Nickel Run Saturday

The third LA Roadrunners' run came up and off I went to Venice.

It seems different this time. Somehow it is not as exciting. But, I do like seeing some familiar faces and exchanging hand shakes/fist taps and chatting a bit.

We set off north as usual crossing into Santa Monica relatively easily. The group was larger than the first two weeks.

For the first time, we crossed the "border" that is the Santa Monica Pier, only going underneath it vs. on and upwards to Ocean Avenue.

The group continued along and it was relatively easy. I was a bit nervous as we ran along a bike path, where the bicyclists are moving at a quick pace. Fortunately, no collisions happened and everyone was safe.

We turned around and headed back to the pier. Nice and easy we crossed the line back into Venice and into the final stretch, with the standard odd collection of denizens.

Finally, it was time to stretch in the school hall and then the Gatorade and bananas.

I also attended a lecture on running form, which was good.

My nickel run was done ... another step to LA Marathon 2011.

59:11 of running

5.14 miles

11:31 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

Take the Galleon

Saturday means long run day.

This time the weekly email said the target was to go to Galleon, a street down Speedway in Venice. It would be further than I have run since the 2010 LA Marathon (my high has been 8.1 miles).

I was unsure I could even make 8.1 after the abdominal strain and not running Thursday plus prior episodes of trouble.

I reached the rally point for the LA Running Club and started to stretch. During the announcements, those of us running the LA Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon received a new goal: The Jetty. Hmmm.

So, I set out and headed south and actually felt pretty good. This pleased me! The fear of abdominal pain was departing and some hope was arriving for a change.

I cleared the Santa Monica Pier and kept down to the fancy hotels. No major accomplishment yet as this was the normal course. I crossed the city line from Santa Monica to Venice (always a change in culture with the tourist shops, the marijuana "clinics," etc.). Still, nothing too noteworthy as it was the normal course.

I saw the flagpole at Windward and still felt pretty solid, which surprised me. I turned and headed down the old favorite, Speedway.

Speedway always reminds me of like trying to gain a sneak view of life for the rich and bohemian. Anyways, it is a public street and I can run on it and I have, do, and will do.

I continued on and went past my prior former turnoff point and kept going. It did seem kind of weird running alone in LA Roadrunners territory!

Eventually, I saw the signpost for the original destination, Galleon. I had taken the Galleon! I still felt decent; so, I continued south. The ability to just keep running when I did not expect to be able to was a huge boost.

Soon enough I saw the ivy and the fencing and knew the Jetty was approaching. I felt a relief and headed onwards and reached it and had a little celebration, drinking water.

This run also saw the resumption of mid-run eating, with a whole package of Clif Bar Shot Bloks, black cherry flavor, going down. I had not tried black cherry before; but, no stomach issues and taste was fine.

After my mini-celebration, it was time to head back and I started north reversing course. There were a lot of APLA runners coming towards me for some reason; but, no major problem. My main delay was due to cars on Speedway pulling in and out for parking.

I felt good being able to run, even if slowly, this far considering, and was happy to cross the line back into Santa Monica.

I wondered how it would be on the Ocean Avenue ascent; but, first was the windy part of the beach trail and then the climb up the pier. I felt a burst of energy going up the pier, which was nice and welcome. Then, it was Ocean Avenue. It did not trouble me much at all which was a good sign.

Soon enough, I had crossed the remaining distance and was back at the LARC base. I stretched, downed some pretzels and Gatorade, and chatted a bit. I felt pretty happy considering. Even more encouraging was I ran faster, even thougn it was slow, than I had the cutback week.

I had taken the Galleon!

11.2 miles of running
2:20.11
11:43 pace

My Running Tour 2010-2011

LA Marathon - March, 21, 2010, Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica FINISHED!
All Star Game Charity 5K - July 11, 2010, Anaheim Stadium FINISHED!

Upcoming

Baldwin Park Pride of the Valley 5K - August 7, 2010, Baldwin Park
LA Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 Marathon - October 24, 2010, Los Angeles
LA Marathon - March 20, 2011, Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica