Prequel #5: The Malibu Breakthrough

Malibu? The beach of Stars and Starlets? Where the final scene of "Planet of the Apes" and multiple episodes of "Baywatch" were filmed? Where famous film directors and writers are encountered in coffee shops? How could that be a breakthrough to a 60+ walker from the East Coast?

The race URL was enticing. "Join us in the Malibu Sunrise 4-Miler. This race takes you along the beach actually running on the beach in the sand whether low tide or high tide on the first Sunday of every month." We were going to be visiting Emily in Los Angeles (Sherman Oaks) the first weekend of August, so maybe this longer-than-previously-walked race would be a challenge and fascinating experience. To Emily's immense credit, she agreed to accompany her dad for a 7 AM Sunday start. (Yes, 7 AM on a Sunday!)

After the Lap4Life race, I increased speed and distance on the treadmill. 5.0 mph for 3.1 miles,  5.1 mph and then 5.2 mph. I was now doing under 37 minutes for a 5K in preparation for the next outdoor challenge (Malibu!) I felt faster and more fit and was still losing weight. But how would I do with those tanned, athletic Californians?

We arrived in LA, enjoyed Emily's new apartment, outdoor downtown LA dancing, and the Saturday Malibu Library book sale. My family endured my planning for the big Malibu event.

Only 10 people showed up. California, I guess. One upper 30s woman asked if anyone wanted to jog with her at a 6 and a half minute a mile pace, not an auspicious beginning for the aspiring walker.

The race coordinator took out his stop watch, told us to run down this paved path, go down a little trail, and turn around at the driveway of a restaurant that we couldn't miss. 4 miles down and back. Ready. Set. Go.

Emily and I burst into last place. One-two-three-four, One-two-three-four, One foot in front of another. The paved lane was easy to walk on and flat, the scenery was beautiful, and I felt "fast" and comfortable.  The other runners waved as they passed on their return, telling me where they turned.

One-two-three-four. I  felt comfortable. The beach was pretty (and pretty empty), the end of the walk was in site and breakfast would be next.

I cross the finish line. Success!  The coordinator cried out "40 minutes!"   Huh? No way. I never even hit better than 10 and a half minutes for a one mile stretch on the treadmill. Something was wrong, even though I felt good about the run. After saying where I (and others) had turned, we determined that the distance was probably 3.5 miles.

Still a significant drop in time....verifying the improvements that I had felt in the gym and setting me up for future, less weirder kinds of races!

Our victory picture: