Dec 31, 2016.

Mike picked me up from my hotel in the morning and we drove to Crissy Field. We picked up our bibs and souvenir fleece shirt, pitched the tent, and waited for the 9AM start. The weather was sunny with some cloud and wind (oh wait… this is the San Francisco Bay Area – being windy is the norm). I had my Mizuno merino wool shirt + a light running tights. 10 minutes before 9AM, we all lined up at the start, the 24hr runners and a mix of 6/12hr runners. More 6/12hr runners would start later. I’d be doing the 12 hrs and Mike the 6 hrs.

Mike and I jogged at a leisure pace around the course, a 1.065mi lap around the lagoon at Crissy Field. What’s new this year is that runners can go in either direction, clockwise or counter-clockwise as they please, as long as they pass the timing mat each time they finish a lap. A good change to combat the monotony of a uni-directional lap. Runners also get the chance to greet the other runners going the opposite way.

Tailwind was my main source of nutrition, which I took sip every lap. Mike and I would also take a bite of whatever’s available at the pit area. And every hour, I would take a salt pill to prevent cramping later. This would be the routine for the next 12 hours.

I’m thankful to have Mike on the 1st 6 hours of the event. Having some company to chat with made the lap quick and easy. Mike’s family came before his run ended at 3PM. Quick hi and hello, and I proceeded on with my 12hr monotonous adventure.

It started to get dark before 5PM. With the sun gone, it felt colder too. I changed clothes – a polar fleece shirt, a windbreaker, and a heavier and warmer tights. I felt fine the whole time, enjoying the experience, doing more jogs and walk breaks on the last 3 hours. I finished my last lap 5 minutes before 9PM. I’ve covered 55 laps for a total of 58.6 miles. My target was to at least cover 50 laps.

I suddenly felt the cold breeze the moment I stopped. I went to my tent and changed to warm and dry clothes. I was shivering even with layers of warm clothes. 9PM in SFO = 12MN in NJ. I called home and spoke with my daughter – greeted them a Happy New Year. I decided to stay inside the tent until my body has gained some warmth. I tried to get some nap but my legs were twitching. I came out before 12 midnight to join the mini-festivity to welcome the new year. We just had a glimpse of the fireworks, which was most visible from the other side of the town. After the toast and cheer, I headed back to the tent for warmth.

I managed to get some short but very much needed sleep. When I woke up, the 24hr runners were still on the course. 9AM would be the official finish time for them. The overall winner for the 24hr event covered 100 laps for a total of 106.5 miles. A question I asked then, and I still ask now… How the heck do you run for 24 hrs???

This is another experience I’d remember. My 1st 50+ miles. A good way to end the year and welcome the new one.  Happy New Year!