Headlands Hundred

Saturday morning I was up at 4:30 AM, gaahh I hate getting up while it's still dark outside but no way I was going to miss the start of the Headlands Hundred. I had a wedding to attend so I wasn't able to sign on as a crew/pacer. The wedding wasn't until later in the day however so I planned on being at the start to see friends off, hang out until it was time to go, then run home to get some training in. I rode with pals Larissa and Marla. Marla was running in her first 100-mile race and Larissa was crewing and pacing for her.

It was cold and foggy, brrrr! Great conditions for a run but tough on crew, volunteers and spectators. Larissa and I drove around to the different aid stations in Marla's Mercedes convertible, yeah it was sweet but the top stayed on though. This is the San Francisco Bay Area in the summer - pack your gloves and jackets! Soon it was time to go and I tagged along with Bradley and Marla as they made their way back to the Golden Gate aid station. I said my goodbyes at the bridge and wished them both luck. Bradley, a good friend, had himself a spectacular day by coming in under 22 hours - his goal was to come under 24.

On the way home I ran into two friends who were wrapping up a day of canoe racing in the bay. Both had a connection to the Headlands Hundred and I updated them on the race. Jess crewed for me at last years event and Samantha was my pacer from miles 75-100, a role she was scheduled to reprise for Marla. My pacer for 50-75 last year? The groom of the wedding I was invited to. Neat right?

Enjoy the pictures, there's more, just click on the provided link.

Joe Palubeski and Larissa Polischuk pre-race. Joe would end up winning the race in 19:40.

Now you know where I got the inspiration when I designed the logo for the Headlands Hundred, 50-Mile and Marathon race. RD's Sarah Spelt and Michael Popov.

Marla leaving the Muir Beach aid station.

UltraRunning magazine's John Medinger and Lisa Henson at the Tennessee Valley aid station.

Marla and Bradley heading towards the Golden Gate bridge on the SCA trail.

Charles Lantz eagerly awaiting runners at the aid station that had the best views, aptly named "Golden Gate".

Golden Gate aid station captains Larry and Carol.

Heading back across the bridge, San Francisco in the distance.

The Marin Headlands as seen from the San Francisco side.

Ran into pals Jessica and Samantha at Crissy Field after their canoe races. Jessica was my crew chief last year for my two 100 milers including the Headlands Hundred. Samantha to the right is Marla's pacer for miles 75-100, a role she fulfilled for me last year.

For more pictures complete with captions, click here.