Mean McLean Writing Machine: The week of bridges

Somehow even after 5 years of living here the wonder of the Golden Gate bridge has not lost its power over me. Every time I catch sight of it it brings me joy and happiness. For quite some time now I have wanted to run over the Golden Gate bridge but doing it when there were tons of tourists and traffic did not sound appealing. As an alternative, I found a road race that looked very scenic and included an out and back route over the bridge. Since it was 10 miles, it required me to train a bit and to make sure I got in some consistent runs to get ready for the distance (you know, because I'm old now). In between signing up and the designated race date we moved so I was able to get in some great training run in our new neighborhood which includes some huge hills and great views.

The weekend before the race Chris's cousins came into town and we headed to the city for an afternoon of sight seeing and fun. We decided to do the bridge to bridge boat tour and planned on meeting Paul and Christine around two o'clock. Due to traffic and *ahem* toddlers we missed the first boat departure and opted to hang around the Embarcadero and wait for the 4:00 boat. Somehow we decided it would be a good idea to walk all the way down to the Ferry Building and get margaritas. The walk down was fun and the boys enjoyed riding on Paul and Chris's shoulders and trying to get them to race. After drinking some margaritas it was time to leave and head back to the boat. We did not leave ourselves enough time and it was clear we were going to late unless we ran. Chris and Paul ran to the boat with the boys on their shoulders while Christine and I zig-zagged through tourists following behind. We were breathless and sweaty but we made it to the boat before it departed! I could not figure out why it took so long for us to grab drinks and get back to the boat until the next day when I looked at the distance on google maps. Turns out the ferry building was 1.5 miles away from the boat dock! No wonder it took us forever to get there and back and the guys had to run with the kids! Everyone got an extra workout in, especially Chris and Paul! Once on the boat, the weather was amazing and the sun was just starting to set making it ideal for fun photo opportunities.

The next week our great friends were descending into the Bay Area for a big trail race and some fun friend time together. We had so much fun meeting the Kearns at the discovery center in Sausalito and playing for the afternoon. We had even more fun when the Hagobians arrived and all 8 kids played crazy games of tag on the tiniest patch of grass you can imagine! The next day the four of us headed over the Golden Gate again to Stinson beach and spent the afternoon playing on the beach enjoying the glorious scenery and the company of amazing friends.

The next morning I got up early to run my 10 mile race that took me over back across the Golden Gate. The experience was wonderful. Kathy drove with me into the city and hung out with me until the start of the race. The course was kind of hilly and very beautiful. I got to see the bridge looming in the distance with the morning sun making it perfectly red for quite a while. Running over the bridge was amazing although I swear it felt like it was uphill both directions. There was not much wind, the temperature was ideal, and it was early in the morning so the traffic was light. The sun was not in my eyes in either direction so it was really as perfect as it could be. At mile 7 Kathy was cheering and ready to take some pictures and then at mile 9 I saw two of the cuties sign holders I could ever imagine. Chris had the boys make signs and cheer for me and it made me oddly emotional (crying and running do not mix). The boys were so excited to see me that they insisted on running with me for a few hundred feet. When I left them to run toward the finish line I heard Brady yell after me 'Don't worry mom, everyone gets a medal!!!" It was a really great race and I am so happy with myself for training and committing to it so far in advance. Maybe I am learning more about follow through and consistency in my ripe old age. I am also happy that we had so many great bridge adventures in such a short window of time. I can't see how crossing the Golden Gate on foot or by car will ever get old.