State #47 Atlantic City, New Jersey

October 21,2018

Atlantic City Marathon

There is always more in the tank and most times we do not even know it. After three night's in a row with very little sleep and an extremely hilly marathon yesterday my competitive self just can't let someone beat me at the finish line if I can help it. I tell myself let's just finish as I run the last three miles down the boardwalk but when a full marathon "first timer" who I ran with for several miles catches up to me in the last fifty yards...the race is on. It could have gone either way with chip timing, but I manage to edge her out by two hundredths of a second making it the highlight of my east coast weekend! If only she had her bib and chip on the front, the victory would be hers. I learn we can push ourselves more than we think. The body can handle so much more, it is our mind that is the limiting part of ourselves.

My biggest take away from all of these crazy marathon trips is that I still have work to do on myself and the things that challenge me are opportunities to change and improve. Anytime we venture out of our normal routine and comfort zone it's time to analyze ourselves. How do we handle frustrating situations and how do we see the world around us? The quick trip is intended to knock out the two missed marathons in 2015, but there are always opportunities for life lessons even with little time for sightseeing and absolutely no time for  relaxation. It is go go go since the red-eye spits us out Friday morning until the plane departs early Monday morning.  Fatigue limits our attempt to maximize  time. After showering in Baltimore we hurry to packet pickup at Bally's Hotel which ends at 7 pm. It leaves little time to eat, but we stop at Burger King on the three hour drive for a less than appetizing burger just to fill our hungry bellies. I do enjoy a Coke Icee. It is our second time in New Jersey and we are prepared for the tolls. We get the transponder at the rental counter to avoid penalties. It costs an extra thirty-five dollars just to drive to Atlantic City on the expressway with all the toll stops. In Buffalo we paid a twenty dollar fee for not having a transponder for a one dollar toll. We do learn things the hard way during our travels, especially the importance of keeping the toll people happy! California just has higher priced gas and taxes, but I bet tolls are coming in the near future.

Once we get parked at the hotel we try to check-in before walking down to packet pick-up, but the line is long. My husband goes to get our bibs while I check-in. I specifically ask for a quiet room and late check-out and know just by asking I am guaranteeing neither. They do not provide a late check out without extra fees and they can't promise a quiet room ensuring sleep will be a challenge. My poor husband walks all the way down the boardwalk to Bally's~it is much farther than it looks~just wait until we are running it tomorrow! I drag all our luggage up to the room where  

I see lots of young people scurrying from room to room, but I don't give it a second thought. I just want to sit down for a minute. The goal now is to eat dinner and sleep. Once my husband returns he adds an additional two miles to his mileage total for the day before we walk to dinner. The "Showboat" is returning from bankruptcy and there are absolutely no gaming machines on the property. It is funny to see a casino without any machines. We eat at the "Ocean" the new fancy hotel next door. It is getting colder by the minute and we anticipate a cold run in the morning. The forecast predicts winds up to 29 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 mph. Goodie, "wind gusts" is lacking on my running resume. Once we are refueled all that's left is some much needed sleep...until the boom boom boom begins next door. The hotel is full of disappointed Kidd Rock fans. The concert is canceled at the last minute. The group that has three rooms surrounding us are partying it up right next door. The music is so loud that when security arrives they do not hear the pounding on the door. I am all for people having a good time, but isn't that what "the clubs" are for...why drink and socialize in the hotel room. My only question to the front desk, when they tell me I can pack up and move to the other tower, is why didn't they put the marathoners on one floor and the concert goers and bachelor party people on another? I elect to stay and count the number of times hotel doors can slam in one night instead of counting sheep. Eventually sleep wins, even when the drunk kids return loudly at 3 am. My husband hears them return as they sing happy birthday down the hall. Our wake up call occurs at 4:29 am when the front desk calls to inform us that our guest Jason is waiting down in the lobby and I say, "I think you have the wrong number!" Thirty minutes later we hear loud knocking at the other door next to us. After continual pounding an older gentlemen's voice yells a profanity as he opens the door...the knocker exclaims 'sorry' and runs off. I guess we are just not meant to sleep before marathons. 

The late 8 am start is wasted on us~Sleep is overrated~so we get up, get ready and check out. As we walk to the car the wind pierces us to the bone. It is a taste of what is to come, but the start area isn't as cold as anticipated and I regret keeping two jackets. Dang...another run with a jacket wrapped around me. 

