I
loved every minute of this year's run though I did miss running with
the group! At mile 2 water station, I felt the need for water so left
the group for 'just a minute'. When I headed back to the middle of the
street, I'd lost sight of the group. Trusting my training, I just
kept going with the hope of catching up. When I caught a 5:30 pace
group, it dawned on me that perhaps I wasn't behind the group. This was
confirmed by Judy (we passed each other several times) and when I
stopped for a bathroom break and saw the group running strong... I was
so proud you all! I managed to stick with our 2/1 interval for most of
the
run. It was too hot, so I kept pouring water over my head and down my
back. I also had to stop twice to re-glid my feet. That did help,
though as I was able to run strong (14:07) at the last leg of the race
and finish just about 10-15Minutes behind my target pace. (Only one
blister and that's healing nicely.)
The
RW6 pace leaders are truly awesome. It was great to see Walt at the
finish line and Nancy and Patricia in the Roadrunner recovery tent. I
saw both Bill and Jamie a couple of times during the Marathon and Bill
walked with me back to the parking lot after the finish.
Thanks
to each and every one of you for making this such a great experience.
It's not my first marathon... I did that at 40... but this was one of
my favorites! It's nice to know that, while we each have to did deep to
complete a challenge like this.. we are not out there alone.
Gail Goulet
-------------------
Gail Goulet
-------------------
Hey Walt,
I know I didn't go out with RW6 on Sunday, but I wanted to share my experience if that's okay.
Also, my bib#E8049 I couldn't figure out how to send you one of the photos.
Marathon Notes - Ann’s Story
First a thank you. To Walt, Bill, Nancy,
Patricia and Jamie for their guidance, dedication and inspiration. You
are an amazing team.
You should know that sometimes I get a little
carried away. As brand new runner, I chose to go straight for a full
marathon. After training with RW6 for most of the season, I moved down
to a walking group as I addressed some health issues (anemic and out of
breath). I remembered Walt’s coaching about knowing when to push and
when to back off and rest but still I worried I might not be ready for
the big day. Then I remembered Walt’s email about the real benefits
being the commitment and training we have already done and that race day
is like dessert.
I realized how much I have already gained over the course of
the training. I learned how to run for the first time in my life,
tackled some nagging hip and knee issues that are better now than
they’ve been in years and showed myself I could commit to a big,
long-term training goal.
So on race day, I went out with Leah and Walk4. I knew if I
could just stay with the group I would be on track and might just
finish. It was really emotional for me. Got all choked up at the
national anthem thinking about how fortunate we are to live in a society
where we have the freedom to do things like this. The crowd was
exhilarating and for a while in the first few miles I thought, maybe
I’ll speed up and catch Walt and the group. My better judgement kept me
in check. I could always speed up later in the race if I felt up for
it.
Seeing all the colors and runners filling the streets
downtown was amazing. The taiko drummers lifted the energy so much that
the huge hill felt like no problem. Along the route, I was falling in
love with the city and everyone in it: the funny signs, the
inspirational ones, free chili cheese dogs, all the water volunteers
(especially the ones pouring it over our heads) and so many people out
in the heat cheering for us when the main pack had passed hours
before.
Speaking of the heat, the Century City to VA stretch felt
like crossing the Sahara. The LAFD and water volunteers were
lifesavers. Hearing the familiar voices and keeping in conversation with
members of the walking group helped distract from my cramped,
blistering toes and cranky hips. As we left the VA, I thought the rest
is our home route and it occurred to me I’m really going to finish. At
Mile 23, my good friend Leslie showed up and as we talked and laughed I
sped up, forgetting about toes and heat and other unpleasantness. She
stayed and we walked the last three miles together. Just before the
finish line I saw two more friends, including the one who got me into
Roadrunners. He stayed two hours after his race just to see me finish. I
was replenished by their love and support and jogged the rest of the
way in, crossing the finish line with arms high in the air like I won
the race.
And this was a big win, as two years and one day prior, I was
getting my last round of chemo for breast cancer. How things have
changed. I am so very grateful for this healthy body and the incredible
people in this training group who each have their own struggles and
continue to show up. Thank you for demonstrating weekly the strength
that builds in each of us and spills over onto the whole group when we
tackle something tough.
