Even started on time at 8:00 a.m. First mile 10:30, second mile 22 minutes, and finish time 33:15, which was a 10:50 pace. Temperature was 40 degrees at 6:00 a.m. Race time about 50 degrees. Started in the front of the pack which was a beginners mistake. Ran with runners pants and thermo long sleeve top over the t-shirt. Tip for next time: Have gloves.

The Los Angeles County Komen Race for the Cure® raised significant funds and awareness at the March 15, 2008 5k walk and run at the Rosebowl in the fight against breast cancer. Seventy-five per cent of the net proceeds raised each year at the Komen Los Angeles County Race for the Cure® stay in L. A. County. The funds go to breast cancer services that directly benefit the women who need them most. The balance of the money raised goes to Komen national research programs. This year instead of giving out finisher medals they gave out pins. I woke up extremely tired but finished the 5k at 35:30. at a 11:20 pace.

It’s two days after the famous Los Angeles Marathon. I woke up worth all kinds of muscle discomfort in my legs, calves, thighs. I put two cartons (each having 3 pounds by weight) of Epsom salt which only cost $2.99 each in a tub. Well worth it and more effective than a expensive massage. I soaked for about 15 to 20 minutes in a warm tub with the Epsom Salt. Wow, what a difference. I can actually move a lot easier.

I finished the Los Angeles Marathon. It took me 7 hours. The first 10 miles was fairly easy. At the 10 mile mark, I had to try and follow another group, a walker runner group 5. I stayed with them next four miles, was out of breath at times and went until I had cramping at mile 14. I had to stop at a store and pick up some salon pas to apply. Mile 18 or so, I tried tying my shoe laces, and when I raised my arms, I had cramps there as well. Also even in the right chest as I bent down trying to tie the laces. I had to use the rest room in the first mile but the lines were long so I skipped it for the first 6 miles. I could have finished at around 6:40 if I did not have the cramping. Also to reduce my time for next year, I need to drop another 15 pounds, and do my homework during the week. I did virtually no running during the week. When I was at mile 19 and 21, or so, it was a little emotional excitement. The group I had initially ran with back in September before I fell out finished around 6 hours, at least that was their pace leaders time. Their projected finish time was 5:18. Steve and his wife finished both around 5:18. When I crossed the line, I started getting cold. Probably from the winds and the wet shirt I was wearing from the water. When I got home, I was shivering cold. I took a warm bath with epson salt and went to bed early and had a good nights sleep for a change — about 10 hours.  Preparation tips for next year - train during the week, lose weight, bring salon pas can or patches, bring carbohydrates items like pretzels or gel, and have your family member bring you sweats and pants for you to wear at the end of the race and make sure use the rest room before you leave because all that water will catch up to you while you are sitting in your car leaving.

I tried to jog today but could not get into it. I walked for about an hour. I did not sleep well even though I had plenty of sleep (seven hours.)

I did 7 miles today. Jogged the first 6 miles at 12 min per mile pace. My knee is inflamed. I was told it was warm and there is very minor discomfort. I saw a bunch of student run LA kids. They did 6 miles. Steve did 9 miles at approximately a 9 minute 30 second pace.

Today I did 13.1 miles. I walked the first 5 miles and jogged the last 8.1 miles. Steve said we were only supposed to do 9 miles according to some book he has been reading.

Its Sunday February 11, 2008. I completed 22 miles today. It was certainly challenging as I did not get a good nights rest and only slept about 4 hours. I walked the first 3.1 miles then jog/ walked the next 13.2 miles followed by walking the next 6.2 miles. I started getting a headache in the last few miles as well as cramping in my calve muscle. I had to sit down along the way about four times for a few minutes to get my muscles some rest. Steve helped motivate me. We did take a short lunch break after completing the first 19 miles eating a hamburger and drinking a Gatorade.

Steve is preparing for the Los Angeles Marathon. At age 52, he has been preparing since the middle of August 2007. He estimates he has run over 500 miles since then. Last week Saturday he ran 26.2 miles as part of his training. He walked on Monday two miles and he has experienced soreness in his upper thighs. He jogged five miles on Thursday. He runs a 10 minute per mile pace. His projected race finish time is four hours and 20 minutes. He is scheduled to run 13 miles tomorrow. This will be Steve’s first Marathon.

On March 2, 2008, many world class marathon runners will participate in the Los Angeles Marathon. Its 26.2 miles. I have never run a marathon before but hope to complete one this year. Notice I said the word, complete one. That means just to finish. Not sure the time. It could be night time when I come the finish line area. Hopefully nobody will be asleep yet. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. So lets see, it took me 3 hours to complete a half marathon so a full marathon will take maybe 6 to 7 hours? I guess I will be coming thru the tape around 3 p.m. The slowest people are always on T.V. They are the folks coming in 15 hours later pushing some shopping basket. The organizers can’t leave the finish line until the very last folks come in.