Our running groups completed the SF marathon training this morning!!! Since we're on a tapering mode, I finished a fairly easy 6-miler at Golden Gate Park today. The only problem I had was some soreness on my right knee. It has been bothering me for awhile. By the time I reached mile 3, I had to stop for a moment. Luckily my runner friend Marie lent me her knee brace. It felt better. I managed to finish but was limping just a little. This coming week, I intend to buy a knee brace at Sports Basement. When I got home, I applied ice on it. It felt soothing but when I stood up, it ached again. I'm going to give it some time to heal. I'm slightly concerned but with the upcoming rest week, I think I should be ok on race day!
At Kezar, we all enjoyed a nice potluck with the coaches, pacers, and all of us trainees at the finish line! I can't believe 26-weeks came and gone by just like that! Coach Greg gave some heartfelt advice and farewell words to all of us. He got a little emotional and commended us on a job well done. As much as I enjoy running, and the exercise, I came away from the training program with a lot of new, strong, caring and awesome friends. That wasn't quite the goal but it turns out to be the most enriching part of the journey! Each of them inspire me so much. I got to hear some of their stories, and really enjoyed just seeing them and running together. We all come to the training with different goals, and from different parts of the Bay Area and different professions, but we all share a similar need to commit to something that is bigger than ourselves. And, that commitment is hard especially on those cold and rainy days back in February, I just didn't want to go out there. But, somehow I did because I knew the group will be there, and we all motivated each other.
Some of my old friends often say to me, 'I don't remember you running in high school?' Well, I don't remember either. I suppose as I keep living, I try to search for things that keep me in line, and perhaps as I said above, something larger than myself. It's that commitment and that bond between team members that I often find satisfying and challenging. I love it! It's intoxicating! I'm going to miss the training! So when I heard about the Fall Running Club sponsored by the SF Marathon, I jumped at the chance! Same coaches, same pacers, same trainees like myself! Just $120 more and run meets will be on Mondays and Saturdays! That's going to keep me on my toes for the Fall! Most of all, I love seeing my runner friends! They are awesome!! ;-)
Race Day is July 26! More preparation this coming week! And, more updates too!
And, LOTS of REST....as this is taper time! ;-)
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