Running

For many of us (maybe most) we use the verb ‘run’ in statements like…

• I’ll just run to the store... 
•  I’ll pick that up while I’m out running errands…
•  Let me run through my ‘to do’ list and see what is left…

And then, there are those individuals who use the word where it means “moving and lifting of feet in continual motion”.   That group includes my son, Mike.   As a toddler, he ran everywhere.  He could not get from Point A to Point B fast enough.  Sports kept him running even after college.  Then, his job and young family kept him on the move, but not running.  As his own children moved into sports, he rekindled his interest in biking and then back into running.

Two years ago, he decided to take on the Philadelphia Marathon.  Not only did he finish, but his timing was below 4 hours.  The Boston Marathon was now a goal.  A qualifying marathon is required where he would need to complete the 26.2 miles in 3 hours, 15 minutes or less for his age group.  This set up the routine of practice, practice, practice.  As he wore out shoes covering miles in training on cold Connecticut winter mornings, he strengthened his body and prepared for his next race – the LA Marathon.

On Friday, March 15^th, after picking him up at the airport, I learned about the world of the marathon runner.   We headed to the LA Convention Center for the Marathon Expo where registration/confirmation formalities were completed.  There were vendors and race sponsor organizations with displays and vendor booths offering last minute tips, ideas, and support for the over 24,000 racers.

The next day was spent doing a drive along the roads included in the route of the race.  Amazingly, many of the roads used in the race were major thoroughfares going from the parking lot in Dodger’s Stadium winding through the City of LA before moving out to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and into Santa Monica.  I drove as Mike navigated me to areas I had never been like the VA Campus in West LA.  As we moved along the miles, I could not begin to think about the physical requirements to do this the following morning – it was a long drive, let alone running it.

March 17^th, 2013 – St. Patrick’s Day – LA Marathon Day.   The day had arrived.   Traffic is always a major variable in getting around LA and the target was to drop Mike off at 6 a.m.   Getting from Hermosa Beach to Dodger’s Stadium at that hour should have been a piece of cake.  It was – until the last 4 miles.  At least half of the 24,000 runners seemed to be coming at the same time.  We were behind schedule by a little, but Mike was ready to go.   It was still dark outside, but no where near as cold as his training days.

Dennis and I headed to Santa Monica to capture a viewing spot at the end of the race along with some needed coffee and food.  As Mike crossed the finish line, we cheered this amazing feat of physical effort and committed spirit.  Congratulations Mike on your new personal record…your mom is proud!!!!

Race time – 3:26:59

Overall finish - 750^th

Within age group – 106^th

Pace – 7:54 per mile