On the Road Again

This morning dark and early was my seocnd day of running following the re-start.

I was interested in how I would fare running consecutive days after the layoff.

I ran basically the same course around south Santa Monica as Monday and with rather similar results. My knee was a little tender; but, it felt decent and afterwards it has felt better than when I was not running!

This is encouraging.

I do need to get back into racing shape, lengthen the runs, and quicken the pace ...

31:12 of running
2.58 miles
12:05 pace (1 second slower than yesterday)

It's Baaaaaack

This morning I finally got a chance to try running again.

I had decided to rest my knee and the past few weeks have seen various levels of difficulty and soreness.

After giving it 30 days of relative ease (no running since the Victory Run), I got up dark and early this morning for a test trot.

I took a little lap around Pico and then towards Santa Monica Airport. Nothing too spectacular or fast; but, I made it. A little sore.

The speed was not very high; the senior pace leader for my LA Roadrunners group had said restart slowly (in fact this pace was probably quicker than suggested!). Plus, I was not sure what to expect and felt better having some success than risking disaster.

The big thing was starting again. Now, to see what tomorrow brings ...

31:09 of running
12:04 pace (slow :-( )
2.58 miles

Top 10 Moments for My Marathon

Well, just ten moments from the whole process ....

1. Finishing!

2. Starting the Los Angeles Marathon ... I Love L.A.

3. Starting LA Roadrunners

4. People Reading and Commenting on Blog

5. Finishing the 20-Miler ... Struggling, But Finishing

6. The 15-Miler in the Rain

7. Hearing L.A. Roadrunners Chant the first time

8. "Menudo Time" on San Vicente during the Marathon

9. Newspaper Article ... Surprise I Never Expected When This All Started

10. Dog Attack ... Not Fun

Honorable Mentions: Alex talking to me about the "You can stop running or run and risk permanent injury" decision, Certificate After the 20-Miler, First 5K, The Feeling on Mile 25 Turn, The Ongoing Pain-Run Decision, Getting to Go on the Dodger Stadium Outfield ... TWICE!, getting to Go on the Dodger Stadium Infield ... once!, getting to Go to the Stadium Club at Dodger Stadium (yes, I guess it is obvious I am a Dodgers' fan)

My Marathon Song

I have always had an odd knack for liking theme songs for big things. I am not sure why; I just do. The LA Roadrunners never mentioned this.

Anyways, when this all started, I decided I needed one for my attempt to run a marathon. My life was really in tatters ... breakup, job loss, death of my uncle, niece being sick ... way too much, way too fast. It had been (and still is to a degree) a big struggle.

So, I thought and thought ...

Then it hit me. I chose a song I liked a lot. Coincidentally, the band is from my dad and uncle's hometown, Wigan, England. The song just spoke to me (well except the line about never praying ... I did and do). This was a song I played throughout preparing for the Los Angeles Marathon, before many weekday runs and before and after all the long runs with the Roadrunners. It was a lot different from the adrenaline-building ones I used in track and soccer.

I chose "Bittersweet Symphony" by The Verve. (see down for the video)

'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life
Try to make ends meet
You're a slave to money then you die

I'll take you down the only road
I've ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places where all the veins meet yeah,

No change, I can change
I can change, I can change
But I'm here in my mold
I am here in my mold
But I'm a million different people from one day to the next
I can't change my mold
No, no, no, no, no

Well I never pray
But tonight I'm on my knees yeah
I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeah
I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now
But the airways are clean and there's nobody singing to me now
No change, I can change
I can change, I can change
But I'm here in my mold
I am here in my mold
And I'm a million different people from one day to the next
I can't change my mold
No, no, no, no, no I can't change
I can't change

'Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this life
Try to make ends meet
Try to find some money then you die
I'll take you down the only road I've ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places where all the things meet yeah
You know I can change,
I can change I can change, I can change
But I'm here in my mold
I am here in my mold
And I'm a million different people from one day to the next

I can't change my mold
No, no, no, no, no
I can't change my mold no, no, no, no, no,
I can't change
Can't change my body, no, no, no

I'll take you down the only road
I've ever been down
I'll take you down the only road
I've ever been down
Been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Ever been down
Have you ever been down?
Have you've ever been down?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3lTQljbKLw

It is a song that has always struck me and seemed appropriate ... trying to make sense of life and trying to change. I have been trying to become better through all of this and it has been a long journey since the day in March 2009 on Wigan Pier. Hopefully, I have changed ... at the least, I ran the road.

