This year, AREC had 41 participants in the Long Beach Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Bike Tour. This was unprecedented, given that 2 years ago, that number would have been almost the entire membership. I saw a lot of you out there, (but did not participate myself because of Jet Lag, so actually crashed out around 1pm) both on the course and at the mile 10 water station, where the Duckmans, myself and others rehydrated runners. Here are some accounts of the day:
I wanted to thank AREC and everyone involved with the group for making my first marathon a great experience. I had never run more than a 10k and the training schedule was great and I never felt overwhelmed. Thanks again for your support and I look forward to the next one! – Mark Gardiner
Ciao All!
Sunday was really great! I was so proud of all the first time marathoners, especially since I ran at some point with all of you in the AREC Training program. After my half marathon, I went to mile 25 - Junipero and Ocean - and took pictures of most the first timers.
I still get emotional at all these running events, I had tears in my eyes when they put the half marathon medal around my neck. It is such a sense of accomplishment and you all completeted your first Marathon. I wish you all many more??? you probably do not want to hear that right now!!!! Happy and Healthy running!! – Roberta Bonifacio
Wow, what an experience my first marathon was. I can say with 98.5% accuracy that I could not have done it without AREC's help. The training group was great and the pasta dinner on Friday gave me a chance to meet more people that I ended up seeing during the marathon - which helped out immensely. Granted there were people cheering all along the route, but having someone next to you or giving you advice as they went by was priceless. - Manish Jain
I have to agree with Manish, what an experience this first marathon was for me, too! It's an undescribable feeling and Iwoke up today thinking..."Did I really do this?" And then I look at my medal and realize that I did. I'm 100% accurate in that I could not have done this without the training provided by AREC. :-) I want to thank all of you who helped in the training for the "first timers." It meant a lot to me. THANK YOU!!! - Ruth Rivas
I was away from the AREC for about 5 weeks on a business trip, I went and joined the Pasta party for general support for the new and old members. I was encouraged to run. The members had faith in me to finish; even if it meant walking a part of it. I was overwhelmed with the support given to me by old and new members, when in fact, my mission was to support all who was partaking in the marathon. I'm proud to say I ran non-stop and finished a 2:11 half marathon without training. I am now eager to train with the Wednesday group and run 1/2 a marathon a month 'til Dec. Thank you, Thank you!! - Jacquie Valentin
It was nice to see you at the marathon on Sunday. I raced on Saturday, the Rossmoor 5K(18:40). They actually made the race 3.2 miles? After the race I decided to sign up for the Half Marathon. You know I haven't been training. My time at the 5K at the three mile mark was 18:00! I guess taking time off actually works. So I figured I could jog 13 miles. I met everyone at the tent, three minutes before the race start, typical. I figured I would maintain a 8 minute pace and try to hold on. First mile was 8:30. then I stared running 7:40 pace for a couple. Some cute blonde ran by me @ 7:30 pace and I decided to stay with her. Nothing like a little inspiration to take your mind off the race. Well after five miles I was concerned at my pace and the ability to maintain it. We went down a hill and I went in front of her. Little did I know she was running the Marathon! Ouch. At that point I picked up my pace to 7:20's until mile 10. I saw Emmett at the water check and felt really strong. Mile 11 was 7:00 flat, mile 12 was 6:49, and 13 was 6:46! I guess I'm in better shape than I thought or taking a month off really helps. Thanks for the encouragement. - Tim Hickok
The weather was beautiful, I ran as well as I could have hoped, every AREC rookiemarathoner inspired me, the band was excellent, and the AREC support wasstrong and amiable. What more could I ask – it was a wonderful day!- Todd Rose
The best part about running the Long Beach marathon this year was seeing AREC faces throughout the race. I got pumped up before the race, hangingout at the AREC tent and getting out those pre-race jitters. I saw Jasper and Darcie several times in the beginning of the race--we kept passing each other! Jasper yelled out, "Freak!" so I knew at that point, I had to sprint so I wouldn't have to look at him! (just kiddin'!) I saw Ed, with beer in hand, of course. Around Mile 9 and 11, I saw Chuck cheering people on. The miles following that were kind of lonely as I suffered from low energy, tight muscles, major lower back pain at Mile 17, more bouts of low energy...then in the 20+ miles, I had a pain in my left foot. I started toget a little delirious too but heard "Hey Tam!" and turned to see Lars, giving his support around mile 20 something. It was great to see a fresh, smiling face at that point! I knew I had to keep trudging along. I just wanted to finish and I knew this race would be a great accomplishment for me because I really wasn't as prepared for it as I was for Rock 'n' Roll, last June. I hadn't trained as much, I ate poorly, I had hamstring pain and I had a cold I had been fighting off for 2 weeks, prior to the race. But I knew I had to finish this race to kick my butt into gear from now on and because my 4th grade students were counting on me to "win the race!" (They always ask me, "Teacher, are you going to win?" I always respond, "Yes, Iwill win it for me, because I will finish!") So I dug deep within myself to find the strength to finish the race. AsI turned the corner with the sight of the finish line ahead, I could hear,"Go Tam!" I turned to the left and saw beaming faces from ARECers! Thatwas the highlight of this race and I will always remember it. I just wanted to cross the finish line to say hi to everyone who had waited long afte rtheir half marathons to cheer me and others on--people like, Todd Rose, Rich, Colleen, and Jacquie. Plus, everyone else who was hanging out and enjoying the beautiful day! And I know there were others who couldn't be there but were cheering us on in spirit! Fellow ARECers, you guys are the best! Thank you for your continued support! Here's to another great year in '04/'05!!! - Tam Premsrirath