With love, grit and gratitude,
Ann Braden
“We are exploring together. We
are cultivating a garden together, backs to the sun. The question is a
hoe in our hands and we are digging beneath the hard and crusty surface
to the rich humus of our lives.”
---------------------
First I would like to thank everyone in RW6 for all their support as I could not have done this without you.
Congratulations to all for your dedication and hard work !
Went
to the expo on Friday morning. As I was walking through the parking
structure we received a text saying that there was a 2 hour wait. We
all looked at each other and said they must be lost. We ventured up
through the convention center and there was the line as far as we could
see. Luckily the line was moving pretty fast. Enjoyed the expo and
made a cheer video for RW6 which I did not see on the course.
Saturday morning had all my clothes laid out, bib pined on, clocks turned forward, and a relaxing day.
Went
to bed at 8:00p and was up each hour after that nervous and
excited about race day. I think I fell a sleep at 1 and woke up at 2
to get ready for breakfast. Could not eat breakfast at 2am so my potty
schedule was a bit off. Now I was a little worried. Took the shuttle
from Santa Monica with no incident. Arrived at Dodger Stadium and I
could see the excitement on everyone's face as the moment was near. A
bit warm in the Stadium but I knew there was nothing I could do. A
beautiful morning sunrise over us as the start line as we waited for the
National Anthem and the gun to go off.
I always enjoy the
first half of the marathon but as the clouds lifted towards mile 13 I
knew I was in trouble as I overheat easily. I thought to myself that
"There will come a day" and unfortunately that day was today. I had a
few conversations with myself, some good and some not so good but I
knew I had to push on. I ran into Doug and Daanee at the V.A and
walked with them. Boy was it hot there. I grabbed a 1 gallon and
carried it with me for a bit.
Spoke to a Legacy runner and
then ran into Tara and a few other Roadrunners that were handing out
goodies. It was great to see you there. Thanks to Walt's Sister Esther
and his brother in law Wayne as your support is always much
appreciated. So happy for everyone, you are truly amazing. Hope to
see you at the BBQ.
Jamie Davis
-------------------------------------
Steve
is probably the most amazing "Come Back Kid". After suffering a heart
attack on Dec. 17, 2013, missing weeks of training, he comes back to
join RW6 with a stent in his artery...then during our last Dodger
Stadium hill training, he pulls a calf cramp that stops him in his
tracks. He then still comes back and joins us for the start of the
Marathon. Here is his story.
Sorry for a bit of a delay in putting my story to paper. I really wanted to reflect on my experience with the marathon. 1st,
I would definitely want to say that I am proud to have been a part of R/W 6
and the great pace leaders and especially Walt Louie for the great
leadership and honestly the out and out fun we shared as a group.
I also
wanted to say that it was nice having Christian as my race partner,
although I probably surprised her when I veered off to use the bathroom.
I started training with the Roadrunners since 2007, and I have to say
that if I didn’t have Walt Louie to rely on, I cannot honestly say that I
would not have persisted with marathon training and all that it
entailed. Its a funny/strange thing to begin to be involved in long
distance running, and certainly not very relatable to the general public
and non runners. So to have a group that you know, barring an
unforeseen circumstance, will always be there every Saturday is a very
comforting thought. And I always felt a reliability to our group. I
know that even if I did not feel like being there, the group was
depending on me to show up to hold up my end of the group “bargain” and
be a positive member of the group. Thank you.
As far as this marathon, I have to say, I really had a great 1st
half, and I was really disappointed that I had to pull off somewhere at
mile 11 and use the portapotty. I knew I would lose the group if did,
but when nature calls, you got to answer! After I rejoined the course, I
knew I was going to run into trouble as I felt my body temperature
rise, I knew I was in for a battle. I was doing OK up through Sunset in
West Hollywood, than I trailed off to majority walk.
I also knew that I
probably had a burst blister below the Achilles tendon, and this
really concerned me since I knew that with blood thinners on board, I
might have a situation where the bleeding may not stop. Surprisingly, I
didn’t have any issues regarding my heart, but it was on my mind
throughout the race. As I rounded out to the VA, I really felt as though
I was ready to stop and quit, but knew that if I just persisted, I
would finish the race.
