news
02-17-2016, 05:14 PM
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455552594-3317895-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung31-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455552594-3317895-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung31.J PG)
Yes, I braved the 16° weather to walk one block to the NY Sports Club on the Upper West Side. Then, I woke up to 0° in New York City on Valentine's Day!
But last weekend's brisk cold in sunny Sarasota, Florida did not deter 3,000 runners in the 2nd annual Sarasota Music Half Marathon thru windy (25+ mph gusts), Super Bowl Sunday morning of February 7, 2016 -- hey, 50's is bitter cold for Floridians!
My friend Ashley Grant had asked me if I wanted to run the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. I replied "Sure, why not?! I ran my first half marathon in NYC in Central Park in 2014 -- I might as well run the other half!" I had only one month to train...
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562000-9057541-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon1-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562000-9057541-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon1.JPG)
Friday, February 5, 7:12 p.m.
I trek over to New Balance store on Stickney Point Road to pick up my runner's bib.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562070-5919424-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon4-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562070-5919424-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon4.JPG)
The Sarasota Music Half Marathon runner's shirt is festive, from turquoise and white piano keys tickling our obliques to "13.1" orange emblems jazzed up with the 16th musical note, which I learned is faster than the 8th note!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562203-1841612-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon8-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562203-1841612-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon8.JPG)
I zoom outside to the kiosk of running shoes to get my wristband -- yes, even I got carded for my age -- in order to drink during the Beer Mile. Ironically, I never had a beer in my life, so I was not going to start on Sunday!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562261-692804-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon11-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562261-692804-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon11.JPG)
I spot Tom Barwin, our city manager of Sarasota. He ran the inaugural Sarasota Music Half Marathon last year!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562309-1742289-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon12-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562309-1742289-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon12.JPG)
Inside the store, I run into Hayley Wielgus (our local WWSB ABC 7 News anchor), who really is a long distance runner!
Sunday, February 7, 4:55 a.m.
I wake up, quickly shower and consume hot oatmeal and a banana (vitamins too and two capsules of Clear Lungs for easier breathing during my one and only long race for the year).
Sunday, February 7, 5:45 a.m.
It is 52° and slightly raining during my drive across Sarasota. Am I going to be running in cold rain?! The entire race (7:00 to 11:00 a.m.) will be in the 50's, so we Floridians are not used to weather below 70 degrees or gray skies.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562371-1007924-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung3-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562371-1007924-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung3.JP G)
Sunday, February 7, 6:06 a.m.
I park off US41 by the Hyatt Regency Sarasota -- volunteers are directing traffic.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562450-2330367-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung4-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562450-2330367-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung4.JP G)
My friend Ana captures the start line before the race, while it's windy and cold - no sun.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562495-5650005-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung14-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562495-5650005-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung14.J PG)
I meet Joey Schwab & Rod Shrock of Custom Air (they were blocking the wind for me).
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562533-8049865-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung5-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562533-8049865-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung5.JP G)
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562564-4406502-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung15-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562564-4406502-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung15.J PG)
Race started approximately 7:00 a.m. -- probably 2,000 runners crossed the start line before I did! We departed Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and headed down Tamiami Trail (which connects Tampa to Miami) to the Ringling Bridge, where I wave at avid spectator Norm Schimmel
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664111-3492521-LeeEnChungSarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.7.2016photoby NormSchimmel-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664111-3492521-LeeEnChungSarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.7.2016photoby NormSchimmel.JPG)
Lee-En Chung waves with both arms from the Ringling Bridge at the Sarasota Music Half Marathon -- photo by Norm Schimmel
and then zip by Danny Williams (my 5th grade friend from Venice) who snaps pics of me and his wife Marcia almost reaching the peak of the Ringling Bridge (Van Wezel is way behind us):
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562645-2217943-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung16-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562645-2217943-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung16.J PG)
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562668-3005199-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung18-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562668-3005199-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung18.J PG)
Marcia and I look blurry in the photos -- perhaps wind, or were we running that fast?!
At the Ringling Bridge apex, the Sarasota High School Band was extremely spirited playing their hearts out in the cold wintry air, coupled with the Sarasota High School energetic cheerleaders. Go Sailors!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562721-2118622-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung25-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562721-2118622-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung25.J PG)
We active runners target St. Armands Circle and complete the roundabout by foot. We ascend the Ringling Bridge for the second time...
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562753-8551858-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung21-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562753-8551858-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung21.J PG)
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562791-3423074-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung24-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562791-3423074-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung24.J PG)
and descend towards Golden Gate Point and beyond...
