The G Running Diary

The Picnic at the End: Ohlone 50K Pt. 2: 5/18/04

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Rose Peak was a treat. I was still really down about the flies, thinking that 8 hours of that would just be no fun at all, maybe even a reason to quit. But then I went up this little climb and was on top of the world. I had to pause there. The views all around were spectacular and each place you looked was so different from the rest. You could see the Bay, the unspoiled mountains, and beautiful hillsides covered with trees. I gave my thanks just for being there, and then hurried down the steep single track trail.

Each aid station had fun people working there who I wanted to just hang out with. Lisa Felder was at the 19.7 mile aid station. I teased her about saying, "finally," to me, but really she was just talking about the fact that Don was out ahead. Although, she said he was only 15 minutes ahead. I expected about an hour's difference at that point. Then there was the next aid station with Stan and Jim Winne, who I think were laughing at me. I was in a good mood now. The wind had picked up and blown away all the flies. Thank the Lord!

The downhills started to feel really hard, but the uphills were still easy enough, and I knew I was getting close to that final part where it was all downhill to the finish. The last aid station is at 29 miles. I laughed that even I could still do that math: 2 miles to the finish. I barely needed any water, but they refilled my bottle anyway and off I went. You can see the finish area before you get there, because it is next to a huge lake. I could see yo-yo man up ahead. I wondered if I would catch him again. I only thought about it for a second though. This part of the run was very pleasant. I didn't hurt anymore. A little family was gathered before the finish, I later found out they were waiting for Dad, but they cheered every runner who went by. That was sweet. Then I came past the parking and through the cones that marked the way to the finish. This was nicely set up so that you run across the grass to the picnic. Jon Vonhof immediately handed me my 3rd place age group award, which was a surprise, and Don took pictures and everybody smiled. Then we had food. There was so much food! I was happy, Don was happy, and we stayed as long as we could so we saw everyone finish and ate plenty. We were sorry for the party to be over, but I was very glad when we got home.