6am marathon start – back that an hour in Sebastopol where I picked up Carolyn. She slept in an all-female teepee commune (Airbnb). Makes Motel 6 sound a bit more sexy, huh? (actually kinda jealous — HA!)
Overcast cool morning – couldn’t ask for better running weather in August. FAAANNNTASTIC!
Started in Corral 2, race paced quick. Hadn’t run with Carolyn since our NM desert trail run last March. Good conversation, felt super relaxed. Generally I’m a solo runner, even in training – much appreciated sharing the day. I’d get a little fast, Carolyn would pull back the reins. sub-9 pace for 10 miles. Thanks friend. Not looking for a fast 10K, but a steady sub-4 marathon finish.
Mike from Southern Cal joined our pack; finished the Half three-four minutes under 2 hours. Nice flat course, few rolling hills, cloud cover protection from August summer rays.
Unfortunately, started puking at mile 13, then again at 15. Slowed, couldn’t hold with my running pals – but kept pushing, didn’t quit. Sick again at 18. Popped a pill at mile 21 (brought one along, just in case).
Stomach settled before mile 23 (big thanks Zofran). Slogged next 2 miles. Saw Carolyn just after the 25 mile-marker. She finished 3:59+, then walked back to pace me – WOW, thanks pal 🙂
Marathon 68 done. Marathon run streak continues at 33 months consecutive.
My first 26.2 since being diagnosed – and I had a GREAT 15 miles. Getting stronger, really good day.
Santa Rosa Marathon 28 August 2016
K R Haga
Net Time 04:39:31.003
Event: Full Marathon
Race No: 1516
Country Representing: United States
Wave: Full Marathon Start 6:00 AM
With yesterday’s 50 States Award Presentation, not a lotta time for pre-marathon adventuring.
[however] 6pm return flight home. Plenty o’ hours to get our California on 🙂
Quick stop at the Charles Schultz Museum. Always been a Peanuts fan. Received a plush Snoopy as a one-year-old from my Grandmother. Memory tugs at the heart. Started the drive back to San Fran early – destination: Golden Gate Park (a close 30 minutes from the airport). Bridge ride-over, pulled off along the ocean. Walked beachside past Seal Rocks, up to Cliff House.
Palm trees, sand & blue ocean water – ah, yes…California.
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- iconic Americana, just WOW!
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- beach volleyball
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- the beautiful blue Pacific
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- Seal Rocks
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- goodbyes from the Cliff House
Plan always was to finish in Colorado – marathon all 50 states but gotta/hafta/MUST finish in Colorado. Set a goal, meet a goal, make it happen.
the 50 States Marathon Club certifies results & presents awards at our quarterly reunions – reunion locations which rotate ’round the 50 States. Super nice to be recognized amongst one’s peers – we’re a tight running community.
First opportunity to receive my award, club’s 3rd quarter reunion in Santa Rosa CA.
early Saturday a.m. start – flight delay, heavy fog in San Francisco. Met up with Carolyn (my running partner from Indiana), picked up the rental & hit the highway. Slow going even on the weekend – Cali loves their traffic. Crossed the Bay Bridge. Soooo many cars. Two ½ hours later arrived in California wine country. Bib pick-up for tomorrow’s 26.2 at DeLoach Vineyards, nestled in Sonoma County’s Russian River valley.
Located our reunion location – cool temp room, walled with oak wine barrels.
Whatta journey. Alaska to Hawaii, Maine to California, 26.2 miles in every U.S. state. Additionally, I’ll attempt tomorrow to keep my monthly marathoning streak alive. Haven’t missed since December 2013. FAAANNNTASTIC!
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- Bay Bridge today, Golden Gate tomorrow
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- the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge spans San Francisco Bay in California
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- north on Highway 101
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- DeLoach Vineyards, Santa Rosa
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- 30+ marathons in 30+ states — last year’s Maniac Titanium partner, Stacy
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- 50 States Marathon Club
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- it’s official, bumper-stickered the car
50 States Award Presentation
Most deserving of holidays, celebrating man’s best friend.
My pup, Ro is certainly there for me – sickness & in health, long hike or short neighborhood stroll, snowy winters or hot smoldering summers – he’s got my back & I’ve got his. His natural curiosity & intense need to protect [us] from neighbors (& dogs) passing our windows at night – HA! – he’s a good one. Love ya to the moon & back Ro Ro 🙂
National Dog Day serves to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. Dogs put their lives on the line every day – for their law enforcement partner, for their blind companion, for a child who is disabled, for our freedom and safety by detecting bombs and drugs and pulling victims of tragedy from wreckage.
“Millions of dogs are killed each year because they’re simply unwanted, says Colleen Paige, founder of National Dog Day. They’re unwanted because no one realized how to properly care for the demands of the breed. They’re unwanted because they were bought as a Christmas gift for a child that didn’t keep their promises about caring for the dog…unwanted because they shed too much…unwanted because they bark too much. UNWANTED…simply because someone changed their mind. All a dog wants to do is love and protect you. That’s all. Dogs are amazing, courageous, sensitive and sentient beings that deserve compassion and respect. Please consider bringing what was once considered “unwanted love”, into your heart and home on National Dog Day!”
Ro tug-o-war battle
