The complete Big Sur entry

So I've been promising to chronicle our Big Sur 2008 weekend, and now I am finally sitting at home at my computer, raring to go!

Our trip to Big Sur began with a long traveling day (including a delayed flight and a canceled flight) but finally arriving in Santa Barbara, CA the Thursday before the Marathon. There we had a chance to visit with Nicole, Lauren and Nicole's friends, as well as travel to Oxnard, CA and have dinner with my cousins and uncle (which was fabulous!).

Saturday AM we hit the road in two cars and headed north for 4 hours, arriving in Carmel about 1:30pm. Our group of 5 was the first to stop at the house we rented for the weekend in Carmel Valley. It was fantastic. 3,300 square feet of quirky house, but it had amazing views and lots of space to spread out and enjoy nature. To the right is a picture of the edge of the house and one of the many beautiful views.

After dropping off our stuff and checking out the house, we headed into Monterey to pick up our race packets and meet up with Megan, Megan's mom Jean, Laura, Laura's boyfriend Mike, and Nicole's friend Sam. When Megan informed me of my race number, I just knew the days ahead in Carmel would be spectacular, as my marathon number was the last four digits of my home phone (3011). Too cool. So, after the packet pickup we grabbed some late lunch and headed back to the house. That night we (when I say we, I really mean Jean) made a big pasta dinner and had a great time discussing plans and strategies for Sunday's events.

2:55 AM Sunday, I awoke to my alarm, and began Marathon Day. Megan, Laura, our new friend Sam and I were all doing the full marathon and needed to be at the Big Sur Marathon Bus by 3:45 AM in order to get bussed down to the start before the road was closed off for the runners. All in all it was a great pre-marathon gathering at the start line, with the exception of the near heart attack Megan and I both experienced when we were separated for about 20 minutes before the marathon started, after I took one last potty break. With only 5 minutes before the start of the race we were able to find each other at the start line, and could calm down. The reason the separation was so stressful is that we had planned on running the marathon together since we began training, 4 months prior, so it wasn't a good feeling thinking about the possibility of a "solo" marathon.

The start was beautiful, huge redwoods lining the road, perfect weather, and plenty of white doves. The four of us ran together up until about 5.5 miles, where Megan and I stopped at the port-o-potties and Laura and Sam tapped into their natural speed (Laura would go on to finish in about 4.5 hours and Sam in about 4 hours). I documented our potty stop with a photo, because it was the very first time I have ever had to use the port-o-pot during a race!

As promised, the scenery was spectacular. I really can't describe it in words. It is a place where everything that is beautiful in nature comes together, mountains, ocean, green pastures, all untouched and perfectly natural. I am extremely grateful that there was one development in this natural place, the Pacific Coast Highway, so that we could experience all of it.

The first 9 miles were pretty mild, elevation change wise. We did get some downhill, which started the quad workout from the beginning. Then the very much talked about Hurricane Point climb began at mile 10. Before the climb started we took our second round of gels, expecting an extremely challenging 2 miles ahead. Truthfully, we killed that hill! It didn't stand a chance. We passed hundreds of runners walking as we ran with ease up 600 feet. It felt fantastic.

After Hurricane Point it was a downhill descent to Bixby Bridge around mile 13. We rounded the corner and came upon the Bridge as we heard 'Music of the Night' being played by a pianist on a Grand Piano. Now, as I did in that moment, tearing up, it was something that would be a scene straight out of a great movie. It was magical. Crossing that bridge I was in a wonderful state of gratitude, for my life, my body, and my friend.

Miles 15 to 19 were rolling hills and more beautiful scenery. Every time we would come upon a turn I would say "It's about to get really pretty", and Megan would respond with "Thank God, we really need some good scenery around here." Needless to say, we were having a great time! There was lots of singing and shouting and talking, never did we really feel out of breath. Although, starting at mile 18 my legs were talking, and we all of a sudden went extremely fast around mile 23 for no apparent reason, and had to slow down. Miles 20-25 had some tough last minute climbs and the scenery changed a lot with civilization approaching (although still beautiful!). We never did find that "Wall" that you hear marathoners speak of, I attribute that to our tough training schedule that we stuck to rather diligently and great pacing during the race. We started out pretty slow and just had fun! We ended up crossing the finish line in 4 hours and 51 minutes, which was an excellent finish time for us considering the elevation changes. Word on the street is that Big Sur will add 20 minutes to your normal finish time.

