The Long Trip

“It has been a long trip,” said Milo, climbing onto the couch where the princesses sat; “but we would have been here much sooner if I had not made so many mistakes. I’m afraid it’s all my fault.”

“You must never feel badly about making mistakes,” explained Reason quietly, “as long as you take the trouble to learn from them. For you often learn more by being wrong for the right reasons than you do for being right for the wrong reasons.”

“But there is so much to learn,” he said, with a thoughtful frown.

“Yes, that’s true,” admitted Rhyme; “but it’s not just learning things that’s important. It’s learning what to do with what you learn and learning why you learned things at all that matters.”

“That’s just what I mean,” explained Milo as Tock and the exhausted bug drifted quietly off to sleep. “Many of the things I’m supposed to know seem so useless that I can’t see the purpose of learning them at all.”

“You may not see it now,” said the Princess of Pure Reason, looking knowingly at Milo’s puzzled face, “but whatever you learn has a purpose and whatever we do affects everything and everyone else, even in the tiniest way. Why, when a housefly flaps his wings, a breeze goes round the world; when a speck of dust falls to the ground, the entire planet weighs a little more; and when you stamp your foot, the earth moves slightly off its course. Whenever you laugh, gladness spreads like the ripple in a pond; and whenever you’re sad, no one anywhere can really be happy. And it’s much the same with knowledge, for whenever you learn something new, the whole world becomes much richer.”

“And remember, also,” added the Princess of Sweet Rhyme, “that many places you would like to see are just off the map and many things you want to know are just out of sight or a little beyond your reach. But someday you’ll reach them all, for what you learn today, for no reason at all will help you discover the wonderful secrets of tomorrow.”

---from The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

The Rock and Roll San Diego Marathon on Sunday marks the end of a 2 year, 5 marathon journey and will serve as the launching point for my next adventure (Ironman).

Making the transition from "weekend athlete" to runner has been amazing. I have experienced the highs and lows of running, I have taken the good alongside the bad. I have run through all imaginable elements, rain and snow, hot and cold. I have run through pain and injury. I have run when angry, tired and just plain giddy. Running hs become a part of who I am. I can't imagine life without it.

Running has taught me a thing or two about life as well. It has changed who I am. It will continue to change me. Running has proven to me that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. It has shown me that dreams do come true if you are willing to make the sacrifices.

I don't know what to expect in San Diego. I want to run the good race. I want to give it my best. I want to break the 5 hour mark.

But more importantly, I want to see the places that are just off the map. I want to see the things just out of sight or beyond my reach. I want to discover the wonderful secrets of tomorrow. And I know that some how, some way, running will help make these things happen. Not necessarily today, or tomorrow, or Sunday. But definitely some day.

Deja Poo

Cows, sheep, camels, giraffes, buffaly. These are ruminants. They are designed to eat leafy plant materials.

Their eating habits go something like this.

"Boy my fellow ruminant friend, that leafy plant material down there sure looks tasty. I think I will eat some"

Chomp. Chew. Chew. Chew.

Gulp.

Bleck.

"Mmmm. This partially digested grass sure is tasty."

Gulp

Bleck

"Mmmm. This partialy digested grass sure is tasty."

Gulp.

Bleck.

"Mmmm. This partially digested grass sure is tasty."

Pbltttt

"Hey my ruminant friends, watch where you step. I just finished digesting that tasty leafy plant material and have anally purged the remaining waste. I don't want you, my ruminant friends to step in it."

Ruminants evolved a digestive system that is designed to break down leafy plant materials. They have four stomachs, each specialized to take leafy plant material and turn it into life-sustaining nutrients.

Well, I had a salad for a primary meal each day this week. It is part of my healthy eating diet.

And in doing such, I learned something.

I am clearly not a ruminant animal. I have not evolved the ability to digest leafy plant material. And it became more and more evident as the week progressed. So by Thursday, here was my experience.

"Mmmm, Salad. I am so happy I am eating healthy."

pblttttt (about 3 hours later)

wipe wipe wipe

"Oh look, undigested leafy plant material"

flush.

pbltttt. pbltttt. pbltttt (about 6 hours post-meal)

wipe wipe wipe

"Oh look, more undigested leafy plant material"

flush.

This process has been repeating itself about every 4 - 6 hours since Thursday.

So it shouldn't be a surprise when I say that my 8 mile run this morning was nothing more than 8 miles of runs.

It started off good enough. But by the first water stop, two miles in, I snuck off to the bathroom for a few minutes. It was more a proactive step and this isn't out of the ordinary for me. The next three miles went great. I was maintaining a good pace and felt pretty good.

Then, out of no where, it struck me. Actually, it blind-sided me. I was hit by a fecal emergency. And not a minor, it will work itself out type of emergency. But a "Oh crap, where is the nearest bathroom, or tree, for that matter" type of fecal emergency. The kind where you can't speed up or it's all over. But if you slow down, it's only going to be longer. And you really need to get to that bathroom so slowing down shouldn't be considered, but it is your only option. You are basically up shit creek without a paddle (literally).

After about 10 long and grueling minutes, I managed to make it back to the bathroom. After taking care of business, the last two miles went fine.

So, as I enter marathon week, my diet becomes a primary concern. I don't want to be "that guy", the one who takes an extended break in a port-a-potty. So I will be paying close attenting to what I consume throughout the week while focsing on eating healthy.

But leafy plant material will not be a part of the diet.

Mental or Physical

Mental or Physical
Mental or Physical?
Bad runs?
Is it mental?
All in your head.
Or is it physical?
The body just won't cooperate.

And by bad runs, I mean running, so please stop with the diarrhea jokes already, I will cover those at another time.

But seriously, I had one of THOSE runs today. One that is hard to explain. And I can't figure out whether the run sort of sucked because it was all in my head or because the body wasn't ready for it.

Sure, I could make a claim for the head-case issue. I am pretty superstitious when it comes to athetics. I always dust off the pitchers mound before every pitch in softball. I draw a line in the sand before every one of my serves in volleyball and have to serve behind it. In tennis, I rub my belly before I receive every serve. It is the little things that make me the athlete (term used loosely) that I am. It's sports psycology 101.

And today, I didn't follow a single one of my mid-week running routines.

I wasn't wearing the right socks, they came up over my ankle. I didn't have my Adidas visor (or any other visor) and I always run in a visor. I tried wearing sunglasses, and I never wear sunglasses when I run. I put my right shoe on before my left shoe. I didn't have my i-pod with me. And probably the worst thing I did was that I was chewing Trident peperment and it was the whitening type and not the original Trident which is the only gum I chew running.

While the run was going well, I didn't even think about any of these things. Only when the run started going bad, did I realize all those things I did differently.

But then again, it could have been a physical thing. After all, it was 90+ outside when the run started and macho me chose not to bring any water with me and ran right past the water fountains 1.5 miles into the run. I also started the first 2 miles at about a 10 minute per mile pace, not too fast, but probably too fast for 6 miles in that heat. The first 2 miles were mostly in the shade and flat. About the time the route became more hilly, I lost the shade and felt the energy rapidly being sucked from my body. And my pores were completely open and sweat was pouring out.

Miles three and four were brutal. I was tired. I was dehydrated. I was thinking about everything I did wrong in preparing for this run. The hills were kicking my butt. And that gum. I couldn't figure out why I was chewing that gum (and I did have my normal running gum in my car with me so there really wasn't any reason for me to have that gum in my mouth). The sunglasses were bugging me and sweat was getting into my eyes because I didn't have a visor catching it.

Yep, mentally I was shot. Physically, I was shot.

And then I saw a snake on the path.

And that didn't change a damn thing.

So at some point between miles three and four, I decided to pit my mental self versus my physical self and see which side would get me through those last 2 miles.

And the challenge was on.