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664488-9471533-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung43-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664488-9471533-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung43.J PG)Photo credit: Five Star Photography
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664589-5573524-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung44-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664589-5573524-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung44.J PG)Photo credit: Five Star Photography
My friends Jaide Beverly, Tonya Willis Pitts and Kimberly Walker stood out in their cobalt blue Sarasota County Bar Association jerseys.
Throughout the race course, 20 bands as well as spectators with cowbells entertained us. I was grateful to recognize waving viewers such as Mary Darby Guidroz, Jake Hartvigsen (cheering for his running wife Angela), Bill and Robin Sadlo, Tom Jackson, Frank Maggio, Todd Morton and John Chapman. The water stations were well managed with kindhearted volunteers handing out cups of water and Gatorade, while Sarasota Police officers galore kept us safe.
I skip down Osprey Avenue -- loved the duet who sang a beautiful jazzy version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" -- totally made my day!
As we run thru Cherokee Park neighborhood (nice established homes of Sarasota), the tree-lined streets and fans holding funny posters were outdone by the girls holding platters of Girl Scout cookies! Thin mints on my 10th mile -- total yum!
We exit Orange Avenue and meander thru the serpentine sidewalks of Selby Gardens (http://selby.org/) (home of world-class orchids and bromeliads). What an oasis by the bay! I run under the banyan trees and am uplifted -- not by their roots, but by their ginormous grandeur. I jog by a very tall tree (called "Ficus Altissima" -- how fitting!). Passing the pavilion, I am faced with strong winds again off Sarasota's bay. The mangroves somehow smiled back, and they gave me strength to continue running.
Our strides may be slower back up Tamiami Trail, but who could miss the picturesque sailboats way off in the distance.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562974-4019142-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung32-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562974-4019142-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung32.J PG)
We go under the Ringling Bridge (a circuitous route back to Van Wezel) and experience the oh-so-memorable wind tunnel blasting us between the sea wall and the bridge.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563014-399335-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung26-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563014-399335-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung26.J PG)
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563039-1803471-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung27-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563039-1803471-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung27.J PG)
The lavender Van Wezel building is in sight (we locals call it the "Purple Cow")! We're almost near the finish line!
Our steps inch closer -- seeing the "Unconditional Surrender" (Sarasota bayfront's humongous statue of the sailor kissing the nurse) for the fourth time -- towards the infamous Beer Mile (the 12th mile of the 13.1 mile race). My Rotarian buddies (from the Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay) yelled out my name, as I waved back at Barry Levinson, Todd Morgan, Barb Viola, Mike Murphy, Guy LePatourel and Dona Morgan, who were all toasting with beer in hand (from their beer station). I kept running...
As we pass by another fun band on US41, we reach our final stretch. When I go by the first barricade of spectators, I pick up strength and sprint thru the finish line of 13.1 miles to garner the prized possession -- the participation medal! Woo-hoo!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563076-6954528-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung7-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563076-6954528-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung7.JP G)
My time was 2 hours and 39 minutes (about an hour faster than my Central Park half marathon in 2014, when I was clueless about the route, distance and training). Later I run into this redhead and ask him "Did you place second?" He was surprised and asked "How did you know?" For most of us runners in the 10+ minutes per mile pace, it was obvious that he was leading the pack, after the male winner (Warren Grajalez, a senior from Riverview High School). My pics with Danny Horgan are my new souvenirs from the Sarasota Music Half Marathon.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563118-3603248-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung11-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563118-3603248-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung11.J PG)
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563148-9115602-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung12-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563148-9115602-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung12.J PG)
Yes, Danny Horgan is carrying the 2nd place trophy, and he loves training in Sarasota rather than in his hometown of Boston.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455552594-3317895-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung31-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455552594-3317895-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung31.J PG)
Suely Santos and Ana Maria Queiroz traveled from Miami to run their first Sarasota Music Half Marathon on February 7, 2016.
