Back At It

This was my second week of running with the LA Roadrunners in Year II.

We set out for a brief trip north towards Santa Monica. I had been resting my body a bit during the week; but, I felt alright.

The run went relatively smoothly, even though it got warm quickly.

The group returned to base and after stretching, including on the cement of the Windward square, it was back for Gatorade and bananas.

Not bad at all.


46:12 of running

3.99 miles

11:35 pace

Roadrunners!

My next run was my first official LA Roadrunners run of the 2010-2011 season in the buildup to the 2011 Honda LA Marathon Presented by KSwiss.

There was a little talk by Rod Dixon and others before setting outside. We did get the Roadrunners chant1 (Yeah!) As the runners left the gym, I went back to my old group, Run 7. Somehow I was not as excited as the first time (or as nervous!).

It was so different! I hardly knew anyone. My old crew at the back was gone. It was a surprise.

The group set out for a quick run north along the now very familiar Strand. This group seemed quieter than last year, may be just due to the first day.

We made it back and I headed to the school for the traditional Gatorade and bananas. Some things never change.

Then, it was off to the parish festival.

I am on the way to LA Marathon II for me.

36:15 of running

3.17 miles

11:48 pace

Steaming

Saturday meant another day with the LA Running Club. My schedule for the LA Rock n' Roll 1/2 Marathon called for a mere six miles, just at lactic time (race pace).

It was cloudy at the start, which was a good sign for running.

I headed off south towards the Santa Monica Pier, encountering and partnering with Mitch from LA Roadrunners Run 7 on the way, which always helps.

I was doing decently on the way down Ocean Avenue and felt happy with the faster pace. The descent down the pier went well and the turn on to the more ocean-level portion of the run went smoothly.

We passed the Casa del Mar, crossed the bike path, and continued to make the proverbial run for the border, specifically Venice-Santa Monica.

At the turnaround point, I felt a little soreness at the front of my hip, almost like a small muscle pull. I slowed a bit, took some water, and decided to cut off the faster pace. I was still moving decently; but, now, it was labored.

I kept moving back north and realized how many tourists were now out as the sun began to appear. This added to the problems, with more people to go around. When I reached the pier, the ascent became tricky as I ran into a rather undisciplined LA Leggers group taking one side of the ramp and lot so tourists on the other side. Alas. This slowed me down quite a bit.

I reached the top and headed north again, just not feeling anywhere near full power. I was getting frustrated as it was a short run; but, I was struggling.

I got back to the starting base and happily drank some Gatorade. I noticed I had managed to resume my steaming trick again, with "steam" coming off my shirt, hat and head. Other runners even mentioned it!

All in all, it was frustrating.

1:04.43 of running
6.2 miles
10:45 pace

Heat!

Saturday morning meant it was time to visit the LA Running Club for the weekly run.

Unlike prior weeks it was a morning of bright sun and heat. The waves looked quite inviting.

I set out on a shorter run and headed south along the dirt. I soon felt glad to be carrying a water bottle with me. The Santa Monica Pier which was the original goal was crossed and I headed a bit further than initially planned reaching the #1 LA Roadrunners water station at the hotels.

I gulped some water and headed back. I was doing alright; but, it seems rather sluggish and lethargic when I tried to run or especially accelerate.

I made it back, gratefully got some Gatorade and pretzels, and began thinking.

56:37 of running
4.36 miles
11:50 pace

Hmmm ... There is Another Way to Run?

After a long period of rest and hoped for injury recovery, I set out to return to at least medium-distance run with the LA Running Club.

I went to the rally point near the Totem Pole on a very bright, warm Saturday morning with wonderful views of the ocean and beach.

After some welcoming remarks and plans, they asked who was planning for what race, etc. As I am not doing any near-time long races, I was designated "fun run"category. This also led to a solo run.

So, unlike LA Roadrunners where we head north along Ocean Avenue; I headed ... south! It was the tried and true route in reverse.

I got out pretty fast and felt good, going under 10:00 pace for the first two miles, which surprised me for having not run much lately. Soon, it was onto the Santa Monica Pier. When I reached the Casa Del Mar Hotel, I simulated a water stop (I had my own bottle) and slowed down the pace.

