Rock "n" Roll in Las Vegas



Las Vegas Blvd will be closed on Dec 5 for the Rock "n" Roll Marathon

This coming Sunday, I will run my last 2010 race. It will be my 6th half marathon this year. I trained for this event for 6 weeks with 2 goals:
1. To set new PR. 
2. Run the Half Mary under 2 hours.

Unfortunately, last tuesday, my wife and I got sick (the flu shot didn't do it's job).  I am now fully recovered and started running again since yesterday (easy & taper run).  I have to abandon my goals and hope I get lucky at the casino or at the bar(I think this is  much tougher goal).

Long Beach Marathon Revisited with Pictures

 

Early morning of October 17 in Long Beach.  Runners started trekking to the Starting Line.





View from the sky. Runners all set to go.  Long Beach Marina & Queen Mary on the background.





Long Beach Fireboat  & the Queen Mary





And off they go.



Runners as they passed the Lighthouse





Newbie's Mistakes
1. Trained for 8 weeks to come up with a plan, then ditched it at the starting line. Chased the 4:15 to 4:26 hrs pacer, instead of staying with my wave pacer (4:26 to4:45 hrs). 
2. Trained to run 5 miles and walk 2 minutes intervals. Didn't walk till mile 17.





The Humbled One
From mile 18 to 24, my legs stopped listening to my command.  My arms were moving faster than my legs and to add insult to my woe, my wave pacer overtook me.  My training, focus and determination to finish my first marathon was tested and I  passed the challenged.  Didn't stop to catch my breath, to rest or stretch my aching legs.



Mind & Body Working Together Again
Got back my strength on the last 2.2 miles and was able to run non-stop at a decent pace.




The Triumphant One
Hands raised & smiling face as I crossed the Finish Line, said it all .... the feeling and the reasons, I love running.

Gun Time -- 4:58:58
Net Time -- 4:42:49



 







Personal Run .......

Have you ever run an event because of personal reason?  I did last Sunday.  With a week notice and just 2 weeks from my first marathon, I decided to join my son in running a 10K in Lafayette, CA to kick some big asses. The course is very challenging with an uphill grade of 6% (street to the reservoir rim trail) and a downhill grade of 7%. Also, it's  an 800 miles drive for me.

I have to do this event. Years ago, while with my son, his wife and in-laws for a breakfast in Lafayette, I was slighted by the restaurant because of my race.  Never mentioned the incident to anyone,except to my wife.  Forgot all about the incident till my son  told me about the Lafayette Reservoir Halloween Run.

I have a score to settle and I will settle it by what I do best ----- running and a podium finish.  From start to finish, I gave all I got,  uphill, downhill no problem (actually been running downhill dangerously). I finished strong  ....... unfortunately, I came out short of my goal, one second short to be exact for a 3rd place finish.  At least, in the field of 14 runners in my age group(60 - 69),  I kicked  10 asses.  That's pretty good score
and if you consider that, I am the oldest in that group, it's double the pleasure.  

Event --------------- Lafayette Reservoir Halloween Run
Time ---------------- 55m :36sec
Age Group Place --- 4/14
Overall Place ------- 217/528