17 DOWN, 33 TO GO…

San Francisco Marathon, California
Number of Runners: 50 (filled to capacity)
Elevation: 29’
Time: 4:08:22
Weather: 70 degrees, partly cloudy

They say home is where the heart is, and being back in my hometown for the day was wonderful.Showing up at the starting line and seeing 50 smiling faces was about the best homecoming I could ever ask for. There were many friends, acquaintances, and familiar faces in the group, and the energy level was phenomenal.

We started off on our way along the Embarcadero to the well-wishes from the crowd and from the other runners passing by on their morning workout. Crossing into Fisherman’s Wharf, the smells of fresh baked bread and seafood filled the air. As we ran past a gentleman standing on the street corner, he asked, “What’s this was all about?” One of the runners answered, “Life.”

Yes, today was going to be a good one.

As far as marathons go, San Francisco is not the easiest. There are hills, plenty of them. But the group today seemed used to hills. We climbed up the road leading to the Golden Gate Bridge at a steady clip, everyone looking undeterred by the steep ascent and warming temperatures. Running across the Golden Gate always holds a special magic to me, and today was the most memorable crossing ever, and it will remain the most memorable for the rest of my life. On the north side of the bridge, I met my dear friend and longtime training partner, David Ames. David was always way out in front of me when weused to run together, and today was no exception. The only difference today is that he was just an arm’s distance ahead. You see, David has Lou Gehrig's disease and is now confined to a wheelchair. I had the honor and privilege of once again running with my friend David, only this time I was pushing him. With the sun sparkling on the bay, and the glistening blue Pacific off to the other side, we made the return loop back across the Golden Gate, together (and doggone it, he was still out in front of me).

After bidding farewell to David on the south side of the bridge, the course drops down to Baker Beach, heads south across Geary Blvd, and then enters Golden Gate Park. In our group today was a runner from New Zealand, a runner from the Philippines, a runner from NYC (who didn’t get in on the lottery to the NYC Marathon, so decided to fly out to join us), a runner running her 17th marathon on this 17th marathon of the 50, a former student of my mom’s 7th grade class, and California State Senator Tom Torlakson.

Access to our support vehicle was good along the course today, so we spent plenty of time eating and drinking as we ran. The weather was flawless; little puffy clouds accented the sapphire sky above, and the breeze was just enough to keep the air refreshing, but not enough to be a burden to run against.

The main group hung together fairly tightly at a pace that was brisk. A couple other groups went at a more relaxed pace, which was absolutely fine. It seemed like every corner we turned, the group from ‘Girls on the Run’ was there cheering us on and offering support. We passed through the Haight, crossed into the Mission district, wound down behind the Pac Bell Park, and finished along the waterfront on the Embarcadero.

Several of the other groups came in behind, and everyone applauded their arrivals. Some folks just wanted to finish no matter how much time it took, some folks had no intention of running the full marathon, but decided midway to go for it, and some folks just wanted to spend a little extra time taking in the sites along the way. Either way, it all seemed to work out, and I, for one, had a blast. Judging from the hugs and high-fives amongst the group, I think others did as well.

There were six first-time marathoners who crossed the line, and a number of PR’s. One gentleman who had run the SF Marathon in July shaved nearly half an hour off his time!

At the finish, I was presented with a $2,620 donation to Karno Kids by Fleet Feet Stockton (I’m not very good at math, but I think that works out to a hundred dollars per mile for the marathon). Overall, through our running, we’ve raised close to $50,000 for kids outdoor activity programs!

I signed some books for the group, handed out some water, swapped some email addresses, had a couple great laughs together, and reminisced about the good times we had just shared. Sure, it’s about running. But mostly, as the runner in our group had said to the gentleman standing on the street corner in Fisherman’s Wharf, it’s about life.

Wishing you my best from the City by the Bay,
Dean

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Comments

[Ed Cabanero]

Hi Dean,

It was a great privilege to meet you and run with you. Had a wonderful time taking in the views and making it to the top of each hill.

The San Francisco Police Department did a great job with the rolling escort. I think they had a lot of fun answering questions from motorists; I overheard one say "Oh, that's Dean Karnazes. He is running 50 marathons, in 50 days, in 50 states. Crazy." Of course, always with a big grin.

Your support group was great! It seemed like they were never more than 15 feet away. They were just a happy bunch of guys filming, handing out water and food, and managing things.

I have signed up for Philadelphia. I'll see you then. Meanwhile, keep it up and have a great time wherever you are.

All the best,

Ed Cabanero
San Diego, CA

[Henrik Brun]

Dear Dean,

I'm so impressed with your efforts to spread awareness about being active all of our country.

I was wondering if the runs are getting easier for you? Is your fitness level improving?

You make it sound easy so I'm wondering if your training has made it easier for you.

Keep up the great work! Best, Henrik

[Melanie A.]

