Lilathon 5K

Right after the warm-up; on the steps of the City Hall ready to start the race!
This was a band that was encouraging the runners along the Zurriola Beach in Gros.
The finish line
Done!! Rachel and I after partaking in an amazing experience!

One of the coolest (I know I say this every time I write), and most meaningful things that I have participated in since arriving here was the Lilathon Women’s 5K running race last Sunday. The USAC office sent us the information, and my friend Rachel and I decided we wanted to do something local, so we signed up. Upon arrival at Eder Alderri Park/Ayuntamiento/City Hall de San Sebastián, we were amazed at the thousands of people that were already roaming the area waiting for the festivities to begin. I believe that they chose to hold the women’s only race on Sunday because Monday was the day of the “Working woman.” We worked our way inside the building to complete our registration forms. Rachel and I wore our USAC T-shirts so we would feel like a team, and represent foreigners as well, because we had seen pictures from last year, with the women wearing matching shirts, and we thought it looked like a lot of fun. Once we got our registration number, we had to get our bag of goodies including a T-shirt, foot chip (to record the time), and numbers to pin on our T-shirts. I sported the straight spandex, which I would never do at home, but I thought, why not? When in Spain, do as the Spaniards do J. After prepping ourselves and realizing that we lucked out because the weather was amazing for an event like this, we headed to the front of the Ayuntamiento for an aerobic warm-up. Luckily, our friend Mary was with us and was our photographer for the day, documenting everything that we did. We hopped around, doing aerobic warm ups in front of a huge crowd for about 30 minutes before the race began. The environment was electrifying, women were so happy to be spending time with their friends, and to help promote women’s sports on the street in a historically machistic society. Right before the flag was lowered for the race to being, they played a song to which everyone danced, and being in the back of the pack, we got about a 5 minute later start that the other ladies because we were smashed together like “sardinas en lata” (sardines in a can). Once we officially had started the race, we felt like we were in the Boston Marathon, as people lined the streets for miles. Just being over 3 miles, we passed through some of the most notable places in San Sebastian; starting along la Concha Beach and then weaving through el Centro and passing the Buen Pastor Cathedral, running along the river, and then by Zurriola Beach, before turning around for the homestretch and ending up along the Bulevard in la Parte Vieja. Although we ran at a snails pace, with out cameras in hand to soak it all in, we certainly enjoyed taking part in an event somewhat like a “local.” And of course, all of this hard work merited a breakfast afterwards at the infamous (or not) La Vaca restaurant!!!!

Last Weekend in February!

Gotzon & Inigo Mujika
The 3 Mujika Brothers

Bilbaobasket vs. Lagun Aro San Sebastian Gipuzkoa Basket

This is for you Dad; on the wall at the concert
Bizkaia Arena; Bilbao

My press pass
This was my game time seat-Press Row!

I sometimes wonder why things happen. Then, when something like this happens, I just feel plain lucky, and really believe that sometimes things are meant to fall into place where they are supposed to be; when you least expect it. As I’ve written before, I decided on a whim to get a part time job, once a week. So, after putting in my request to the USAC Office, I was placed with a family and a 9 year old girl. First positive: getting to do my homework on the job while Helene is at English and Dance class. Second positive: getting paid 10 euro an hour for doing my homework. Third positive: Helene’s Dad works for the local TV station. Fourth positive: Not only does he work for the TV station, he is the commentator for the local professional basketball team (and covered the Olympics in Beijing. Etc. etc. etc.) So, when I saw a basketball laying in a basket in their hallway on the first day of “work,” I mentioned it to Helene’s father. This prompted me to tell my history with basketball, and then preceed to get an invitation to a game with him. At the time, I had no idea what his job entailed. Now, I have a first hand knowledge.

Xavi picked me up from in front of Buen Pastor at 10:00 am Sunday for the ride to Bilbao. With him, a journalist who covers the San Sebastián team, and the ex-coach (now co-commentator) of the same team. And me? Yep. We took the hour drive to Bilbao for the “derbi” (what they call a rivalry game), with the guys doing their best to include me in the conversation. When we arrived, I kinda new we were VIP when we walked up the back stairs of the stadium, and Xavi slipped me a card that said, “la prensa” aka “press” and said, “just in case anyone asks.” We each grabbed the media guides, updated stats, and the fan programs to use for “reference” during the game. Xavi then stopped to chat with everyone we passed, and then handed me off to two guys who took me to get some coffee; Xavi and Co. then joined us about 10 minutes later. On the semi-awkward-because I had no idea who these men were-walk to the café, which was inside the building that not only housed the stadium used for concerts, basketball, and huge events, but is also a cultural center, I came to learn that one of these men was a camera guy, and the other, his assistant. VIP, I tell you.

Before the game, I had no problem flashing my pass as I explored the stadium, and then joined Xavi in PRESS ROW, right behind one of the baskets. To my left sat the ex-coach, and to his left, Xavi. In front of them, there was a TV, so they could see what people at home were seeing, and a computer screen with the updated minute-to-minute stats. During warm-ups, interestingly, “Eye of the Tiger” played, along with several other popular warm-up songs from the U.S. On the San Sebastián team, there were two Americans, one Polish guy, and the majority of the rest were Spanish nationals. The arena filled quickly…with Bilbao fans, waving green, balloons, and chanting the song that goes (dunt, dunt, duntduntdunt, duntdunt, BIL BAO-or in Corning we say, “GO CARDS” at the end…you get the picture). After introductions, the atmosphere got loud quickly, as this is an intense rivalry. Xavi wore headphones during the game, so I was unable to speak with him, but could “listen” to what he was saying…but not understand, because he commentates in EUSKARA!!!

At the conclusion of each quarter, the “stat girl” came by and handed us all the updated stats for both teams. During the second quarter, as I grew accustomed to doing, I watched the small TV screen in front of me to see what the people at home were seeing, and to get an up closer look at the huddles. To my surprise, the side view of MY face ecompassing the entire screen is what I saw during a brief 5 seconds. After getting over the shock that my face had been on TV, Xavi was pointing, hands in the air at the screen mouthing, “DID YOU SEE THAT?” He promised that at work this week, he would cut the clip and send it to me. I’ll be sure to pass it on, as I just love the profile of my face.

Although the game was not a fabulous game to watch, as Bilbao is a much more disciplined team, it was entertaining none the less to see San Sebastián’s coach get a technical foul, as well as two players. For me, just being in the gym was a taste of life at home. On the ride home, the men talked about the game and critiqued every aspect of what they had seen, while I reflected on the fact that I had my first press row experience, press pass, and Spanish TV fame. I don’t know how I stumble upon experiences like this, but I am very grateful, and thankful for the experience!!!! This game ended a great weekend filled with a trip first to a sidrería on Thursday, a solo hike up Monte Urguall on Friday to soak in the sunshine topped with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, and a concert Saturday. Each weekend just keeps getting better!!!