My Marathon: Part XI

I had crossed the line ... I had run the Los Angeles Marathon.

I was kind of expecting a lightning-bolt moment ... instead, it was kind of, "Hmmm, now what do I do." I did not cry or kneel or anything. I guess I should have done something better.

I knew there was a medal waiting somewhere ... just where? This was different from the 5K i did where people were right there as you crossed.

The woman who had been coordinating the LA Roadrunners practices saw me and the grey shirt and said, "Congratulations." which was nice.

I managed to cross the line functioning; so, no medical care needed. I just started walking. I got the largish heat shield sheet (I need to be warmer? What?).

Then I saw them ... the volunteers with the medals! I walked over and happily received mine around my neck from a nice volunteer woman. I gave a big "THANK YOU!" I had my medal ... I finished (unlike Gordon Ramsay!).

I then saw another Group 7er and Joan the paceleader and we congratulated each other and talked a bit about the race.

I started walking towards the Santa Monica Pier when I saw Danny from Group 7. He was sitting down; so, I went and gave him a big handshake. He got up and we headed down the walkway.

Next came food ... yeah! I received a banana (of course), some more Powerade, some water, a whole bag (!) of bagels, and some nuts as I went down the assembly line-like process.

I now had a handful of food; but, then I saw the photo booth ... so, we both stopped there and had the photo taken with the medal.

Next I saw a friend from Knights of Columbus volunteering with Santa Monica Police Department; so, I had a chat with him. I think he was a tad surprised to see me.

Next came the slow progress and then heading down the Pier. Danny saw a few friends and we all stopped half-way down. I called my parents, a brother and a sister to say I had made it! The last two had gotten worried as the progression emails had stopped half-way through the race.

Eventually, we made it down the hill and want to the Expo. I recollected my kit bag; but, I never did change gear. Danny and I headed to the surprisingly deserted Roadrunners' tent. I am not sure where everyone had gone as it was not like we were hours behind. After some food and relaxation, we both headed around the Expo.

We got a few free samples. Then Danny went to meet his friends to go home ... and after a circuitous route, I headed for Ye Olde Ship.

I had waited a long, long time for this ... I ordered a Boddington's (The Cream of Manchester!) and fish and chips. Yum. Yum. Yum. I thought about my uncle and hoped it had all come true.

After the meal and beer, I started the walk back to St. Anne's. 26.2 miles and ... then walk some more! It was great as around downtown runners with medals and I would exchange "Congratulations!" No time questions. Just mutual respect.

I got back to church and functioning well enough ... it was back to normal: downed an Advil, did paperwork, changing into decent clothes, and then organizing 6 p.m. Mass.

I was now a Marathoner!

My Marathon: Part X

Having made it to Mile 25, I was really getting excited. Obviously, the end was nigh. I did a little revving up motion with my hand.

Then, it was seriously time to revert back to sprinting days. I really went back ... all the way to crossing my right arm over my chest in track turn style.

I did have a nice surprise ... I heard a voice yelling "Mike Ward!" and I glanced and saw a friend from church on his bike taking in events right at the final turn.

At this point I started to lock on the end. I could see the Mile 26 Marker and the subsequent finish line marker. I felt strong, surprisingly, and I felt I could go for speed, as I hoped; so, I did.

I had dreamed about this more or less ... being able to sprint at the end. Being able to go back to the roots ... Servite track. (It must have been noticeable as a fellow Group 7er said she looked up and saw me start to "book it" and decided she should go faster as well).

I began seeing not runners in front; but, "targets." I automatically started plotting attack angles, just like the 800s and Mile Relays and 2 Miles. It worked. I passed a lot of people (I knew it then and now have it confirmed by RunPix ... over the last 4.5 miles, 56 mean people passed me .... I passed 1,177!!!!)

There were lots more people on the sides now; but, their faces just blurred.

My knee was tender; but, I kept going. Crossed Montana. Idaho. Washington. California Here I Come!

Mile 26 ... now it is coming.

.2 miles should seem like nothing and I was moving well; but, it seemed a lot longer than .2 miles!

Wilshire.

Arizona.

Full speed ahead ... dead sprint.

Santa Monica Boulevard ... We Love It! FINISH!

I had done it. I crossed. Los Angeles Marathon ... check!

