Long Beach International Marathon - RunMarathon

2nd ever marathon. What a difference from when I ran this same race last year! I fell apart mentally and physically last year. This year was almost perfect (other than the fact that I went out way too fast again.) I hesitate to say this, but it was almost fun!

Mentally, I tried to go into the race with no expectations or real goals other than to do better than last year. Unfortunately, being just a bit competitive (and reading that qualifying time for Boston was 4:00 two days before the race), I decided to join the 4:00 pace group. I figured I could always drop off the pace if I needed to. Physically, I was up to the task this year, being better trained and having gotten rid of the neuroma in my foot earlier this year.

I'd never run with a pace group before. The leader didn't hold an even pace-we were ahead from the get-go. Oh well, I figured it was probably better to build a little cushion than trying to make up time. At one point, we were about 4 minutes ahead of pace. We were running with the 3:50 group between miles 3-4.

Now, the bad part was at mile 16. Up until now, I'd been running just a bit ahead ahead of the group. There were lots of people in the group and everyone was trying to stay with the leader, so it was a little easier and less crowded to stay ahead. All of a sudden I heard a bunch of people right next to me. The pace group passed me like I was standing still. Wait, the group had a new leader with a fresh pair of legs! The pace group looked a little smaller now. Oh well, I gave myself mental permission to let it go. (Not an easy task for me).

By miles 19-20 I was on the pace times. So much for the cushion. Since things weren't looking so good for 4:00, I even gave myself permission to use the porta potty! Still didn't let myself get worked up over getting off pace.

Although I dropped behind on the pace, I felt good the entire race. No walking at all. Very relaxed. This year I was the one passing people the last 4 miles - what a great feeling. Near mile 20-21, when I began to feel a little tired (mentally and physically), I started to figure out about how long it would be before I reached the finish and then would tell myself that I could collapse in approximately xx minutes. I actually felt like I was sprinting after the 26 mi. mark to the finish line. I was able to remember so much more of the race this year and was able to easily think about things other than the race itself or how I felt. (it was more like a training run in that sense.)

Pace myself better.

Just sat down while I drank my water and ate my bananas and enjoyed the moment. Walked back to the hotel.


Nothing.


Plenty of water after the race but couldn't find the PowerAde they promised.