One afternoon I heard an advert on the radio for the San Francisco Marathon, "See the best of San Francisco, come run the Marathon!". Having only been in the country for a few months this seemed like a great idea! Why not run a Marathon? So I signed up, really what is 26 miles when you've never run at all?I had seven weeks to prepare so went to get the necessary gear, a pair of running shoes. The selection process was simple, I had a budget, I needed to like the color and naturally they needed to fit nice and snugly :-)
Three weeks before the event I decided it would be a good idea to go for run, on a Sunday afternoon, I set out from my apartment for a run towards Shoreline park. The first mile was slow as there were a number of traffic lights to cross, and I never really got into a rhythm. However it wasn't too far long in the second mile that I reached the running trail on Steven's creek. Enthused to see other runner's out on the trail I picked up my pace and pretended to be one of them (though not as well kitted out it appeared). As I completed the second mile I felt tired and was wondering why I was running? There was no race it was a pleasant day for a walk after all. I had no idea how far I'd come it seemed like a long way so by mile 2.5, I decided to turn around and walk back as I was in no hurry. I did feel a little thirsty also it was good to get back and have something to drink.
July 9th, the day was here although my test run hadn't been great I felt it was more of a motivational issue rather than a physical one. My roommate very kindly got up at 5am with me to drive up to San Francisco. We arrived just past 6am at Golden Gate park, which gave me a enough time to pick-up my race packet and get ready. I'd never been to an event like this and was amazed by the number of people and the chaos that surrounded everyone.I was ready to start I had pinned the Race Bid to my Cotton T-Shirt, was also wearing cotton shorts and socks (and briefs too). I was also wearing a "Bum-bag", to carry a couple of PowerBars, my Walkman to listen to the radio while I ran, an inhaler and a spare pair of socks.
As I had know I idea on what pace group to start in I just decided to begin in the middle of the pack thinking that be fairly safe. The gun went off and the Marathon began, it was a simple case of move or be trampled on, not ready to give in on the first mile I decided to keep moving. I felt good and the adrenaline was kicking in. The first few miles weaved through the city streets until we reached the Presido, the run became far more scenic, the weather was still a little cold and grey with fog over the bay. At mile 4 I got a glimpse of the Golden Gate bridge through the fog. Running all the Presido was great it was now mostly flat to the half point just beyond the Embarcadero. As I approached the Bay Bridge my feet were starting to get sore, I knew from working out at the gym, changing my cotton (yes cotton) socks would help, so I replaced them mid-race with the spare pair in bum bag.
I past the half-way point in good time, but the hills of San Francisco were all ahead of me as the route took me back towards Golden Gate park. I past I guy on the side of the road, who looked very fit though he was holding his leg in pain, there was somebody helping him, but it certainly gave me some pause, he was fit he looked like a runner. Before I knew I was back in Golden Gate Park and heading out towards the out and back a long the Ocean. While it was great to be by the Ocean the concept of an "out and back" seem frustrating and annoying, it seemed pointless, though I guess there is real difference between and out and back and loop, with the both the goal is to get to where you started.
Now heading back towards the park the end was near, but my legs were experiencing pain I had never convinced of. My form was failing and speed decreasing but I was now at 25, just one more to go. Mile 26 and damn, .2 of mile to go then you realize it is just 26 mile run, but 26.2, believe that .2 makes a huge difference at this point :-)
It was there finish! 26.2 miles in 4:49:09.
After the race I realized, I needed walk some to the bus, then the train, then of course there was the 1 mile walk home, this was not well thought out, none of it :-)
At work the next day a short walk to either the bathroom or the break room, required a great deal of contemplation. One of my co-worker's saw me walking a little strangely and asked me what was wrong, too embarrassed to admit my foolish run attempt, I just said "I slept a little funny last night".
The pain in my legs took a long time to go away, would I ever do another Marathon again?
Well in 2005 I signed up to do the San Francisco Marathon again, I thought this time, I'll train :-)
I had been going to the gym, but the week before I made the wise decision that Marathon was going to cause me more pain than do me good, so I decided to skip it. However the story continues in 2006 and gets far more exciting... read on to "the Last Crazy thing I did..."
(Click here to view route on Google Earth)