Mentally, I was able to tell myself that I shouldn't be tired after just 4 miles and if I was tired, just treat it like the last several miles at the marathon. Perseverance will win out. Sure, I was a little deydrated, but that will happen on race day, too. And the gum, does it really make a difference? And everything else, just suck it up and play. Quit making excuses. You are going to have to get back to your car sooner or later. Why not make it sooner? My mental side was really giving my physical side a good ass chewing.

And it worked!

My physical side started realizing that I was just running 6 miles. Sure, I usually only take that particular trail 3 - 4 miles, but it was only 6 miles today and I have run further in hotter conditions. I can run 6 miles in my sleep. I really wasn't that dehydrated. Plus, I was re-approaching the flat, shady part of the course so the run was bound to get easier.

And surprisingly enough, I started to once again perform better. Not as good as the first 2 miles. But better than the middle 2 miles.

All in all, I averaged just over 11 minute miles for the 6 miles, slower than I would have liked to run it, but that is OK.

Because I think I finally learned that for whatever reason.

Today.

Now.

Running (at least 6 miles and probably 26 miles) is more mental than physical.

This run and this lesson came at that perfect time in my marathon training.

I am ready for the marathon, physically. I can do it. And I can do it faster than ever before.

But before I start, I need to remember a few simple things.

Avoid mental distractions.

Put that left shoe on first.

Make sure I pack the visor for San Diego.

Leave the sunglasses in the car.

But most importantly, chew the right kind of gum.

Time Management Issues

Anyone else have problems with time management or is it just me.

Seriously, where does the time go?

It seems like anymore I am always on the run, going somewhere. Doing this or that. Laundry is done on a "as needed" basis (although yes mom, I still was my sheets once a week, just like you taught me and I have plenty of clean underwear).

My yard, oh my yard. When I first bought my house, my goal was to have stadium-perfect lawn. You know that thick, soft, green bed of carpet that gets cut once a week. Hell, I used to take the time to mow patterns in the grass. Circles, thatch patterns, diamonds, really whatever I was in the mood for. Yes. Too much time on my hands. The sad thing is, since adopting Shiner, the back yard is in better shape than ever.

Also, when I moved to KC six years ago, I had a nightly TV line-up. Now, there isn't a single show on TV that I watch on a regular basis. If it isn't sports or a movie on one of my 14 HBOs or 20 other movie channels, it is a safe didn't see it. Don't talk to me about American Idol or House or 24 or whatever the new, trendy show is. References to Sex and the City or The Soprano's are wasted on me. Every now and then, I catch myself watching Law and Order re-runs, but that is usually while I am eating dinner. At this point in my life, I can't imagine what is so great about anything a network may be able to put on.

Oh, I do watch the Daily Show and the Colbert Report, almost religiously. But I have to get my news from somewhere.

Yes, I know where the time goes. Still, I really need to figure out how to add about 3 more hours to my day. Of course, this needs to be done while I add a third night of sand volleyball, join a kickball league and start a more intense training plan as I turn my attention to the Redman Ironman, all happening in June.

And we can't forget the necessity of time for dating - if I ever get around to asking out one of a couple different women I have been told I really need to go out with and have been using the "time" excuse for not taking a chance with them.

Yep. somewhere, somehow, I need more time in my day.

Here's one idea I had. God how I miss Calvin and Hobbs.

What do you think? Should I take scientific progress to a new level. Is the world ready for another Kevin?

Or would it just be scientific progress going "Boink?"

Brick training

I did brick training this morning for the first time. For those that don't know, brick training is when you perform two diciplines back-to-back. Today it was a bike-run brick. The bike ride was just 18 miles (4 loops), with a lot of hills and the run was only about 2 miles. Nothing too it.

It took two trips to the bike shop and an adjustment to the front derailleur, but this morning, Really Fast Bike finally started performing like I expected. Sure, going up the really steep hills sucked. But going down, wow. It was incredible.

I hit 38.8 mph on one downhill stretch.