In the food line, I befriend Ana Maria Queiroz from Miami, whose friend Suely (also Miami) persuaded her to come to Sarasota and do the race with her! We chitchat about how much fun the half marathon was, and then I bump into two of the race coordinators (Tony Driscoll and Molly Jackson). John Korff is the other race coordinator extraordinaire; the three created SHM, LLC (http://www.sarasotahalf.com/about/), which produced such a spectacular and well-run run!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563182-9566055-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung20-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563182-9566055-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung20.J PG)
I brag to Tony Driscoll (who also heads up our local Sarasota Open for tennis) that I was donning his Sarasota Open cap, which matched nicely with my orange running jersey.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563229-6207837-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung28-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563229-6207837-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung28.J PG)
Molly Jackson (co-owner of two New Balance stores in Sarasota) greeted us at the start of the brunch buffet line.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563328-7936940-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung42-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563328-7936940-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung42.J PG)
We famished runners were incredibly delighted with the full smorgasbord of yummy cuisine by Mattison's (a Sarasota local favorite) -- from French toast to eggs and lots of bacon! When I went outside, I saw Ben Bates (Coldwell Banker realtor and next president of our Rotary Club of Sarasota). He too ran the Sarasota Music Half Marathon, and we both beamed with pride!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563413-7462956-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung34-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563413-7462956-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung34.J PG)
My new running gal pals Ana & Suely got a fun selfie souvenir (courtesy of the Observer -- our local award-winning weekly newspaper). Ana was kind enough to share her scenic bayfront photos with me, so I could include them throughout this blog!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563476-3474641-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung36-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563476-3474641-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung36.J PG)
Then, we posed by the Sarasota Music Half Marathon banner, showing off our medals! I had to snap my last photo -- by the finish line -- to share my essence of enthusiasm!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455629604-2608503-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung40-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455629604-2608503-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung40.J PG) -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. (http://start.westnet.ca/newstempch.php?article=terms.html/) It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/1/rc.img (http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/1/rc.htm)
http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/2/rc.img (http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/2/rc.htm)
http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/3/rc.img (http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/3/rc.htm)
http://da.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/a2.img (http://da.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/a2.htm)
http://adchoice.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/ach.img (http://adchoice.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/ach.htm)http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/a2t.imghttp://pi2.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/a2t2.imghttp://feeds.huffingtonpost.com/c/35496/f/677045/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/mf.gif
More... (http://feeds.huffingtonpost.com/c/35496/f/677045/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/l/0L0Shuffingtonpost0N0Cleeen0Echung0Cboogeying0Emy0 Eway0Ethru0Ethe0Ib0I923780A0A0Bhtml/story01.htm)
Yes, I braved the 16° weather to walk one block to the NY Sports Club on the Upper West Side. Then, I woke up to 0° in New York City on Valentine's Day!
But last weekend's brisk cold in sunny Sarasota, Florida did not deter 3,000 runners in the 2nd annual Sarasota Music Half Marathon thru windy (25+ mph gusts), Super Bowl Sunday morning of February 7, 2016 -- hey, 50's is bitter cold for Floridians!
My friend Ashley Grant had asked me if I wanted to run the Sarasota Music Half Marathon. I replied "Sure, why not?! I ran my first half marathon in NYC in Central Park in 2014 -- I might as well run the other half!" I had only one month to train...
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562000-9057541-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon1-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562000-9057541-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon1.JPG)
Friday, February 5, 7:12 p.m.
I trek over to New Balance store on Stickney Point Road to pick up my runner's bib.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562070-5919424-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon4-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562070-5919424-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon4.JPG)
The Sarasota Music Half Marathon runner's shirt is festive, from turquoise and white piano keys tickling our obliques to "13.1" orange emblems jazzed up with the 16th musical note, which I learned is faster than the 8th note!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562203-1841612-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon8-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562203-1841612-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon8.JPG)
I zoom outside to the kiosk of running shoes to get my wristband -- yes, even I got carded for my age -- in order to drink during the Beer Mile. Ironically, I never had a beer in my life, so I was not going to start on Sunday!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562261-692804-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon11-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562261-692804-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon11.JPG)
I spot Tom Barwin, our city manager of Sarasota. He ran the inaugural Sarasota Music Half Marathon last year!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562309-1742289-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon12-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562309-1742289-RunnersbibpickupNewBalance2.05.2016forSarasotaMusi cHalfMarathon12.JPG)
Inside the store, I run into Hayley Wielgus (our local WWSB ABC 7 News anchor), who really is a long distance runner!
Sunday, February 7, 4:55 a.m.
I wake up, quickly shower and consume hot oatmeal and a banana (vitamins too and two capsules of Clear Lungs for easier breathing during my one and only long race for the year).
Sunday, February 7, 5:45 a.m.
It is 52° and slightly raining during my drive across Sarasota. Am I going to be running in cold rain?! The entire race (7:00 to 11:00 a.m.) will be in the 50's, so we Floridians are not used to weather below 70 degrees or gray skies.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562371-1007924-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung3-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562371-1007924-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung3.JP G)
Sunday, February 7, 6:06 a.m.
