Yesterday, I joined 4,000+ runners at Crissy Field in San Francisco, CA, to soak in the sun and enjoy the challenging course of the Presidio 10-Mile road race. This was my fourth running of this hilly and fast route around the Presidio and Golden Gate Bridge put on by The Guardsmen, and it was once again the Road Runners Clubs of America (RRCA) 10-mile National Championship. It was the perfect tune up for the Boston Marathon just a week away, so I was curious to see how my tempo pace would hold up now that I was finally free of that pesky two-month chest cold. But most of all I was thrilled to join many smiling runners on a perfect sunny day and roll through the familiar world class landmarks of the area. Honestly, we have few excuses to not have a great time given our slice of California heaven. Today would be no exception!
(Hanging with the Guard Dog, the mascot for The Guardsmen)
At the starting line, you wouldn't believe that just nine years ago this race had only 300 participants. Now it's one of the bigger races in San Francisco, with a dozen sponsors including Levi's and Hint beverages, while still retaining that fun and local atmosphere. It's all thanks to The Guardsmen, a fantastic volunteer group that raises money for youth programs, where RD Damon and his hearty crew just keep improving. One thing for sure is that there would be music, pancakes, and beer at the finish...that's all the motivation I need! After a short parking debacle (one drawback of the bigger crowds), I hustled up to the start line just in time for the 8am start. Phew! I'm worse than Cinderella at midnight with these things, I swear. It's usually at this point I realize I'm missing something (camera this time, but have shown up without shoes before, so anything that doesn't involve sprinting in Crocs is fine by me), and laugh to myself that Mr. Big Shot Chief Blah-Blah Officer is basically a preparation train wreck any given weekend. Then again, maybe that fly-by-night freedom is part of the release that makes racing so fun. It wasn't so long ago that racing was the only structure my life had.
(And we're off!)
We were sent off into the Presidio hills at 8am sharp, and the front runners immediately stretched out the massive pack of runners. As we cruised the first half mile of flat, I ran with former Women's champ and new Mom Sarah Hallas while we watched a pack of five set off on a 5:45 min/mile pace into the first set of hills. I settled into 12th or so, knowing this course was all about saving your legs for the turnover required on the last 2.5 miles. So far, so good!
(Through the barracks we go..)
As we rolled through the barracks of the Presidio and climbed to the top of the peak, I was already running alone and enjoying a few flashbacks. I love how when you run a race a few times, you can remember the puddles of '12, the Boston Strong colors of '13, the cold naked guy of '11...the streets become alive with your memories. At the turnaround (mile 2), it was South Lake Tahoe's Alex Sharp setting the pace, with Turlock, CA's Vojta Ripta, and known-speedster from Santa Rosa, Ezra Becker, both within a few steps. Sarah Hallas had some good competition from SF's Angela Strange, about 10 slots behind us. The second mile marker was short...by about 0.8 miles...so we all had a good chuckle as we eased into our world record pace.
(The lead pack takes the downhill fast)
My downhill form let me pick up a few more positions (thanks, trail running!) before we headed into the long stretch across the Golden Gate Bridge. The wind was perfectly still, the sun had baked off the slippery fog, and the police had done a great job clearing the walkways of tourists. Basically, no excuses left, so tuck in those elbows and go, go, GO! The speed check machines clocked us at 11 mph, so I knew we were moving fast. Yet somehow the guys in front of me never get closer...the long distance mirage.
(Just follow those cones all the way across the bridge)
(Okay, time to put the camera away!)
By the time I finished the return trip on the bridge (mile 6), I had worked my way up to 9th, and picked up one more slot on the downhill bomb to Crissy Field. I was a good 30 seconds off my time of previous years, so it would take some serious stomach-churning digging to get this race done sub-60 minutes. I focused on what I could do, and saw that I was within 30 seconds of two more in front, but also had four guys closing on me quickly. These short races are so tactical! You can't just wait for 10-20% of them to blow up like the ultras. My legs were burning, and I couldn't help but do the math that I would need to pick up 15 seconds/mile to catch these guys when I am already nearing my top speed.
