I felt great starting the race. I was weaving around people and found a good pace. I caught and passed the 3:40 pace group around mile 4. The course appeared to be flat from the course profile map, but this was not true. The course had plenty of rollers and several hills throughout the entire course. I felt great and held a steady pace until mile 18. I started to struggle and my paced slowed. I had to cut several of the longer runs short during training and was paying the price for this during the race. I needed a few extra long runs and more hill work (both had to be reduced during training due to shin splints). My lungs (asthma) and shins felt great during the race.

The course was pretty. I thought it would be closer to the ocean, but it was actually more in the residential areas. It was fun seeing the neighborhoods, but I expected a larger crowd of spectators. It was quiet for much of the race. Some of the course was on paved fitness trails. One trail was on a cliff and overlooked the ocean. At mile 23 the course was on a two person wide, soft, dirt/sand path through an open field. This lasted just under a mile and included some rollers. This would have been more fun if it was earlier in the race and not so windy. :-) There were more crowds during the last two miles and this gave me energy. I knew my pace had slowed, but I was still pushing to finish under 3:40. Did it! I finished feeling good.

Boston qualify & a PR!

My goal time for next marathon is sub 3:30:00. :-)

Mario was waiting for me at the finish. We walked around a bit and took some pictures. I was feeling good. Mario did great running the half - a PR for him too. :-)




I was disappointed in the post race party. This was my first stand alone marathon other than running the Flying Pig multiple times. The pig has lots more crowd support and a huge after party. The food and "party" were lacking. The weather was so great and the sky pretty, so it made it all ok. :-)