As anticipated, the finish was pretty emotional, as soon as we heard our fans (Bill, Nicole, Laura, Jean, Lauren, and Kat) cheering I started kicking my legs up in joy. Probably wasn't too smart to be attempting strange dance moves after running 26 miles, but luckily I didn't fall flat on my face! After crossing the finish we hung out with our friends and fellow runners, Jean ran in the 5K, Lauren and Nicole ran in the 10.6 mile race (which was the furthest distance they had ever run) and Kat ran in the 9 mile race (the farthest she had ever run). Shortly after returning to the house we ate sandwiches and took ice baths. Laura and Mike left later that day to return to Palo Alto and Sam headed home to Santa Barbara.

That evening we ate leftovers, drank some adult beverages and went to bed. Monday morning Lauren, Nicole, Megan, Jean, Bill and I went into Carmel by the Sea and ate in a super cute very yummy little restaurant called The Cottage. Afterwards we drove down to Big Sur and showed Bill and Jean our marathon route. It was amazing how different the day was, while Sunday was completely perfect weather, Monday was quite foggy and cold, we were again very grateful for our marathon weather. Nicole and Lauren continued south to Santa Barbara, as Lauren had a 6 AM flight back to Orlando on Tuesday. The rest of us got to play in Big Sur a bit and take in more beauty.

Tuesday AM came and we left Carmel and headed north to Palo Alto. Megan and Jean were flying out of San Francisco and dropped us off at Laura's house on their way. We were then able to spend the day in San Francisco, had lunch in Chinatown, pastries and coffee in North Beach, and headed to Alameda for dinner with my cousin Brian, his wife Becky and their 1o month son Brody. Afterwards we headed back to Palo Alto, stayed with Laura, and Bill left for Gainesville the following morning. I was able to spend the day relaxing in Palo Alto on Wednesday, my initial plan was to travel around San Fransisco, but I was completely exhausted and opted to lay low. I made the wise decision to get a massage that day in preparation for the upcoming weekend relay in Black Mountain, NC.

Wednesday evening, before my red eye flight to NC, I was able to have dinner with Laura. It was the perfect way to end my 6 days in California, with a great girl over a good beer. Our dinner and time together was one of the highlights of the trip.

I think I'll leave it at that... I had an amazing time with amazing people. My friends and family donated over $2,200 to Hope Runs, I am so proud of that. 6 days following the Big Sur Marathon I was able to be part of another amazing event called Blue Planet 24 - Black Mountain (formerly known as Run for Africa). That will be my next blog.

Thank you for helping me experience the most perfect marathon weekend imaginable, almost makes me want to retire from marathoning because I don't think I'll ever duplicate the excellence of last week's marathon. Thanks.

It is finished!

We did it, we conquered Hurricane Point and finished our Big Sur Marathon.

It was the most perfect marathon imaginable. Almost makes me not want to do another one, because I know nothing will ever be that good... almost...

I plan on writing a much more detailed account of our big day with pictures and all. But, right now I don't have a hookup for my camera or a scanner to scan the pictures I took with my disposable during the marathon. So, just a quick post to announce to the world that we had an amazing time!

I knew it was going to be the best weekend ever when I realized that my race number that was assigned to me was the last 4 digits of my home phone number!

Love to you all!

One Week Out

In a week I will be about 1/2 way through the Big Sur Marathon, probably just coming downhill from Hurricane Point (a 2 mile climb of 600 feet). I do believe all marathons are special and teach you something about yourself, but this one, I expect, will be a loss for words experience.

Why? Scenery, location, physical challenge, friends and children.

The scenery is a given, if you have ever driven down Route 1 near Carmel you know what I mean. Only God himself could have dreamed up such spectacular sights. The edge of the US drops into the ocean with force and precision and in turn produces a beautifully assaulting visual.

