Big Sur Update 1

After getting up at 4:00AM to start the day of travel to Monterey,CA, I am so happy to be here and getting ready for the second part of the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge. Marathon #2 here we go. It was a day of sitting in airports and on planes. Thank you Southwest Airlines for your continued outstanding service and early arrivals. We flew into San Jose, Ca midmorning and did a drive up to Monterey (Staying at the Marriott) which took a little over an hour. Great views and a great opportunity to just sit back and see beautiful areas. I have always felt that airports and rental car agencies sometimes just don't get it. They just can't put all of the pieces together. Today however, it was different. Alamo did a great job, upgrading us to a larger vehicle, yeah I know it was Earth Day, and we fit all of our stuff into something called a GMC Arcadia. Two bags of clothes, one bag food and supplements, and one bag running gear. Yes, I checked my running gear again.

After a late afternoon lunch which was the size of a decent dinner, we took a walk along the Fisherman's Wharf and really enjoyed the sights. Saw a bunch (scientific term when your from Kansas) of sea lions. The Wharf had lots of great restaurants. Through the recommendation of the hotel we ate at Old Fisherman's Grotto. It was outstanding! After the meal and a few more sea lion watching encounters, I headed out for a short 3 mile run along the coast where I saw even more sea lions and also some more great places to go back to to see more of. That's one thing about a runner or cyclist in a new town, you become the scout for all of the best places to go. After the short run, I did a 20 min swin again just to loosen up things. Nice heated pool. Then it was out to a late dinner at the Crown and anchor British Pub. No beer. Just a great turkey sandwich.

Tomorrow will include a short run and a short swim. Also, I will go to the Expo which is always great fun to pick up bib numbers and bus ticket. If you have tim, go to the Big sur website and check out the virtual tour of the route and you will see whaat I am facing Sunday.(http://www.bsim.org/site3.aspx). I will be spending quite a bit of time tomorrow and Saturday studying the route.

I feel pretty good. Eating more than usual to replenish body needs faster than usual for recovery and build-up for a race so close. Legs are still sore (Quads and Hamstrings) but getting better each day. They will be called on to do quite a bit on Sunday.

Well, it's poff to bed. It will feel good tonight. Been up for a bit. Will sleep in a little and then get on with Friday. Looking forward to the challenges of this quick a turn around.

Forward we go! May your roads, trails, and pools be happy and safe and may they bring you peace of mind!