The sun is out and people are excited to get started. After the National Anthem, we begin. I hesitate to start running, but that is not an option. I came here to get it done. The first few miles are slow, I plod along loosening up my stiff legs. I even walk up the only hill, an on ramp, before we run through a hot tunnel. I run into a Maniac that I recruited to pace at the Shiprock Marathon. Now he paces all the time and loves it. I also run into Patti from Washington who is almost done with her fifty states. Chatting with other runners makes the time pass so much faster. I talk with Karen who is doing her second marathon. She is trying to catch up to the 4:25 pacer, but she will be happy to beat her last year's time. I start talking to a guy who is running his first half with his friend who is doing the full. He is really working hard and struggling his "old college roommate" talked him into running the half. With five miles left (for the half marathoners) I tell him to think about his five mile training route. He tells me he does not do training runs...no wonder he is struggling!

The guys keep me entertained for miles and give me a boost. Unfortunately, the new runner trips on the boardwalk and falls. He gets up and keeps going, but he needs to slow down. I am struggling on the boardwalk too, the surface has no give and my

feet and ankles are aching. To get through the boardwalk section, I talk to anyone who will talk to me. One lady asks me if it is my first marathon and we start talking. It's her first one thanks to her husband who signed her up. My only tip is to smile when she feels tired it will trick her brain. The ocean is right there, but I am too focused on getting off the hard boards to enjoy it. Finally at mile 12.5 we move back to the roads. I struggle for a few miles until I see the 17 mile marker and I want to get to the turnaround so I can get back to 17. Along this stretch the gusts hit periodically. At times it is hard to move forward and a few times my foot hits my other foot and I almost knock myself over.

Thankfully, the gusts are not constant. It doesn't matter which direction we are going the gusts come out of nowhere making it difficult to step forward. I keep waiting for a tailwind, but I never feel one. At 17 we turn to another out and back section, I spot the

mile 21 sign and that is my next goal to get back to it before heading back to the boardwalk at mile 23. I feel pretty good for five miles. Once I get back to the hard wood and nails of the boardwalk, my sails are lowered. The final three miles are a slug fest. I can see the hotel area in the distance, but progress is slow going. My watch beeps at each mile, but the course is long and I must run another three tenths before reaching each mile marker. Finally, the finish line is within reach just as the lady whose husband signed her up passes me up. I pick up my pace and we are running neck and neck, she surges and then I surge just barely touching the mat before her. It is my most dramatic finish in awhile. We congratulate each other before getting our medals. I am relieved that my states are done for the year. I enjoy a beer and some warm clam chowder as my husband finishes up his miles. Every marathon is a good marathon once it is done! We take our medals and go home, but not before another night of noise. At least each night's noise is unique. The last night we are serenaded with loud Indian music until one in the morning. We get three solid hours before the 4:30 am Alaska text informs us our flight is on time, but once we get to the gate it's delayed an hour. After landing without a gate, we park at the back of the airport and wait for an open gate. What else is new EARLY...when we don't need to be... and LATE when we just want to get home. 

The highlight of the trip is a stop to visit sweet pea. As she finishes up at work, we spend an hour on my favorite beach. Who needs running shoes when there is sand between your toes. We cherish a few precious hours with our daughter before driving home. Time to close the marathon state book for 2018. The remaining states will have to wait for a new year. The journey this year has been long with P.R. highs and challenging health lows, but I am grateful for the opportunity to experience it all. I have two pacing marathons ~my favorite kind~in November, but I can sleep in my own bed ensuring I will enjoy every step!!

State #46 Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore Marathon

October 20, 2018

One double marathon weekend and two pacing marathons to go~104.8 miles before my running year~2018~officially comes to an end. I am excited to take a run break even though it seems much of the year consists of running marathons and taking breaks (run...rest...run... repeat. Let's just say it will be nice NOT to do any long runs of the 26.2 variety. Baltimore and Atlantic City here we come. The last time we attempted the east coast double back in 2015, we got stuck in a mudslide on our way to the Los Angeles airport. Needless to say we didn't make it to either marathon.

Grapevine

While driving to LAX the freeway (called the Grapevine) closed! As we tried to go around using Highway 58, we got stuck officially for the night along with hundreds of other cars and trucks in a flash flood. Finding a place to pee was a bit challenging, but as they say "necessity is the mother of invention" and it was really dark out there. It is our only DNS...did not start! We have made it to every other finish line regardless of our physical or mental state.