I park off US41 by the Hyatt Regency Sarasota -- volunteers are directing traffic.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562450-2330367-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung4-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562450-2330367-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung4.JP G)
My friend Ana captures the start line before the race, while it's windy and cold - no sun.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562495-5650005-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung14-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562495-5650005-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung14.J PG)
I meet Joey Schwab & Rod Shrock of Custom Air (they were blocking the wind for me).
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562533-8049865-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung5-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562533-8049865-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung5.JP G)
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562564-4406502-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung15-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562564-4406502-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung15.J PG)
Race started approximately 7:00 a.m. -- probably 2,000 runners crossed the start line before I did! We departed Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and headed down Tamiami Trail (which connects Tampa to Miami) to the Ringling Bridge, where I wave at avid spectator Norm Schimmel
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664111-3492521-LeeEnChungSarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.7.2016photoby NormSchimmel-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664111-3492521-LeeEnChungSarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.7.2016photoby NormSchimmel.JPG)
Lee-En Chung waves with both arms from the Ringling Bridge at the Sarasota Music Half Marathon -- photo by Norm Schimmel
and then zip by Danny Williams (my 5th grade friend from Venice) who snaps pics of me and his wife Marcia almost reaching the peak of the Ringling Bridge (Van Wezel is way behind us):
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562645-2217943-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung16-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562645-2217943-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung16.J PG)
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562668-3005199-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung18-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562668-3005199-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung18.J PG)
Marcia and I look blurry in the photos -- perhaps wind, or were we running that fast?!
At the Ringling Bridge apex, the Sarasota High School Band was extremely spirited playing their hearts out in the cold wintry air, coupled with the Sarasota High School energetic cheerleaders. Go Sailors!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562721-2118622-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung25-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562721-2118622-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung25.J PG)
We active runners target St. Armands Circle and complete the roundabout by foot. We ascend the Ringling Bridge for the second time...
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562753-8551858-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung21-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562753-8551858-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung21.J PG)
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562791-3423074-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung24-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562791-3423074-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung24.J PG)
and descend towards Golden Gate Point and beyond...
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664488-9471533-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung43-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664488-9471533-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung43.J PG)Photo credit: Five Star Photography
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664589-5573524-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung44-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455664589-5573524-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung44.J PG)Photo credit: Five Star Photography
My friends Jaide Beverly, Tonya Willis Pitts and Kimberly Walker stood out in their cobalt blue Sarasota County Bar Association jerseys.
Throughout the race course, 20 bands as well as spectators with cowbells entertained us. I was grateful to recognize waving viewers such as Mary Darby Guidroz, Jake Hartvigsen (cheering for his running wife Angela), Bill and Robin Sadlo, Tom Jackson, Frank Maggio, Todd Morton and John Chapman. The water stations were well managed with kindhearted volunteers handing out cups of water and Gatorade, while Sarasota Police officers galore kept us safe.
I skip down Osprey Avenue -- loved the duet who sang a beautiful jazzy version of "Somewhere over the Rainbow" -- totally made my day!
As we run thru Cherokee Park neighborhood (nice established homes of Sarasota), the tree-lined streets and fans holding funny posters were outdone by the girls holding platters of Girl Scout cookies! Thin mints on my 10th mile -- total yum!
We exit Orange Avenue and meander thru the serpentine sidewalks of Selby Gardens (http://selby.org/) (home of world-class orchids and bromeliads). What an oasis by the bay! I run under the banyan trees and am uplifted -- not by their roots, but by their ginormous grandeur. I jog by a very tall tree (called "Ficus Altissima" -- how fitting!). Passing the pavilion, I am faced with strong winds again off Sarasota's bay. The mangroves somehow smiled back, and they gave me strength to continue running.
Our strides may be slower back up Tamiami Trail, but who could miss the picturesque sailboats way off in the distance.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562974-4019142-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung32-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455562974-4019142-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung32.J PG)
We go under the Ringling Bridge (a circuitous route back to Van Wezel) and experience the oh-so-memorable wind tunnel blasting us between the sea wall and the bridge.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563014-399335-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung26-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563014-399335-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung26.J PG)
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563039-1803471-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung27-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563039-1803471-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung27.J PG)
The lavender Van Wezel building is in sight (we locals call it the "Purple Cow")! We're almost near the finish line!
