LA Marathon 2011

Yesterday a few of my friends and I went to go and support my friend Steve Grande at the finish line of the Los Angeles Marathon. The race started from Dodger stadium and ended at Santa Monica at California and Ocean. I was surprised to see such a turn out for runners and supporters alike especially in the heavy rain that later lead to flash floods later that night.

We were all basically drenched but it felt good to be out in the rain. I was driving in my boxers on the way out because of how soaked I was.  After the marathon we all went down to Mituswa Japanese Market, which is on Centinela,  to get some ramen from Santouka and curry from Misasa. The line was so long, but after being in the rain for a couple of hours ramen definitely hits the spot.

Seeing Steve finish that race is definitely some inspiring stuff, especially in the conditions they were running in. I did a little talking with him, and I feel convinced to run next year's marathon. Something about that runner's high and the form of running itself that feels so liberating. I think this will also add to me sealing the deal of quitting smoking. I started smoking a little before I turned 17 until I turned 21. I used to run out of breath so easily, even when I was running regularly, but now I hardly even feel that way.

Steve also was planning to run a marathon in San Francisco some time during the summer. I remember one of the projects I wanted to work on was following him and his journey marathoning. Maybe this will be my opportunity.