Running with rhythm of waves
Editor’s note: Jeanmarie Tarmann-Derry lives in Gilroy and is
training to run the Bay to Breakers race next month. This is the
second column in a five-part series on what’s it’s like to prepare
for the hilly, whacky party in sneakers.
By Jeanmarie Tarmann-Derry
”
Here comes the sun.
”
Capitola and Santa Cruz proved to be perfect training places
this week, as my daughter, friends and I spent time beachside.
Running with rhythm of waves
Editor’s note: Jeanmarie Tarmann-Derry lives in Gilroy and is training to run the Bay to Breakers race next month. This is the second column in a five-part series on what’s it’s like to prepare for the hilly, whacky party in sneakers.
By Jeanmarie Tarmann-Derry
“Here comes the sun.”
Capitola and Santa Cruz proved to be perfect training places this week, as my daughter, friends and I spent time beachside.
Invigorating salty sea air filled our lungs. Waves rushed in under gorgeous blue skies, pounding driftwood and rocks harder than we pounded the sand and turf.
I got up early in the morning to discover a paved path along Santa Cruz’s Riverside Avenue Bridge. As I pulled on my pink-and-white ‘New Balance’ training shoes, seagulls lifted up off sun-drenched rocks. I hoped my legs could lift as lightly as mythical Mercury’s legendary ankle wings.
Other friendly joggers greeted us with sweaty nods, smiles and “morning” as we tread our way along the same path that Wharf-to-Wharf runners take. While running this race when my children were youngsters, bands and seals serenaded us as we wound our way from Santa Cruz to Capitola.
Andy Froumis, local running guru and member of South Valley Running Club, informs us that members of this club, from Morgan Hill to Gilroy, can meet daily and every Saturday morning to run such places as Gilroy, Coyote Creek Trail and Mt. Madonna. If you’d like to join SVRC, simply email him at
af******@ao*.com
or call 408-710-1348.
The club is offering a Wednesday night running clinic that starts at 6:30 p.m. at Gilroy High School’s track. These could provide the perfect training opportunities for me and my running partner, Linda, for we found regular runs with fellow Treasure Island Triathlon participants invaluable, both for the camaraderie and the lung and muscle conditioning.
This morning sun again washes the levee area, where with four weeks left before the race, I am only up to 3 miles in going the distance to 7.46 miles. But with the support of people like Linda and Andy, we know we can do it.
Andy mentions that there are many upcoming events for experienced runners. The Mushroom Mardi Gras race will be held the end of May. Hunting Hollow Run is a fun jaunt through parks and streams in June. The Freedom 5000 race will be held July 4.
More specific details will be forthcoming as these races near. Last days to enter Bay to Breakers on-line in time to get your bib and event number is coming soon. Just go to BaytoBreakers.com to enter online.
So I invite you to get on your tennies, slather on some sun screen and safely hit the road. Remember, dirt paths and local school tracks are often softer on your feet than asphalt. Get a friend to join you. Have fun and run!
Any questions, comments, details or information about upcoming events is appreciated. You may contact Linda or me at
mi**********@ao*.com
.
