Long Beach International Marathon - RunMarathon

This was my first marathon. Figured I had to do one to see if I could ever manage an IM. WOW! What an eye-opener.

Felt very good the first half of the race. Monitored my heart rate carefully so as not to go out too fast. About 11 miles into the race I started to be bothered by blisters(?)/soreness on 3 toes on my right foot. That was not something I had experienced before while running. Not quite sure what was going on. Same shoes and socks I always race in. Also started having problems with soreness in left knee. (Just like knee pain I've had in the past but haven't experienced at all in the last 10 months.)

Mentally, I hit the wall at about mile 17 or 18. Started walking through the water stations. Walked intermittently to give the knee a rest.

I let my mind and the race beat me. Very disappointing performance. I should have been able to finish in 4:30 or better. I have no excuses.

I didn't train hard enough physically (or mentally) for this race.

Weather was perfect. Overcast, but not cold, no wind.

Drank water at all but the first and last water aid stations. Energy drink at a couple of stations. PowerGel at mile 11. Fueling and hydration felt good.

I was pleased with my recovery - thought I'd be much more sore for a longer period of time.

More running training. Next time, get help with training plan and get some coaching for my running.

I tried to balance triathlon training and marathon training and failed to achieve the balance. I realized now that I was too focused on triathlons.

Emotionally draining race. Feel so defeated right now - Like I've let myself and everyone down.
I wasn't too upset about it Sunday or Monday (probably because I was sore and tired), but had a good cry on Tuesday.




Amount of training. Trying to take too big of a step too soon.


The race itself was good, but my performance sucked.