Highway 58

Once we made it out of the mud, thanks to the highway patrol and various mud removal equipment, we disappointingly returned home extremely grateful to have an undamaged car. We only lost out on the registration fees since we were able to cancel the hotels and received an airline credit. Let's hope for a rain-free drive and weekend on this go around. As long as we can get to the start line, two more states will be complete. However; the Bart Yasso quote, "Never take a finish line for granted" sticks in my mind a lot more often these days! My aging body constantly reminds me, it is not as strong as it once was. Now, I never take the start line or the finish line for granted. The only mishap on the drive to the airport is a finicky car window. It randomly decides it does not feel like going back up after I grab a

ticket from the parking dispenser.  It happened last time we pulled a ticket at the airport parking garage too. Thankfully after a little rest and some coaxing, the window slowly clicks back up into place. Otherwise a windy ride home would be our double marathon weekend reward. With our attention focused on the window, we end up turning into the wrong side of the parking garage. After nine levels of reserved spots and a call, we conclude that we are not in the correct side of the parking structure. Now we can't get out of the garage. It is for residents only and the railing will not lift without a pass code. After backing, finagling and going into the "do not enter section" we manage to get to the correct parking lot. Good thing we left home really early. You would think after traveling to 47 states that we can figure things out by now, think again! But hey, I saved a whooping fifteen dollars on the parking garage. Now I know why my husband said, "No, let's not try a new long term parking garage!" But we eventually figure it out...even if it takes extra time and maybe an ounce of frustration. Who says you can't teach old dogs...new tricks. The red eye flight is on time and lands thirty minutes early. The only time our flights are early it seems is when it is 4 am and

the rental car is reserved for 6 am. We find a few seats in the airport without arm rests and try to grab a nap before making our way to the rental car center. It's cold in Baltimore a balmy 40 degree air greets us as we exit the glass doors. Now what...in the car with no place to go as the morning sun lights a new day. I requested an early check-in, but is 7 am too early? I call the hotel and Ana says to come on down she has a room ready for us...wow! Things are looking up as we anticipate a nice nap before going to the expo. Being a Marriott's member pays off as we stop on the sixth floor to grab complimentary snacks and drinks before heading to the room. The bed is soft with tons of pillows as we drift into peaceful sleep in the quiet (at the moment) room. Staying in downtown Baltimore makes for easy access to the expo. We pick up our bibs and shirts before walking to the start line area.

The race starts in front of the baseball stadium. We wander over to the finish line area near the waterfront. The bay is bustling with people and workers preparing for the 18th annual event.  It is a warm afternoon and 

we take our time looking around before fueling up with some dinner. I order some crab soup to go with my sandwich, but it tastes like a vegetable tomato soup to me. Exhaustion sets in quick and we decide to retire early for the night at least that is the plan, but the elevator has a different plan in store for me. The quiet hotel we checked into in the morning becomes a busy place on a Friday night as the noisy elevator methodically begins to clunk each time it reaches the top floor and crescendos back down the floors.  As a troubled light sleeper, I envy those that can simply sleep when tired. Going to sleep sometimes feels more challenging than running a marathon. By nine we are settled and ready to sleep with the television set to turn off in forty-five minutes to help ease the transition into sleep, but the continual bang of what sounds like a roller coaster car clicking into position begins before it blasts down the tracks. I used all the sleep techniques in my bag of tricks~even listening to two bedtime stories for adults~that's a first, but that doesn't work either... 

 My husband finally puts me out of my misery by uploading

No...we aren't tired at all!!

the I-pad with the talk radio station that puts me to sleep at home~and five and a half hours later success, sleep. In the time it takes me to fall asleep, I can run a full marathon with an hour to spare. Once we are blessed by another glorious morning, the nighttime marathon sleep battle in over and forgotten, it is time for the real thing. My husband deserves a medal for putting up with me... that is for sure! The dawn of another race day begins with a short walk to the start line. The streets are buzzing with runners scurrying from all directions to huddle into the corrals. After a momentary frenzy to find bag drop we are set. Parking garage woes, red-eyes and fitful nights of sleep are all worth it as we wait to begin another marathon journey. 

