Today I finished my first Bay to Breakers run! I had a blast. For anyone who doesn’t know this is a 7.62 mile run from the east side of San Francisco (the Bay) to the west side of San Francisco (the Breakers). I wasn’t sure if I had what it took to run the whole distance without a break but I am proud to say I ran the entire distance (minus 3 potty breaks (a little too much coffee)) and I did it in exactly 1 hour and 19 minutes. Not bad I think, although the official winner made it in 34 minutes. I feel pretty good too despite some tight muscles. I got really excited at the 7 mile mark and sprinted all the way in to the end, when I saw the ocean I gave it all I had, turned the corner and realized I had a good 1/4 mile more to go, talk about having to dig deep, needless to say I finished the race huffing and puffing. Wendy Layla and Lucca and Pat Brown were all there to cheer me on, but in my typical directionally challenged way, I chose the wrong side of the street to run on and missed them, and I had even chose a large white bunny to chase so that Layla would get excited, oh well, so is life. I was actually going to run with our daughter but changes my mind at the last minute, maybe next year I guess. It really was a fun event, many naked men, many amazing costumes, and a lot of fun in a beautiful San Francisco. Luckily on my way back I found some locals to help me navigate the bart system and I made it back to the hotel in time for a shower.

Upon returning home, and in leu of my ability to walk after this run, I have decided to sign up for the Big Sur half Marathon Nov. 4’th. That gives me almost 6 months to train, I can’t wait to give it a try.

I have decided that these kind of events are a great way to feel part of something bigger than yourself, to see an area in a way that you never can through the window of an automobile, and meet really amazing people. I never thought 1 year ago when I started casually running that I would be able to make it 3.2 miles for the triathlon, and I did. I never thought I would be able to run 7.6 and I did. I have learned after some pain that to accomplish these things you have to move slowly, set a deadline, make sure you sign up and pay months in advance and then make a plan and stick to it. Also, always do very little the week before, this gives your body a chance to heel and get ready. This I believe is the way it is with most things in life though, and in this way training for a run is just like living life, except when running you are still (hopefully) able to look with bright and open eyes at your accomplishment behind the finish line.