Double Digits!

At Columbus Park, underneath the whooshing of incoming 747s, the early morning sun quickly burns off the last of inland fog. A small group of TNT runners meet dressed for the heat. Novice runners are delighted to see that the low hanging clouds are around exclaiming that the run won't be hot. "Oh, just you wait. The fog quickly burns off and the sun will be out in full force before we start our run," I tell them braking their spirit as I spray on my sunscreen.

"Can I borrow some of that?"

"Sure, I come prepared. Did you bring your water bottle or fuel belt?" I question them as I hand over the spray.

Coach Tim flails his arms around in the air and yells for running waves. He debriefs the group on the twisty running route we're about to embark on, where the water/aid stations are located and the turnaround spots. Despite his careful and intricate details of the run it is perhaps the reason why a couple of runners did take a wrong a turn here and there making their runs a tad longer, and in some instants shorter.

Running through the Guadalupe Heritage Rose Garden we were greeted with the sweet scent of roses intermingling with lavender in the rapidly growing warmth of the sun. Running through Guadalupe River Trail up along the trail by San Jose International Airport. The first turnaround leads the group back towards the start line and into downtown, a more shady part of the park.

Following the river's path carved through the cities heart, under freeway overpasses, by the HP Pavilion aka the Shark Tank, through the Children's Discovery Museums' meadow and back to the start at the Heritage Rose Garden.

The run ended with excellent Spanish tapas prepared by our Spaniard Sandra Cifo. Along with our great food Honoree Mike H. shared his story with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chemotherapy, being in remission and his recent marriage! His treatments were all possible from research funded by many generous donations.

Training for either a half or full marathon, the runners are ran between five to ten miles. Many running the furthest they have ever run before!

By the way, I ran 10 miles in 1:36:48! I'm improving.

Photos:

1. Coach Tim gives confusing the first run wave with the twists and turns of the run.
2. Victoria running with a participant across from the San Jose International Airport.
3. Entering downtown San Jose from the Guadalupe River Trail.
4. The view of downtown from the Children's Discovery Museum.
5. My mentees Katie, Sparsha, and Brandy after completing their first nine miles!