California Int’l Marathon – 12/4/11

Yesterday, I ran a marathon in Sacramento, with Claudia.  On race morning, I was kind of nervous that I wouldn’t find Claudia, but we easily found each other (thank goodness for cell phones).  On the bus to the start line, I met a 60 yr old man, who is now an inspiration to me.  Basically, for his 60th birthday, his goal was to run a marathon.  He only had 7 months to train, and went from a 13 min pace to a 9 min pace – what he did, I did in 8 years!  In addition, he is a diabetic.  What an amazing man!

Race morning:  The weather was sunny but cool. Garmin froze right before the race, so I just didn’t wear it at all I had no watch to keep track of my time/pace.  In addition, on the course, there were no time splits at the mile markers.  The only time I got was at the half marathon and the finish.  The first half was fun, Claudia and I ran it nice and easy (at least it felt that way).  I was really having fun on that first half!  Then after mile 18, I think I hit my wall, and literally, there was a giant inflatable brick wall right by mile 18.  I think there were two young ladies dressed in a Death costume by that brick wall.  Mentally, I was out, but I could have probably ran.  I lost Claudia after mile 18, I felt like I was slowing her down so I told her to go ahead.  I did feel a little tummy ache, I’m not sure if it was the nutrition I have (I need to practice nutrition during the race).  I walked quite a bit after mile 18.  The course was advertised as fast and net downhill, but it was really rolling hills and net downhill.  I still feel good about the race, my half marathon split is a sub-2 hour!

Chip time:
5.9 mile –00: 53:51
13.1 mile – 1:59:50
20 mile – 3:18:49
Finish – 4:37:02
Gear malfunctions:
– Garmin froze, didnt wear a watch during the race
– Mizuno Ronin shoes’  tread was really bald, almost with holes – this is the last run with it after 276 miles
– forgot to bring sports bra, good thing I had my swim suit so wore the bikini top underneath my running top