San Francisco Marathon 08 - Day Before The Race

Destination races are difficult to conserve energy before a race when the surrounding world screams for you to be a tourist and explore. Luckily and fortunate for us, our swag bag didn't contain information or tickets about the pasta feed or the bus ride back for the wife's half marathon. Therefore, after breakfast we decided to return to the Expo.

I mentioned "luckily and fortunate" on purpose because after a walking about seeking a suitable breakfast, exhausted and still hungry without finding a reasonably priced place to eat, we returned to the hotel where we recalled a long line outside a restaurant called Sears Find Foods.

"Well, if there is line, it must be good." I said. Queuing to be the last in line, we purchased a newspaper and quickly found ourselves inside talking to people behind us who yearned for the pancakes and the fruit bowl. I loved the ease of conversation and their tips that to save some money split the plate of 18 pancakes and purchase some sides. The service was friendly, fast the food well-surpassed our expectations as later we would return for breakfast again. When visiting San Francisco, Sears Fine Foods breakfast is an absolute.

The fortunate aspect upon our return visit was stumbling upon an art fair.
The wife, a former aspiring clay thrower, loves to mingle among the artist talking about technique and medium whereas I look on with wallet in hand offering a simple and direct opinion, "I like this one." In the end, we purchased three small water color pictures to remember the trip and he, the artist a very friendly man, offered us advice to visit the Ferry Building, if we liked fresh, gourmet food.



As the wife is a "moth to a flame" when it comes to skorts, I'm a "fly to _____(food)!" It is precisely here where I fell in love with San Francisco. The aromas of fresh fruit, bread, olives and vendors cooking makes it difficult to walk past a stand without inspecting and sampling their goods. I see the similarity between the wife's passion of speaking with artist as to how they created their pieces and the reasoning behind the medium whereas I like to engage with the vendors of their opinions and directly experience their works of art -- bread, fruit, cheeses and cured meats! Someday, I hope to return.




















Preparation were underway for the marathon. I was happy to find the location of the awards ceremony such that I could receive my first place award for my age/gender division. I hate it when I can't find the stage and miss my award! I'm sure some of you can relate to that too! Oh sure, the medal is fine and all...

After visiting the Expo and learning tickets were not required for the pasta feed, as we pre-registered, and buses will be available after the half marathon, we tried and tried to stick to our plan to hang-out in Union Square, rest and people watch. The wife visited a cafe whereas I went to the half-price tickets stand to purchase a Muni-pass for buses, cable cars and the subway - a wise decision. While standing in line I noticed the Braves were town and $10 tickets were available. ESPN showed the bay so often with Barry that I thought it to be worth the visit and compare San Fran's park to Cleveland's.

Did I mention how many foreigners visit San Francisco? Union Square is one place where you could hear many languages, especially standing in line for ballgame and bus tickets. It must have been an hour I waited in line as Karen was done with her wine and sandwich when I returned. I'm not complaining but do find the mix of nationalities very cool and unique to San Francisco.

To make a long story, well long, the Pasta Feed was nothing special yet delicious. The location was in an office food court which is typical for most marathons. Next time, I would make reservations in an Italian restaurant. As planned, we arrived back at the hotel and were in bed and sleeping by 8 p.m. after an exhausting day of walking and being tourists. Yes, our legs were a little sore but, boy did we fall asleep with no problem at all.