Race Report of Al Vargas  First Time LA Marathoner

Charles Sayles and Al Vargas in Omni ballroom after finishing.

-----Original Message-----

From: Al Vargas

Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2005 2:58 PM

To: ten30pace

Subject: [ten30pace] Al V's First Marathon--LA

Hi All,

First of all a big Thanks to all the mentors and runners in the ten30 group. Being part of the Leggers commuity made this First Marathon a memorable one ( now I realize why many of you indicated the first marathon will always be remembered). There was lots of enthusiasm, spirit, smiles, and tips from all. Also a BIG thank you to all those volunteers and Physical therapist  at the Omni Ballroom.

Having a Pep rally at the Omni Ballroom eased my nerves a bit. Once I reached the starting line, Wow!!! nerve scale jumped just from seeing the streets carpeted with runners. I had the pleasure to start my run with Jeannie K. We eased our way thru the masses trying to find the ten30 group but eventually we hit a wall of people and could no longer move. I was able to spot the colored balloons used by the Legger walker groups. The chatter of persons discussing their prior running marathon experiences muffle the sound of the starting gun, if there was one. As the speakers blasted the I Love LA song and runners stared moving I realized that the race was on.  Through the first five miles we weaved thru runners at a steady pace. I got to had it to Jeannie she sticks to her game plan and follow the time schedule. We were running at 9/1. Along the way Danielle (SP) joined us. So now there were three of us running together. Must say, as I run I enjoyed the scenery and the spectators. In some

 areas there were gospel singers, cheer leaders, bands playing Elvis sons and other tunes. Spectators cheer for their love ones or in may instances yelled our names encouraging us on.

  About mile 13, soon after going over the freeway on Crenshaw Danielle eased her pace and Jeannie and I continued. Around mile 14, I had to water the plants and remained behind. Soon after I continued my quest. When I reached mile 16 my right IT band started acting up. Some how I managed to continue. By the time I reached mile 22 and turned the corner I my right leg was really hurting. As I passed the Legger's station the cheering group yelled words of encouragement and I also managed to spot a couple of familiar faces, two of my co workers, Mark and Tony, were also cheering. All of a sudden I felt a surge of energy but still hurting. As I run a voice next to me noted, " Al you look like you're in pain"? As I responded, yes, I looked and I think it was "Frank" spraying my aching leg with the medication. Man as my mind process all this, I told me self  " Al YOU got to Finish this race everyone cares!!!!! As I moved through the race I managed to run to the mariachi beat, Cumbia beat

 and the beat of the drums in Korea town to keep the tempo. Also along the way, I saw Ken Wong, yelling words of encouragement and Jill from the Nike Run Club. Boy o boy!! Ken sure manages to get around!! Thanks Ken!!!

Some how I made it to Olympic & Western and ahead was the last slope to climb. Even though I run course last ten miles the week before, I didn't look that steep or that long. The pain in right leg had once again returned but I shorted my stride and steadily run to Alvarado Street and took in the encouraging words from the crowd. As I stared my descent to Flower Street I felt a surge of energy and some how managed to sprint to the finish line.

 

My chip time: 4:18:45  Clock:  4:22:36  Pace:  10:00

 

10K: 0:58:00      Half: 2:05:37      30K:  3:00:11

 

A big THANK YOU to all those Leggers and family cheering at the Stations, along the way and friends with your support this will be a Marathon that I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.  

Al Vargas