Since the Dolphin South End folks host a race almost every Sunday, I knew I could count on them to help me get my July race in under the wire today.
After my morning Ritual and CLIF Builder's Bar, I headed out to the big windmill on the Great Highway at JFK Drive. With a cold, heavy mist in the air, I was having second thoughts about wearing shorts and a tank top to show off my Vineyard tan. Gotta love San Fran summer.
Luckily parking karma was with me even if the sun wasn't. I was also happy to see that the DSE crew has upgraded to fully branded, standard number bibs. I registered, paid the oh-so-reasonable $5 entry fee, which today is going toward the Sri Lankan Runners Fund.
Stretched. Shivered.
Marveled at the turnout. Might be more than 100 runners here.
Shivered. Stretched.
Race was called for the civilized hour of 9 am, and by 9:03 we were off. It was an out-and-back on JFK Drive, so anyone familiar with that stretch of Golden Gate Park knows it's pretty much all uphill on the way out.
Despite the chill, I warmed up pretty quickly. Passed the De Young, the Conservatory of Flowers, the Rose Garden, etc. Every time I run in Golden Gate Park, I marvel at how beautiful it is and tell myself I should come out and run there more often, instead of always doing Crissy Field. Maybe this time my resolution will stick.
Was feeling great on the way back, since as we all know, what goes up must come down. Although I wasn't able to pass one of the guys I'd been pacing back and forth with most of the time, I did best another as we approached the 6 mile mark. I saw the time clock at the finish line was ticking through the seconds of 59-minute mark and really kicked it in so I could finish in under an hour at 59:44.
Another fun DSE race down. Finisher ribbons for everyone! DSE is even starting to do goody bags. Today's didn't have much in it, but I'll certainly enjoy the 15% coupon at Sports Basement, and the Chocolate Crisp Attune bar. Bring on the probiotic wellness.
Now it's time for my other rituals -- say it with me: mani/pedi, burger and fries!
You are amazing!! Congrats on another race down! Enjoy the mani peti! You deserve it! Dena
Posted by: Dena Shapiro | July 27, 2008 at 04:48 PM