Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year's One Day Run

December 31st marks not only the last day of the year, it marks the start of the New Year's One Day 24-hour run in San Francisco. This year's racers began their ultramarathon at 9a.m. on December 31st, 2010, and finish their run at 9a.m. on January, 1, 2011 -- and I may or may not have detoured my regularly scheduled run to cheer on these superathletes. I cannot in my wildest dreams even begin to think about running for an entire day. I love running, but I also love eating and sleeping and sitting.

Admittedly, the first person I had my eyes peeled for was ultrarunning's favorite dirt diva, Catra Corbett. Catra's posts on Facebook told me that she was going to be in my neck of the woods, and given the small field for the 24-hour race (and the fact they were running 1.06-mile laps around Chrissy Field Lagoon), I figured I'd have a great shot of seeing her. Not only did I see, her I got to talk a bit with her while she refueled at an aid station.

A and Catra!
Catra even invited me to return later this evening to run a few laps with her! As the sun goes down, she said that's she wants the most company -- I can't blame her! My scheduled NYE plans may have to take a break until next year ... I am not sure I can pass up running with Catra during the first minute of 2011!

I also spotted Andy Kumeda, who happened to be "winning" the last time I checked the runner's updates. I was amazed at Andy's pace. This guy was speedy, and he was looking very strong after he hit his 26th lap. It wasn't even noon when I saw him; he had 1 marathon under his belt and still 4 (or so) more marathons to go.

Andy Kumeda leading the way.
Not a bad view for 24 hours.
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you have an eventful but safe evening, and a happy and healthy 2011. :)




14 comments:

  1. Happy new year!! Good luck in 2011!

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  2. How cool! Hope you enjoy your run tonight. Happy New Year!

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  3. Sounds like an opportunity you can't pass up.

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  4. ultra-running blows my mind. I am participating in a 24hr race in the summer, but as part of a team of 6 (relay). So we still get to do some sitting and eating, and maybe some sleeping, in between laps. That seems daunting enough to me, so I can't imagine running for 24hrs straight -- no wonder that Catra wanted some company! Seriously cool way to see in the new year -- not only doing something that you love, but supporting a friend doing something utterly mental.

    Happy new year!

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  5. How COOL is that - meeting and chatting with THE Dirt Diva! We'll be looking for an update as to whether or not you went back for a few laps with her. Not only would running for 24 hours be tough, but also doing it on such a short course - round and round - would be the death of me! Happy 2011!

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  6. I chatted with Catra one time on one of her Fremont Peak once but I did not take any pics, bummer. She is such a cool person.
    Happy New Year to you.

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  7. Happy New Year A!!! Wishing you the best for 2011! I know that you are going to have an outstanding year:)

    Hugs and love from Minnesota!

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  8. Go you for supporting the runners... happy new year!

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  9. What a great way to ring in 2011! Happy New Year!

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  10. OH! Here you go starting the year off fabulously ( I expect nothing less!) meeting stars and all!

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  11. Awesome! I think I would go crazy running a 1 mile loop for 24 hours though! Happy New Year :)

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  12. awesome! Catra is so badass :)

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  13. Added you to my MM Blogroll...hope you don't mind...Maniac2800

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  14. It was nice seeing you out on the course. Catra told me later on she met you. Have a great race this weekend...too bad I'll be gone, otherwise, I could've come out to cheer you on. Hope to see you again soon!

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