Jun. 2, 2010

By Lisa Kestenbaum Daily Journal Staff Writer When Laura Crane crosses the finish line at the San Diego Rock 'n’ Roll Marathon Sunday it will be extra gratifying. In 2000, Crane, an attorney in Best Best & Krieger’s Ontario office, started the race but had to drop out after Mile 21 when her asthmatic bronchitis and the intense heat made even walking unbearable. This year, while the sun may be just as strong, Crane is asthma-free and determined to complete the race, even if she has to crawl across that white line. A veteran runner, Crane has participated in the Los Angeles Marathon and most recently in the Run Through Redlands Marathon in April. In high school she ran cross-country and recalls one race in which she did particularly well. “There had been an earthquake and most of the other runners had stopped,” she explained, laughing. “But I kept going.” Focus continues to fuel Crane’s passion for running and she often uses the time to work out a difficult argument, prepare an opening statement or think of ways to improve on something she did that day. Pounding the pavement also gives Crane time to relax. “No kids, no phones and no emails — I can run with a clear mind just enjoying the view or my music,” said the mother of three. This summer, Crane will share some “low pressure time” with colleagues when she joins a running group sponsored by Best Best. The group will meet each Friday morning before work, a routine Crane is looking forward to. These days, in preparation for the San Diego race, Crane can be found running alongside her sister, Kerri Spalding. They call themselves the “Night Crawlers,” because they always run at night and at a crawling pace, Crane explained. Training together not only makes it more enjoyable but adds a boost when needed most. On the day of their first scheduled “long run” it was cold and raining heavily. “If [Kerri] wasn’t there I would’ve gone back to my car,” said Crane. This Sunday, “Team Night Crawlers” will have encouragement from more than just each other; one of the reasons Crane loves the San Diego marathon is the amount of support and energy the race produces. “There’s a band every mile so you don’t even need your iPod,” she said. “You just rock out.”