It is nearly impossible for me to believe that this is the 11th Rock 'n' Roll marathon in San Diego. I was here the first year, 1998, with the Runner's World Pace Team. Other pacers included Boston Marathon winner Amby Burfoot, Olympian Jeff Galloway, and 8 time Ironman winner Paula Newby-Frasier. Imagine being on a stage with THAT group.
In 1999 my son, Terry, and I rode Suzuki motorcycles 
from New York City to San Diego and THEN ran the marathon together. Amazing.
In 2000 I was out here with the Firebird 
as part of a summer long West Coast tour. Long time Runner's World readers may remember a column about my drag racing some young kid in his souped-up "Euro" hotrod. The Firebird's big V8 was no match for loud mufflers on a VW.
The other years start to blend together. I've run the event several times, helped pass out water at Margaritaville, spoken and 6 Team in Training Pasta Parties, and been on the announcer's stand at the finish. It's been a great time every year.
Of course, it is in San Diego. Hard to imagine NOT have a good time in paradise. So I'm looking forward to another great weekend. If anyone is out here, stop by and see me at the Expo.
My husband got to hear you speak at the TnT pasta party in San Diego this year. His 3rd time hearing you speak at one of those, but his 1st time going as a TnT coach. Thanks for all you do for these events! Hearing you speak was the highlight of my attending a pasta party as a guest, and I've been inspired to start running myself, even in spite of my bad knees. Today I made it to 10 minutes on the treadmill - a huge victory for me! Thank you for the inspiration. - Cat