California International Marathon - RunMarathon

Started off comfortably just behind the 3:45 Pace Group, which resulted in a mass cluster at the first aid station. Picked up to just in front of the group and then ended up pacing with the 3:40. After the first potty break at about mile 10 we were a good minute behind the 3:40 group and began pacing for about a 3:42 finish. Felt GREAT at 13.1, which everyone knows is not REALLY the 1/2 mark for a marathon. Started really feeling it around mile 22, and the last 4 were really tough. Got caught and passed by the 3:45 Pace Group (now much smaller) at about mile 25, and just held on for the end. Finished strong for the last 1/4 mile.

Train - this was a long training run for me. As you can see from my training log, however, I was not too serious about this race. The goal on this race was to pace my Brother-in-law for his FIRST marathon - his goal was 3:50 which we shattered. This run hurt more than my 3:09, proving once again that proper preparation for a marathon is crucial not only to performance but how one feels at the end!

STRETCHED! Walked around a bit at the finish line, then a long walk to the car.


Training


Water tasted lie you were drinking from a pool - very chlorinated. Sports drinks was offered in tiny dixie cups - needed two at each stop to properly hydrate. It was not offered at every stop either. Otherwise this is a great race, on a FAST course, with some great scenery of the Sacramento area.