I started writing this recap of the LA Marathon shortly after finishing the race. And then I stopped writing it. For some reason, I just couldn’t get my fingers to the keyboard, or pen to paper (yes, I still use pen and paper to write). Life was busy. However, the added days allowed me to reflect more on the race so it’s taken me a little longer to write this up but the good news is I’ll still complete it in less time than it took for me to actually finish the marathon. And even better news, I’ll complete it before the next LA Marathon.
For the past several years, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with the LA Marathon. I love that it’s in LA. It’s local. I get to run with my awesome running club, and my friends. I don’t need to get a hotel. And I don’t need to travel far. But I hate that it’s in LA. It’s hot or the weather is unpredictable. It’s hot. The course hates me. It’s hot. Every year I try to make friends with this race, but every year the race doesn’t want to be my friend. Slowly my love-hate relationship has morphed into a hate-hate relationship. But I really don’t want it to be this way! Every year I sign up thinking “this year will be different! I’m going to train so hard for it! This year will be my year! This year the race will love me!”
The first of my two alarms went off at 2:45AM. The other alarm was set for 2:55AM. I got out of bed at 3AM. I heated up and ate the oatmeal I made the evening before. Drank a little coffee. Set off for Dodger Stadium before 4:30AM. Arrived and parked. Got out of the car and quickly noticed it wasn’t as cool as I was hoping it would be, but I still took my “throwaway” sweatshirt with me, that I didn’t end up throwing away.
My sister and I walked to the far end security checkpoint where she was told by this rude woman she couldn’t take her bag in because it needed to be clear. That’s fine. She was handed a clear race bag she could transfer her things over, but my sister was told she had to get rid of her original bag. Well, she wasn’t about to throw away the bag she got at the New York City Marathon a few years ago, so we walked back to the car (it wasn’t too far) and
she transferred the items into the clear race bag.
she transferred the items into the clear race bag.
As we were walking back to the security checkpoint, we noticed some
people were walking in the opposite direction. Could we go that way too? We weren’t sure so we walked back to the first security checkpoint where we initially went. We got into a different lane and this time, the young guy asked my sister “Where’s your bib?” Huh? Then he said, “Only runners can go through here. You have to go to Gate G.” Huh?? Seriously?? First of all, if runners were the only ones who could pass through there, I’m 112% sure the race organizers would have stressed that fact. NEVER was it ever mentioned. They stressed the heat advisory and the time change (bumped up 30 minutes). I’m sure they would have
mentioned, “only runners can enter this particular security check point and all other spectators must go through Gate G. Not the best way to start the morning.
people were walking in the opposite direction. Could we go that way too? We weren’t sure so we walked back to the first security checkpoint where we initially went. We got into a different lane and this time, the young guy asked my sister “Where’s your bib?” Huh? Then he said, “Only runners can go through here. You have to go to Gate G.” Huh?? Seriously?? First of all, if runners were the only ones who could pass through there, I’m 112% sure the race organizers would have stressed that fact. NEVER was it ever mentioned. They stressed the heat advisory and the time change (bumped up 30 minutes). I’m sure they would have
mentioned, “only runners can enter this particular security check point and all other spectators must go through Gate G. Not the best way to start the morning.
As we walked down to the other security checkpoint, Gate G, my sister said something to the effect “this is awful.” Just then a woman was walking towards us and heard. She asks if everything was ok. My sister reiterated what happened and the woman replied, “That’s wrong! Everyone can go through both checkpoints. What you were told is incorrect and I’m going to go tell them.” She said she was going to talk to Matt to let them know that
“everyone, not just runners, can enter the stadium at all security checkpoints.” Hopefully Matt did something about it so other spectators who came to send their participant off got through each gate with ease.
“everyone, not just runners, can enter the stadium at all security checkpoints.” Hopefully Matt did something about it so other spectators who came to send their participant off got through each gate with ease.
Overall I was pretty excited and emotional about this particular race because it was being held on a very special day for me. March 15th would have been my aunt’s 69th birthday and it meant a lot to me to be running on this day for her. Even knowing it was going to be a hot one, I was going to make the best of this day as much as possible because of her.