I continued on south along the old route, including the tradition of the black cap backwards between Santa Monica Blvd. and ocean park, and crossed into Venice.

I reached Windward and the flag poles and made a second simulated water stop and headed back up to Santa Monica. Because of the recent storms, there was sand deposits on some of the trail.

I climbed up the incline and then the Pier and made it back relatively comfortably.

I stopped, stretched, had some Gatorade, and then thought about some things while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

I was satisfied with the run. I know I can and should go further and faster; but, for a first time back, it was decent.

1:25.35 of running
7.72 miles
11:05 pace

Week 25: Certified!

Saturday meant another long run for the LA Roadrunners as training for the Los Angeles Marathon continues.

This week was different ... a bit of a longer run.

It was an interesting morning since as soon as I set out from home the skies opened and it was a very heavy rain and I thought, "Oh, oh." Also, it was restricted parking at the school; so, it meant a bit of as it turns out unnecessary uncertainty.

I met with a few fellow Group 7ers before hand. We were trying to figure out the weather, discuss the route, etc. I then headed over to the Strand, our launching pad. There was also talk of a tsunami warning due to the Chilean earthquake tragedy ... just what we needed, a tsunami warning.

Saturday was an unusual run in that we started south briefly and then north on the normal path all the way to California. I was a bit concerned as my calves got a bit sore early on, which is quite unusual. Also, we took a lot of diversions due to a lot of water being on the running trail. The rain was sprinkling.

Group 7 hit the turn and back down south we came ... passing the flagpole for the third time already after just six miles! (Note: just six miles! That still seems to odd to say). The weather seemed to be improving and my partner threw away his plastic rain covering.

We then headed into Venice as usual and then Marina del Rey. I was feeling pretty good. My knee was at times sore; but, better than the last few weeks.

Marina del Rey has become familiar terrain as well. There was an odd drop of rain; but, nothing bad.

We then headed into the zone between Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey ... It got interesting. On one of the causeways, the rain started to come down hard, very hard. My partner soon realized he had thrown his kit away too soon. This was the same place we had been soaked the previous big rain run (15 miler). It was kind of exciting and we all yelled and clapped. Yee haw!

Then we entered Playa del Rey. I was chatting with one of the paceleaders about ice hockey and the big game (Yeah, Canada!). I was doing well and feeling good.

We passed the Sheriff station, the Coast Guard base and then headed towards Dockwiler Beach, right by LAX! (Who needs a shuttle ... next time, I will just run!). I was getting excited as the mileage built up higher.

I did value the water stations certainly. One even had pretzels and some Gatorade. I was travelling heavier than normal having brought a decent sized-bottle of water and one of Powerade with me on a belt. The senior pace leader said to try Powerade on a run since that will be on offer race day.

As we headed for home, my knee did twinge some. Still, I was making it! I spoke with the Canadian paceleader and he said just log the mileage.

Around Mile 18 ... it changed. My knee was sore and I think I ran out of energy, mental and physical. I just struggled very badly.

I thought I was not going to finish. Somehow I kept moving forward. I now realize I was moving faster than I thought; but, I was struggling so and at the back of the group. I was very tempted to walk or even stop or quit; but, somehow I just kept plugging along rather than gracefully run. I was frantically doing all the Servite track steps in my head and it worked.

I kept going. I was definitely struggling; but, I was moving. I was still getting closer at least.

One of the Group 7ers, Mitch, caught up with me and was such an encouragement to have the last little home stretch. My heart kind of cheered as I saw familar stores and the sports courts. I was still going. I was struggling, but going.

Then I saw the flagpole! I tried to turn some speed and the accelerator failed; but, I was almost there. I just focused those last few yards ... success. I had made it. I had struggled mightily; but, I was there and stretching.

Afterwards, at the school, the energy was up. People were tired and sore; but, people were happy. We were drinking and eating (even had bread this time). I spoke with some Group 7ers. It was really nice and supportive. We had made it. One of the paceleaders came and gave us a certificate saying we had run 20 miles! I am now certified as ... insane, a runner, whatever ... it mattered to me. I felt my energy return fast, which surprised me.

Later in the parking lot, I met a woman who had been with Group 7, gotten hurt, and was with Run/Walk 1. She said they had passed a lot of Group 7s she knew and asked what happened. So, I must not have been the worst! That was a relief as selfish as it sounds.