Our steps inch closer -- seeing the "Unconditional Surrender" (Sarasota bayfront's humongous statue of the sailor kissing the nurse) for the fourth time -- towards the infamous Beer Mile (the 12th mile of the 13.1 mile race). My Rotarian buddies (from the Rotary Club of Sarasota Bay) yelled out my name, as I waved back at Barry Levinson, Todd Morgan, Barb Viola, Mike Murphy, Guy LePatourel and Dona Morgan, who were all toasting with beer in hand (from their beer station). I kept running...
As we pass by another fun band on US41, we reach our final stretch. When I go by the first barricade of spectators, I pick up strength and sprint thru the finish line of 13.1 miles to garner the prized possession -- the participation medal! Woo-hoo!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563076-6954528-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung7-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563076-6954528-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung7.JP G)
My time was 2 hours and 39 minutes (about an hour faster than my Central Park half marathon in 2014, when I was clueless about the route, distance and training). Later I run into this redhead and ask him "Did you place second?" He was surprised and asked "How did you know?" For most of us runners in the 10+ minutes per mile pace, it was obvious that he was leading the pack, after the male winner (Warren Grajalez, a senior from Riverview High School). My pics with Danny Horgan are my new souvenirs from the Sarasota Music Half Marathon.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563118-3603248-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung11-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563118-3603248-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung11.J PG)
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563148-9115602-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung12-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563148-9115602-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung12.J PG)
Yes, Danny Horgan is carrying the 2nd place trophy, and he loves training in Sarasota rather than in his hometown of Boston.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455552594-3317895-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung31-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455552594-3317895-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung31.J PG)
Suely Santos and Ana Maria Queiroz traveled from Miami to run their first Sarasota Music Half Marathon on February 7, 2016.
In the food line, I befriend Ana Maria Queiroz from Miami, whose friend Suely (also Miami) persuaded her to come to Sarasota and do the race with her! We chitchat about how much fun the half marathon was, and then I bump into two of the race coordinators (Tony Driscoll and Molly Jackson). John Korff is the other race coordinator extraordinaire; the three created SHM, LLC (http://www.sarasotahalf.com/about/), which produced such a spectacular and well-run run!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563182-9566055-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung20-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563182-9566055-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung20.J PG)
I brag to Tony Driscoll (who also heads up our local Sarasota Open for tennis) that I was donning his Sarasota Open cap, which matched nicely with my orange running jersey.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563229-6207837-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung28-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563229-6207837-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung28.J PG)
Molly Jackson (co-owner of two New Balance stores in Sarasota) greeted us at the start of the brunch buffet line.
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563328-7936940-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung42-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563328-7936940-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung42.J PG)
We famished runners were incredibly delighted with the full smorgasbord of yummy cuisine by Mattison's (a Sarasota local favorite) -- from French toast to eggs and lots of bacon! When I went outside, I saw Ben Bates (Coldwell Banker realtor and next president of our Rotary Club of Sarasota). He too ran the Sarasota Music Half Marathon, and we both beamed with pride!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563413-7462956-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung34-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563413-7462956-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung34.J PG)
My new running gal pals Ana & Suely got a fun selfie souvenir (courtesy of the Observer -- our local award-winning weekly newspaper). Ana was kind enough to share her scenic bayfront photos with me, so I could include them throughout this blog!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563476-3474641-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung36-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-15-1455563476-3474641-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung36.J PG)
Then, we posed by the Sarasota Music Half Marathon banner, showing off our medals! I had to snap my last photo -- by the finish line -- to share my essence of enthusiasm!
http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455629604-2608503-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung40-thumb.JPG (http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2016-02-16-1455629604-2608503-SarasotaMusicHalfMarathon2.07.2016byLeeEnChung40.J PG) -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. (http://start.westnet.ca/newstempch.php?article=terms.html/) It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/1/rc.img (http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/1/rc.htm)
http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/2/rc.img (http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/2/rc.htm)
http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/3/rc.img (http://rc.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/rc/3/rc.htm)
http://da.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/a2.img (http://da.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/a2.htm)
http://adchoice.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/ach.img (http://adchoice.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/ach.htm)http://pi.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/a2t.imghttp://pi2.feedsportal.com/r/247391888096/u/0/f/677045/c/35496/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/a2t2.imghttp://feeds.huffingtonpost.com/c/35496/f/677045/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/mf.gif
More... (http://feeds.huffingtonpost.com/c/35496/f/677045/s/4da8a74c/sc/13/l/0L0Shuffingtonpost0N0Cleeen0Echung0Cboogeying0Emy0 Eway0Ethru0Ethe0Ib0I923780A0A0Bhtml/story01.htm)