(Heading down from the bridge, photo courtesy of Chris Bragg)
(The leaders head into the final stretch)
"Well, Scott...how bad do you want it?" It's always the question that hits my head at this point, and for some reason, the voice always sounds like Sean Connery in his 007 heyday. If I've put in the training, my head always finds the same answer. I want it, and I want it all. Unapologetically. I want to catch that guy with the grey hair and pick up my 4th RRCA Masters win. I want to simulate the pain I will feel when I go flat out on Boylston Street at next week's Boston Marathon and take a few precious seconds off my marathon PR. I want to earn my beer, pancakes, and post-race PAX'ing. I want my 4-year-old daughter, Quinn, to sprint around the house for hours with my medal around her neck pretending she is winning. I want what we all want...everything I can get by maxing this moment. Honestly, is that too much to ask? So I leaned forward, stood tall, and pushed my leg turnover to a road runner blur. The pain felt good, cleansing. My form was holding up despite protest from every orifice, but the self-destruct time clock had also been set. With a mile to go, I reeled in one runner as I went gasping by. With 500 yards to go, I pulled in one more while the tunnel vision poured in. Then the finish line came...1:01:17 for 6th, and the Master's win...not my fastest here, but enough for the day.
(To the finish!)
As I hydrated and enjoyed the free breakfast and beer, I found out that Vojta Ripta (59:18) had won, with Ezra Becker (59:37), and Alex Sharp (59:49) all coming in under one hour. Angela Strange (1:03:51) won the Women's division just a few weeks ahead of her wedding, holding off Sarah Hallas (1:04:38) and Sarah Portman (1:05:35). There were also a number of outstanding age group performances, including Roseville, CA's Steven Butler (M55-59, 1:06:29) and Colorado's Bruce Kirschner (M60-64, 1:08:35!). Turns out the "grey haired guy" in front of me was 25 years old...he just happened to have light colored hair. I guess we all see what we need to see in the moment! All in all, an amazing day.
(Hanging with Chris Bragg and William Smith, who was 9th in 1:02:02)
(The band rocks out the 80's tunes)
(Selfie city near the bridge)
(Some nice bling and a tee)
My thanks to The Guardsmen, their great sponsors, and the fun volunteers who continue to make this race so much fun. Next stop, Boston! Hope to see some of you there.
(Quinny gets her medal)
(See what she's like with a medal? So worth it. ;-) )
It was a beautiful San Francisco day last Sunday when I joined 3,000+ runners for the annual Presidio 10-Miler. This was my third running of this hilly and fast 10-mile (or 10k/5k) put on by The Guardsmen, and it was once again the Road Runners Clubs of America (RRCA) 10-mile National Championship. It would take a lot of sun and smiles to brighten up a week that began with the tragic bombings at the Boston Marathon, but thanks to great race directing, volunteering, ideal weather, and the solidarity of our fellow runners, our souls were alight with a healing warmth brought by a perfect day of running.
As soon as I arrived, I spotted the lean physique of last years winner, San Diego's Leon Medina, warming up along Crissy Field and joined him for a few warm up strides. We both commented on the clear skies and near-70 degree weather...despite being April, this race was going to be hot! Leon's heavy class load at HSU still left room for training, and this was his final fast tune up before a big half marathon in a few weeks. Given his fitness level and raw speed, he was definitely the man to beat today. The Women's race had at least five great runners to keep the mix alive, including defending champion and Chico speedster Sarah Hallas, SF runner Michelle Meyer (fresh off a 2:43 finish at the Napa Marathon), and the ridiculously fit and fast Verity Breen who is always in contention. It would all come down to who was ready for the sharp and steep hills around the Presidio, and who left enough for the two mile bayside sprint at the end.
(What a day! Click on any picture to see it in BIG format)
There was a lot of blue and gold in the starting corral as runners donned Boston Marathon finisher shirts going back as far as '78. Friendly hugs lasted a few extra seconds, always ending in smiles and an unspoken gratitude to be here and healthy. It was stunning to realize how broadly and deeply the Boston bombings affected everyone; Boston is a part of every runner in one way or another. But this is how we show our solidarity...we move on, we celebrate the day together, we send our prayers to those still healing. The RD's brought one of the original founders of the Presidio 10 on stage, who did an amazing job reminding us what our national anthem means and how it is one of the few anthems that asks a question...will that Star Spangled Banner yet wave? It is a sign of our strength to move on, to overcome. I couldn't help but tear up thinking about that.
