Now that we are in the tapering phase of our Big Sur 21-miler and marathon training, I can get excited – officially and vocally! My apologies to those of you who are not going!
Several of us walked 16k out of High Park on Sunday morning and it was glorious. With the sun on our faces and the Lake Ontario shoreline to our sides, we could easily put our minds on the California coast. Those people who completed the Around the Bay 30k Road Race two weeks ago with little or no residual injuries are feeling confident that the challenges of the Big Sur coast are manageable.
With the glimpses of sun we’ve enjoyed over the past few weeks and no traces of snow to be found even in the shadiest corners of the shopping mall parking lots, I have been visualizing the early morning fog over the ranch just south of Andrew Molera Park and Point Sur Lighthouse, the excitement of listening for Taiko drummers as I round the corner into the foot of Hurricane Point, and the spirit soaring notes from the grand piano as I descend on to Bixby Bridge; steeling myself for the rolling hills that follow and the ever increasing cant in the road and heat in the air that makes my exhausted muscles scream for the last 15 kilometres; finally, the exultation of the last 3 kilometres from Los Lobos Park downhill to the finish.
Last year I found myself in the finishing area stretched out on the lawn with a halo of concerned faces hovering over me. This year my goal is a more upright and victorious posture!
If you’ve been to Big Sur before, please share your best memories right here.
I have never been – maybe someday!
Just wanted to say “Have fun, everyone! Enjoy the race and the beautiful scenery”
Best memories from my two times participating in this beautiful race is the scenery; looking down into the ocean, seeing whales spraying water; flora and fauna all over the cliffs; hearing the grand piano in the distance as you approach and looking back to see where you have come and seeing all the people on the edge coming around behind you. Also not to be forgotten is the great finish with a lovely medal;food and of course Sam Adams Beer!
Big Sur has the most beautiful scenery ever and you are amazed by it for the entire race. I am not going to lie, it is a challenging course, but in a way that gives you that triumphant “Rocky” I did it feeling. As Laurel said, looking back is a fantastic part of the race as well. Good Luck to everyone going to Big Sug this year, wish I could join you (I do have a secret desire to return to do the marathon, does anybody else feel this way?).
Well, Linda and George are returning this year to do the full marathon. Linda convinced Kerry to walk the full, bypassing the 21 miler altogether. Jeff and I are walking the full for a second time! The time limit is 6 hours, so it is good to have a 5:45 marathon under your belt before attempting it.
This would be a race I would consider participating in again due to the beautiful scenery. Have a great time everyone! Enjoy!
Kim M.