LA Marathon 2010 with Dave & Daveypops

Congrats Dave on finishing the Los Angeles Marathon!

Team Dave with the Daveypop

My friend Dave finished the LA Marathon! After months and months of careful preparation, today was The Day for Team Dave

We had friends and family at:
Mile 7 (Mary the Food Librarian, Helen, Alison)
Mile 12 (Rod and Kris)
Mile 15 (Marilyn & Eric)
Mile 20 (Chris N, Rod & Kris)
Mile 22 (Mary the Food Librarian, Helen, Alison)
Finish Line (Rod and Kris)

Team Dave Members: Alison and Helen. We started the race at Mile 7 in Silverlake on Sunset Blvd. (This photo from our Brentwood stop)

We met this lovely family who were the first to hold our extra DaveyPops. The high school student (pink hair) has friends running in the race...we hope to see her next year!

My first shot of Dave approaching us at Mile 7! (That's Helen reaching out to give him a big hug). Alison excels at playing "Where's Waldo/Dave?" as she spotted him. It was crazy crowded and amazing. Seeing 25,000 runners pass by was incredible.

This woman was a fantastic new supporter. She works nearby and screamed, shouted and cheered all participants and gave Dave a big hug when we saw him.

More strangers who greeted Dave with our Daveypop! They found their friend in the race and we screamed for Dino! The sense of community was awesome.

This group of Angelinos were sooooo enthusiastic for Dave! It was awesome and I know Dave really appreciated the support.

After seeing a literal sea of runners go by, it is FANTASTIC to find your friend. Fantastic!

We passed Marathon street on our way to Mile 7. How perfect is that?!

There were some interesting costumes in the race!

After Mile 7, we hopped into the car and zipped off to Mile 22 outside the VA in Brentwood. Here is our view from the freeway. Traffic wasn't bad and we were very lucky to find parking in both places.

We positioned ourselves outside Whole Foods in Brentwood. These nice people held up the Daveypop for almost any hour! What nice strangers. Los Angeles, you rock!

Our friend Phil is recovering from knee surgery so he ran the last half of the marathon. He stopped by for a sip of juice!

Alison was able to spot Dave and Phil all three times! Dave was also on the look out for us, I mean, HIMSELF on these Daveypops. Here's Dave approaching Mile 22 in Brentwood.

More sweet Los Angeles strangers rooting on my friend!

He just ran over 21 miles and looks great! Dave said he never hit the wall and was so happy with his running and yoga preparation.

Omg. How cute is this couple! They were so excited to see Dave, and the woman kept her Daveypop as a souvenir!

This is me, the Food Librarian and Helen. I'm shy.

Team Dave toasting Dave & Phil on their accomplishment! (And yes, that is HP sauce on the counter...we were doing a taste test).

Ain't it pretty?! Dave finished in 4:16.

Team Dave decorated the lawn with Daveypops after the race. After Dave passed us and rejoin the race, a woman behind him said, "Oh, You're Dave" as I'm sure she saw Team Dave and our Daveypops along the route! :)

I can't tell you how exciting it was to see Dave in the sea of runners. We were filled with adrenalin and joy. Helen, Alison and I spent half the day shouting, "How great is this?!?!"

And would you believe, Dave and Phil hosted a BBQ after the race! We were treated to yummy chicken, veggies, potatoes au gratin, and lots of laughs. I brought a California strawberry shortcake and Thin Mint Cupcakes to the BBQ (yes, I only use seasonal ingredients...including Thin Mints). I'll post the recipes later.

Team Dave and Dave himself

Thank You Los Angeles Marathon organizers, volunteers, and weather for a wonderful day! I love Los Anglees and we don't have too many times when the community comes together, but today was a great day for LA. The new course is fantastic...a landmark every mile.

Dave and Phil: Great Job! Dave and I have been friends for over 20 years...you are a rock star, and I'm lucky to be your friend!

Check out Dave's Blog for more photos from Team Dave stops and follow his journey!