The weather is perfect for running not too cold and not too hot...it's just right. The weather may be perfect, but by mile two I already feel as if I am hitting the wall. Baltimore is rather hilly. I anticipated the hills in the later portion, but the hills are actually

dispersed throughout the entire course. The Baltimore Marathon has the feel of a big city race even though it has about 2000 full runners. The relay and half marathon participants make it feel much bigger and more congested with over 11,000 participants. The course has good support, it is well directed with lots of spectators and entertainment. The course wanders through a variety of areas within the city. Mile 4 takes us through a portion of the zoo where we see a penguin, skunk, bird and the fluffiest white lionhead rabbit. The hills are beating me up and I appreciate any and all distractions. I like the variety of the course especially

sections near the water, Druid Lake is the first water sighting followed by portions along the waterfront. I adjust my time expectations within the first couple of miles. My training has essentially been nonexistent since Belleville, a few runs here and there to make sure I can still move. My husband takes the last eight days off and I take off the last four days. Our goal is just to finish and check off another state. By mile 11 we are back near the start area. During a short out and back section, I spot the four hour pace group...as they dance away out of reach. At the turnaround they have chews available and I grab two. My husband sees me with my chews in both hands, but I don't see him. I am focused on getting to the halfway point where I plan to reward myself with pain reliever. It is not the greatest idea to take during every marathon, but I really need it today. Everything hurts and the caffeine will give me a boost for a few miles. As I near the halfway point I can hear the countdown for the half marathoners as they get underway, they merge with the full marathons at around mile 16.  The full runners

have three more miles of peace before we are inundated by a mass of runners and walkers. The course is never isolated with the relay runners constantly transitioning in with new fresh runners. Even though it is a struggle fest kind of day, the time passes fairly quickly, there is lots to see and runners to watch. The course turns and changes upward often (it goes up up up and sometimes down) as we run down some of the straightaways we can see a sea of runners trudging up the hills we will soon climb. Spectators and residents are out cheering with lots of police and traffic control to keep the roads clear. Occasionally people cross the street in front of runners, police are quick to blow a whistle to control the crowds. As we approach mile 16, one side portion of the road is barricaded off as the full marathons prepare for the mass of half marathoners. It becomes densely packed with runners as we all merge into one big group of runners. At the water stop I am passed by the 4:15 group. I do not even attempt to stay with them.  It will be a slow saunter to the finish for me today. Some of the hills are just too long and I walk. 

I talk to a few runners about the course and many didn't expect the hills to be so relentless others knew just what to expect. As we are directed to a turn, there is a huge lake (Montebello) and I see bodies trudging around the lake. It looks like a long way to run...especially on exhausted legs. I putter around hoping to get back to the other side soon. The last six miles are a blur. I remember my husband saying as we walked to the start that the last mile is downhill. My focus is to get to the downhill and when I finally get to mile 25 there is an actual hill in the middle of it but the last half mile is a nice little slope in the negative direction, thank goodness... 

I am beyond excited to see the finish line arch. The timing clock comes into view and I sprint to cross the mat. I lean over and two nice medical ladies help me move to the side as they ask if I am alright. I am good, just need a minute to breathe. Once able I find a place to sit on the curb before getting my medal. That's not the best  idea as I ponder how to get back up. I don't dare ask another exhausted runner for a hand.  Finally, I turn on my side and push myself up. After getting my crab medal, water, snacks and bag, it is time for the beer. A few people offer beer on the course, but it is too hard to cross over to grab it.   

Once reunited with my jackets, I drink my two beers while talking with other runners. Once my husband is finished, we meet by the boat where a fellow runner asks me if I saw all the dead rats in the road. What...I missed that.  My husband saw lots of dead rats as well. Yikes...thankfully I didn't see any on my tour of the city! On that note we head back to the hotel and take our time getting cleaned up thanks to a 4 pm checkout before we make our way to Atlantic City where we get to do it all over again tomorrow!!