I “posted” my wife and another couple at 10th
& San Vincente, knowing that if I could use her as motivation to get
that far, I would finish the race. It was not my best finish time, but
considering my heart incident in Dec. 2013, and subsequent hospital stay
in Las Vegas, I was very happy when I was given the green light to
rejoin the group. I remember when Walt announced what had happened to
me, and the welcome I experienced coming back to the group.
I'm looking forward to the celebration of our group accomplishment at Walt’s famous BBQ this Saturday.
All the best,
Steve Schleikorn
---------------------------------
---------------------------------
I wish to thank Walt, Bill, Nancy, Jamie, Patricia and my wife, Alice, for being the BEST. It is indeed a privilege to train with such a wonderful group of people.
It was HOT......
I knew with the weather forecast that the 2014 Los Angeles Marathon would be trouble. I do not do well in the heat - especially, not well, running in the heat.
My plan was to start the first mile with the group (running a 2:1 interval) and then assume my customary 30 second run and 30 second walk interval and stay alongside the group. This was not to be.
Luckily, I found Carolina. She and I ran together for the first 9 or 10 miles until the heat ate me up and I told her to run ahead.
Alone for the next few miles, I was dreading my nemesis, Santa Monica Blvd. in Century City. But, who do I see?
Janet!
Walking by this time, we eventually met up with Cristina and like the 2013 LA Marathon we headed together towards the finish line.
While this marathon was physically and mentally demanding, I think I finally figured it out after nine years.
Alice told me in the morning before we left for the Santa Monica shuttle to have fun - AND I did!
Bart Yasso has it right: "Don’t measure every run by your watch or the distance you covered, but by the number of friendships you create."
See you all at the BBQ, Roadrunner's Banquet and/or next season!
Greg Cole
-----------------------------------
It has been an honor to be part of such a group of extraordinary individuals.
Congratulations to everyone and a big thank you for being there every step of the way.
This
was my 5th full marathon but I was just as excited as if it was my
1st. It carried a special feeling as it was my first as a PL. Thank
you Walt for your dedication and support, Bill for keeping it joyful,
and Nancy for being awesome you. Oh yeah, and thank you to Jamie too. 
Everything
seemed to be going great until mile 13. When Walt asked,
how I was doing, I said, great, and started to cry. I was hot,
thirsty, and this went on all the way until I finished, in between
there were moments where I felt a little better and would say to
myself, just keep going forward. I cannot stop now. I would listen to
Walt's cadence, and was sandwiched between Nancy and Stephanie a
former RW6 runner who later joined us. They carried me to the end.
With much love and admiration to you all.
--------------------------------
Here is my story.
This was a very different marathon for me. I knew with the hot weather and my training
schedule during last 3 months that I would most likely be behind the pace. What I didn’t know was that my husband had
registered for the marathon last November.
I was so surprised when he came up beside me before the first mile
maker. He had decided that he would run
with me and support me during the race. At mile
10, friends from church and my twin daughters and my 4 month old granddaughter
were waiting to cheer me on and my daughter Elise jumped in and ran with me for
8 miles.
John & I saw a number of friends
along the course, both runners and spectators. Some expected, some a nice surprise.
My friends and fellow RW6ers really kept me going. Irene waited at mile 13.1 to cheer me on
after she completed her leg of the relay race.
I saw Greg, Janet, Christine and Pam along the course. Just a couple of words of encouragement can
keep you moving when you are hot and tired.
By the time I reached mile 16, I was really feeling the
effect of the heat. I was pouring water
on my head and down my back. My daughter
Kirsten was waiting at mile 18 with crushed ice to cool me down which really helped
to keep me going. Putting it under my hat was amazing.
Although I finished slower that I would have liked, I feel
good about my race with the high temps. I had incredible support from family and friends this year. I am truly blessed.
Walt, I want to thank you, Bill, Jamie, Patricia and Nancy
for all your support and encouragement.
I think we have the best team of pace leaders in the program!Kristi Magnussen
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