Date/Location: | 11/26/20 Beale’s Point |
Distance: | 5.8mi (~10k) |
Time: | 45:37 |
Place: | 7th male |
Teammates: | Anna Soares, Suzanne Hartley |
Wow, because of the COVID shut-downs, this is the first in-person race I’ve done since the beginning of March! We’re so appreciative to have the opportunity to do this. The local running store, The Aid Station, is putting this on in conjunction with the State Parks at Beale’s Pt near Granite Bay. It’s a perfect, slightly breezy and cool morning.
Our FCA Endurance teammate, Susanne, is also here. Robin, Ariel and Oscar will support as Anna & I run.
We watch Susanne take off with the 5k race. The 5 of us pray together and commit to give God the glory in all our efforts. Now it’s our turn. We have our masks, get our temp checked going into the corral, and space out at the start line.
Our watches are set for 8:00 pace. Race director, Paulo, gives the signal and we’re off! We take off and stow our masks as we head over the levy to the fire-road below. We’re a little chilly but the hill ahead promises to warm us up.
I’m so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to run again! My right heel had gotten more painful over the last couple years until I wasn’t running at all by the end of summer. Our friend and champion runner, Baily Cossentine, gave me some advice on running form and I was able to start slowly jogging again. And then later I was given a stretch that helped even more. These are gifts from God and I have a greater appreciation for running because of it. Not only am I able to run longer with Anna, but I can actually keep up as well 
Mile 1. 7:42. I have to stop as my right shoe is tied too tight. Eventually I’m able to catch up to Anna but it isn’t easy. We’re on the fire roads to the Water Tower Hill which I expect we will climb straight up. We comment on the runners ahead.. we see 2 women and 6 men.
At 1.5 miles we’re cheered on by Robin and Ariel with Oscar looking so eager to join in!
2 more men pass us and another woman is now running along with us. She pulls ahead effortlessly on the ups but then fades back on the downhills. It’s like she’s doing a casual workout.
Mile 2. 7:35. The course now takes us around the Water Tower Hill and up the gradual side rather than the steep side which is nice.
Although I’m running much better, I have to constantly remember my form of shorter stride and quick pull-back of the fore-foot strike. If I don’t, I start to feel pain. Anna pulls ahead on the climb but I work hard to keep close.
Mile 3. 8:45. Down the steep descent is treacherous but no problem for Anna. We’re on pace but it’s getting harder. I remind Anna to drink and I do as well. Everyone carries their own water (no aid stations). It’s good to hear Ariel cheering up ahead and see Robin and Oscar as well. It’s hard to talk but I smile and am so glad to see them.
Mile 4. 7:27. I watch my footing as we descend again into the trails. A guy ahead asks which way to go and Anna is quick to point out the ribbons for all of us to follow. After a while at another intersection she sets us straight again. I’m glad someone is paying attention.
Mile 5. 7:50. I realize, with Anna’s kick, if I’m going win, I’m going to have to pass her a mile out so I make my move now… I get ahead, but only for a while. Then she takes the lead again, but goes off course.. This time it’s me that points the way, but she loses little time and takes the lead again. Now it’s the final hill (and I realize the race will be a little short). I watch and hope as Anna charges the hill trying to catch the #2 woman. I also give it my best.
Over the top and we’re cheered towards the finish.. although I get confused where to go because I see Anna coming from behind some trees… I guess she went the wrong way.. but it all works out. She finished 3rd woman and I finished 7th male.
Thank you, Lord, for letting us race again after almost a year and letting my foot get better to run!