I first met Dan Brown, a writer for the San Jose Mercury News, new years day when we both were running the DSE 5k race in the Marina.  My first race of the year.  He later contacted me and said he wanted to do an article about this challenge and our film "A Long Run."   Dan and I next met up at the Juana run last weekend.  We ran the first mile together...hitting it at 6:30.

We got together this morning for an interview and photos.  Joining Dan was Gary Reyes, a photographer for the newspaper. 

After getting some images at the house, Dan and I hit the road.  We ran my Hilltop three mile course.  We talked the whole way as Dan recorded every word.  We then talked more back at the house.  The article will most likely be featured before I run race number 19 - the Great Race April 29th.  Thanks Dan and Gary.  Photo by Michael Anderson "A Long Run"

Dan and I at the Juana 8k Run.  Photo by Catherine Cross Ujena Fit Club

This was going to be a tough race.  I had been sick all week and was only able to run and walk two miles on Friday.  Other than this I was reduced to walking all week.  I had the flu.   But we ventured to Fort Bragg anyway.  Once there we met some lovely people including the race director Joyce.

Joyce, her crew and Capital Race Management put on a very good race.  Their warm welcome raised my spirits and I was determined to get under 7 minutes per mile no matter what.  I was going to run the 10k but decided to only go 5k because of missing five days of training.

The Forg Bragg 5k and 10k started at the same time.  It was 38 degrees but felt even colder to me.  Joyce had given me number 1.

I ran as hard as I could today.  I went out at 6:30 for the first mile but my breathing was not right.  I slowed to 6:58 and then to 7:08.  I finished with 21:11.  64-year-old Anthony passed me in the last quarter mile and beat me by 13 seconds.  He was looking for a race but I just didn't have it.  Great job Anthony. 

Anthony (in green) only started running four years ago.  He was overweight and had a lot of health issues.  He started running but did not like it.  Then he got hooked and running is now part of his life.  He made a powerful move today and I didn't have a chance to stay with him.  Well done Anthony and good luck to you.

Tons of good footage for "A Long Run."

Patrick, who placed second in the 10k today, told us about his Western States 100 experience.  "It is all mental," he told Bob.

84 years old and have been running for 44 years.  That's cool.

The group lead by Joyce that makes this race happens.  Photos by Catherine Cross Ujena Fit Club