Mt. Baldy Run-to-the-Top 9/1/08

[Marcela Paez]

After a grueling two months of training I finally accomplished my goal and finished Mt. Baldy's Run to the Top Race, and it was by far the hardest thing I've ever done in my life! Right from the start it was tough, and before the four mile mark I can feel the thin air & altitude take its toll. People quickly seperated according to their fitness levels, and the ultra-marathoners, triathletes, &Mt. Baldy residents took off and kept in front of the pack. I was in the middle of the bunch and pretty much stayed there. Where I could run, I would run, but I always kept moving and never stopped. Half way through I caught up with Fong, and we pretty much stayed side-by-side. It was nice to see a familiar face:)
The last leg of the race was a cat trail, and you're pretty much behind the person in front of you. I was able to pass up a couple people when the opportunity presented itself, but it's a very narrow & dangerous trail.
As I crossed the finish line atop Mt. Baldy I thanked God for giving me the strength to finish this race. I really challenged myself & pushed myself to a whole other level. Atop Mt. Baldy I saw Steve, Gary, Fong & Quyhn, we all celebrated our great accomplishment & toasted with water & oranges.

I want to thank Gary for all the pointers he gave me at Tuesday Night Trail Runs in Palos Veredes. Without those trail runs I don't think I would've done as well. Plus, hiking Mt. Baldy with some of you a month ago really helped out too!

Completed time: 2hrs 11mins 50sec

Marcela Paez

[Bernice]

Congratulations to you, Marcela! You're one tough lady. Hopefully next year I get the courage to do the race with you. Looking forward to running with you soon.

[thisoneguy]

Nice work Marcela! Since I decided to back out of Baldy, hope to do the Catalina 1/2 marathon next year... you in?

[Steve Mackel]

Now you are mountain goat tough. It will pay big dividends on your next race day.

Train Focused, Steve