And almost hit a squirrel on another stretch. That little bastard scampered across the road right in front of me and froze. I was going fast enough that swerving would have resulted in a nasty wipeout. I could only hope that squirrel would move. Thankfully, it did.

And almost hit a snake on another stretch. This snake was not your ordinary run of the mill garden variety snake, either. It was black and long. I would say at least 4 feet, if not pushing 5 feet long and stretched out across the road. Fortunately, I recognized the obstacle early enough take preventative action. But it was, as far as snakes go, a pretty amazing specimen.

The best part about the ride, though, was the coasting down some of the minor decines. I got in the tuck position and coasted, with the occasional pedalling, jut to keep some rhythm to the ride.
And still managed a 25+mph pace.

And passed people that were busy pedalling trying to maintain a slower pace than my coasting pace. I chuckled as I went by, but only on the inside.

Really Fast Bike may actually be living up to its name.

I was the only one in the group that did the 4 loops around the lake. So everyone was waiting on my to start the run after I finished that final loop. Which was good because I got to experience the transition as it would happen in the triathlon.

The transition and run was fine. My stomach wasn't in the best of conditions (it was having a rough morning) so I didn't run hard, but the legs didn't put up a fight. And I was feeling pretty strong.

All in all, my first brick training went pretty well.

Now just imagine what it will be like when I am not hungover!

reflections on joining TNT

I was asked to speak at a TNT recruitment meeting tomorrow night. Not a big deal, really. I have done it before and I will be doing it again. It is kind of fun, actually.

And as I sit here organizing my thoughts, I am reflecting on the events that got me involved with Team In Training and how those events got me where I am today.

I remember my recruiting meeting quite well. I remember how I couldn't get out of there fast enough. Sure, I was interested, but wasn't going to commit that night. I really needed to sleep on it. So as soon as Katie ended the meeting, I was outa there.

And I figured since the LLS offices are within a stones throw from my house, I would just drop the forms the following day - once I talked myself into it.

I was never really concerned about the fundraising. And in all honesty, I was never really concerned about completing the distance - it might take me a while, but I would finish. My biggest fear and what was holding me back was the finality of signing up. Once I signed up, there was no backing out. If I committed, I had to follow through. Once I got my letters out, everyone I knew would be aware of my new dream. And at that point, failure was not an option.

So the next day, I filled out the forms and on the way home from work, drove by the offices to drop off the forms. I pulled in the parking lot and immediately backed out and left because I was scared, nervous, anxious.

So the day after the next day, I drove by the offices to drop off the forms. This time, I didn't even pull into the parking lot. I just drove right by and headed home. Still nervous, scared, anxious, and now, feeling plain stupid.

Finally on the day after the day after the next day, I e-mailed a friend that ran RNR-SD with the TNT a year earlier and she responded with an e-mail telling me that I would meet supermotivated people and that no one plans for failure and that I should just do it. Plus, I might even meet my future wife on the team and if nothing else, it is a great pick-up line at the bar - hi I am running a marathon to help sick children, would you be willing to help out. Either way, she told me to just do it.

And then, on the way to the LLS offices, Van Halen's Right Now came on the radio...

Don't wanna wait til tomorrow, 
Why put it off another day? 
One more walk through problems, 
Built up, and stand in our way ,ah 
One step ahead, one step behind me 
Now you gotta run to get even 
Make future plans, don't dream about yesterday, hey 
C'mon turn, turn this thing around
Right now, hey 
It's your tomorrow 
Right now, 
C'mon,it's everything 
Right now, 
Catch a magic moment, do it 
Right here and now
It means everything ...  

If it is one thing I have learned in life, it is not to argue with Sammy Hagar lyrics. So with the combined encouragement of my friend and Sammy Hagar, I found my way into the offices and joined the team.

And THEN came the hard part.

I had to convince people I was serious about running a marathon in order to get them to donate. And trust me, since I was weighing in at a hair over 25o at the time, this was no easy task. Hell neither of my sisters took me seriously at first. My parents insisted on going to Phoenix with me to witness the feat (actually, having my parents at the marathon supporting me meant a lot).

