Big Sur #3

This past weekend I ran the Big Sur Marathon. It was my third time running this race.  Last time I ran it in 2014 I told myself that I would never run it again due to it being very challenging. But never say never right? When I qualified for Boston I knew I wanted to run Big Sur again to complete the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge. This would be my second B2B(I ran B2B in 2013).

I helped out at the

Expo the two days prior to the race, explored the city of Monterey, and found some great restaurants to eat at.  

The night before the race I went to the pasta dinner that was taking place with fellow runners and listened to the race director speak about what to expect at the race. They even had raffle prizes to giveaway, but unfortunately I didn't win any. Soon it was bedtime before a 3 am wake up call.

Race morning came and luckily the bus I had to get on to take me to the starting line was right outside my balcony. When I arrived on the bus there was coffee and bagels available. When we got dropped off at the start, we had plenty of time before the race began.  

While I was waiting in my corral the local news was there and I got interviewed, which I thought was pretty cool. ( unfortunately later that evening when I turned on the news I didn't see myself, maybe it was on in the morning segment).

The race started out with some downhills and my shins were really hurting. I thought to myself this is not a good way to start a race. Eventually they eased up and running uphill felt better than the downhills for me.  

I was just trying to enjoy this race and take in all the great scenery. 

I knew we were soon approaching the half way mark when I saw the Bixby Bridge up again. I heard the drummers that gave us the motivation to get to the top of the hill.

 That's where you heard the man playing beautiful music on the piano.

 It was here that I couldn't help but stop for a picture with this gorgeous view. 

I felt that I had to use the Porta potty soon after, but every time I would get to one I didn't feel like I needed to go anymore or there would be a line and I didn't feel like waiting. But as soon as I passed one, I'd feel like I needed to go again. This was a continuous thing for at least 5 miles. I eventually told myself Ok Lace you aren't doing this for time so if you need to wait, just do it! And that is what I did! 

The last 6 miles always seems to be a struggle for me but I reminded myself that there was only a 10k left now and I could do this. Then I don't know what happened but I got some pep in my step and I started to move right along. There was even a guy running beside me that said You Go Girl, I'm trying to keep up with you. I said Oh I don't feel good, I am just speeding up because I want to be done, while I continued to pass him. 

Then mile 22 came where the strawberries were being handed out. I normally would have taken one but they looked very messy and I didn't feel like taking the time out to grab one and have to clean myself up afterwards. Plus I was making decent time now. 

Just a 5k left now, I can do this! My legs were very sore by this time after practically sprinting those last few miles (or what felt like a sprint to me anyways).

Soon that guy that was cheering me on a few miles back ended up passing me and said Let's go girl, You got this! I gave it all I had to try to catch up with him but there was no chance. 

I did end up passing someone the last hundred yards before the finish line, that felt good. Afterwards the lady did come up to me and said congrats, I was trying to keep up with you. 

After I received my medal I proceeded to the B2B tent to receive my other medal and my B2B jacket. I was really looking forward to this jacket because in the past Aasics was the sponsor and they had really nice thick jackets that had the Boston 2 Big Sur Challenge Logo embroidered.  This year Hoka was their Sponsor and we got a very thin, cheaply made windbreaker that had the logo screened on. I hope Hoka will step up their game in the future. Unfortunately it doesn't help me now or any other runners that may never run the B2B again.

In the tent there was a huge spread of pastas and yummy treats for us runners to enjoy.  After eating I rode the bus back to the hotel to get ready for my red eye flight back East!

People have asked me how the race went this year. In the past I had said this was a very challenging course, and I'm not saying it wasn't this year but what I am saying is I didn't think it was as bad as what I remember.  I'd like to say it doesn't get any easier, you just get stronger! I feel like I am a much stronger runner now 5 years later.

Have you ever ran the same race more than once and had a different outcome from what you expected from previous years?  -L