Skyline Marathon and Half Marathon.
I had big ideas to get up early, drive to the start, run to the half start, pick up my gear for the aid station I was to crew, hike to the station, hand out refreshments, clean up and run to the finish. HA! Ya, alarm went off at 4:00 AM legs and body said uhhh no.
Instead, arrived at the half start a little later than I was suposed to (suprise), met my aid station buddies, Casey and his son, picked up our gear and instructions and I set out few minutes behind Casey for the steep 2 miles up to our aid station. I jogged slowly unitl I caught Casey and then we walked and had a good time talking up to our station. We got there, nothing! we both understood all the stuff woould be there, and nothing. Oh, he must have ment to the other intersection, about a mile and another big climb further up. Well, runners weren't far behind so I ran hard to the spot, got set up, Casey and son showed a few minutes later, and runners very soon after that. close one!
Had a great time handing out goodies all morning. It was great to see all the local trail runners out supporting the race. Mozzer and Gdoc were rock'en and looked great! Shane Martin killed it in like 3:43 for 26.2 and 5000+ vert! geeze! I think he won by 20 minutes. I got to sweep the course down the South Skyline to Windsurfer aid. Great time, but following the back of the pack very slowly down a 7 mile very runnable descent in 90 degree heat was, . . . . well, good mental training. I was happy to see Oreo there, and even more happy to ride with him in the 'burb back to the finish for some sweet popsicles and treats! Thanks buddy!
Great race! one to do next year. I know I take it for granted because I run it all the time, but this has to be one of the most beautiful courses around and its on single track for 98% of the race. Folks that had never been out there before were in total awe!
11 miles or so, 2000 vert ish.
Week totals: 31 miles, 6000 vert, weak week, that's o.k. I needed it. Back to the grind next week, whaaahooo! :) | 