This past weekend I traveled to Monterey to run in the Big Sur International Marathon.
I signed up to run 10.6 miles and I was excited because I'd heard from other runners that this was a
GREAT run.
I signed up to run 10.6 miles and I was excited because I'd heard from other runners that this was a
GREAT run.
I arrived midday on Saturday and after picking up my race bib, I spent the afternoon walking around Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row, two of my favorite places in Monterey.
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| Welcome to Fisherman's Wharf |
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| He's used to getting his photo taken... |
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| Fresh Shrimp Cocktail...Delish! |
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| A local resident |
The weather was sunny all afternoon and my day ended at a local seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean.
A relaxed evening...right before a race, what more could a girl ask for?
Race Day
All 10.6 runners were shuttled from Monterey to their starting point location in Big Sur.
On the shuttle ride over, I met runners from all parts of the country, Texas, Washington D.C and Iowa just to name a few.
We arrived at our location, a restaurant nestled high above the ocean water. With beautiful panoramic views of the ocean, I gathered that this was a prelude to what we would encounter on our run.
On the shuttle ride over, I met runners from all parts of the country, Texas, Washington D.C and Iowa just to name a few.
We arrived at our location, a restaurant nestled high above the ocean water. With beautiful panoramic views of the ocean, I gathered that this was a prelude to what we would encounter on our run.
The race was to begin at 7:30 AM and at about 7:10 AM an announcement was made that everyone should start heading towards the starting line. Race bag in tow, I started up the hill to find the bag drop. I was at the front of the starting line with a group of women who were also looking for the bag drop. A volunteer informed us that the bag drop was just up ahead on our run. As he says this, the race official blows the horn! 15 minutes early! As soon as I heard the horn I bolted and so did the other women around me! I was struggling to get my armband around my arm and at the same time I was trying to evaluate if I needed anything else from the bag.
A blonde haired woman next to me yelled, “I’m still wearing my cashmere sweater and I haven’t even stretched yet!” This made everyone laugh who was in earshot. We approached the bag drop which was a school bus with open windows. We threw our race bags to the volunteers to catch. Whew…now that I had that dead weight out of my hand I could properly assemble my armband. I was in dire need of some essential running tunes.
Finally, I was on my way...
The scenery was gorgeous. The views along the CA coastline were just as spectacular as promised.
At every mile runners were serenaded with different genres of live music. At one mile, a woman stringing an enormous harp and at another mile a local high school band.
And to my surprise, there were lots of spectators whistling, clapping and cheering us on.
One lady yelled enthusiastically, “You go Melissa” with a fist pump. My first thought was she knows me or perhaps this is a race follower who has seen me at other running events. I came to the realization a short while later that my name was very visible on my bib. Oops, oh well I appreciated the kudos immensely.
One spectator, a boy around the age of 10, held up his hand for me to give him a high-five, which I kindly obliged. He was pretty excited about it which made me smile. Before I knew it, I was near the end of the race. I was getting very close to the finish line when I spotted a runner ahead of me. Uh-oh…you see I wouldn’t describe myself as being competitive but for some reason…I just HAD to pass her!
I did end up passing her but she gave me a good run to the finish line.
Finally, I was on my way...
The scenery was gorgeous. The views along the CA coastline were just as spectacular as promised.
At every mile runners were serenaded with different genres of live music. At one mile, a woman stringing an enormous harp and at another mile a local high school band.
And to my surprise, there were lots of spectators whistling, clapping and cheering us on.
One lady yelled enthusiastically, “You go Melissa” with a fist pump. My first thought was she knows me or perhaps this is a race follower who has seen me at other running events. I came to the realization a short while later that my name was very visible on my bib. Oops, oh well I appreciated the kudos immensely.
One spectator, a boy around the age of 10, held up his hand for me to give him a high-five, which I kindly obliged. He was pretty excited about it which made me smile. Before I knew it, I was near the end of the race. I was getting very close to the finish line when I spotted a runner ahead of me. Uh-oh…you see I wouldn’t describe myself as being competitive but for some reason…I just HAD to pass her!
I did end up passing her but she gave me a good run to the finish line.
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| My Medal |
I received my finisher’s medal, gathered my race day provisions and journeyed back to the hotel where my race day began. I couldn’t wait to partake in my post- race ritual…a Starbuck’s coffee. It’s the little things, right?
I did it, 10.6 miles accomplished.
Cheers I'll drink to that!
