It was the morning of the race, and I awoke early, as I usually do for most races. I ate my breakfast, put my race gear on, and headed out the door.
Last year I wore a tank top with a long sleeve shirt that was my throw away. But I never ended up throwing it away because it was cool and windy. This year I chose arm sleeves and a short sleeve shirt. You never know what the weather will be, but I wish I would have had my tank top on instead this year because it was much warmer. Last year I opted out from taking a water bottle and held my phone the whole time. This year I purchased a flip belt and was able to place my phone in there. So I decided to carry a small plastic water bottle (8oz) then I was just going to throw it away when I was done so I didn't have to hold it the whole time and I could just stop at water stops when I needed.
Because Big Sur is a point to point race you need transportation to get to the starting line.
I arrived, I thought in plenty of time, used the bathroom and got to the starting line. Of course my GPS wasn't picking up a signal, and it was time to start. I didn't even get to put my head warmer on yet. It took me close to two miles to finally pick up a signal on my GPS. Between doing that and putting my head warmer on, I realized that I lost two GUs that were in my arm sleeve. I thought this race is not starting out to a good start. I finally got my groove and felt good. I didn't know my time, of course, since my GPS watch was behind, but knew I was doing ok because I was right behind the pacer for the first 8 miles. Luckily I had two more GUs in my other arm sleeve. After taking one of them and rolling my arm sleeve down my other GU fell out. I did have one more in my flip belt but knew I would need that one later, so I took a few steps back to pick it up. By this time I lost track of the pacer, which is fine, so I thought well I'm just going to enjoy it and take some pictures.
I arrived, I thought in plenty of time, used the bathroom and got to the starting line. Of course my GPS wasn't picking up a signal, and it was time to start. I didn't even get to put my head warmer on yet. It took me close to two miles to finally pick up a signal on my GPS. Between doing that and putting my head warmer on, I realized that I lost two GUs that were in my arm sleeve. I thought this race is not starting out to a good start. I finally got my groove and felt good. I didn't know my time, of course, since my GPS watch was behind, but knew I was doing ok because I was right behind the pacer for the first 8 miles. Luckily I had two more GUs in my other arm sleeve. After taking one of them and rolling my arm sleeve down my other GU fell out. I did have one more in my flip belt but knew I would need that one later, so I took a few steps back to pick it up. By this time I lost track of the pacer, which is fine, so I thought well I'm just going to enjoy it and take some pictures.
These drummers were at the bottom of mile 10 and they did help me get up that hill.
While still climbing up the hill I couldn't pass up a perfect photo opportunity of the coast.
Then I was crossing the Bixby Bridge and taking a great photo of the pianist at mile 13.
I did feel the first half of the race went by fairly quickly. We didn't even have any of that wind we hear about for Hurricane point. I remember last year the clock was set up to say what you're time was at the half way point. I was looking forward to seeing this since my watch was off.
But when I got there, it said the time alright, it was the time of day. Later I asked the race director about that and he did say that it was an error and it should've said your time.
While still climbing up the hill I couldn't pass up a perfect photo opportunity of the coast.
Then I was crossing the Bixby Bridge and taking a great photo of the pianist at mile 13.
I did feel the first half of the race went by fairly quickly. We didn't even have any of that wind we hear about for Hurricane point. I remember last year the clock was set up to say what you're time was at the half way point. I was looking forward to seeing this since my watch was off.
But when I got there, it said the time alright, it was the time of day. Later I asked the race director about that and he did say that it was an error and it should've said your time.
Still not knowing my time, I just ran on how I felt. By this time I was stopping about every other aid station for water. I actually walked through them while taking water (which I normally don't do) But I have to say, I got all the water I needed at the time, instead of spilling it on me, and I did feel much better once I started running again. I knew the strawberry stand was at mile 23, it couldn't come soon enough!
Last year there was a sign that said please only take one. Well this year I didn't see a sign so I took three. I will say that this year looked like they had plenty more than the time before. Maybe they were on short demand last year.
Last year there was a sign that said please only take one. Well this year I didn't see a sign so I took three. I will say that this year looked like they had plenty more than the time before. Maybe they were on short demand last year.
Next came mile 24. Every mile marker there was a fun saying like, Sounded like a good idea at the time and What was I thinking? I remember at mile 24 Bart Yasso's picture was on the sign saying Pain is temporary but crossing the finish line is an accomplishment you will always have. After meeting him at the expo, I knew this would be something that he would say. It kept me going.
Next it was the dreaded mile 25 that is straight up hill. I kept thinking get through this and then its a downhill stretch to the finish. While climbing up the hill, my quads were screaming. I just told them to shut up and keep going! I also remember when Dean Karnazes spoke at the expo and said when the going gets tough, I just put one foot in front of the other, and that's just what I did. After finishing mile 25, I tried to pick up my pace during the last mile and finish strong!
It turned out to be a beautiful day! Even with my small mishaps in the beginning, the hard mile at 25, and taking pictures along the way, I only finished 5 minutes later than I did last year.
That is just fine for me. I got some beautiful pictures along the way. I am grateful to have the pictures rather than a few minutes less on the clock because that's what you are going to remember. Did I mention this was the hardest marathon I have run to date?
That is just fine for me. I got some beautiful pictures along the way. I am grateful to have the pictures rather than a few minutes less on the clock because that's what you are going to remember. Did I mention this was the hardest marathon I have run to date?
After crossing the finish line, I got right in line for a well deserved massage. These were complimentary (only ten minutes) but it was still nice. Then I headed over to the VIP tent for a great lunch and a glass of wine.
P.S This is my bud Amanda. Big Sur was her first marathon and she rocked it at 3:39!
P.S This is my bud Amanda. Big Sur was her first marathon and she rocked it at 3:39!
What was the hardest race you've ever run?