In January 2005, I crossed the finish line of my first marathon. I have crossed 3 more finish lines since then. In less than 3 weeks, I will have completed my 5th marathon in under 18 months. I never would have seen the start of a single one of these races, let alone cross the finish line, without TNT.

I signed up with TNT because I wanted to run a marathon. Raising money to fight leukemia was just a way to get me to the starting line. But over time, my dream of finishing a marathon began intertwined with TNT and the goals of the LLS.

And in all honesty, I keep getting up for those Saturday morning long runs because of the people running with me. It is amazing how many people I run with that pass me on the trail and we exchange things like "Good job", "Way to go", or, my personal favorite "Looking good" (because my response is "I always look good" and everyone has a laugh). It doesn't matter whether you are running a 7 minute mile or walking a 15 minute mile, people are constantly encouraging each other. The experience during training is extremely positive.

But it pales in comparison to the actual event when people see your purple TNT singlet and for the entire 26 miles, are cheering you on like you were their best friend.

Wow, I wish everyone could experience that feeling.

And as my friend told me when encouraging me to sign up, I have met countless great friends through TNT.

Still looking for that elusive wife.

But have plenty of friends.

And look forward to meeting the next group of runners that will be starting shortly.

The ones I am recruiting tomorrow.

And because it is for the Nike Woman's Marathon.

Maybe I will be meeting my future wife????

Just kidding.

But not really.

Well sort of.

Chasing down co-workers

Sometimes, it really helps to make a game out of running. Case-in-point was my run today.

A couple of my co-workers are getting ready for the Corporate Challenge 5K this weekend and just happened to be running the same route as me. At the same time.

But there was no way I was going to run with them. Not because I was worried them running too fast or too slow for them, but just because I like running my weekday runs alone. It helps me unwind from the day.

But, because I was few minutes late leaving work, they were already starting their run when I was pulling into the parking lot. I was in no real hurry to get started as I still had to put my shoes on, go to the bathroom, etc. But all along I was thinking to myself, how much of a head start could I give them and still be able to catch them, knowing they were going about 3.5 miles.

I had no ideal how fast they actually ran so I had no clue about how much time I should be killing.

So I loitered for about 5 minutes before starting.

And then the chase was on.

The chase really helped what would have been a rather difficult run. I really wasn't feeling the magic in my stride I had been feeling the past week and a half. I am also flirting with a cold.

But damnit, I was determined to catch them.

And I did.

I caught Lisa about 2 miles into the run and finally caught up with Pilar just before we finished.

I also averaged a 9:50 pace for the run.

And the best part was that, at the end of the run, Lisa, who I have been friends with for 4 years now, told me "you have really nice legs".

And usually, when she says something like that, she is joking. We tease each other all the time.

But the tone of her voice was different.

I think she actually meant it.

Now if I can only get my upper body to match my lower body.

sigh.

that may just be too much work.

but we can always hope!!!

Me and Little Miss Running Pants go for a ride

I had a 15 mile training session on Really Fast Bike (I really need a better name for the bike)

So did Little Miss Running Pants

So we met at the downtown airport and rode together.

Of course, being the safe kids that we were, we both had helmets to wear.

But only one of ours actually fit.

It may have been one of the funnier sites in recent memory, but LMRP's helmet would possible fit my niece (pictured below), but only if the straps were completely loosened and she shaved her head. In her defense, it claimed to be a woman's helmet on the label and her head really is a normal size. But there was no way it would protect her from a fall. So she chose to go without.

So I debated. Wear my helmet or, to make her feel better about not having one, go without.

Tough decision. You see, I feel that I am a good enough rider that I shouldn't need a helmet. But I can also get up to 30 - 35 mph on Really Fast Bike. That is pretty fast and I will wipe out at some point at some point. So I wore it.

