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.