SF 1 Day

Okay, I no longer think these people are silly. I applaud them. In a way, I even envy them. They are all strong, focused, disciplined, individuals. They came very prepared for the 12 or 24 hours ahead of them. They had wheeled suitcases or duffel bags, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, even some tents. Some wore hydration packs, some carried hand bottles, some carried nothing. Some came with their own crew, some came alone. They all had a game plan, a strategy. I heard some saying they were going to run the whole time, some were going to walk. Some had a specific mileage they wanted to reach. Some just wanted to see what would happen.

I showed up at 7:00 a.m. to help with check in that started at 7:30. Victoria was kind enough to try and maneuver me through the streets of San Francisco via cell phone.

Me and Victoria walking a lap

This is what the runners got to see every 1.06 mile

Mike Bohi before the start

People began showing up right at 7:30. I was working with Sarah, checking in the 24 hour runners. I was listening to the different attitudes of the runners. Some were really excited while others were really nervous. Closer to the start time, they started taking off their outer layers and applying sunscreen. We could already tell it was going to be a warm day.

At 9:00, they were off. Wendell and Sarah's son, Aaron, led everyone around the first lap. This wasn't like a ceremonial thing, he was just FAST. We set up the aid station immediately because 1.06 mile doesn't take long to run and believe it or not, these people wanted aid right away. By 10:00, people were feeling the heat and some appeared surprised by it. I think when people sign up for a run like this (San Francisco in October), they don't expect heat to be a factor. Victoria and I walked a lap together after I walked a lap by myself at 1:00. I tried to give some encouragement to a guy from Orange County that was struggling a little. When I got home I continued to send him some emails and I was pleased to see he stuck it out for the entire 12 hours. I also saw that Mike accomplished his goal of 50 miles and Catra reached her 100 mile goal. For (preliminary) race results, you can check out Webcast .

I was so happy to hang out with Victoria for the whole day. It was hard to believe she was moving so well considering she just got her cast off on Wednesday. I'm hoping she and I will be able to run together, with our furry kids, in the near future. Rick Gaston was helping out with parking in the morning and then he hung out with Wendell in the (timing, email, etc.) booth for most of the day. He was actually staying through the night. He talked to me about my IT Band issue and gave me suggestions that will hopefully make for a successful recovery.

If all goes well, I will be one of "those silly people running 'round and 'round and 'round" next year.