The general location, northern California, is incredibly special to me. I spent a year there fighting with God, myself, image, expectations, and morality. My brief experience there shaped my mind and heart in ways that I am just beginning to tap into. Following the marathon Bill and I will be spending a day in San Francisco wandering through my past, and then I will spend a day in the city alone, after Bill leaves for Florida. The city used to be my solo playground, where I felt strong and independent. May of 2001 someone stole that from me, and I have not played in the city alone since. Words cannot express how excited I am to return to her, alone and stronger than ever.

The physical challenge of the marathon might seem obvious, we will be running for roughly 5 hours. However, the small summits throughout the course will be challenging mini-goals within the larger goal of crossing the finish line. Now that my body is prepared, I am preparing my mind for those hills. Honestly, I can say that I am hungry for them, absurd as it sounds, after all the talk of how hard it is going to be I just want to scream "BRING IT!". Can't wait.

If I write too much about friends, I believe I will wet down the keyboard. So, I will try to sum it up by saying this: Over the course of 5 days I will finally visit one of my dearest friends since she left Florida for California nearly a year ago, see a Florida angel by the name of Lauren, run a marathon with my priceless friend Megan and a beautiful soul Laura, reconnect with a few cousins who helped me survive my California experience, all of which will be witnessed by my soul mate Bill and heavily cheered by Megan's mother Jean.

Then, there is the children. Specifically those at Tumaini, but children across the globe that are fighting harder then children were supposed to fight. This marathon, while it will be powerful on so many levels, is really just about them. I am ridiculously priveleged, and while I wish I could simply pass that along, I realize that they have things that I will never know or have. Children, if you ever get a chance to read this, know that your beautiful lives leave others speechless and many of us will spend our lives trying to make this world smaller and more connected just for you.

The taper is upon me

Tapering is an interesting time for marathon runners, well me at least. Everything seems to slow down around you. For me it is much more of a mental slow down than physical. Race day becomes inevitable, and the reflections begin. Knowing that the toughest part of the training has been logged, you've beaten up your body as much as you could, and now that body deserves some respect.

Last week Thursday was my last over 10 miles mid week run, I did 12. It was a pretty hot day and by the time evening came I regretted putting off the run. I knew I should have ran in the cool of the morning. That particular morning I had to wake at 4am for a shift at the gym where I work. It was a short shift, but so was my sleeping time... come 5:30pm I was looking for any excuse to back out of the run. I didn't back out, but did decide to wear my MP3 player, something I haven't done in over a year. I'm one of the purists I guess who like to hear my feet hitting the ground, the sound of my breath, and focus on my surroundings. But, I needed a little outside motivation that day, so I brought Bono, Eddie Vedder, Live, and some other energetic musicians with me.

The result - it was one of the best runs of my life. As stupid as it sounds I felt like I was in a music video. I charged up hills and ran with intensity. It felt great. It was one of those moments where you fall in love with running all over again, and apologize repeatedly for threatening to leave him after the race. Then you make a promise that even when times get tough, maybe you'll slow the relationship down a bit, but never give up on it...

Now, I return to my project today, which is finishing my final planning of my world wind running trip. I don't think I've blogged about it yet, so here it goes. After Big Sur, we are spending a couple days pampering ourselves in this elaborate house in Carmel and then spending a couple days where I left my heart, San Francisco. Wednesday morning after the marathon, Bill is flying back to Florida, and I fly the red eye that night to Greensboro, NC. From there I will take either a train, bus or automobile closer to Bristol (either Asheville or Boone) where my friend Beth will pick me up. Then Saturday AM I'll travel to Black Mountain, NC (just east of Asheville) where I'm participating in a 24-hour relay. I did this race last year, called Run for Africa, and I swore I would not miss out on it this year. I'll be running four 5 mile laps over the course of 24 hours and will be surrounded by really great people. Our team is 10 in number, and come from a few different states. It will be worth it, but my legs will need some TLC come May 4th.

Over the bridge!

