The old-fashioned Americana atmosphere of the annual Santa Monica 5K race
evokes nostalgia, with its Octoberfair activities, cheering cheerleaders,
goldfish games, and carnival carousels. This year, many TCLAers were
transported back in time in a more physical sense as well. Wrinkles in
times could be attributed to the course layout, a downhill first mile
followed by a slowly ascending second.
Congratulations to Rachid, who placed third overall and first in his
division with a time of 15:11. Though happy with his two medals, he vowed
to save his celebration for breaking 15. Steve L began with a 5:32 mile,
aggravating an IT band, but handily took on the role of finish line
supporter alongside Terence (with his doctor's orders to stay off the
ruptured Achilles that somehow doesn't include the bike). The
time-traveler award goes to Jerico, who jumped out after a fast first mile
to join Stephanie E as a spectator, then reappeared on pace at the 2-mile
mark, to the bewilderment of Tim P.
The race served as a warmup for Tim, continuing on to Venice after crossing
at 19:35. Lawrence S, somewhat disappointed with his 21:29, consoled
himself by running a 12 mile cooldown. Jeff and Cindy B (24:49), as well
as Jennifer S (22:22), were pleased with their times, but are focusing more
on the 26.2 they'll be running this Sunday at the Portland Marathon.
Ogie was less-than-thrilled with 20:58 until the TCLAer who finished a
minute behind him reminded him of the days not too long ago when he ran a
minute behind her. We speculated that all of our time-related woes were
due to the absence of our coach, who wouldn't quit his day job on this
particular Saturday.