We made it into Dodger Stadium and found my group. We all hung out, used the restroom, chatted, laughed, used the restroom, took pictures, used the restroom, and then we walked down to the corrals. All morning I felt good. Maybe a little nervous due to the pending heat that was about to come. Morning was already a little on the warm side but there were a few clouds hanging around. Teasing all of us. There was a gorgeous sunrise greeting us, but I would’ve traded in that sunrise for dark clouds in a heartbeat. I’m sure we all would have.
When the gun went off, I just couldn’t get my bearings. Due to the heat that was about to strike later, I decided to ditch my hydration pack in place of my handheld. A decision I both regretted and was thankful for. I knew the hydration pack was going to weigh on me and I didn’t need any extra weight. However, I’m so used to running with my hydration pack and it carries everything I need, but I really didn’t want to have that extra weight so it stayed home this day. What went with me was my new FlipBelt. And this new FlipBelt kept flipping on me. It was okay at first, but as I approached the first mile, I knew something felt off. Uh oh. To top off that off, I also had my Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad with me. It was another item that was both a blessing, and a curse during the marathon. Because the weather was comfortable, I certainly didn’t have a need for its use right away so I tucked it nicely underneath my FlipBelt.
Runners are ready! I’m not.
From the starting line to mile 1, the race consisted of me trying to get myself situated because after the gun went off, all bets were off, and chaos erupted. I had my handheld in
one hand, my phone in the other, my FlipBelt was starting to flip up, my Frogg Toggs tucked under my FlipBelt (albeit not helping the FlipBelt from staying put), and my group was kicking up the pace and I was quickly losing them. I realize the first rule in marathon is this: don’t try anything new. Well, this was sorta new and sorta not.
one hand, my phone in the other, my FlipBelt was starting to flip up, my Frogg Toggs tucked under my FlipBelt (albeit not helping the FlipBelt from staying put), and my group was kicking up the pace and I was quickly losing them. I realize the first rule in marathon is this: don’t try anything new. Well, this was sorta new and sorta not.
By mile 2, I finally settled into pace and started to get comfortable, and then BAM! My Frogg Toggs fell and I had to run back to retrieve it while my group got away from me. Quickly I picked it up and made it back to my group but now I needed to reassess. I put my phone away in the FlipBelt which was not entirely easy to get and put away. My panda phone case is made from a thick rubber and didn’t make for easy access in the FlipBelt because it snagged. But there was no way I was going to remove it for fear of dropping my phone and
shattering it. No way. The case stays on and so I guess I won’t be taking many
photos this day. With my phone in the FlipBelt, I had my handheld in one hand,
and my Frogg Toggs in the other. I slowly caught up to my group.
shattering it. No way. The case stays on and so I guess I won’t be taking many
photos this day. With my phone in the FlipBelt, I had my handheld in one hand,
and my Frogg Toggs in the other. I slowly caught up to my group.
And by mile 3, I lost them. Actually it could’ve been more like mile 4 but it felt like mile 3. The next few miles really did consist of me calming down my FlipBelt, taking in fuel, drinking water, and trying not to let these little things get to me. “Trying” being the operative word here. For the most part, I kept a steady pace. Well, as steady as I could get it. When I left the Echo Park area and onto Sunset, the crowd support was amazing! There is one thing I should mention here before I forget, hands down this has been one of the most supported LA Marathons I have ever been in! The spectators and volunteers were absolutely on fire!! And I thanked them at every opportunity I got. Aid stations were very well-stocked with water and
Gatorade. Spectators offered tons of oranges, pretzels, and bananas! This was a 26.2 mile buffet!
Gatorade. Spectators offered tons of oranges, pretzels, and bananas! This was a 26.2 mile buffet!
Down Sunset we go.
I loved turning onto Sunset because I’d be coming upon the first LA Leggers support station. It was just about mile 7 and I could see the blue tent. Up until this point, my fueling has been good so I didn’t partake in any of the goodies. I didn’t even check to see if there were Oreos around but I learned my lesson the hard way on that one. However, I needed to fill up my
water bottle so it was absolute perfect timing. As I was taking off, I ran into one of my group members who missed us at the starting line. After running together for a little bit, she took off like a firecracker, and I got behind some firemen. Honestly I could’ve stayed behind them the whole time, but like my friend, they left me.
water bottle so it was absolute perfect timing. As I was taking off, I ran into one of my group members who missed us at the starting line. After running together for a little bit, she took off like a firecracker, and I got behind some firemen. Honestly I could’ve stayed behind them the whole time, but like my friend, they left me.