Official time ... 5:06 (after a few days!). 26.55 miles according to Garmin.

My Marathon: Part IX

As a LA Roadrunner, I was on San Vicente doing training runs numerous times. The San Vicente Urban Obstacle Course became a familiar place, even though storms sometimes eliminated it from our coursework.

Now, I was running the Los Angeles Marathon and I saw that famous island in the middle of the street on the border of Santa Monica and Los Angeles. This time I got to run on the street and not the Urban Obstacle Course of the grassy island with its holes, roots, signs, and other ankle-turning challenges.

Mentally it was great. I knew it was going to be getting easy since the street angles downhill from Los Angeles to Santa Monica. I knew I was close to the end, basically just a 5K. I used to think how odd it was when they would say "Just a 10K"or "Just a 5K"left at the Roadrunners; but, now, I was thinking it!

I felt strong. The pain and agony and all I had heard about and may be feared were not there. I probably felt better than I did early in the race which shocked me!

I was also passing a lot of people easily; I was stunned.

I saw that familiar City of Santa Monica sign and the exclusive houses. I saw the numbers of the streets getting smaller. My pace was getting faster, not slower, which was a nice feeling. My fears of exceeding 20 miles were fading quickly.

I got my last water cup at Mile 24. I was not having problems with dehydration; so, I concluded I could go the rest of the way non-stop. The Roadrunners training had far fewer water stations than the marathon (for comparison, one would be at 26th and San Vicente, one at about Mile 25/Totem Pole, and one at the Casa del Mar Hotel!).

I got my water ... looked up ... there was the sea! The sight I had been waiting a long time for and been thinking about for months.

I had discussed how it would feel during the long runs with my partners. Now, I was living it. I saw Mile 25 Marker and made the turn ...

Motivational Tools

When I was a Servite lad, I had learned many of the dark arts of mental preparation for sports. The teams I was a part of often had a huge advantage as we were mentally stronger than other teams.

The LA Roadrunners had discussed the mental part a bit as well. One of the speakers dealt with motivation and focus for the Los Angeles Marathon, which was good. Still, I felt I needed a bit more being a rookie and having struggled with the 20-Miler.

My first step was shoe selection. I went with the pair that had a nice blood stain from the wet and wild 15-Miler. I wanted the memory of the preparation to be there and always present. All those months of work and training ... I had my reminder.

Next was the caps as I discussed. I had my Roadrunners Group 7 cap; but, I swapped it out in Century City for my black standard. I wanted that little boost of mental energy.

I also added some decorations to my shoes. In track and soccer, I had only had my name on my spikes and boots. I felt I needed a bit more for the marathon ... so, I added in black ink:

- ADW for my uncle
- JWW for my dad who has been facing some health situation
- four Ds ... Desire. Dedication. Discipline. Determination.
- Credo

They were all on the back of the heel; but, I knew they were there.

Any way you can, eh?


I

My Marathon: Part VIII

Having cleared the Veterans Administration facility, I was now heading closer and closer to the homeland, Santa Monica and the happy training grounds of the northern end of the LA Roadrunners course.

Right before the Mile 21 Marker, there was a left turn on the course and I got my first sight of the magic words "San Vicente." It was still Los Angeles; but, San Vicente is a big deal when you are a member of the LA Roadrunners. I got a bit of happiness in my system knowing it was now getting interesting. San Vicente is the end of the line on the northern side of the LA Roadrunners running course. It means I would soon be entering home turf. I passed Mile 21 and saw I was still passing lots of people.

Now, I got my unexpected fun moment for the race. One of the Roadrunners pace captains has such an upbeat attitude and every long run he would say as we neared the water station"things like "Menudo Time!" ... even though for some reason the menudo never quite seemed to be on the table.

So, I am running along San Vicente and I see him just ahead; so, I sped up a bit and was just behind him. He did not know I was there.

I hear him, apparently motivating himself, call out loudly, "Menudo Time!" I was in shock; but, I sped up alongside and chirped, "What no coffee and doughnuts?" "Coffee and doughnuts" was his other frequently-used phrase. he looked at me with my grey Roadrunners shirt on and we both started laughing. I think basically people around us must have assumed heat stroke had set in or we were both just plain insane. For us, it was a bit of inside humor and for me it was like a nice, reenergizing moment of humor that really lightened the mood.