At the end of it, I had finished 20 miles. 6.2. to go; but 20 logged. I have some things to think about and improve; but, I had made it. I had run it, even if not perfectly. It was a day.


Credo.

3:42.21 of running
10:56 pace
20.35 miles!

Week 24: Rain, Rain Went Away ... Then a Dog Did Play

Saturday came and it meant another long run with the LA Roadrunners. This time it was a relatively short 10 miles (that is just incredible to write ... 10 miles in May would have been a tad long). I am still working to complete the Los Angeles Marathon.

It had been raining Friday night and rain was forecast for Saturday; I had brought along the always fashionable trash bag as well as my windbreaker. It turns out I did not need them! It was gorgeous.

Group 7 has been getting smaller and this time it was only 41 strong (vs. 75-80 a few months ago).

Because of the forecast rain and the already likely existing mud on the San Vicente Urban Obstacle Course, we headed south. My partner this time was the fellow Knight of Columbus, Danny, who was back with the group after a few weeks.

It was kind of a lackluster run; I think part of it is the early energy dissipated in Venice's quiet zones. The group was basically moving along without too much change. We cleared Venice and entered the now familiar environs of Marina del Rey, including the single file passageways.

As we neared the turnaround point, it got a bit crowded with other Roadrunner groups to and fro as well as the dreaded LA Leggers. Still, things were pretty smooth. I was running decently and my knee was not bad at all.

Also, the group was not losing people like last week. It was a bit cooler, though sunny, which helped. The group stayed quite together and intact.

The group was heading back home at last. We were on the Venice Strand when my partner killing talents reappeared.

As we passed a many with a large dog, the dog bolted ... and upended my partner, who ended up on the ground. The dog's owner was frankly a jerk as well as irresponsible, hurling a bunch of "colorful" language at us (hmmm, the law says owner must control and LEASH dog). I thought he might even want to have a go; so, I was semi-preparing myself. My partner did make it back to his feet and finished along with the group. Yeah! No serious damage thankfully.


We made it back and did the usual stretching. Our senior pace leader then said we looked good. He also started providing more information on parking and the shuttle. Finally, he went into next week's run ... He provides a lot of information.

Afterwards, it was off to the land of bananas and Gatorade. I changed shirts (I had sweated up my Roadrunners one a lot for some reason) to SERVITE black. I got my icepack on and then went to reload.

I also met a loyal reader in person ... and then got called away. Alas.

1:55.08 of running
10:43 pace (dog attack slowed Group 7)
10.74 miles ... .74 extra!

Week 23: Almost Sweet 16

Saturday meant another long run for the LA Roadrunners to help get everyone prepared for the Los Angeles Marathon.

I was a bit anxious about how it would go considering last week's mid-week training.

It was a very nice morning , bright and sunny once dawn arrived ... and also a tad warm. The scenes along the beach were postcard-like.

Then reality hit; my partner killing skills worked their charms again. My usual partner had returned from a trip to Hawaii. He mentioned his back was hurting and he had sought treatment. He may have a vertebrate issue and is not sure if he will be able to run the marathon. When he heard the plan for the day's run, he was gone. So, I had a new partner; he is a nice guy and in the Naval Reserve.

Group 7 got going and we headed north. I passed my friend from church as usual. This week, the trails were amazingly totally dry! There were some remnants of sand from the storms; but, it was surprisingly clear.

My knee felt decent, surprisingly. I was happy! I did struggle a bit trying to get my knees high on the climb up the Santa Monica Pier; but, no problems on the ascent up Ocean Avenue.

The temperature was definitely warmer than before; my shirt soon got its traditional sweatbath.We were soon on Adelaide seeing the posh homes and canyon views. It was the first time in like a month we had been this far north.

Next, of course, was the San Vicente Urban Obstacle Course. It was a little hard; but, I did pretty well. I coughed every now and then; but, it was much better than during the week.

Soon enough we reached the end of Santa Monica and the time to turnaround to heads back south. It was nice heading downhill. The views were also nice looking over the sea and the beach. It was definitely warm though. I was thinking how it will feel March 21 being there knowing the end is nigh.

