Los Angeles Marathon
Oh, let me take you on a little journey through my pre-marathon rituals. You name it, I've done it. From testing the gear to breaking in the sneakers, and yes, even slathering on the tester sunscreen in preparation for the big day. It’s like I’ve been building my race day autopilot, finding and plotting through every bump before the big day. But here’s the twist—this year is dishing out something completely new and thrilling.
For the first time ever, I’m not flying solo on this marathon adventure. That’s right, I’m talking about running the whole shebang with friends. And not just any friends—these are people who have been by my side through thick and thin, right here in the bustling heart of Los Angeles. After moving here two years ago, it's like I’m finally weaving my own LA story, one that’s richer and more vibrant because of the connections I’ve made (and people I’ve conned into registering with me - looking right at ya @Melissa ❤️, @Tom ❤️ ).
In fact, I think the best part might be these fellow athletes. Don’t get me wrong. I love having friendly faces to search for in the crowd, cheering us on in person (@ Ari ❤️, @ERRC ❤️ ) or virtually (Coach Beth!❤️ and friends who have encouraged me this year ❤️, HELLLLLO ALL YOU BEAUTIFUL BLOG READERS ❤️). Though having support and inspiration is truly a gift and motivation to keep running, the special thing about this race is that I also get to say that some of these incredible humans are gonna be right there with me.
Stride for stride, we’ll be sharing in every breathless moment and every mile conquered. It’s a feeling that’s beyond words—genuinely electrifying and heartwarming. So, yeah, it feels more than good; it feels like a piece of magic right here in the heart of my LA journey.
Okay, enough of the feelings. So my goals for this thing are as follows.
Goals
BIG Stretch Goal - Under 4 hours
Stretch Goal - Under 4:05
Official PR Goal - Under 4:20
If I have a bad day and my legs don’t got the beans, I just want to finish and have fun. At these races, crowds often hand runners candies, beverages, and even booze. If it starts to look like I’m missing the PR, I’m going to start taking all of the shots offered to me. It would be fun. Yolo!
Recap
What the hell happened out there?
A huge PR, that’s what. I came in at 3:58:39. Tom and Melissa also achieved their goals for their first marathon. We all crushed it! I don’t have a lot to say about the actual race other than it was like every other marathon I’ve run, with few exceptions. I forgot to start my watch while crossing the starting line, so, lol - I had no idea what my real time was until I was done. I estimated I needed a few extra minutes. No stomach issues, but I discovered caffeine gels make me feel light headed if I take them back to back while pushing my pace. My headphones dies at mile 25, leaving me to “dig deep” in silence as I pursued the finish line without a clue about whether I was coming in at or under my goal. It was a good time. Everything hurt and I was quietly dying.
I loved seeing Ari at mile 17. I still felt okay then, but also I was starting to feel a bit tired. The smile and wave was good, and made me push a little longer. I loved seeing my friends at Eagle Rock Run Club so much for strategically placing their tent at miles 19 & 25 (there’s a stupid turnaround at LAM, so you get to run down a couple of rollers then back up the same rollers). Those high fives (IN SILENCE) were the energy I needed to keep going.
Putting my feet up the fence after finishing, waiting for official results was amazing. I wanted to cry. I also wanted to puke. I really wanted to go to sleep…
Here are some pictures. My fav is the candid. That photographer accidentally captured a “wow” moment for me… The one where I’m posing during the freaking marathon is nuts. I don’t remember doing that. I must’ve just blacked out while I was running, for real. 🤪
until next time,
st
