Secretariat arrived at 6:15 AM Saturday morning and his first words were “it is too early.” I agreed, as it was still dark. We drove to the start of Saturday’s Jed Smith race in Sacramento. We arrived in plenty of time and managed to park in roughly the same place at last year’s race. Incidentally, 40 years ago, Secretariat proposed to Debbie in this location down by the American River. Congratulations to them both.
I registered, pinned my bib number on my shirt and attached the timing chip to my running shoe. I was ready. The 50 mile race began at 7:30 AM. Ride and tie and world-class runner Mark Richtman, was there. Mark, at age 54, was there to break the US men’s record in his age division for that distance. Also, at the starting line was a young runner that had a familiar face. Later I found out that this young man, narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympic marathon trials last year and this was his first 50 mile run.
At the start, there was a two-mile up and back, and then the loops began. Mark and this young man were in the lead as they passed us. I noticed that Mark’s head was slightly tilted, as he ran past, and I made the comment to myself “I do not think that is a good sign.”
My 50 Km began at 8:30 AM and started the two-mile up and back, followed by six loops. I felt fine at the beginning and after I finished the first two loops, I was joined by Secretariat. He told me later that I did not look particularly good at that point. I remembered thinking that my two handheld water bottles seemed heavier than usual and I said to myself something like “I have four more loops to go.“ I felt better after completing the third loop.
Secretariat often ran ahead and waited for me at the two bridge crossings. He enjoyed talking to the volunteers who were there directing the runners. He made friends quickly, and they soon got to know him. At the Wyatt Bridge, a young woman had strawberries and beer. On the fifth loop, he reached that spot before me and had a beer as I arrived. He was pleased about getting a beer and was his usual chipper self. At another bridge crossing point, there were two women holding signs of encouragement for all the runners. Secretariat and I both liked the complimentary remarks, as we passed them. He said something to the young women, and we laughed.
To be continued tomorrow.
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