big huge thanks to Dad and Manfredo for making the trip out to LA to cheer from the sidewalk with Tina.

The race starts at 8:15 AM Pacific, and I will have my cell phone with me for the majority of the race, so feel free to call or text me as I go. Hopefully, I’ll be crossing the finish line before 1:00.

Click here to see our 12-week ultrasound video with 4D imaging at the end.

Big news. We’re pregnant! We went for a full ultrasound last Friday, and saw our little one bouncing around in the womb at a mere three months old. Everything is where it should be, the blood work is normal, and we’re absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness.  The sex was left undetermined at my dear bride’s request, but I think it’s a girl. She thinks she saw a wienie, but who knows. Doesn’t matter.

Photos below from 7, 9, and 12 weeks, including a 3D image. We have a video, too, so if I can rip the DVD I’ll post it. Stay tuned for more baby news, and thanks to all who have given us love and support.

Hamlin House regular and fellow Trojan Alum, Aaron Thomas, has been nominated for an NAACP Award for his episode of Friday Night Lights, entitled Full Hearts. This is a tremendous honor for any writer, let alone a first year staffer. Competition is tough, with Shonda Rhimes (also a Trojan), creator of Grey’s Anatomy, in the same category, but we wish him the best of luck.

Aaron is already this blogger’s hero for getting paid to write about football all day. For more about Aaron check out:

http://www.usc.edu/uscnews/stories/13499.html

http://www.artfradieufilms.com/

In general, I hate the Oscars. I hate all of the red carpet nonsense, the montages, the music numbers, and most of the time, even the “comedy.” And yet, I watch. I’m compelled for reasons I shall never fully understand.

This year Mark D and Jan came over to watch. Jan made scrumptious homemade pizza, and Mark decorated my Marathon shirt for me. USC and UK logos, plus a memorial over my heart for the little one we lost last year.

As for the awards themselves, I was not surprised. Supporting Actress was a weak field in my opinion, and while I wasn’t shocked to see American Idol loser, Jennifer Hudson, win for Dream Girls, I think Cate Blanchett was more deserving.

Best live action short was won by Ari Sandel — it was his USC thesis film. A Westside Story remake about the conflict between Jews and Palestinians in the West Bank. Funny idea and a great speech to boot. It cost him $70,000 to make.

I was thrilled for Michael Arndt, writer of Little Miss Sunshine. That was the only award I cared about, and was very pleased the Academy got it right. Best film of the year if you ask me.

I am happy for Marty, though. I don’t think The Departed is a great movie, his best effort, or the best film of the year, but he deserves to have one, so why not now?

Good to see my boy Al Gore fighting climate change, not taking himself or the 2002 hijacking of the democratic process too seriously, and winning an Oscar. Despite the fact that climate change really isn’t a political issue, as he says, “it’s a moral issue,” I’m sure the Red States were burning mad to see his movie win and gain access to such a large audience.

More than light bulbs and auto emissions, Al should set his sights on eliminating the Oscars themselves, preventing 300 million cubic tons of hot air from being released into the atmosphere each year.