Kris, Elli and I drove up to Fortuna on Saturday. We stopped off at the Check-In Station for the race so I could pick up my race packet. Including my race bib with the timing chip attached. Afterwards, we went into town for lunch, then checked in to the Best Western motel. We were impressed with how nice the room was, and the overall quality of the motel. After unpacking and laying out my "Running Man" gear for the race, I went across the street to the Riverside Community Center where there was a Team In Training pasta dinner and inspirational program. The food was great and the speeches were in fact very inspirational. It was cool to see all of the Team In Training racers, captains and honorees from all over northern California.

Sunday morning - race day! I woke up early, ate a bagel and banana then put on my running man clothes. Kris and Elli got ready and we headed out for the start line, (about 20 miles from the the race site). It was early, but there was already quite a line of cars heading for the riverbed "parking lot".

We met up with the other runners and coaches from the SF/Marin group about an hour before the start time. After some last minute coaching and a "Go Team" cheer we moved to the starting area with the rest of the 1200 runners. After the National Anthem was sung, we were off!

It was exciting to finally get the race I had been training for underway. After the first mile or so, I fell into my pace and felt pretty comfortable for the next 8 miles or so. Then around mile 9, I really started to feel the slight incline that carried on for most of the second half of the course. My pace dropped and my legs were numb, and felt as heavy as lead. But I kept running. All along the route, people were encouraging me on, and giving a cheer for Mike. About 3 miles from the finish line Chuck, one of the Marin captains was waiting to offer support and run with me a few hundred yards. Pushing on, I met up with Leslie and Joe, our coaches, who ran the final half mile with me to the finish line.

I did it! 3:11:14 was my finish time. I finished 1012th overall, not exactly an Olympic performance, but I did accomplish all of my goals.

1. Surpass my fundraising goal - check.

2. Run the whole way, no walking - check.

3. Finish the race - check.

4. Not finish last - check.

So, overall it was a very rewarding and successful first half-marathon for a 53 year old non-runner.

After the race, most of us on the SF/Marin team headed down to the icy Eel River for a sit-down. Letting the cold water numb our aching legs.

Back at the motel we cleaned up and headed over to the Eel River Brewery for some good ole' deep fried appetizers and beer with the group.

Monday morning I could barely walk. My calves and knees were really sore. Elli and I headed over to the motel hot tub for a little warming rehab. It felt good, and did loosen up my aching muscles a bit. We packed up and headed home, stopping along the way to "drive" the race route and take a few photos on the course.

What a great experience it has been. I just hope my creaky old knees and hips will let me continue to participate in this great organization.

Thank you for your support.

Cheers!