Our Cali Dream: Santa Barbara: Bacara & 26.2 Miles

After spending the last few months running our neighborhood trails after work every day and training with his buddy, a marathon pro, during long early morning runs every weekend, Ronnie was ready to run his first 26.2 miles at the Santa Barbara International Marathon this past weekend. With the proper training under his belt, we decided that the best way to overcome the nervous mental energies would be to get some rest and relaxation the night before the race. And the best place for some plush R&R in Santa Barbara....the Bacara Resort of course. We spent our 1st anniversary at Bacara and always longed to return. Thankfully, Bacara graciously extended marathon participants a special rate, of which we happily took advantage. After checking-in we explored the lush meandering grounds of the resort, ordered some wine, took a romantic walk on the beach, watched the sun set over the ocean and enjoyed a healthy carb load at the resort's outdoor bistro.

3am came too early the morning of the race. Ronnie was surprising calm and bushy-tailed - R&R accomplished. After the obligatory morning coffee I drove Ronnie to the drop-off location, wished him all the love and luck in the world, and began to plan my spectator route from where I would snap pics of him along the race course. I caught up to him at Mile 6, Mile 12, and Mile 17. He looked great and was maintaining a 3:20 marathon pace. I was so proud of him and happy to see that he would be fulfilling one of his dreams/goals. And I was happy to be snapping the pics instead of worrying about electrolyte replenishment and blisters. By Mile 22 Ronnie began to experience debilitating cramps in his quads. But he toughed it out to the finish! No longer a mere runner, Ronnie has joined the elite ranks of people (1%) that can call themselves a marathon runner. He's hooked and already planning for the next marathon.