It was back down the pier and into the stretch of south Santa Monica. The water stations were getting a lot more attention and interest this week. I was hanging with my group, which was a good sign. When they had Gatorade, I took that over the water to try and get the extra ingredients.

As we reached the start point, I achieved a new feat. I looked left and realized ... partner #2 for the day was gone! He had dropped back at the flagpole. Oops. 12 miles in the books.

We continued south into Venice. As we hit a water station, we kept our Group 7 tradition of confusion as we did a circle as some thought it was the turnaround point. It was also only because a pace leader had called out that the others had turned to get us the water! It was then back to head towards the marina. We reached the turnaround point and then the final water station; I also saw partner #2. He had decided to keep going, just slower than the group.

We started losing a lot of people, even a pace leader. Other groups were really broken up (Group 7 will lose people but we stay as a single unit rather than multiple clusters).

I was pretty happy to have made it this far and the realization I was headed down for the end was a good one. We edged along into Venice and the boardwalk. I am not sure what happened; but, there was some incident up front.

I started recognizing the landmarks of certain stores and sports facilities and knew it was almost time to finish. I saw the flagpoles ... good feeling. I had made it! Despite the heat, the knee, and a bad week, I made it.

We went over and stretched. We talked about the challenges and most agreed it was tough. I think I could have gone further; but, 10.2 more? One paceleader also gave some indirect ideas of what the incident was and how we are all a big family (may be dysfunctional?). He also said he would talk to those involved. Note to self: another reason to stay back! Partner #2 arrived and said he had just stopped at Mile 12 and had forced himself to keep going. The paceleaders said it had been a tough one and the temperatures had played a big role.

It was then over to the school. It was a welcome sight to see the Gatorade and bananas. It was also as a fellow Group 7er said, "Wow, this is a big spread." We got free Pom pomegranate juice sample bottles, pretzels, energy bars, a recovery drink, ... I was keen to get the recovery drink and bar to try and fare better than last week. The drink tasted a bit like cough syrup; but, I just want it to work! I wanted to really reenergize and had three rounds of Gatorade and two bananas before setting off for home.

On the way home, I was tired; but, I also felt unusually serene. I had made it! I was playing the theme song I have been using and the words just seem to really fit. It was a welcome feeling of may be not triumph, but achievement, and relief.

2:54.17 of running (clock running the entire time)
10:54 pace (including stops and water breaks)
15.97 miles ... so close!

Week 22: Blood and Guts Time

Today was another long run day for the LA Roadrunners. They have been saying be prepared for anything come the day of the Los Angeles Marathon; so, we run all weather (save for lightning). Today was one of those days ...

Another large storm is passing through So Cal and while pleasant-sounding the sound of the falling rain kept me awake for portions of the night. It also made the drive a bit more interesting with new potholes! I did bring my handy, Roadrunner-suggested trash bag.

The rain got me wet early on; but, I kind of like the feeling. It reminds me of the Servite days with pratices and games in the rain.

My group rallied as usual. We were missing a lot of the regulars though, including my partner who had gone off to Hawaii. (Our SPL later said they normally have 800-850 total runners; today was 552!).

The group set out in the rain north as usual. I saw my friend from church who again as usual declined to join us. This is where we got to play live-action Frogger! I thought of the old video game where you try to keep the frog from falling in the water ... this time there were semi-lakes where we usually run. So, we crossed into the bicycle paths (remarkably abandoned today). We were skipping and dodging puddles, lakes, rivers ... Still, inevitably, I got wet and wet fast.

We headed towards the Casa del Mar hotel water station and then in a new feature went under the Santa Monica Pier. We kept going north past the beach houses, all the while dodging puddles and such. It actually got sunny for a spell and I took off my jacket (I never did resort to the trash bag!).

On the way back to the start, it was nice: a bit sunny, but not warm. We crossed the threshold on Windward and headed south ... but the diversions began due to flooding and street closures. It also started to rain again! On the other hand, the surf was high and impressive (even if there is no chance in france that I would go anywhere near that water after a storm; you talk about health risks!).

We headed into Venice and then Marina del Rey. The boats were still there. There were still lots of puddles and debris. Mother's Beach had huge lines of erosion from water streams. We made it through the single-file passage by the Ritz-Carlton and onwards.