(Understanding the Star-Spangled Banner, while new mascot Guard Dog pumps up the crowd)
With a minute to go, I reached to set a watch that wasn't there (best to go by feel this soon after my PR at Boston) and laughed that my emotional state remains near-chaotic and changing every 10-15 seconds. I haven't gotten a lot of sleep this week, and as any new parent or mild PTSD patient can attest, mood swings in this state can rival a bipolar caffeine-addict going through menopause. I thought I had it under control when the ringing in my head finally subsided, but at a job interview late last week I answered the question, "how do you think mobile and tablets will shape the magazine industry" with "your industry won't exist in six years, but not because of mobile; it will be because of pussies like you who are afraid to do anything about it except hire a new executive to take the blame for questions you can't answer, while you collect your bonuses and lie yourself to sleep every night grasping for any form of professional relevance. Sorry, time is too previous to say anything but the truth, as dark and consuming as it might be. And it could be I have some unresolved emotions from Boston. Maybe. I mean, it's possible.". Um, yeah. Haven't got a callback on that one yet. ;-P
But as the RD called out "5,4,3,2,1...", my head and heart calmed for the task at hand. Ah, the cleanse of purpose, especially a speedy romp through the Presidio! It felt awesome. The gun released us all, physically and figuratively.
(The back of Leon's head...I see it a lot!)
(Verity Breen [red] and Michelle Meyer [blue] side-by-side in the first mile)
(Yeeeee-haaaaah!)
Leon took it out fast (can he even go slow?), and began navigating some of the course changes required this year due to trail erosion. The hills were easier to tackle thanks to more flat sections between each climb, but I feared my trail advantage in years past would be lost now that it's all roads and bike paths. I settled into 4th place right behind Tiburon's Matthew Davies, who got an awesome shout out from a dog along the way (he really wanted to join!). We zigged through the historic buildings of the Presidio and began the downhill plunge towards the Golden Gate bridge, as Leon and a neon-shirted Erik Jones continued to pull away from us (mile 3).
(Tackling the hills)
(Weaving through the historic Presidio buildings...oh, crap...my headband is on twisted!)
(Sarah Hallas grinds up the hills)
(Simple out and back to that island over there!)
(Runners are stoked for the hills!)
The GG bridge is majestic and beautiful, but I'll tell ya, it's a tricky for a fast run! The climb up is enough to get your arms pumping and it goes on FOH-EVAH, and the fog-coated manholes are slick enough to force you to weave back and forth. The day was amazing though, and it was hard not to stare over the calm of the Bay as we turned around and headed back on the ocean side of the bridge (mile 6). I passed up Matthew who was all smiles, and we both waved to the hundreds of runners filling the bridge on the opposite side, as well as the many honking cars giving their support.
(Here we go!)
(Matthew gettin' it done)
(Couldn't ask for a better day on the GG Bridge)
(Thumbs up!)
(Your speed is 11 mph...yeah!)
(Hundreds of runners enjoy the GG Bridge on a sunny day)
We worked our way down to the shore again, and I could see that Leon was cruising at this point with a solid 40-second lead over Erik, but Erik was still moving fast. I could also see some folks gaining ground behind me, in particular Doug Howard and Ryan Steer working together to move up through the ranks, so I picked it up to a 5:50 min/mile to try and keep them at bay. Hmm, looks like the legs still have some punch! The Women's race looked pretty tight, with Michelle charging hard just 15 seconds ahead of Sarah and Verity.
(Leon in great form)
(Time to go fast!)