LMRP, no doubt, will have a bigger helmet next time we go out riding.

We had a good right. 16+ miles in a little over an hour - 15.5 mph average pace.

Best of all, I didn't drop the chain once. This is a first for Really Fast Bike. Hopefully it will be a trend that continues.

But the bike still needs some minor adjustments. Hopefully, I can make an appointment for it to see the bike doctor some time early next week.

6 mile run tomorrow. Should be a good one.

OKC Pics

Pics, finally. I can't wait for the comments!!!

Pre-race smiles. That is the Oklahoma memorial in the background. Boy, do I look happy!!!

I almost look too happy.




















Here is the marathon start. I am not in this picture so don't waste a lot of time looking for me.




















Because I am running so fast.

I am just a blur




























The tree in the background is known as the "Survivor Tree". It was at ground zero the day the bomb exploded, but somehow managed to survive. It has become a symbol of hope for OKC. Its image is also found on the medal.



Running past the state capitol was fun.

Did you know that the entire time I lived in Oklahoma, the capitol was missing the dome. It was finally added to the capitol building a few years ago.
















Here we are running around Lake Hefner. I am still running with Gina at this point. We are approaching mile 14, where I send her off on her own.



















My niece is running towards me at mile 20. I am pretty sure, at this point, she is running faster than me.





















And here are my niece and nephew giving me some words of encouragement. I think their words were "Go faster. We're hungry and we can't get lunch until you are done".














So I am sprinting towards the finish line. Look at those amazingly long strides.




















And crossing the finish line!!!





Finally!



What a great run




Here is the medal. It is still my favorite design to date. The Goofy medal was neat, don't get me wrong, but this one has class.



"Honor - Celebrate - Reach - Unite - A Run To Remember"

Good Times!

It's just 3 miles, but...

Three weeks ago, I modified my diet. The results have been amazing.

I have lost weight.

I have more energy.

But most importantly, I am running better. Today, was no exception.

I ran three miles today.

Mile 1 - 10:06
Mile 2 - 9:48
And are you ready for this?

Are you really ready?

Mile 3 - 8:48

Friggin an 8:48 mile. I don't remember the last time I ran an 8:48 mile.

But it felt great.


Oh, and I promise to have pictures of OKC up this weekend. There are some fun ones.

Bike Update

So I took the bike to the store over lunch and they fixed it.

Apparently, my superfast wheels didn't necessarily fit perfectly into my superfast wheels. The divit in the tire was a result of the tire beads not being set just perfectly.

So, the bike repair dude takes out this tool that resembles, for a lack of better description, a giant tooth extractor. And then he takes the inflated tire and just starts wiggling and pulling on it.

As he is tugging on the tire, he explained to me what happened.

I ask, "so could this happen if I have to change a tire while riding."

His response "yep".

Nothing more.

No, "well and if it does, this is how you can fix it if you are stuck in the middle of no where."

Great. I am now wondering if I need to buy the giant tooth extractor and find a way to strap it on my bike.

But I did take the bike out for a quick spin after my 3-mile recover run and, holy crap, it was heavanly. I think at one point, I coasted for 1/4 mile. Effortless peddling.

Wow!

Nothing to complain about here.

Well, there are going to have to be some minor adjustments to the seat and handlebars as the seat was jabbing into, well, you know.

And speaking of the first post-marathon run, it went great. I was a little stiff at first, but loosened up nicely.

Three miles.

11:01, 10:50, 10:39.

Bike Update

So I picked up my new bike on Friday and finally got to take it for a test ride tonight.

Here is how it went.

Pedal, pedal, pedal, coast.

Thump

Thump

Thump

Thump

I stop. Look at the front tire.

Warped!!!!!!

ARGH?!?!?!?

Back to the bike shop we go.

OKC Marathon Recap

It was a perfect morning. Not a lot of wind and temperatures in the 50s. The sky was clear and it was going to get warm - incentive to finish really fast.