“Stay with me” – Sam Smith
It was also at the mile 7 mark where I decided to drape the Frogg Toggs around my neck and then around my shoulders. Realizing quickly I’ve only worn it under my hydration pack when the ends didn’t flap. Another moment I was missing my hydration pack. I tucked the Frogg Toggs under my shirt and over my shoulders and that didn’t help much either because it then started to slide to one side.
This went on for another mile or so until the next challenge started to creep up. I could feel a blister hot spot on my left foot. Really? At this point I decided to re-tie my shoes hoping it would help. Not really sure if it helped or made things worse. If any race wanted to throw every challenge and obstacle my way, this would be it.
Making it into a semi-rhythm, I started to struggle with moving my Frogg Toggs back into place, trying to get my camera free to take a few photos, and landing
on my left foot to reduce the hot spot. And this went on for a couple of miles
as I ran through Hollywood. Luckily, once I passed Hollywood & Highland, a
couple of running friends came upon me and so I got to tag along with them for
a little while. But once I got to about mile 13, they were gone. I just needed
to hang back because my day was not going well and I was starting to feel
worse.
on my left foot to reduce the hot spot. And this went on for a couple of miles
as I ran through Hollywood. Luckily, once I passed Hollywood & Highland, a
couple of running friends came upon me and so I got to tag along with them for
a little while. But once I got to about mile 13, they were gone. I just needed
to hang back because my day was not going well and I was starting to feel
worse.
Hollywood & Highland
Home of the Academy Awards. Today I’m giving no Oscar worthy performance.
Nothing funny about this marathon. Almost nothing.
It was at this half way mark I was walking with one of my running
friends, whom I’ve known for a few years. A few seasons ago we were running up an incline that appeared to go on forever and I shared my favorite mantra with her I had to help me keep moving. About a year ago, Geena told me she remembered it. I share it with
others and completely forget I did. In fact, I share it with whomever would
like to hear it and even if they don’t, too bad. I’m sharing. I tell myself, “My heart is strong. My lungs are strong. My legs are strong.” Or some variation of it and I repeat it over and over.
During marathon week, I shared a multitude of inspirational photos and tips for the marathon with my pace group and one of them was the importance of a mantra. I shared my favorite. As we walked on Sunset Blvd., she asked me, how I was feeling and
I said, “Oh, not too good.” Right then, out of the blue, and so unexpectedly,
she says, “My heart is strong. My legs are strong. My lungs are strong.” It was
the first breakdown I’ve ever had during an LA Marathon. It was the first
breakdown I had in any marathon. It was the first breakdown I had in any race.
Period. The tears came out of nowhere and I couldn’t help myself. The emotions
I’ve been feeling up until that moment came flooding to the surface and I
couldn’t stop them. The tears would keep falling and they would be with me
several times during this race.
I said, “Oh, not too good.” Right then, out of the blue, and so unexpectedly,
she says, “My heart is strong. My legs are strong. My lungs are strong.” It was
the first breakdown I’ve ever had during an LA Marathon. It was the first
breakdown I had in any marathon. It was the first breakdown I had in any race.
Period. The tears came out of nowhere and I couldn’t help myself. The emotions
I’ve been feeling up until that moment came flooding to the surface and I
couldn’t stop them. The tears would keep falling and they would be with me
several times during this race.
We were together for a little bit more along the Sunset Strip but she
had some running in her legs so she took off. Once I made it into West
Hollywood, I ran into another running friend who wasn’t having the best race
either. Unfortunately, she’s been battling a toe injury that was making this marathon
just a little more challenging as well. We walked together, talking, laughing,
trying to forget the woes we’re experiencing — until we got to the next Leggers
support station close to mile 16. It was here I had a small drop bag waiting
for me with some Coca-Cola. Ahh, my dear friend Coca-Cola. As I was sipping my
hot Coca-Cola, yes, it was quite warm, another running friend, Barry asked me
how I was feeling. I told him, “Not good. My wheels have come off.” I felt bad
– physically, mentally, emotionally – I felt bad for even saying it, but it was
true. This has quickly become one tough challenging race for me. It was the
little things along the way that helped and I was so thankful when he switched
out my hot Coke for an ice cold Coke. As much as I wanted to stay there, I knew
I couldn’t. I said my thank yous and left with my ice cold Coke trying to come
up with a game plan for the next 10 miles.