I bombed down the shoreline trail and crossed the finish line in 1:00:34, feeling solid, and good enough for 3rd overall and the Masters win (same as last year!). Not my fastest here, but still pretty quick! Leon had won again (58:44), with Erik taking second (59:04), while Michelle won the Women's title (1:03:41), and Sarah (1:04:20) and Verity (1:04:32, Masters winner) filled out the podium. Matthew Davies got 5th, crossing the finish with the dog who had cheered him on! I'm sure his mutt appreciated him losing a few seconds to share that moment. ;-) [all results]
(At the finish, photo courtesy of some photo service I'm not paying)
(Michelle Meyers and Verity Breen, 1st and 3rd today)
(Winner Leon Medina and I trying to convince Sarah to do the whole Big Sur Marathon this weekend)
We had beer and bloody mary's (The Guardsmen never disappoint!) with our pancakes, while a blues band rocked the finish line. We got some pictures with the Guard Dog, the new mascot, and cheered in the waves of 10k runners. My sister-in-law, Jennifer Drue, had a great 10-miler with her friend, and I found out one of my Woodside friends was good friends with a Stanford classmate as well. See? We're all connected. It was great to talk with some of The Guardsmen too, and hear about how this race continues to raise funds to help at-risk kids and get them into outdoor programs. That would explain all the young smiling faces at the aid stations! All in all, it felt like we did some good for the universe today.
(The Guard Dog gets some love from the ladies...two paws up!)
(Lucy introduces herself as I nap on the grass)
I let the sun burn into my skin a bit to capture this day and these welcome moments of calm and clarity. I'm back home, back with "my people", grounded once more. It all feels fresh and new again. Thank you Guardsmen and your amazing volunteers for that, and congrats on another successful Presidio 10! I will see you again next year, my friends.
I made the most of a 36-hour pass from daddyhood this weekend to race the Presidio 10-miler in San Francisco, CA, on Sunday morning, then hop a flight to run the Boston Marathon the next day. Phew! Awesome weather on both coasts made for a fun romp with friends new and old.
The Presidio 10-Miler ---------------------------
(Grand Marshall Nancy Hobbs gives us some tips)
The Presidio 10-Miler has been on my to-do list for years, beckoning me with its fast and hilly course along the San Francisco penninsula that mixes road, trail, and an out-and-back across the Golden Gate Bridge. It's put on by The Guardsmen, a fantastic volunteer group that raises money for youth programs, and has grown quickly over the last few years to host over 2,800 runners in the 10-mile and 10k distances. It was also the RRCA 10-Mile National Championship, which was bound to attract some fast club runners. Perfect!
(And we're off!)
The fog saturated the hilltops as we lined up for the 7am start, but the sun was already working its magic as we set off into the tree-lined streets of the Presidio National Park. San Anselmo's Jeffrey Peterson went out at a 5:20 min/mile pace, along with the San Francisco trio of Galen Burrell (son of Buzz), Jin Daikoku, and Curtis Olinger. This would be a tough course to break one hour given the stairs and trails, but they were determined to do it! I settled into 10th place, keeping a more conservative pace on the early climbs and zig-zags through the former military campus.
(Heading up into the hills)
(Circling past the barracks)
(Jeffrey Peterson flies through the fog)
As we made a u-turn and headed towards the GG Bridge, the volunteers steered us onto the sandy trails and I had a chance to make up some ground on the loose footing and stairs that played to my trail running strengths. Behind me I could see that Petaluma's Sarah Hailis had a slight lead in the Womens race, keeping pace ahead of Sarah Bamberger and trail legend and grand marshall Nancy Hobbs. We all slowed a bit when we hit the bridge - it may look flat when you drive across it, but it's a tough little climb!
(All smiles on the downhill)
(Bryan Ellis and I work together over the bridge)
(Yup, that's a hill)
(Steep stairs to get under the bridge)
I got a great view of the Miwok 100k course, sending good karma to the runners who would be traipsing through those hills in just a few weeks. We instead headed down the stairs at the end of the bridge and quickly came back on the other side. Triathlete Bryan Ellis set a great pace for us up and over the bridge again, and I took the lead just in time to run against the tide of the 10k runners heading up their first climb. We had a couple of close calls with iPod-wearing runners deep in trance, but soon broke free to run along Crissy Field (mile 7.5). I had one more gear left, so I put my head down and laid down some 5:30 min/miles in hopes to catch the guy in front of me.