The marathon start sent chills up my spine - just like last year. There is something about standing amongst some 10,000+ other runners for 168 seconds in dead silence. All you could hear were birds chirping and a helecopter overhead. The national anthem following just topped off the moment.

The we were off. There are 3 different races; the marathon, the 1/2 marathon and the 5K. Being in the middle of all those runners streaming past the Oklahoma Memorial was quite a rush. Of the runners, about 2000 were there for the marathon.

I was running the first portion of the run with Gina, who was dead-set on breaking 5 hours. My goal was to be at a 5 hour pace at mile 20. Both of us have a habit of starting out too fast. Of course, we were guilty of this yet again. Fortunately, we both made efforts to hold each other back and it worked, more or less.

Just past the state capitol building, I encoutered another reminder about the reason for this run. A girl in her mid 20s ran past me. On her back was a picture of a woman and a teenage girl. Written "In memory of mom. I love you". Emotional moment.

The next few miles took us through some older neighoborhoods and past a fully stocked bar in front of one house. Gina wouldn't let me stop.

About 6 miles in, we approached the first relay exchange point. My opinions on relay runners will come later this week. So check back.

At mile 8, Gina and I are both in a zone. Kicking it at about a 10:30 mile pace. And then Gina tells me she has to go to the bathroom. I politely point to a tree lined creekbed and tell her I will wait for her. She decided to wait for the port-a-potty at the next waterstop. Her and several other runners.

So here was my delima. Keep going or wait on her. I chose to wait. And stopped my watch. I mean, it wasn't me going to the bathroom I shouldn't be punished for waiting on my friend. Should I? So about 4 minutes later, we are on our way again.

We get cross the 1/2 marathon at 2:25 (or 2:21 by my watch - that's a PR for the 1/2 marathon - a good thing)

Then, less than 1/4 mile later, we are running up and overpass, and the calf twitched. Damnit!?! My stupid calves. So much for pace. They didn't actually cramp, but it might as well have. It was only a matter of time.

I sent Gina on, stretched and continued. But I lost my energy and emotionally, I was done. The next 4 - 5 miles, around the lake, I ran mad. slower. But mad.

You see, my calves are unpredictable and drive me crazy - kind of like a couple of girls I used to date. When they are on, I can look good, really good. But on their off-day, they just drag me down with them. And yesterday was clearly an off-day.

But I kept going, and had good stretches and ok stretches. I mixed a couple short walks amongst the running, primarily up hills because that is what triggers the cramping. But mostly it is an easy jog, 11 - 12 minute mile pace.

The 5 hour pace group passes me, at about mile 19, and like rubbing salt in the wound, the balloon identifying the group hits me in the head as they pass me. But I wasn't worried. I had a 4 minute grace period thanks to the pit stop. I cross the 20 mile mark shortly later. And I was still under a 5 hour marathon pace. So all was good.

After that, I started having fun again. I was in coast mode, no longer caring about my time. And I started interacting again with spectators and volunteers. I almost feel bad for one volunteer, but it wasn't my fault she had no humor.

Our conversation at about mile 25:

her: turn right

me: left

her: no, right.

me: but you're pointing left

her: no, your right, my left

me: so I turn left then

her: no, yes, I mean just go that way (pointing).

me: how about I just go straight?

her: whatever

The people around me were cracking up. I was back.

The last mile was fun,

BUT, and this is my only complaint about the marathon other than the relay concept, the finish line is maddening. I saw it from about 1/3 of a mile away.

And it was the longest 1/3 of a mile ever.

You hear the excitement, you see where you want to be, but it is so far away. It probably took me 4 minutes from the time I saw the finish line to actually crossing it. You just can't cover that ground fast enough.

I finished in 5:27:08 chip time, 6 seconds slower than my pace for the same run last year. I did have that 4 minute delay AND I put it into coast after the 20 mile mark. So I was pleased with my result - especially with the calf issue.

Not bad for a training run.

And I even came up with my new favorite running quote. Look for it in San Diego.

Pictures later!