Week 21: From the Sea to the Stadium ... SURPRISE!

This was a new part of the LA Roadrunners' training, a visit to Dodger Stadium for hill training. I guess it helps when the same people own the Los Angeles Marathon and Dodger Stadium.

I left early and arrived quite early at Dodger Stadium, the first time I have ever been there before the sunrise! It was also my first time going there when there was not a game to see! Still, it was kind of exciting. At the same time, being me, instead of the Stadium to the Sea course plan; I was doing Sea to the Stadium ...

I found where the earlycomers were parked. Soon, people were asking about restrooms ... so, got to visit the Left Field Pavilion. It was kind of weird being so quiet, no one at the turnstiles checking tickets, no vendors, ... kind of like a ghost town.

More people came and eventually we filled up and got semi-organized. I found some others in my group and we found some pace leaders.

Eventually, people started getting sorted and even setting out. Our senior pace leader was addressing us when I heard the now familiar, though missing for a while, Roadrunner chant ... "Mile One is just for fun," etc. echoing in Chavez Ravine. Group 7 lined up and set out and then a few yards later promptly stopped as we had a new start line. (Try explaining this to a Garmin ...)

Then we were off. I was in the back and without my normal partner. We did two laps of the ring road of the Dodger Stadium parking lot, which is more of an incline than it seems when just driving!

Then they had us go out on the planned 5k race course. It was also good as we set out on how the marathon itself will start; so, we have seen the start and the end!

The 5k part was hilly at times. The road is in horrible condition in some parts; I hope runners are not hurt in some of the potholes and faults. There was also storm debris.

It got more interesting as we were going along as the paceleaders were unsure which way to go several times and eventually we became the lost group. (The confusion has happened a few times before; but, this was a new level). Eventually, Rod Dixon, our heroic Kiwi leader, came to our aid on his bicycle and basically escorted the wayward children all the way back!

I did get to go back to the sprinter days on the hillclimb back as the paceleaders called for form. This is one part I do have an advantage. My form is basically better than most because of the sprinting times. No chicken arms or such for me!

Despite the scenic excursion and extra training, we made it back. We went to the congested bananas and Gatorade table, where we also got some samples of new energy and recovery products.

I was feeling so-so. My knee had gotten sore. My arch was also a bit troublesome. The run itself was alright; but, I did not feel any sense of elation or panic; it was just "Well, it's done."

Then we got the surprise ... they took us to the centerfield area and let us go ON the Dodger Stadium outfield to stretch ... and then play around! It was awesome (well for Dodger fans). One Group 7er offered to put on a Reds' hat; but, was swiftly persuaded that that was a non-starter.

It was so much fun being on the grass. Lots of cellphone pictures. Lots of people doing the run into the foam protection on the wall. Some bellyflops. It was just awesome. It was fun pretending to be Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Manny Ramirez (no, I am not using female fertility drugs).

I did get ice on my knee; but, it stayed sore. I opted to avoid the 10 and just go surface ... so, saw all the variety that defines L.A. as I went down Sunset to Alvarado to Olympic and into the wilds of Santa Monica.

Quite a day!

1:09.25 of running
6.43 miles
10:40 pace