had some running in her legs so she took off. Once I made it into West
Hollywood, I ran into another running friend who wasn’t having the best race
either. Unfortunately, she’s been battling a toe injury that was making this marathon
just a little more challenging as well. We walked together, talking, laughing,
trying to forget the woes we’re experiencing — until we got to the next Leggers
support station close to mile 16. It was here I had a small drop bag waiting
for me with some Coca-Cola. Ahh, my dear friend Coca-Cola. As I was sipping my
hot Coca-Cola, yes, it was quite warm, another running friend, Barry asked me
how I was feeling. I told him, “Not good. My wheels have come off.” I felt bad
– physically, mentally, emotionally – I felt bad for even saying it, but it was
true. This has quickly become one tough challenging race for me. It was the
little things along the way that helped and I was so thankful when he switched
out my hot Coke for an ice cold Coke. As much as I wanted to stay there, I knew
I couldn’t. I said my thank yous and left with my ice cold Coke trying to come
up with a game plan for the next 10 miles.
10 miles were all that remained. At this point, I finally got a better
grip on my bearings with my Frogg Toggs, and FlipBelt. As I talked to myself (I
talked to myself throughout this race since the beginning), I kept telling
myself make the best of it. This is what I’m given. This is what I need to
handle. This isn’t easy but just keep moving. Even if I have to walk, just keep
putting one foot in front of the other.
grip on my bearings with my Frogg Toggs, and FlipBelt. As I talked to myself (I
talked to myself throughout this race since the beginning), I kept telling
myself make the best of it. This is what I’m given. This is what I need to
handle. This isn’t easy but just keep moving. Even if I have to walk, just keep
putting one foot in front of the other.
The weather was warm but I would consider it fairly manageable. That is
until I made it out of Beverly Hills and into Century City where, as I like to
describe it, someone turned on the oven. The heat has finally arrived in full
force and we’re getting the full brunt of it. There were some clouds. There was
no shade. There was no breeze. There was only the hot sun beating down on us,
and the intense heat radiating up from the asphalt. Oh yeah, and hills. Lots of
hills.
until I made it out of Beverly Hills and into Century City where, as I like to
describe it, someone turned on the oven. The heat has finally arrived in full
force and we’re getting the full brunt of it. There were some clouds. There was
no shade. There was no breeze. There was only the hot sun beating down on us,
and the intense heat radiating up from the asphalt. Oh yeah, and hills. Lots of
hills.
The heat is on.
I broke down several times along this stretch because I started to get
nauseous. Heat makes me nauseous and my drinking water was hot. To make matters
more interesting, I could feel my right ankle getting upset. The ankle I
sprained twice last year and has been feeling fairly okay for this year started
to ache in the week leading up to the race. I played it off as phantom pains
but just in case I taped it up for the race. It was achy at this time. All I could do was, try to stay relaxed, keep my head down and keep moving. To distract me, I finally put on my
earphones on and tried to have the music drown out the heat.
nauseous. Heat makes me nauseous and my drinking water was hot. To make matters
more interesting, I could feel my right ankle getting upset. The ankle I
sprained twice last year and has been feeling fairly okay for this year started
to ache in the week leading up to the race. I played it off as phantom pains
but just in case I taped it up for the race. It was achy at this time. All I could do was, try to stay relaxed, keep my head down and keep moving. To distract me, I finally put on my
earphones on and tried to have the music drown out the heat.
Everyone walks in LA!
The fire department set up along the course turning on water hoses and
fire hydrants. Century City was the hottest spot on the course for me but I
loved seeing the kids along the side playing in the water trying to keep cool. If
I didn’t have my phone and Garmin exposed I probably would’ve have joined them.
They were so funny having a great time.
fire hydrants. Century City was the hottest spot on the course for me but I
loved seeing the kids along the side playing in the water trying to keep cool. If
I didn’t have my phone and Garmin exposed I probably would’ve have joined them.
