Pier to Peak

As is Steve's way... he felt that he needed more challenge when it came to his 1/2 marathon career, so today he completed the Santa Barbara Pier to Peak 1/2 Marathon. He left the house at 5:45 am, ran down to the start (about 1 mile from our house) at the famous dolphin fountain and started the race at 6:30 am. It was 13.1 miles straight up hill (with an elevation of 4,200 feet) and by the time they hit mile 4, it was 85 degrees on the mountain.

My friend, Rhonda (she had numerous friends in the race too) and her daughter Ella picked Ben and I up at 7:30 am and off we went to try to track down the runners and meet them at the finish. The last mile was literally straight uphill and as spectators we had to hike up part of it to see the finish line. I cannot imagine doing that last stretch after the first 12 miles... and they did it willingly!

Minimal pics, but the pride is there -- great job Steve-o! :)