W6D6

Today the CA Cruisers were celebrating the birthday of my running inspiration, Dr. John Strand. Dr. John turned 75 years old on July 3rd. With all the races in the area over the Independence Day weekend the Cruisers were flung far and wide so the celebration was postponed until today, July 11. It just so happens that today is also my birthday.

John Strand (age 75) and me (age 48) after my 14 mile run.

I’ve mentioned before that Dr. John's running was chronicled in a chapter of a new book Run for Life. As part of our shopping expedition yesterday, I purchased a copy and asked Dr. John to sign it for me this morning. John has run a marathon in 50 states, all 7 continents and is up to at least 115 lifetime marathons at this point. Quite the inspiration. His birthday celebration attracted quite the crowd of runners.

The 14 miler was done on the Santa Ana River Trail. I headed south for 7 miles and came back. My final time was 2:15:40 for a 9:41 pace, with the last mile being the fastest at 9:08.