Postcard from the Weekend: Sunday at the Santa Monica Classic

So, just to put my cards on the table, I did not run the Santa Monica Classic on Sunday. Yes, I was there. Yes, I ran. Yes, I had a great time, met and saw some awesome people, enjoyed the cool weather. But, procrastinator that I am, I missed the deadline and the Santa Monica Classic sold out before I could sign up.

Why was I there then? Because, Alan, race announcer extraordinaire, was hired to work the finish line. So if by chance you were one of the 4,000 or so that registered in time, that was his voice you heard saying your name as you finished.

So what did I do? Well, I’ll tell you…

Saturday

Alan and I drove to Santa Monica on Saturday afternoon. We got a bit of a late start because we went for a run in the morning. I kind of feel like that was a waste because I just wasn’t feeling it. It was hot, my legs were tired, I was lagging behind. I managed four miles (we’d planned to run five). My consolation is that sometimes it is those tough runs that make you mentally stronger. At least I hope so!

The drive wasn’t too bad. You never know what you’re going to get, driving into Los Angeles, but there was nothing worse than the usual slowdowns in traffic. In fact, I used my Maps app for directions and we arrived at the exact time it predicted. Now that’s unusual.

After checking in to our, um, unique hotel, we headed down to get our bearings. Alan needed to touch base with the Conqur Group, for whom he was working, and we just wanted an idea of where’d we be going early the next morning. Actually, they told him he wasn’t needed until 7:00, an unheard of late hour for Alan (because he was announcing just the finish, not the start). He said he’d be there at 6:00. You just can’t change an early bird!

One of our stops was at packet pickup for the race, which was at the local street fair. We were both starving by that time (about 3:00!). Fortunately, the food trucks all had vegan options, so we picked one and had a veggie burger. Thank goodness! We were both getting a little hangry!

In spite of a late lunch, we decided to have an early dinner. We had many choices in Santa Monica, but decided to head to our old favorite, the Veggie Grill. Even though I was at the Irvine restaurant last week, I was happy to go again. I had to have the Smoky Corn Bisque again (so good!). Alan ordered the Koreatown tacos and I had the Thai tacos, and we shared. Perfect!

Sunday: The Santa Monica Classic

The nice thing about race day for a race you’re not running is that there is no reason to feel nervous. I slept great and we got up early enough to drive to Starbucks for coffee before heading to the start line. I dropped Alan off, found parking, then hung around until it was light enough to run. Oh, and I helped him set up his speakers, mic and music. I am the techno one in the family.

Then I headed off for my run. I decided to go south, toward the start line, because I knew that a few other Rock ‘n’ Bloggers would be doing the Santa Monica Classic, and I wanted to say hi and good luck. That worked out perfectly, because after bumping into Linzie, I also got the chance to see Smitha and finally meet Carlee! We chatted for a while before the start of the 10k, then Carlee, who was looking to PR, headed to the start line and I left to finish my own run.

I continued south, all the way to the Venice Beach boardwalk and Muscle Beach. Then I turned around and headed back, stopping at the pier, where the post-race festivities were being held, to pick up a couple more of the new Clif Bars (nut butter filling!) and I had the chance to meet this man:

I think that Meb is so awesome. Not only is he a great runner, he does so much for the community and for the sport of running. I was honored to meet him, and also to explain to the women in the next booth what MEB stood for. Obviously, they were not runners!

After my run, I hung out with Alan at the finish for a bit (including the chance to see Carlee fly past nailing her PR). I was trying to estimate the time based on her goal and had just told Alan to look for her when I saw her sparkly skirt zoom by. He did manage to announce her (I hope she heard!).

The rest of the story is pretty boring. I drove back to the hotel to clean up and check out, went back to pick up Alan when he was done working, then we headed back to the desert, where, by the way, it was about 40 degrees warmer! Seriously, we left the Santa Monica Classic when it was about 66 degrees, arrived home a few hours later where it was 109. When will it all be over??!!!

How was your weekend? Any special events, races, or other fun adventures? Let me know in the comments!

 

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My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!

Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie  and Rachel
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Anything Goes with Marilyn
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Michelle, Jen, and Nicole
The Plant Based Potluck Party with Deborah
The Running Coaches’ Corner with Rachel, Suz, Lora Marie, and Me!
Giveaway Roundup and Try Out Thursdays with Smitha
The Blogger’s Pit Stop with Kathleen, Janice, Julie and Me!
Living a Life of Fitness, Health and Happiness with Jill