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. :)