Long Beach Half Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

This was a very crowded race. Due to our late arrival (traffic), we started in the very last wave. This was the first race that I had a running partner(not planned). This was his first half and my second, so it was nice to have a partner to push each other. It took about 3 miles before the course thinned out for a bit. As soon as we hit the boardwalk, we had to weave in and out of traffic for about another 2-3 miles. It finally opened up on the back half of the course. At mile 12 I felt my right quad tighten up, so I took it back a notch until we hit the 13 mile marker, then I pushed through the finish.

Arrive earlier to avoid starting way back. A lot of time and energy was wasted weaving in and out of traffic. Also, hit the GU on emore time around mile 10.

After we finished, we walked around, got our bananas, muffins, medals and thermal warmers. I stretched out my legs, especially my right quad, as I waited for the rest our group to finish. I started feeling bloated as we waited. I also started to develope a headache. The traffic leaving was just as bad as when we arrived. Having to endure stop and go driving, as well as detours galore, it took us almost an hour just to get to our meeting/eating place that was approximately 9 miles away. The car ride didn't help my headache or bloated feeling. As soon as we reached the restraunt, I had to jump out of the car for fresh air and a quick bathroom run. I popped 2 Advils as soon as we got our food...10 mins later I felt like I could've run another Half Marathon :)


I don't think I hydrated enough, which might have been the reason for my right quad feeling as if it were about to cramp up towards the end of the race. It could also be why I was hit with a headache as soon as I finished.


Although the course was very flat and scenic, the crowds made it difficult to maintain a steady pace until the second half of the race. The pre and post traffic was horrible.