Mile 22 marker came right at Bundy ... now I was definitely in familiar territory and I was excited. Plus, without O.J. Simpson around his old hunting grounds, I could relax even more. I saw two bicycles decked out with Union Jacks (British flags) and somehow presumed they were for me (well, they were not; but, it worked at the time).

I was now in the last 4.2 miles. I was seeing the Los Angeles street numbers go higher and higher. I knew what it meant and it was good, very good.

My Marathon: Part VII

Reaching Mile marker 20 more or less intact and functioning was a big moment. I was now in personal record territory with every step, since the longest LA Roadrunners run had been a shade over 20 miles.

The course now set out the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration facility for the runners. It is a huge place with loads of land donated by one of the early families of Santa Monica.

It is also hilly and kind of bookended the course along with the start. By now I noticed a lot of people who had been ahead of me were a) stopping b) walking c) off to the side in pain Somehow, I managed to avoid all of these; perhaps all those dark and very early mornings were paying off at the right time?

The VA Center had several hills and turns and increasing traffic as walkers clogged the road. At one point, I saw James from Group 7. I asked him if he was o.k. and he replied he was almost out of energy. I offered him a Gu Chomp; but, he said he would make it.

Soon, I had a surprise as for some reason I paid attention to the side of the course and saw the friend from church who had been there so often on the side during the training runs. He was waiting for his daughter to come and did not notice me until I called out rather loudly, "Cadena!" So, it was nice seeing a familiar face.

Next came a big hill. This seemed to be very difficult for many people. For whatever reason I felt pretty good on it and passed a lot of people. May be it was the Servite Days again ... all those times doing stadiums and The Bowl in Hell Weeks ... in a semi-Crocodile Dundee-phrase, "That's not ... THOSE were hills!"

Regardless, I made it to the top and kept going. That was a good feeling as I really felt like this was going to happen. The Los Angeles Marathon now seemed not only possible, but quite likely.

Later, at the LA Running Club Victory Run event, they said an analyst had determined the now newly-named "Purple Heart Hill" was more difficult than the more well-known Heartbreak Hill at the Boston Marathon. The president of the marathon also made an interesting point. he said many people like the Chicago Marathon because it is flat. He questioned why and said the fact that this course is hilly and challenging should make us MORE eager to run it, not less! Interesting way of looking at things ... a lot like the Servite way.

My Marathon: Part VI

Shortly after the cap adjustment and seeing my old work, I hit Mile Marker 18. Being on Santa Monica Boulevard was reassuring because I was quite familiar with it from working in Century City. I think being able to see sights I knew helped especially since it was my first marathon. For example, there is the large Mormon temple and grounds on the north side of the street.

I was feeling pretty good considering I had run a decent distance. Still, I was a bit nervous as this was the zone I had started having trouble with in the lone LA Roadrunners really long run, the 20-Miler. I also was, despite the number of runners and spectators, on my own. I had completely lost contact with my group, my sub-group, ...

So, in a way I did not expect, I went back to the sprinter days, something I had been trying not to do all these months. I started recalling the mantras: Desire. Dedication. Discipline. Determination. How a Friar does not quit. mental strength. I obviously had all the training with the Roadrunners which was great; but, when it came to the mental side, I was back to the core, being a Servite Friar.
It seemed to work!

I passed runners in really serious pain. I felt no need to stop for aid. I remembered to steer clear of the "helpful" fire hydrants and hoses spraying water (our senior pace leader warned wet shoes and long run can yield blisters).

I felt a lot more confident than I expected and I also felt more comfortable than on the 20-Miler. My knee was a little sore; but, I was surviving.

Mile Marker 19 came ... and I was still going and a lot stronger than on the 20-Miler. The streets of Westwood did not seem intimidating. My concern began to erode. Sure enough, here comes Mile Marker 20 ... and I am still functioning.

Party Like a Roadrunner

Last night I went to a celebration. I really needed it with some things that have gone on lately and also just thinking about all the anniversaries of last year's issues that kept coming to mind.

The LA Roadrunners held a dinner and celebration at the Stadium Club at Dodger Stadium. It was my first time in the Stadium Club and it was nice! Lots of Dodgers memorabilia, which appealed to me as a Dodgers fan, and a great view overlooking the field and stadium.

