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FOR THE HEALTH OF IT

Watching the

Monterey Bay

Half Marathon

BY MIKE DOVE, CORRAL DE TIERRA

f you are not running the Monterey Bay Half Marathon on discipline, early morning or late afternoon runs, race day is a
ISunday, November 10th, you should go and watch. It might reward. These runners are talking to each other, waving to the
give you the motivation to finally start your walking or running spectators, and surprisingly smiling. Race day is a party. Look
program. This stressful election season has probably taken a lot for the pride and sense of accomplishment on each person’s
out of you. It’s a good time to start a healthy exercise program face. If you put out your hand, these runners will be happy to
that can relieve that stress and make you feel better. give you a high five, and it will give them energy as well.
The race starts at 7 AM, but you don’t have to be there quite You may see some faces that look like they are in pain and
that early to enjoy the day. But get there as early as you can. suffering near the end of the race, but each person is happy to
The elite runners finish at about 8:05 on the recreation trail be there. There will be runners much older than you, heavier
near Custom House Plaza. The slowest runners, who do mostly than you, leading busier lives than you, and who have overcome
walking, will finish at about 10 AM. But that’s not where you bigger obstacles than you, yet they have the discipline to get out
should visit. Head out to Lovers Point in Pacific Grove, and you and train when they can. Hopefully, your reaction will be, “That
can watch runners heading out toward Asilomar at the 4-mile could be me next year. I could be doing that.” There really isn’t
mark, as well as heading back to the Wharf area at their 11-mile any reason you can’t.
mark. Parking is easier out there, too, and the view is beautiful. So do yourself a favor and wake up early on half - 5 Star rated Painting
You don’t have to be at the finish to feel the excitement of marathon Sunday and get inspired. Next year, you can be Contractor
the race. It’s easy to know the elite racers: they will be the small someone else’s inspiration. - We can tackle any
skinny ones running in a pack way ahead of everyone else.
They’ll be wearing light, colorful shoes and singlets. They won’t Mike Dove is our resident running expert. project and complete
be smiling, but you should notice how relaxed they run. The Having run for years, Mike is an integral it on time and within
next group you’ll see are the serious amateur runners, who run component in many runner’s groups and budget!
every day to make themselves fitter and faster. They won’t be has participated on several running event
smiling either, and their running form won’t be as comfortable committees. He has completed numerous
as those in the front. marathons, including our own Big Sur
After those, is where you should look for your most International Marathon. Mike lives in Corral de
motivation and joy. Your reaction should be, “Hey, these people Tierra with his wife.
look just like me. I can do this if they can!” The race looks like
a parade and a celebration. After months of preparation and Are you or someone you know passionate about athletics and sports? Share that story! Contact
Laurie.Martin@n2co.com or phone 272-4620. luxurycustompaintingmonterey.com

44 November 2024 Greet HWY 68 Loop 45