This Saturday, Megan and I reached the top of our training, the 21 miler! The best part is... we felt great! We traveled over to my parents in Satellite Beach, to celebrate Megan's upcoming birthday with a little sand and sun. We ran our 21 miler on Saturday morning, 1/2 on the beachside 1/2 on the mainland. We crossed two bridges, the Pineda and Eau Gallie (pictured at right) Causeways, trying to put a couple hills into our flat coastal run.

We decided to stop more frequently to hydrate and take gels, drinking more Gatorade than usual at each stop because of the heat. We think the extra fluids really helped us feel GREAT throughout the run. What an encouraging 3 1/2 hours! No injuries to report and we both are in marathon shape!

Now, we begin what is called the Taper portion of the training. This weekend we go back down to 16 miles for our long run and then the week before the marathon we go down to 10 miles for the long run. This is a critical part of marathon training, giving your body time to rest and have a chance to heal itself of any injuries that might be waiting in the wings. So the most intense part of training has come to a close as we are within 3 weeks of the BIG DAY!

It is very exciting, especially for Megan, who has gotten to say "this is the farthest I've ever run in my life", and feel good at the end.

Georgia on my mind

Easter weekend, the weekend of March 21st, we were in Northern Georgia with friends. The idea was to have a mini vacation and squeeze in some good mountain training runs. Well, we got some hard runs in alright. Friday we did a 5.7 mile run which was about 1/2 up 1/2 down, it was challenging but didn't get the best of us. I finished feeling strong and in shape!

On Saturday however, was a different story. Our 10 mile run was extremely challenging, the first hour was up a mountain. When we got to the top the views were amazing. The downhill was nice, but overall one of the toughest runs I've done. During that first hour I definitely felt defeated, it was tough!

The picture you see above is a view from the top of Springer Mountain. I went with Bill, Tucker (my running pup), and some good friends Beth, Aaron, their little boy Leon, and a friend Kailey (Beth, Tucker and Leon are pictured on the right). It was just a 2 mile hike but it was one of the highlights of the trip. We were able to hike to the start of the Appalachian Trail (AT), which I have been fascinated with since reading a Walk in the Woods. My plan is to start the AT at Springer Mountain in March of '09 and hike to the NC/TN border. All in all the trail is over 2,000 miles and runs from Georgia to Maine, but my plan is to do about 6-8 weeks on it rather than the 6 months it would take for a thru-hike.

Now we are back at home and I am dealing with another injury. Came up suddenly on last Saturday's run. I think I have figured out what it is, and without going into the details I believe it is subluxated cuboid syndrome (if you are really interested see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuboid_Syndrome). Of course this comes from my overpronation problem, that has caused almost all of my running injuries. But, as always I am determined not to let my physical "deformities" get the best of me, and to find a work around to get me back out there. After some research I've rigged up a small pad to place under my cuboid bone in my foot which is said to help, so hopefully it does, otherwise I'll bring in a professional.

I'll keep you posted!
Happy Running!

Thanks to God!

Couple of things, both of which I thank God for...

First, for now, I am pain free! Which is amazing after re-reading my frustrated last post. I don't really have much of an explanation, so I'll just count it as a true blessing!

Second, refers to the picture in this post. On Saturday the 8th, Megan and I had planned on running our 16 miler in O'Leno State Park, reportedly they had a well marked trail system where we could do our long run. Well, upon arriving we studied the map and were a bit confused on the reported trail distances but we ventured into the woods with my 16oz gatorade bottle and 4 gels. Over 3 hours later we made it back to the car as the sun was setting and dark was falling on the park. We got a little lost on the trail, which caused about 15 minutes of panic, because the woods were getting dark and we both have terrible night vision (and of course we weren't wearing our glasses). After about 7 minutes of personal panic, to which I tried to hide from my friend, I prayed for safety and peace.

We also ran 18.5 last Saturday, the 15th. We traveled down to Clermont and ran up the only "mountain" in Florida, Sugarloaf Mountain. To show you how desperate we are to find elevation, we drove 2 hours for a 300 ft. climb. But, not to fear, we found lots of other hills on our route, and were completely exhausted at the end of our 3 hour run!

This weekend we head up to the REAL eastern mountains of Georgia. We are renting a cabin outside Blue Ridge, GA, near the NC border. Elevation here we come, quads get ready!