I arrived and soon saw Alan, my senior pace leader from Group 7. I wandered about and found the tables reserved for Group 7, which were also in use by my other group, Group 8! So, a nice connection, at least for me. Next I saw several of the Group 8 paceleaders, Laura, Wendy and Jessica. It was almost like the very first week, just I was dressed a tad differently.

Not many of Group 7 ended up coming, though Mitch was there and we had a good chat. All of the Lucky 7 paceleaders were ... Randy, Joan, Rita and Dave. Joan was really nice and we were comparing post-race injury status.

The Groups 7/8 tables ended up kind of in a corner with what a stadium ticket would call a "restructed view." Perhaps this was the result of Group 7's legendary ability to do things like get lost, blow through starting lines, etc.?

It was nice seeing people dressed up and wearing their medals and each chair also had an interesting bear decked out in Roadrunners gear and a medal! (Hey, I thought you had to run the 26.2 to medal ...).

What was interesting to me as ex-track was the attitude. People seem relaxed and friendly. No questions about what was your time; it was more kind of a group congratulations for making it.

The dinner was pretty good (even moreso since I did not cook). During the dinner they showed the marathon broadcast tape as well as a slide show of scenes from throughout training. In some ways they both seem like yesterday and in some ways they seem so long ago. In fact the training was a good chunk of time!

I ended up at the same table as Laura and Wendy and chatted some. I was a bit quieter than normal; I guess it was being tired and just normal take-it-all-in personality assuming the lead. Wendy was saying how she felt after her first marathon and gave some ideas. Laura talked about "that article," which I guess got more attention than I thought or ever expected

They had some presentations recognizing the executive board, the coaches, the paceleaders, and the vital water station volunteers.

We also got to hear and take part in an extended version of the LA Roadrunners cadence from Leroy, which was cool.

Afterwards, the DJ started playing music and people were dancing. It actually seemed pretty good. Lady Gaga was one. The Gap Band's "You Dropped A Bomb On Me." Swing stuff. Then a shock ... "Sauve" ... a song I have come to know quite well at St. Anne's dances. It was pretty interesting seeing all these people, well most of them, who had been out there early on Saturdays coming out to chill and enjoy themselves.

At that point it was a bit hard. Guess I was thinking about one of the other mini-disasters from March 2009 when I got dumped amidst all the other events. Hopefully, that will change one of these days as well; if I can run a bloody marathon, I can find a novia to last, right?

I ended up leaving a tad early. With work looming and the rain coming, and no novia yet, I just thought it was time.

Anyways, now I know what to do after the Los Angeles Marathon next year ...

My Marathon: Part V

Once I had decided to try to run the Los Angeles Marathon, I was eagerly anticipating the route, especially with talk of it going from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica. Being a Dodgers fan, the start interested me and being a Santa Monica resident the end interested me as well.

Obviously, the route came out before the race and I paid close attention to a certain stretch after Beverly Hills. My eyes locked on ... it was going down Santa Monica Boulevard right past my old office, the one where I was told I was being laid off.

I had actually had this part of the race discussed in the article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times.

As I left Beverly Hills, I started to notice the cluster of buildings that is Century City, picking out THE ONE, 1801 Avenue of the Stars.

I kept going and felt good, almost gaining in energy from the defiance against what the mismanagement and dishonesty at Penton Media had done. I was channeling the anger and disgust into a positive. Despite them I was succeeding.

I had been wearing a LA Roadrunners Group 7 hat up until now; but, I had a plan. A book I had read suggested mental tricks and one suggestion seemed a bit odd and cumbersome, carrying a pair of shoes to change into on the way. I had my own idea ... change caps!

I changed from the red and white Group 7 hat to my tried and true all black hat, the one I had worn on every Roadrunners run except the last fun run.

Mentally, it was a boost; symbolically, I was now running for myself. I was going by those who had harmed me severely and I was going to make it and get that medal.

It was a good feeling, a very, very good feeling.

My Marathon: Part IV

Reaching Mile 13 was a big moment for me. It meant I was basically at the half-way point yes, I know 13.1 IS midway). It also meant I was beyond the part identified as the hardest by the senior pace leader (up to Mile 9). Personally, it was big as 13 is my lucky number.

I had hoped to avoid a restroom stop the entire race; but, around Mile 10 that seemed unlikely and I mentally promised myself a "reward" of a pitstop at Mile 13. The portable toilets were a short distance beyond the mile marker and I broke right and unfortunately chose the slower moving of the two lines at the two clusters. Still, exiting the plastic cell, I felt a lot more comfortable and also got a big shout from a just arriving fellow LA Roadrunner Group 7er. We exchanged smiles and hand signs and I was off again.