My knee was off and on sore. At the start it was really bad. Later, it got more numb soreness. Around the hotel I felt a strange sensation in my right foot; but, could not figure it out and kept going. It was here I also pulled off my latest partner kill ... he was gone!

We made it to the Library water station and our senior pace leader, Alan, was happy to see us. He reminds me of a high school coach; he seems gruff and tough ... but he cares a lot for us. Breaking out of here, a Group 7 tradition continued ... the front took off before we in the back had even gotten water and Gatorade, It is a lot of sprinting; I rather enjoy it, but one of the paceleaders was not amused.

We kept going. I saw my latest partner victim; he asked about the turnaround and was following us, just behind.

As we made it up Pacific in Venice, unusually for Group 7, line discipline was bad. Single-file was ordered; but, the front was ragged and the back pace leader was off playing sheepdog a few times. I also managed to get my jacket on and off as rain permitted.

Eventually, we made it back to the start; but, they had us go straight to the school and not stretch for fear of chills. I went and changed my shirt (Servite shirt time), shoes, socks, and cap. I was pretty drenched; but, I was happy as I had done 14 miles in the rain on a bad knee.

It was when I took off my right sock I finally noticed ... an odd pink blotch. Well, it seems the odd pink blotch was also on top of my shoe. I at last found out what it was ... a nail had chipped and peeled away along the side. It had bled ... a lot. It is just the rain had washed it out and me being out of it or in "Mind over matter; if you do not mind the pain, it does not matter"-mode had not even noticed!

I met a woman who had been trying out with Group 7 but dropped off; she said the pace had been too fast and the starts from the water station had just pounded her (she was another one in the back).

The things that happen ...

After the requisite banana and Gatorade, I listened to a nutrition lecture which was a bit confusing and overwhelming. I am just trying to do my best; but, I did learn a few things.

I also spoke a bit with the senior pace leader. He said days like today are separating who will make it and who will not; I want to be one who will.

Anyways, Group 7 pulled off ...

14.05 miles
2:31.05 of running
10:46 pace including water stations

Week 10: The Dirty Dozen!

This week's long run boldly went where I had not gone before ...

It turned out to be an absolutely spectacular morning, crisp, clear and bright. It was magnificent even before setting out on the run. It was time for the weekly Roadrunners trot.

Before heading out on the run, I made my first use of BODYGLIDE ® anti-chafe balm. I have been starting to have problems on the longer runs, especially since I have classic sprinter thighs (i.e. built-up). The idea of having chafing for the Los Angeles Marathon was not a positive one. It was simple to use and turned out to work very well. I am happy to have that issue solved , definitely.

Also, before setting out on the run, I did another experiment and had a Clif Shot chocolate flavor gel. I liked the taste. I do wonder with the gels if they will be messy on a long run or during the marathon. I am also learning that with any of these nutrient combinations during running that it is NOT the Popeye Effect, i.e. an instant burst of energy akin to Popeye's strength increasing after eating a can of spinach. It seems much more just refuelling like with a car. I had no problems with the gel and any aftereffects, which was a good sign.

During this run I was back to the GU strawberry chomps, the ones I think of as Gummibears. I feel comfortable with them now and since this was my longest run ever did not want to experiment too much. They seemed to work well. They are bulkier than the gels; but, they are also cleaner.

The run itself was incredible. I felt much more relaxed and better than the previous cutback week. My running partner and I had a fun conversation as we rolled up to the Santa Monica Pier and onwards to the north of Santa Monica

I just felt so good. My knee was not an issue. I was enjoying the ocean views, the waves, and even the crazy people. Soon, my Group 7 was at The Totem Pole.

Then it was off to the edge of the abyss, Adelaide Street, with nice canyon views and big homes. Shortly, it was on to San Vicente Boulevard. I opted to run down the median preferring grass to concrete due to prior bouts of shin splints.

It was really fun running down the median, with the extra challenges of avoiding tree limbs, roots, signs, and metal grates/holes. This led to a game with people near me of calling out hazards. SIGN! ROOT! HOLE! SIGN! SIGN! HOLE! and on and on. This continued until the turnaround at 26th Street.

I also managed a soccer move! A pinecone fell suddenly right at my right foot. Instinctively I managed to sweep it off to the side in a single motion. Ah, the wonders of being a fullback.