They were so funny having a great time.
Cooling off.
March showers courtesy of the LAFD.
I tried to have a great time but it was difficult. I tried to remember
how blessed and how fortunate I was to be out there. I tried to remember all
those tips I shared. I thought of my aunt a lot during the marathon and
especially during this very low point for me. With every time I did, I would
start to cry. This marathon was for her. I wanted to have a great race for her.
And I felt like I was failing. This marathon was my chosen suffering. She
didn’t have a choice.
how blessed and how fortunate I was to be out there. I tried to remember all
those tips I shared. I thought of my aunt a lot during the marathon and
especially during this very low point for me. With every time I did, I would
start to cry. This marathon was for her. I wanted to have a great race for her.
And I felt like I was failing. This marathon was my chosen suffering. She
didn’t have a choice.
The week of the race, another running friend, Amy, sent a message saying
she was going to be planted at the VA Grounds with goodies and treats, namely
cold washcloths and ice cold Coca-Cola. It was at my lowest point I was getting
out of Century City and onto the VA Grounds in West LA and I kept thinking of Amy.
I knew I was so behind everybody else and wondered if she would still be
there. Turning the corner and entering the VA Grounds, I saw her and my tears
came flooding down. I couldn’t tell you how happy I was to see her. As I hugged
her, all the emotions again came up and I couldn’t stop crying. She handed me a
cold washcloth and ice cold Coca-Cola and walked with me up the finally
inclines on the VA Grounds. The words of support and encouragement overwhelmed
me and I didn’t even notice we were making those finally small climbs. It’s hot but you’re doing it! You’ve done an
ultramarathon and 50 miles! You can do this! Of course, even in the midst
of my breakdown, when she mentioned the ultramarathon, I couldn’t resist
talking to her about her doing another one. Oh yes, Amy, we should do another.
🙂 She was my angel who got me through the VA portion. She certainly helped save me.
she was going to be planted at the VA Grounds with goodies and treats, namely
cold washcloths and ice cold Coca-Cola. It was at my lowest point I was getting
out of Century City and onto the VA Grounds in West LA and I kept thinking of Amy.
I knew I was so behind everybody else and wondered if she would still be
there. Turning the corner and entering the VA Grounds, I saw her and my tears
came flooding down. I couldn’t tell you how happy I was to see her. As I hugged
her, all the emotions again came up and I couldn’t stop crying. She handed me a
cold washcloth and ice cold Coca-Cola and walked with me up the finally
inclines on the VA Grounds. The words of support and encouragement overwhelmed
me and I didn’t even notice we were making those finally small climbs. It’s hot but you’re doing it! You’ve done an
ultramarathon and 50 miles! You can do this! Of course, even in the midst
of my breakdown, when she mentioned the ultramarathon, I couldn’t resist
talking to her about her doing another one. Oh yes, Amy, we should do another.
🙂 She was my angel who got me through the VA portion. She certainly helped save me.
Smiles with Amy.
Once I made it out of the VA, I quickly came up to more running friends,
Matt, and then a few minutes later, Jacette, who were out supporting all of us!
Even though I didn’t feel great, both would tell me that I looked good and at
least I was moving forward. I could feel the tears coming forth again but I was
able to hold them off. I appreciated their words so much and I got through the
next couple of miles much better.
Matt, and then a few minutes later, Jacette, who were out supporting all of us!
Even though I didn’t feel great, both would tell me that I looked good and at
least I was moving forward. I could feel the tears coming forth again but I was
able to hold them off. I appreciated their words so much and I got through the
next couple of miles much better.
My favorite mile!
There was one more Leggers support station and I couldn’t wait to get to
it. First off, once I hit it, I’d be only 3 miles to the finish and secondly,
there was more ice cold Coke there too. Little did I realize how awesome this
tent was going to be! All of the support stations were great but there was something magical about this one. It was really wonderful to see so many people! Crystal, Randi, Donna, Linda, Steve and his beautiful daughter, Danielle, Gary, and many others I wish I took a photo of.