I was also catching some clusters of Group 8 runners and paceleaders. I felt slow; but, seeing some familiar faces and the grey Roadrunners shirts helped.

My knee was feeling better and the little stop seemed to help as well. I just felt better overall. The miles began to come a bit easier. I was able to keep a fairly consistent pace and was still running, even if a tad slower than I wanted.

I also noticed an increase in the quantity of runners off to the side with injuries or pain or exhaustion. (Gordon Ramsay who had been so promoted at the start was done at Mile 15 ... need some Lancashire-type toughness in you, Gordo?) I was thankfully feeling relatively good. No mad dashes for Salon Pas stands. No sudden stops in the road. I was moving.

Soon, I was entering Beverly Hills. It is far from home territory; but, I was familiar with it from driving through and attending a few work events there. I began to recognize some buildings.

One highlight was going down Rodeo Drive. All the really luxurious shops were closed! It was such an odd feeling.

I also passed by a townhouse having an open house. Next to a marathon? I guess with this market you need a break.

It was about now I felt like I could finish. I was not fearing the 20 Mile Marker. I felt reasonably good. I was still moving. I was not in severe pain or discomfort. I was surprised I had survived this intact, even if I was slow as could be. There was still a good distance to go; but, I felt like the mental struggle was being won. The goal seemed plausible.

Plus, I had my fun for Mile 17 coming ...

My Marathon: Part III

As we had trudged towards the starting line of the Los Angeles Marathon, I had rapidly recalled some of the old Servite skills, sprinter days or not. These included soccer (moving obstacles such as water bottles and clothing from my way) and the rugby attitude (people in the way ... how do we go around or through them ... red rover the adult version).

Now, I was basically running alone despite the hordes around me and I was feeling a tad desperate. I realized suddenly that LA Roadrunners Group 7 had always been that security blanket for me and now the big one was upon me and the security blanket was long gone. I also remembered the senior pace leader saying the first nine miles were the hardest due to the hills and there were definitely some nice, challenging ones.

I had decided to basically use every water station as it was getting warm. So, I had the encouraging sign of each water station as well as the mile markers.

My knee was sore at this point and I was starting to wonder if 26.2 was doable.

Still, I did feel I was making progress. I passed Echo Lake for example. Also, the Powerade at alternating stops was a nice boost physically and mentally.

Nutritionally, I was being far more careful than on the 20-Miler. That was a key lesson! I was taking a Gu Chomp every 30 minutes and an Aleve tablet every hour, besides the water and Powerade. This schedule really helped me keep focused and the energy boost was great.

I was definitely happy to see each mile marker, knowing that it should be getting better after #9 in terms of difficulty.

For some reason I also reverted to sprinter form and often zoned out everything on the sides of the course. I remember a few things ... one sign early on with an encouraging, "The Kenyans are already finished." Seeing some Salvadoran groups on the sidewalks and thinking no pupusas today.

I did reach Mile 9 marker and felt a bit of a mental boost even as I struggled with my knee. Over a third done and still functioning.

Then it was into Hollywood and seeing the Capitol Records Tower. I almost had a collision as one runner abruptly stopped in front of me to take a picture of the Hollywood sign. Seeing the sign for La Brea was also a bit of a boost as I pictured the 10 West heading for Santa Monica! On the other hand there was a strip club offering photos with some of the "performers" for free; I refused the offer for multiple reasons.

Next was West Hollywood. Here I faced a new obstacle ... the sight of men wearing extremely little clothing gyrating on stage above the sidewalk. Some thing is just do not need to see! Full speed ahead!

I also had a few near misses at water stops as the senior pace leader warned. Many were wet and slippery and filled with paper cups flung all over and runners cutting in and out. As he suggested, I tried to go to the far end; but, sometimes, the first table would be empty. Luckily, with some hockey knowledge, I knew how to avoid checks from collisions ... better to give than receive! I also sometimes felt guilty about just throwing the cup off to the side and would try to make it into the garbage can with decent rate of success or at least close to it. I felt sorry for the wonderful volunteers who would have to play cleanup crew (having done enough post-event cleaning myself).

In my head, I began thinking about Mile 13 ... my lucky number.