I felt so comfortable I had not noticed the incline, which turning around I suddenly saw! The good part was turning back was downhill. It meant we were also running the last four miles of the marathon route, which is reassuring.

Heading down San Vicente, we soon saw the ocean, meaning Ocean Avenue and the final turn of the marathon! What a sight with the azure ocean and sky. Running down the street I also picked what I hope will be the landmark to start a final sprint ... California Avenue! .4 miles from the finish line on Santa Monica Boulevard.

The group continued down on to the pier and back south along the boardwalk. Soon, after a small excursion to Venice sidestreets, it was back to Windward and the finish. I felt fantastic. I had run my longest run ever and had energy left for more. The stretching was done and it was off for the now traditional Gatorade and bananas.

A few hours later I did feel a bit sore; but, it was the good "workout" sore vs. the bad pain. I was just happy to know I had come this far. It is not 26.2; but, 12.1 is still pretty good compared to April level.

My group finished 12.11 miles at a 12;04 pace in 2:26:08. That includes when we slowed for water stations, red lights, etc. Towards the end we definitely sped up and I kept up!

The film The Dirty Dozen has a theme of a bunch of misfits being trained to a common goal: killing Germans. Roadrunners takes people and one misfit, namely me, and trains us for a common goal, the marathon. So, for me this Saturday was The Dirty Dozen, 12 miles!

Week 9: Five Mile Milk Run ... Until the End!

This was the latest cut-back week; so, it was a now modest five miles on the schedule for the Roadrunners Los Angeles Marathon plan. It was a "milk run" run.

It has been a difficult week for many reasons and the energy was just lacking. I think may be the fact that I KNEW I could do five miles and had done it before perhaps lessened the enthusiasm.

At least the session started with the Roadrunner cadence which helped. Motivation. Dedication. Aye.

The morning was semi-overcast to match my energy level. Still, Group 7 (Lucky 7/Magnificent 7) was off and headed north going along the Strand to the water stop (with the weekly promises of menudo and/or coffee and doughnuts from Captain Jesus). Then it was up the Santa Monica Pier and further north to Wilshire. As is the new tradition, I kept my cap backwards from Ocean Avenue to Santa Monica Blvd. and vice versa on the return. My group partner and I had another discussion on the Dodgers and the McCourts debacle.

It seemed like a normal return leg when the group seemed noticeably faster through to the end. It turns out the reason why it seemed noticeably faster was because the group was noticeably faster; the pace leaders changed it to race pace for the last mile! So, it was nice to feel some relative speed. I need my sprinter/semi-sprinter fix!

My Garmin electronic conscience said it was really 5.61 miles (vs. scheduled five) in 1:04:24 for a 11:29 overall pace.

Afterwards, I spoke with the senior pace leader and he said they were pleased as the group responded and no one fell off the faster pace. He also said he felt if the group was going on race pace the entire way on a longer run, they would normally see up to 50% drop out/back rate.

Anyways, it was more Gatorade and bananas and then a presentation nutrition with a list of vitamins I had never heard of and seemed a bit intimidating to me as well as my wallet.

I am glad I ran as I needed it; but, the sense of achievement for setting a new high in distance was gone obviously. This week's run was more just survive than thrive; but, may be that is a good thing every few weeks so the edge is there when needed.

Week 6: SURPRISE!

Today was the first week of the second build-up phase. After last week's three-mile cut-back week, it was back at the building up of resources for the big day of the Los Angeles Marathon. So, thankfully, I did my mid-week running despite it being dark and one day nice and wet!

Before the weekly trek to the Strand and even the motivational chant, the leaders announced a surprise. It would not be seven miles ... which was the plan and even emailed Thursday. It would be eight! Eight miles. One water station. Nice warm, sunny day. "Surprise, surprise, surprise" as Gomer Pyle used to say when I was very young.

Soon my Group 7 (Lucky 7/Magnificent 7) was rapidly heading to the Strand and eventually we were off. It was such an amazing day with the warm, warm sun along the beach (even if I would not dare enter the Pacific Ocean after a storm!). I felt really comfortable and for once even had a talkative partner which really helped.

