Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco

by Judy Creedon

Here is Judy's race report, per her email to Pete Colaizzo at Poughkeepsie Journal:

It was an amazing experience on so many levels. It was invigorating to be in Union Square with 20,000 women from all over the country and to know that this event raised $18.6 million for the fight against blood cancers. I admit that I was seduced by the notion of receiving not just a finisher's t-shirt at the end of the race, but a lovely wrapped Tiffany's box with a necklace inside - presented by a young gentleman dressed in a tuxedo!

Yes, there were manicures, massages, make-up and clothing giveaways and chocolate, but this should not fool anyone into thinking this race course is for any "powder puff" types. I have run seven other marathon courses and this was the most challenging. The hills at times were long and continuous. The straightaways were hot with an uneven surface and nagging pitch. The downhills were hard on your knees and quads and the last four miles had a persistent wind off the ocean that kept pushing against runners.

However, the camaraderie and the breathtakingly spiritual vistas of the Pacific Ocean just after sunrise with the sunlight reflecting on Golden Gate Bridge accompanied by the soft sounds of the ocean, stirred strong emotions in my heart that will last for years to come.

I am pleased with my training and amazed at how the track work this summer with Steve Perks helped on the hills both physically and mentally. I am grateful to my 5:45 a.m. running bandits who help keep my running fresh and to my Marathon Project buddies who make me believe.