One fine day for Buckley

COSTA MESA — Mile after mile, stride after stride, there are special particular thoughts that run through Jennifer Buckley’s mind.

She thinks of her family. At 51, the Newport Coast resident says she has plenty for which to be thankful.

“I count my blessings as I run,” said Buckley, who won her age division, 50-54, in the OC Marathon Sunday after finishing the 26.2-mile race in 3 hours, 34 minutes. “It’s very little technique [in my thoughts]. I’m just thankful that I’m healthy. I’m thankful for having four great kids, two in-laws, a grandson and my husband. We’ve been so blessed.”

For Buckley, it seems that every time she runs it’s special. Sunday, she shared the long-distance running experience with her son, Keith, and his wife, Jessica. The couple, also from Newport Coast, ran in their first half-marathon.

A year ago, Buckley’s completion of the Big Sur Marathon was definitely momentous. It was her 50th marathon and toward the finish line she made the event even more memorable. Bill Sumner, who coaches cross country and track and field at Corona del Mar High and also heads up the Cal Coast running club, along with a group of Buckley’s friends, ran Buckley into the finish. It was a group of 15, like a party coming toward the finish line.

“We were so loud,” Buckley said. “A lot of fun.”

The fifth annual OC Marathon was also a worthwhile experience for Buckley. It was her 52nd marathon. She said she plans to do two more before she turns 52. She enjoyed Sunday’s marathon because of the new course, she said. The weather was also nice, a bit overcast, and the temperature was cool, perfect for a runner. It helped as she, along with close to 1,000 marathoners, started at Fashion Island, where around 6,500 runners began the half-marathon, too. Buckley also ran through the Back Bay, then through a part of Irvine into Costa Mesa near South Coast Plaza and ended at the OC Fair.

“I’m glad they changed the course,” said Buckley, who is a volunteer assistant coach for Sumner’s program at CdM. “I like being on our old stomping grounds. With CdM, we run the Back Bay. It’s nice in this marathon.”

Buckley’s daughter, Shelby, was a standout runner for the Sea Kings, graduating last year. But Buckley still enjoys working with the young runners and the positive reinforcement that Sumner provides, Buckley said.

In reality, Buckley simply loves being a part of the running community. She’ll take on 5Ks, 10Ks, half-marathons, they’re all fun for her. The marathon just makes it a bit more special.

“It’s just a great feeling of accomplishment,” Buckley said. “We have the neatest group of ladies that I run with. It’s kind of like a gals club. It’s a way of life. It’s just a blast.”

Eulogio “Eli” Rodriguez of Whittier can certainly identify with accomplishment. The 25-year-old was the men’s champion of the OC Marathon, competing in just his second marathon. He finished in 2: 26:30.

Cheryl Smith of Laguna Beach finished as the women’s champion in 3:07:04.

Like Buckley, Rodriguez also coaches. He runs for International City Racing club and worked with the runners training for the OC Marathon. Rodriguez said coaching helped because it gave him more mileage in his training.

Every little bit helped for Rodriguez, who struggled with cramps during the final four miles. He had to stop twice. But he continued on and when he finished, his legs shook, as he bent over in pain. However, a few minutes later, he was fine, smiling and posing for pictures with race organizers.

Dealing with cramps, yet winning the race gave Rodriguez a great deal of confidence. He wants to finish in less than 2:19:00, the U.S. Olympics trials standard, when he competes in the Long Beach Marathon in October.

“Whenever I set my mind to something I keep trying until I do it,” Rodriguez said. “I’m a little stubborn. I want to push myself to the limits. I just want to see how far I can get.”

RESULTS

Men

1. Eulogio Rodriguez, age 25 (Whittier), 2:26.30; 2. Nathaniel Mouzis, 21 (Tustin), 2:50.46; 3. Jerry Prendergast, 48 (San Clemente), 2:51.43.

Women

1. Cheryl Smith, 28 (Laguna Beach), 3:07.04; 2. Rosalva Bonilla, 46, (Big Bear), 3:10.37; 3. Jennifer Mastorianni, 25, (Tustin), 3:13.32.

For more results, go to www.ocmarathon.com.

STEVE VIRGEN may be reached at (714) 966-4616 or by e-mail at steve.virgen@latimes.com.