San Diego Marathon 2009 Update

During the Race

Ruta and Danny during the race

After the Race

Ruta and Danny ... at last done

Woke up early enough to get to the race but for a unforseen reason there was an unexpected traffic jam to the parking lot. Who would have known that. We decided to park at the finish line area. Since the finish and start line where in 2 different area. We finally were able to get into the parking lot. We were in a mad rush to get to the start line that is via a shuttle bus. I knew we were going to be late.. so there was no reason to panic. Since our starts when we cross the start line activating our chip. I arrived about 18 minutes after the race started. Which was fine. Ruta waved my good bye and I went on my way. I started to warm up on the first mile. My breathing felt smooth, I felt great. The weather was overcasted with a slight mist in the air, around 57 degrees. My entire esences felt great. No stomach, breathing or body issue. I felt good. I knew Ruta was going to wait for me at mile 12. I was a bit concern how she was going to find her way , being in a new city is never to easy.
I got to mile 12 and still felt great. Gave her a hug and went on my way. by mile 20, I started to feel a bit of cramping in my stomach. I stopped to use the kypos. It helped. Got a call from Ruta that she was going to be at mile 22. Wow, that was a great surprise. I felt an increase of energy...so I sped up and met her there. She said, later on, that I looked better then I did at Mile 12.
At around mile 23, my right calf started to cramp up and that is a big indicator that it is time for me to get new shoes. I finished it in about 4:30. Not my best but not my worse. But I would have to say it was one of my best just because I had Ruta there to support me and knowing that she was there was such agreat feeling. she was so awesome. I know it was so tiring for her but she is such a strong person that she hung in there.

That night I treated her to a great Sunset 3 hour dinner cruise on the Ocean and celebrated our 3 month and my 16th marathon

more updates later