Big Sur International Marathon - RunMarathon

i have been having issues with my hip recently so i've been cutting back on my running and not sure what would happen with such a tough course. i decided to run steady, but never push it and it turned out the hip gave me no issues at all. i could feel it, but it never got worse and my quads were by far more painful than my hip.

it starts mostly downhill, so i was cruising and enjoying the run. it wasn't very crowded so you could settle into a pace early. i planned on enjoying it so i carried a disposable camera and stopped to take pictures all along the course. between going to the bathroom, the hills, and taking pictures, my mile splits were all over the place.

the sun rose higher as we hit the coast and the wind picked up as well. it was a monster headwind the whole way, but i tried to draft most of the time so it wasn't a big problem. i kept it easy until mile 10 where the hurricane point climb starts. hurricane point is a 2.2 mile climb of 4.5%. it was the most daunting part of the whole marathon, but i had built it up in my head so much, that it turned out to be fine. i just stayed steady and enjoyed the amazing views. they also had a team of japanese drummers pounding out a beat to get you up.

i hit the top and after getting blown across the road by the wind, i stopped to take pictures of the grand piano player and started the descent to bixby bridge. beautiful views.

the back half was more of the same: draft off different people, try to go easy on my quads, and take in the views. the musicians and aid stations were great.

it started to get a little tedious as we made our way back into town the last few miles, but i was so happy with my run and it went by so fast that i decided to push it a little the last 2-3. i was able to finish strong and hit the beer tent. my quads had ice picks in them (that would last 3 days), but i wouldn't change a thing.

nothing. i hope the pics turn out.

had a few beers and cheered on other runners. missed craig and amy, but saw k finish. they all had awesome runs.


amazing race. should be on everyone's list.