Famous Hurricane Point...2 Mile Climb @ half way...elevation gain of about 550 ft
So beautiful, usually that is
race day it was blowing @ 30 mph right into our face! That’s why they call it Hurricane Point!
Pre-start a bit worried I might be last! "Oh No", I'm thinking!
Thank God the buses had already left…Maybe I would of got back on! No! J/K I was there on a mission.
Down Hill
First few miles start
Low clouds fog & wind
Then sun, marching as fast as I can
Eyes set on that spot of road ahead that I'd use to pull myself ever forward
The weather may of been a factor to those that had the
Luxury to care…For me I had a cut off to make & if I could
make the 22 mile cut off in 5 hrs then I’d really push just so
I could have a time to be proud of…
I not only made the cut off but was at 22 miles at a little past 4hrs 30 some odd minutes!
Being an Ultra-marathoner helped my mind set…I was also able to tap into my experience in fueling and determination for races that leave you on the course for hours longer that what you’d experience in the standard marathon.
Crossing the normally picturesque Bixby Bridge, race day due to the micro climates of the area we were shrouded in fog
Back in the sun a little hot & needing to focus on taking salt pills & gels to combat leg cramps...But still grinding. Giving the thumbs up!
Bixby Bridge is about 13 miles, this is where the traction of my boot broke of from the toe and heal for the boot…It was a little trickier dealing with the camber of the road…Toeing off had to happen at mid foot rather than the toe because the hard plastic would just slip otherwise.
The pic on right is nearing beautiful Garapata at @ 19 miles
Garapata sooo magnificent! This will re-energize you!
Smelling the finish! Just past Point Lobos & Monestary Beach mile 25!
Very emotionally charged during this stretch! This is what pulled me through even with the weight of that ugly boot & hiking shoe…Our hearts are stronger and can find the motivation if we can just see the goal, if we can believe! Then it will happen, just like on race day, just like the first day the Doctor’s office…We have to see the finish line, we have to force ourselves to use the pain as motivation, God is bigger than our problems and we can overcome!
Sign in the background says Big Sur 26
Thinking of my family, love in my heart for their support & belief when there were many doubters. they didn't doubt
My favorite, My moment thanking Jesus! Just Him & me in that brief moment...I love you Lord! There was a tear then.
It's over Boot!
Me & the Boot! We suffered well
Me & My Bro! Oswaldo Lopez, winner of the 2011 Badwater 135 mile ultra marathon that runs through Death Valley at the peak of summer 135 degree heat to Mt. Whitney Portals...Guy has heart! He's a friend & hero, came in 4th over all & 1st masters division at 2hrs 41mins at 40 years old! So much inspiration training with him and to share this with my friend was awesome!
This was one of my favorite races because it was a race against my limits & credit to what Jesus has done in my life, I won!
This is all done 11 weeks post treatment of an Achillies Tendon Rupture! Every step in Faith! If I can with the Lord then so can anyone else, there is nothing special about me, the only thing I’m sure of that I have is Jesus!
Big Sur International Marathon 26.2 miles 5hrs 33mins
God Bless!