(Running along Crissy Field)
Crissy Field was gorgeous, and lined with happy dogs walking their people. I slowly pulled in the runner in front of me, but was going to need this to be an 11-mile course to pass him. Instead, I cruised into the finish in 1:00:54, good enough for 6th place and the Masters win (all results). Jeffrey Peterson crushed the win in 55:36, and Sarah Hailis cruised in a few minutes behind me to win the Womens division in 1:05:21. A fast day in SF!
(Winner Jeffrey and family)
(Picking up the Masters Award)
I had pancakes and beer (thank you, Guardsmen!) and hung out with my brother-in-law and nieces to cheer on Mom (Jen) in the 10k. We braved the cold of the awards ceremony and I took a baby wipe shower before heading to SFO and onto Boston. One down, one to go!
2011 Boston Marathon -----------------------
The weather looked ideal this year, with a cool start and a tailwind forecast for most of it. This was to be my 7th Boston, and like most years, I was hear to enjoy it, run with friends, drink a few beers, and not be too concerned about my time. I got six hours sleep, which may sound like a little, but since Baby Quinn wasn't there to wake up every 2-3 hours, I felt more rested than I had in weeks!
I texted Kristin Armstrong to meet up in the corrals, only to realize she didn't have her phone with her. Oops. How to find her in this see of lycra and running skirts?!? I kept an eye out for her, but when the 5-minute warning call came for the last wave, I had to figure out how to find them. Option 1 - Run at the front of the wave with my phone, and after the 10k split look up Kik's time for the 5k split and try and find her. Option 2 - start at the back of the pack, and slowly work my way up. Ugh...let's go with Option 1.
(The sea of Lycra!)
(Nobody in front of us!)
When I showed up with #693 among an army of #10,000+, they put me right in front of Wave 3 (after some well-deserved hazing about not setting my alarm). When the gun went off, it was heaven! Certainly the first time I have run the streets of Hopkinton all alone, and it sure was nice not to be bumping elbows. I hung onto the police escort clocking 6 min/miles, and thought "hey, this might be a good way to ensure a PR...should I go fast?". That question was quickly answered at mile 4 when we caught up to the wall of people in Wave 2. Not so lucky!
(Elbow room, elbow room!)
(Getting their folk on)
(M75, going strong!)
(E. Bunny)
I checked Kik's finish time, and they were about 7 minutes behind (plus however much time it took for them to cross the start line). Just enough time to get a beer at The Chicken Bone and keep an eye out for them. After about 20 minutes of searching faces, however, I hadn't seen them so I started working my way forward through the crowd. They were on a 3:40 finish pace from what I could tell and most the people I asked were in the 4:30's.
(Juggling 26.2)
(Wellesley girls share the love)
(Hey, a German major!)
(Batman gettin' it done)
(Joe rocks his 26th Boston)
(Next time you bitch about the hills, think of this guy)
(Grabbing a beer at Heartbreak!)
(the full mask flag)
The pace was casual (much in thanks to that beer) and I smiled through the miles bathed in memories of Bostons past. I have a lot of history in this historic race, and each course monument seems like a page in a yearbook. It just gets better every year!
I got my kisses from the Wellesley Girls (mile 11), and met some great characters along the way. The miles went by quickly, and we were soon up and over Heartbreak Hill, past Boston College (where I got another beer), and in the home stretch. The folks around me said they were on 3:45-3:55 pace, so I kept an eye out for Kik and Paige. I finally saw them right at the finish line, just seconds ahead of my 3:50 finish. Ha! I had just missed them. That's okay - I was in time for post-race brews, despite the fact I was already buzzed.
We had a few cocktails at the Four Seasons, gasping at the insane finish times for the front runners (Geoffrey Mutai ran a fastest ever 2:03:02, with seven runners coming under the previous course record, while Caroline Kilel held off Desiree Devila in 2:22:36). Soon enough I had back to the airport to get back to my family. Caitlin Smith was at the airport, telling me about her Olympic Trail qualifying time of 2:41, netting her a 22nd place Womens finish. Amazing!
Such a crazy weekend! I'm exhausted, but thrilled to have fit it all in.
