I like this picture. Mark Tanaka and I are flanked by Lora Lui and Billy Yang, a couple of southern California runners who were crewing and pacing friends. Don't we look like we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves? I like that smile on my face too, comes from deep down, truly happy and satisfied with my run.
So I got a whole lot more race than I bargained for in San Diego; translation - got my behind kicked a bit. Wasn't smooth sailing but I started slow and ground it out with a smile on my face. It was a rough day but I came away pleasantly surprised, impressed that I was able to gut it out and keep my cool. I had no issues with crankiness or anger, was able to appreciate the scenery and never lost my sense of humor. I laughed out loud several times which kept me light on my feet especially when I fell into a mud pit. Oh yeah up to my knees in both legs and one arm in mud - flashlight and bottle submerged in the nasty stagnant stuff. I even got laughs from the two ladies behind me, a pacer runner duo. The pacer was "red shorts" from my Miwok 100k report. We meet again fast lady! They shined their flashlights on me and hooted. Yes, it was also at night.
Well it panned out the way I thought it would - solid but not stellar. I had a couple of issues going into the run but had the endurance base and the right mental attitude which carried me through to the end. I kept repeating one of my old maxims, "Don't dwell on what you don't have, use what you do". I was more contented at the end of this race than I was at last year's event because last year I choked in the final 7 miles while at this year's race I kept it together through the entire run. I came in just after sunrise at 23 hours, 23 minutes looking pretty dirty as I had fallen two other times on the course besides the mud pit incident.
I've got a big report coming up, such a privilege to preview a new course. Just got back so it will take me a couple of days. Until then here is a great race recap that is not like other race recaps from my friend Katelyn Benton. At the end of her report is another one of her awesome race videos with great shots of the course.
"Don't dwell on what you don't have, use what you do". I like that :)
ReplyDeleteWhere in the world did you find mud on those dry trails? You did good, my man. Very impressive. Lets do it again:)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to the full report, Rick. Sorry about the mud pit incident -- ouch.
ReplyDeleteThank you for providing the link to Katelyn's race report. Wow! She's really something special -- you're absolutely right -- hers is a race report like no other. I enjoyed every word and her videos are a big bonus, too! Thanks again.
as always...look forward to hearing the report...you really amaze me dude...
ReplyDeleteawesome seeing ya again Rick...great job again - can't wait for the report!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I know exactly the muddy spot you're talking about. I thought I was about to go around it and got in about ankle deep - not nearly as bad as your fall though!
ReplyDeleteAgain, it was great seeing you at the race. I see you more than I see most of my LA friends these days! I'm glad I know you. Congrats on a solid run.
Congratulations! I'll keep tab on that race report.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Rick! You are amazing. Congratulations on a successful race, and I look forward to reading your report. Hope you are recovering well!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you last weekend. Maybe one of these times we will get to hangout a bit after.....I just have to quit DNFing all my races.
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