We even player Roadrunners gossip, namely what effect the pending Frank and Jamie McCourt divorce which has been spread all over the paper just in time to distract from the Dodgers' playoffs, will have on the Marathon since they own it! Hopefully, it stays as it is as I am happy with the Roadrunners program and the idea of doing IT (the marathon).

We headed north and got to the water station, where I began using my first nutritional chews ever during a run. Think gumdrops meets energy drink. Soon, it was up on the Santa Monica Pier and to Ocean Avenue and a spectacular view of the sea. The group headed north further and further to the really affluent areas of Santa Monica crossing Wilshire, Arizona, California, etc. all the way to San Vicente! Then, it was turn around at the famous totem pole and head back.

I really felt comfortable and only a bit of tenderness in my knee. I think being in the group really helps and the nice weather as well, even as my shirt got rapidly soaked in sweat for the first time as a Roadrunner.

Heading south of Santa Monica Blvd., I thought I would honor my neighborhood and turn my cap around, keeping it that way until Ocean Park Blvd. You can take El Guerro out of the Pico Neighborhood; but, ...

The group was soon back into Venice and I sighted a typical SoCal sight: a marijuana "evaluation" clinic next to "Botox by the Beach." Ugh. Just what we need to show tourists, right?

The group headed for a small bit into a quiet residential area in Venice before returning to the boardwalk. I really felt tempted to sprint; but, resisted ... for now. Old habits die hard.

The group got back to the starting point. The senior leader who is great mentioned the training schedule is being changed and the midweek runs upped and also that the actual route will be out in two weeks!

It was time to get back to the school where the Gatorade line was longer than usual! It was also time for a banana and some nuts. I then visited the second charity exhibition. Charity work on this is one thing I still have to determine.

It was then off for home.

I felt a quiet kind of satisfaction at the end, eight miles on a warm day, and I still had a lot of energy in the "gas tank." It feels like progress!

Life has been a real challenge the past few months; so, progress on any front is welcome. Still, for a time today, I felt progress and it felt good. Godwilling, it continues. I am not sure who the patron saint of marathons is, if there even is one! I think regardless I will go with St. Michael, my patron saint, and someone with wings (as well as a sword for difficult times!).

Week 4: Six Miles and Smiling?

Today was a great day of running! I am not sure why or how; it just was.

The pace leaders for Groups 7 and 8 had both emailed about learning to run uphill as well as the first crossing of the Santa Monica Pier. Both were "firsts" in marathon training for me.

Before all of the groups set out, Lightning Rod Dixon mentioned the need to learn to run uphill and downhill. Then, they announced the groups would be slowing down, fairly significantly. This meant my new adopted group, Magnificent 7/Lucky 7 was aiming for 12:00 miles rather than race day plan of 10:30. Since I have run much faster than that on 5K and just in training and even the Roadrunners sessions, it was a bit disappointing. Then, the senior pace leader explained it a bit more and ended with, "To run faster, we must run slower." Apparently, this helps build up aerobic capacity; but, for a sprinter-minded runner, it is near heresy ... we run faster to run even faster! This Los Angeles Marathon is a whole new world for me.

Nevertheless, soon Group 7 was launched down the Strand in Venice on an absolutely beautiful day. I felt so comfortable and at ease; it was amazing. Granted, the speed was slow; but, I was running six miles without a problem, something basically impossible at the start of May. I was barely even sweating, which in itself is near miraculous. I stopped at the water station; but, it was certainly far from an emergency halt.

The group continued onwards and we reached the landmark Santa Monica Pier and began the ascent up from the Strand. We were then halted for a bit of training on uphill and downhill running and even a practice session up and down the bit of incline from Pico and the famous sign. I was almost gleeful hearing "pump your arms like a sprinter." Yeah! In fact, a lot of the old ways came back quickly as memories of how I ran The Bowl and stadiums kicked in almost instinctively. It really was no problem.

After ascending up to Ocean Avenue, we continued north alongside a stunning view of a near empty beach and a gorgeous, non-tsunami-threatened Santa Monica Bay. The old tap-the-fingers trick was in effect. I could not believe how relaxed I felt running what really is a decent distance! I actually broke out a smile! A smile! A smile while running! I could not believe it. I had NEVER smiled while running. At Servite, it was essentially forbidden unless you had a) finished a race b) won Yet, here I was smiling! Unreal. People were dropping out of the group and here I was smiling! I just could not imagine this happening.