State #45 Belleville, Illinois

September 29, 2018

Main Street Marathon

In my rear view mirror...there is a trail of triumph mixed with a whole lot of downtime. A full fledged spiral you might say~thought I was done with those! Although 2018 looked promising with some early success and jubilee, many of the months slipped through my fingers as I scrambled to hang on to my fitness progress and goals. My body can't keep up with the lofty schedule set in place this year. My immune system and body work in cahoots revolting against the demanding plan. While I finished the eleven marathons I registered for~so far this year~many of them are run in a less than stellar physical state. Essentially, after the first marathon in January, it is a constant battle to recover and get healthy. The struggle to reach each marathon finish line requires more rest than normal after each trip. A weakened immune system leaves me susceptible to viruses and various ailments and I end up spending

way too much time on the brown couch. Being down for the count limits adequate training and is the perfect breeding ground for the consumption of way too much comfort food. In fact, 2018 yields my lowest amount of training miles in years. The bright side (less running shoes to buy) surprisingly, they do not wear out when not in use. Every month is well under one hundred miles and many are around sixty miles per month including the marathon miles...

Now what? I am at a crossroads with three scheduled and paid marathons trips and two marathons to pace...it's time to pick a direction. Continue down the path of least resistance or make the commitment to try and pull myself up by my bootstraps and salvage the rest of the year. The prospect of falling into the vortex of self-destruction  

looms as I hang on by my finger tips. I have a choice...cave in, eat a donut gain maybe three minutes of joy and distraction or...go for my first run in two weeks and try to finish 2018 on a positive note. In spite of coughing up a lung "the old body" still in recovery mode from July's hilly Mad Marathon...I go for the run! While one run can not resolve all my dilemmas, it is a step in the right direction. Completed runs equate to building an arsenal that can be stored and used during more tumultuous times. Each mile run helps build back my physical strength and it slowly restores my fractured mental state in the process. When it comes down to it...Life is such a precariously precious gift that we too easily take for granted. It is in the struggle that we are forced to seek the joy in the smallest kernels and never take a morsel of happiness for granted.  

~The "good old days" when a bucket of sand and the sweetest baby is happiness~

After a crazy week long road trip that includes consulting work (for husband) ~let's face it the only consulting work I do is about where to eat lunch~ visiting family, a successful pacing gig, and some suntanning on the beach...it is time to get back into a solid running routine.

Humboldt Bay Marathon 

 The pace gig in Eureka is great fun and deposits another marathon  into my marathon bank (goal to hit 100 by 2019) even though I take another two weeks off to recover. Rest is definitely the theme for 2018.  On my first run back a podcast quote sums up my

Great signs in Belleville

year, "There is no such thing as an overuse injury...just under-rested injuries!" In that case bring on the rest. Nearing the end of August all my niggles are fairly healed with no ticks in sight, the only problem is a lack of motivation. My summer of minimal miles helps give me the necessary break to finish the year strong, but now I must muster the energy to begin again...fight the number on the scale by pounding the pavement, and more importantly control my propensity for ~overindulgence~ my most potent detriment. A lack of discipline and self-control is the only thing standing in the way of accomplishing my goals. 

Defeating self-sabotage and negative thinking is the ultimate prize when all is said and done. It's time to find some grit and get it done..."time waits for no man" as a week long training plan structures the beginning week of September. Running six miles each day with healthy eating is the jump start I need to get back into the swing of things to be ready for the start line at the end of September. With a small window of time to prepare that is less than perfect, it is time to bust out another marathon weekend.

Belleville via St Louis...here we come. Thankfully, the trip to Illinois is uneventful (that's a good thing) with an easy drive to the airport, no flight delays and perfect running conditions. It is nice to have a marathon trip go well in the final push to finish the states. Belleville represents small town middle America in spite of being just forty minutes outside of St. Louis, Missouri a thriving metropolis thanks to the cities location along the Mississippi River. During the westward expansion it was touted as the Gateway to the west until the railroad came through and bridges were built. The Arch was designed by a Finnish architect to draw attention back into the area and was completed in 1965. The Arch was dedicated in 1967 by Vice President Hubert Humphrey and is now a National Park that attracts tourists daily. On a clear day it is possible to see up to 30 miles.

A ride in one of eight (five person capsules) to the Gateway Arch National Park observation deck takes about four minutes. The state house where the Dread Scott Case was held and Busch Stadium where the Cardinals play can be seen from the 630 feet high and 630 feet wide structure. 

With some time to spare we can't pass up a free tour of the Anheuser Busch Brewery unless we miss the free tour by three minutes and must take the ten dollar tour instead which includes samples during the tour, a glass at the end and a freshly brewed bottle of beer (called newborns) to take home. Did you know it takes thirty days to brew the perfect Budweiser as Beechwood chips line the bottom of the tanks for the yeast to feed upon while the beer ferments? Fun fact: a Bud Light only has thirty few calories with a lower alcohol content. 

