Sunday, February 05, 2012

Surf City Marathon, Huntington Beach



Under clear, sunny skies, some 20,000 people take part in the full and half-marathon Sunday.

HUNTINGTON BEACH – On the morning of Super Bowl Sunday, thousands of dedicated marathon runners ran what on the gridiron would amount to some 4,600 first downs – adding up to 26.2 miles.
A sea of humanity ran and jogged along the sea in the 2012 Surf City USA Marathon and Half Marathon. The annual event attracted 3,000 marathon runners and 17,000 half-marathon runners.
Time: 4:29:50 hrs.
Place: 1367/ 2439
Sex Place: 944/ 1541
Age Place: 155/ 238

Saturday, January 14, 2012

4 Races in 3 weeks - Marathon Maniac Iridium Level

I've been a member of the Marathon Maniacs for a while. It's a national club for runners who are focused on marathons. At almost every race you will find some members in their bright yellow or orange shirts cheering on and supporting each other. During a "maniac" lifetime" one can achieve different levels of "insanity" and over the past 3 weeks I tried to accomplish level 4 (out of 10) - the Iridium level. In order to achieve this task, I had to run 4 marathons in 23 days ...

I exceeded this goal and did a marathon, a 50K, a trail marathon with 4,600 feet elevation gain and a 50 Miler with over 7,000 feet elevation gain. All within only 20 days. Altogether, I have done 13 marathons and 9 Ultras (everything over 26.2 miles) so far since I first started running marathons a little over 3 years ago. I guess now I can officially call myself a maniac - insanity level 4.

Impossible is temporary!

Marathon Maniac #4150

Avalon Benefit 50 Miler (Catalina Island)















One of the country's most challenging and scenic 50-milers.

No cars, no smog, just great terrain, incredible views, fascinating historical sites, a well-organized race, nice people, great food . . . and even an occasional buffalo sighting.
Total Elevation Gain: 7,080 feet
Distance: 50 miles / 80 km
Time: 11:08:49 hrs. 
Place: 180 of 297 finishers