So, we continued up to California Avenue passing the Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevard borders demarcating the rich and proper people from us lot in the south. We turned around and got a nice view over the sea as a reward and headed back south. Among the sights was a low-flying military CH-47 Chinook helicopter flying along the beach! Wow, even some aviation scenery for me to see. This was a good run.

Our group headed back down over the Pier and down the Strand to our start, logging 6.06 miles. I knew it was a slow run; but, what a run. I felt so relieved. No knee problems. No problems at all. I actually felt peaceful. After stretching out hearing a bit on next week, it was back to the school for Gatorade, water and bananas. Then there was a rather detailed and scientific discussion on nutrition. I then headed for home.

It was just such a moment for me, a nice moment after a lot of challenges. It will not be easy to finish training and then actually running the Marathon come March 21; but, this helped a lot. I did six miles and it felt like I could have doubled it. Normally, alone on the track I would be huffing and puffing ...

The marathon style is so different. I had been trained to think like a cheetah: run on your own, run hard, run fast and get your target quickly. Now, it is like a wolf pack: run together, run consistently, run longer, and endure. Two ways of looking at life, I guess.

I still have a long ways to go on many, many things in my life; but, perhaps this was a start. Or as my hero Sir Winston Churchill said, "It was not the beginning of the end, but perhaps the end of the beginning."

Week 3: No Pain, No Gain

It has been a bit odd being back in a sports uniform. The Roadrunners shirt is not exactly like being a player; but, it is kind of nice having that athletic team/club feeling again after so long. I have played in pickup and intramural games; but, nothing like the team feeling, that seems to be returning. It was almost exciting when I saw another runner last week at Clover Park in the same shirt! The GR8 Pace Leaders had suggested writing names on the shirt (I doubt mine would be too legible) or ... embroidery (Uh ....). I think that will wait; I do have an idea for March 21 ... old school method.

Well, I completed the third marathon training session, running five miles Saturday in a higher group, The LA Roadrunners Magnificent 7. It was a bit odd as the group ran at about the same pace as Eighth Army/GR8 had been running; but, it was probably a break for me as my knee was a bit sore and I have not been sleeping well. In the end, I managed to do pretty well and kept up easily and felt there was plenty of energy left. The group is a bit more subdued than GR8; but, they have some very knowledgeable coaches who are also ready to answer questions, just like GR8 ones. I will probably stick with Magnificent 7 for a bit and see how I fare. May be Pick Six will come; may be it will not.

This week's run started to the familiar north turning around just south of Santa Monica Pier. It was also the first run with two water loads (same station, just once outbound and once inbound). The new addition was heading past the start and south then through some alleys surrounded by condos and apartments, and hence quietly as possible, and towards the Venice Pier.

It was then back up the boardwalk to the start for stretching and also information on various running gadgets. After the now routine Gatorade, water and bananas, it was an interesting lecture on shoes (Zola Budd obviously not involved). I then spoke with the senior pace leader of Magnificent 7 a bit afterwards, particularly on how to move arms in distance running (answer being pump them like in track, just not as pronounced!).

I was fairly happy with the result. I had been sore all week and despite some actually decent times in midweek felt sluggish and struggling. My knee has been a tad bothersome and even quadriceps seemed tight. Yet, I got going and it all came together, which was a welcome relief.

I also thought a bit about the year just how it has been shown in of all things ... piers! There is Santa Monica Pier where I have been going a fair bit. There was the March trip to Wigan Pier, a place so very different and yet so very meaningful to me, despite its and the time's challenges. There was the pier on the Salvadoran coast I saw from my flight into San Salvador, a place I never quite reached, but at least could see from a distance. Now, there is Venice Pier, a new place for me, a place I have to find a meaning for as well.

It has been a year of change and challenge for me. Many things happened and caught me by surprise; yet, I have managed to go on, sometimes not knowing how. I hope these experiences will help me with the running, being able to go on despite "The Wall" or physical pain. The pain is not fun obviously; but, I am hoping God will keep giving me the will and enough health to make this happen March 21 at the Los Angeles Marathon. CREDO.