Might as well go for the full Bud next time. The Clydesdale Horses~the symbol and mascot of the company since its inception in the mid 1800's~are on the tour as well.  What amazing creatures, but then again I have never met a horse I didn't like.

We take our beer and head to packet pickup held at a local running store in O'Fallon about six miles from Belleville. We are warmly greeted with genuine kindness which sets the tone for everyone we  encounter involved with the marathon. I spot a "Freddy's" in the shopping center and can't pass up the opportunity to improperly fuel my body with a "concrete" a very high calorie custard mixed with lots of goodies like pecans, hot fudge and caramel.  Doesn't everyone fill up with custard and beer before a 26.2 mile run! 

Amazing signs on the course! 

Let's not mention the pizza we ingest, a perfect concoction for great digestion. What happened to all my kale and green leafy salads and protein shakes leading up to race day, but at least we buy bananas for race morning to counterbalance the diet derailment. Race morning is a breeze. The best thing about small races is the ease in getting to the start line fifteen minutes before the race begins with a free parking garage steps away. A short line for the potty still has us ready for the Star Spangled Banner. The weather could not be more perfect~cool not cold~with some cloud cover.

The race begins with little fanfare and we are off. The early miles down the longest Main Street is lined with music and happy positive volunteers and spectators. There isn't a person I pass that isn't offering cheer and goodwill to all the runners. 

The sidewalks are filled with sign after sign after sign with funny and inspirational sayings. There are fancy signs and handmade posters to read and green little arrows on the road to follow ensuring we do not lose our way. The enthusiasm is contagious and uplifting.  It is nice to see so many people out. There are definitely double the number of volunteers than all 192 runners on the course.

The water and Gatorade is available every few miles along with porta potties that luckily I do not need to use. The course is broken down into two out and back sections which I enjoy. It gives runners a chance to get pumped up by the same encouraging volunteers for a second time when we are not quite as fresh as the first few miles, and we can read the posters and signs for a second time.

My favorite, "One day you will not be able to do this...today is not that day!" It really hits home since I came prepared to skip the race, but somehow wake up with the will to run. I leapfrog with the same group of runners during the first half, but the second half reveals who is well trained and who isn't.  The strong maintain pace while the unprepared slow. I manage to stay strong for 18 miles. I am desperate for GU or chews to replenish my depleted energy. Sometimes it doesn't matter how much you try to push...the body just will not go any faster.

A game of leapfrog for miles and miles...

Finally, cherry chews appear just before mile 19, but it is too late for me as the body is slowly transitioning into a marathon shuffle or slog. Two ladies~who definitely look like they are in my age group~pass me up! Darn, I feel my chance for the RRCA grand master's medal go by the wayside. Neither are in my age group it turns out but the lady that sails by me in the last few miles is...and she definitely earned the medal (beating me by ten minutes) and I happily settle for second. I know I do not have the conditioning for a sub four at the moment, yet it serves as my motivation to get back to a healthier stronger me. My personal running theory holds up once again. When I can do a five mile training run at or under 45 minutes I can hit four hours or less. My last five miler was 48 minutes and change and my finishing time reflects an accurate hypothesis with a finishing time slightly over four hours.

It is funny how one minute I don't think I can even do the run and the next minute I want to win. It is quite amazing how our mind and body works. I can't say enough good things about the 3rd annual marathon and all the people that make it a quality event.

The supportive people make it special, young and old were there to encourage and cheer. In the final miles~or maybe it was the pain and anguish on my face~the support is intensified. Some of the volunteers even run alongside some of the runners for small stretches.  The final half mile ends on an incline making it an even harder push, but makes crossing the finish line extra sweet.  We are bestowed with a medal and nice lunch by a very kind and caring community of people. I sit and recover for awhile before enjoying the BBQ and beer, but the best part is talking to other runners and volunteers. I earn a nice hat for 2nd and will be honored to wear it and represent a special small town in Illinois. 

State #45 is pretty sweet!

The close proximity to the airport makes it possible for us to catch a late afternoon flight home and crawl into our own bed by 11 pm, thanks to light Los Angeles traffic.