As I stood there with my ice cold washcloth draped around my neck and drinking my ice cold Coke, a wonderful sweet woman named Sam said, “Ok she’s got to go now.” She was right because I was having such a great time here, it would’ve been easy just to stay. She walked with me for a bit and I couldn’t have been more appreciative of it, even texted my sister to tell her about what I called “station 23” because it was at mile 23 and it was a support station.
it. First off, once I hit it, I’d be only 3 miles to the finish and secondly,
there was more ice cold Coke there too. Little did I realize how awesome this
tent was going to be! All of the support stations were great but there was something magical about this one. It was really wonderful to see so many people! Crystal, Randi, Donna, Linda, Steve and his beautiful daughter, Danielle, Gary, and many others I wish I took a photo of.
As I stood there with my ice cold washcloth draped around my neck and drinking my ice cold Coke, a wonderful sweet woman named Sam said, “Ok she’s got to go now.” She was right because I was having such a great time here, it would’ve been easy just to stay. She walked with me for a bit and I couldn’t have been more appreciative of it, even texted my sister to tell her about what I called “station 23” because it was at mile 23 and it was a support station.
Thank you station 23! Almost home!
With 3 miles left to go, I had nothing else to do but listen
to my music and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I started running
and got into a great groove. My ankle was feeling ok. I was happy and I was feeling good and heyyy, I’m
at mile 24 and then BAM! I felt a quick sharp pain in my left foot that stopped
me dead in my tracks. UGH!!! Reallyyy?? The hot spot I felt early in the race
had formed the blister I knew was already there and it popped. I know all you
non-runners reading this (I’m overestimating there might be one of you)
probably get grossed out about things like this. Maybe. Of course, runners might
get grossed out too, but blisters are commonplace in the running world and I
couldn’t not mention it. It hurt for a moment and I kept trying to walk as best
I could but this was very uncomfortable. Just another thing I needed to get
past.
The miles passed slowly but surely down San Vicente. The temperature was still warm but not as hot as it was. This was in contrast to last year’s race where Santa Monica was actually hotter than downtown. The marathon even mentioned having cooling buses this year and I have no idea where they were. Overall, even though this race was hot, it wasn’t as hot as last year and I actually did better last year.
A part of me wants to dissect everything about this day, but even though it wasn’t my best race, I’m choosing to believe I did the best I could in the conditions I was given. It was tough for me. Harder than the 50K and 50 Mile ultras. I would have good moments and not so good moments. I’d feel sheer happiness for being out there and then a minute later I just wanted it to be over with. After I finished, I was hard on myself. But mostly I was sad. Sad I wanted to have the best race for my aunt. But I know she was with me and I know she would’ve been proud. I am proud. And yes, next year will be different!
to my music and keep putting one foot in front of the other. I started running
and got into a great groove. My ankle was feeling ok. I was happy and I was feeling good and heyyy, I’m
at mile 24 and then BAM! I felt a quick sharp pain in my left foot that stopped
me dead in my tracks. UGH!!! Reallyyy?? The hot spot I felt early in the race
had formed the blister I knew was already there and it popped. I know all you
non-runners reading this (I’m overestimating there might be one of you)
probably get grossed out about things like this. Maybe. Of course, runners might
get grossed out too, but blisters are commonplace in the running world and I
couldn’t not mention it. It hurt for a moment and I kept trying to walk as best
I could but this was very uncomfortable. Just another thing I needed to get
past.
The miles passed slowly but surely down San Vicente. The temperature was still warm but not as hot as it was. This was in contrast to last year’s race where Santa Monica was actually hotter than downtown. The marathon even mentioned having cooling buses this year and I have no idea where they were. Overall, even though this race was hot, it wasn’t as hot as last year and I actually did better last year.
A part of me wants to dissect everything about this day, but even though it wasn’t my best race, I’m choosing to believe I did the best I could in the conditions I was given. It was tough for me. Harder than the 50K and 50 Mile ultras. I would have good moments and not so good moments. I’d feel sheer happiness for being out there and then a minute later I just wanted it to be over with. After I finished, I was hard on myself. But mostly I was sad. Sad I wanted to have the best race for my aunt. But I know she was with me and I know she would’ve been proud. I am proud. And yes, next year will be different!
Marathon 23 is in the books!
Thank you for reading and Happy Hot Weather Running!