Monday, July 26, 2010

Let the Good Times Begin

Well – after an extended absence from the blogosphere – I’m back. Nothing new or Earth shattering to report. I just had a couple of weeks where life got turned sideways a bit and I may have figured out some priorities that had been askew.

So – on to the fun and games this past weekend – The San Francisco (Half) Marathon! My plan was to drive up on Saturday, run 13.1, and then drive back on Sunday (SF is about a 7 hour drive from OC). Thankfully, I came to my senses late on Friday, and with a few frequent flyer miles, booked a $90 fare to SF International. I would have spent at least that in gas and parking. Score one for me!

Another score for me is that my nephew lives about 5 blocks from the start line. So I didn’t need to pay for a hotel room! And his view? OUTSTANDING!

IMG_0413I got settled in, and then walked over to the expo early afternoon Saturday. Talk about a sea of humanity! But – bib/shirt pickup lines moved quickly.

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The California Dreaming Series lines though? That was a different issue. After a 20 or so minute wait, I received my jacket (pretty cool by the way) and wandered the floor of the expo. I found Danica and met Aron! Score another for me!

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But, my afternoon wasn’t over yet! One of my favorite foods is Mexican. The Green Girl and Rad Runner had told me about a place that I had to try out – so I loaded onto the bus and made my way over to the Mission District. It was like being back in the neighborhood that I grew up on the East Side of Los Angeles.

100_0013100_0014I found my way over to Paplote’s and chowed on a Tofu burrito. No wonder they were featured on a Throwdown with Bobby Flay!

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My only question – is she or isn’t he?

And I think this photo says so much about the character of San Francisco. I would love to live here!

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It was a shame to leave, but I eventually made my way back to my adopted home.

Next up was dinner. I’m so used to having a car to get around – using public transportation was a new experience for me. So, I got on the bus (Line 10 I think?) Luckily, I have a good sense of direction. It didn’t take too long (maybe 10 minutes) to figure out this bus was not going toward where I knew the restaurant was. I quickly hopped off and texted Penny that I was going to be late! Oh well. I finally got on the bus heading in the right direction and made it over to Il Fornaio.

Dinner was absolutely fantastic! No better way to top off a good day than a delicious dinner with some good friends!. Penny had organized and set everything up. All I had to do was show up. I ordered a scrumptious beet pasta dish, and enjoyed my evening with the Heffers:

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And I finally got to meet Meg and her husband. What a great couple! Meg – you have a real winner with Steve. I enjoyed his company immensely! He’s cooler than me! (Also pictured is Meg and Steve’s friend Graciela, and Penny’s sister from England).

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But – after so many scores in one day – I had to return to my nephew’s abode for some rest. After all, a 5:30 AM start with 20,000 plus other runners meant an early morning wake up call on Sunday!

14 comments:

  1. I think the flight was a wise move. When do we see part II?

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  2. Big race!! Sounds like a fun weekend, though, meeting up with friends and seeing your nephew.

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  3. You braved going to the Mission? Not even I do that...not even for B-rite ice cream. Glad you had a good trip, come back and visit again soon!

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  4. Sounds fun Glenn! Can't wait to hear how it all went!

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  5. Yes- flying was a wise choice! What an amazing view from your nephew's house!

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  6. I'm glad you made it to dinner Glenn! Can't wait to find out what happened on race morning. I think by the time we got to the start, you may have already been in your starting corral...

    Good to see you again!

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  7. Cool!! You really got to meet some cool people

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  8. I think SF was pretty popular last weekend. But where are the results?

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  9. I wanted to go to Paplote’s but never made it! That episode of Bobby Flay's Throwdown was awesome!!! Can't wait to read your race report too!

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  10. WOW! Awesome pictures and fun times! I am ready for part II

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  11. I'm glad you enjoyed your burrito, Glenn!

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  12. it was SO NICE to finally meet you!!! glad you had a great time in SF :) hopefully we will get to meet up at another race soon!

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