Dean,

Thank you for making my first marathon experience a great one. It was awesome! Next time I will train longer than a month so I am not so far behind! It probably would have helped if we didn’t get lost and go a mile and a half off the course. I can’t wait to do many more!

It’s amazing what you are doing! Keep it up!
-Melanie

[Evan]

Dean is incredible. Maybe the most amazing athletic achievement I've ever heard of.

[Stephane]

Hi Dean,
Yesterday I took PTO to see you at San-Francisco. I was so happy to meet you and to exchange handshakes. Thus it was a great day. I wish you to keep running!

[Christi Feeter]

Dean - Thank you so much for your support and kindness to David. He is one of my oldest friends, we have known each other since 7th grade. It was wonderful to see your support at his fundraiser last Thursday and feel the love from everyone in that room.

Thank you again - as you know, he is a wonderful wonderful person.

All the Feeters say Hello also! Keep up the wonderful work.

Christi

[Andrew Guitarte]

Life Changing

I took an early lunch today and ran a marathon. I went to the local fitness center, put on my running gear and started running.

Somebody said that if you wanted to change your life, run a marathon.

I was late for the SFO marathon start. So I ran from mile 26 hoping to catch Dean. I ran until mile 19. There was no sign of Dean and his party of 20 runners. I ran back to mile 26. They told me he was in mile 18 since they started more than an hour late. I ran from mile 26 again until I saw Dean on mile 21 and finish together. Your usual marathon not.

Dean you're an inspiration. You may have your own reasons for running. I do. Somebody asked if my life changed 10 times since I’ve ran that many marathons. I believe so.

In my third world country where I grew up, there’s poverty and rampant corruption. Everybody wants change. Change has to happen and it began today when I ran with Dean.

[Jules]

"What's this all about?"..."Life" - how perfectly inspiring. Thank you for your running and your writing.

I'm enjoying watching your progress and hope to get a glimpse of you when I run the St. George Marathon on Saturday. This will be my 2nd this year - the first was the R&R in San Diego, which I recently read you ran AFTER a 65 mile run to the start line!

[Scott]

Hi Dean,

I finished reading your book about 3 weeks ago. As a runner I was very motivated by your story and amazed at your accomplishments. I have been tracking your Endurance challenge and am rooting you on! Thanks for the added inspiration.

[Kelly Marker]

Hi Dean,

Wow! What an awesome report! I have been anticipating your adventure since I heard about it this summer. I am an avid runner, but still feel like I have a lot to learn. I have run 3 marathons, each one life changing and teaching me more about myself. I really wanted to meet you in Seattle after reading your first few blogs, but found out I was unexpectedly pregnant a few days before and thought I better not go. I am with you in spirit and hope to meet you at a marathon someday. I love reading each of your reports and hearing all the amazing stories, especially today's, pushing your friend. Thanks for your inspiration. My running partners are and/or become my best friends because of the passion and experiences we share. I am sure you are feeling that also. Good luck in the rest!

Kelly

[bic aki]

What a glorious day. How many time can you run the San Francisco Marathon on a Tuesday morning with your own SFPD escort and your own SAG wagon in perfect weather condition. The SFPD motorcycle escort was fantastic. I felt safe the entire time and not once was I interupted in my running. The SAG wagon was great. It was always behind us with a smile ready to hand off ice cold water or Cytomax, Cytomax Gel, Nature's Path Bars, or my favorite vanilla cream cookies. The best part of the morning of course was running, meeting, and talking with the most interesting fellow runners. This marathon was a bit more challenging for me since I just completed the Lake Tahoe Marathon on Saturday. But thanks to everyone's energy and many words of encouragement I was able to cross the finish line with Dean and the rest of the runners.
Thank you very much to Dean and his sponsors for putting together such a wonderful and well run event. It was definitely one of my more memorable marathon.
Bic Aki
Union City, CA

[Kevin Cotter]

Dean,

What a phenonmenal experience! Running my first Marathon on the SF Marathon Course with you was incredible. I am still on cloud nine 10 days later - I am hooked! The botique rolling cocoon provided by the SFPD was perfect. I was only going to run 20 miles as part of my training for the Athens Marathon in November - but I was inspired and pushed on. I feel alive - truly alive! Thank you for including others to share in this tremendous experience. You are indeed living the journey!

Kevin Cotter
Yuba City, CA

[Kevin Cotter]

Dean,

What a phenonmenal experience! Running my first Marathon on the SF Marathon Course with you was incredible. I am still on cloud nine 10 days later - I am hooked! The botique rolling cocoon provided by the SFPD was perfect. I was only going to run 20 miles as part of my training for the Athens Marathon in November - but I was inspired and pushed on. I feel alive - truly alive! Thank you for including others to share in this tremendous experience. You are indeed living the journey!

Kevin Cotter
Yuba City, CA