Malibu Marathon Race Report

It was cold, really cold, in the upper 30s, when my dad dropped me off at the start line. I felt like I hit the jackpot when there was hardly a line at the toilets. Yes, toilets that flushed, not port-o-potties. The sun was rising and I was talking to other runners about the race. I knew it was going to be a good day.

This thought was quickly erased as the 7am starting time came and went. At 39 degrees, standing outside for an hour in clothes suitable for 70 was not easy. I bought a sweatshirt at WalMart the night before and made it even classier by cutting it down the middle so it would be easy to take off while I was running.

The sweet poncho was to keep me warm, not dry

The race ended up starting 30 minutes late and by then my feet were completely numb. I spent the first three miles taking it easy, doing my best not to injure myself since I couldn't feel everything. By mile 3, I was good as new, though I had to remove my shoe once because I was convinced I had a rock under my right heel. After taking off both my shoe and my sock, I found nothing and realized I was just feeling pins and needles from the restored blood flow to my foot!

The first 7 miles were inland, as we trekked from the Camarillo Airport to PCH. The views were spectacular, with the sun rising over the farmlands. And this part was supposed to be the least scenic!

At some point after mile 3, I saw a pacer ahead of me. But, since my vision has gone to shit and my sunglasses don't have a prescription in them, I could not read the pace sign. I had to get all the way up to the group before I read the sign that said "5:15 12:01 min/mile." Boy was that depressing to see; I knew I could run a faster marathon than that. As I was getting ready the night before the race, I discovered that my digital watch was completely dead. I was too tired and it was too late to worry about a replacement. I decided to use the stopwatch on my cell phone to keep track of my time. I only looked at it once, at the 3 mile marker (the stopwatch was still running this morning, 2 days later!!).

The stopwatch said 36 minutes exactly at this point

There was a mile marker at every mile after we reached the 3rd mile. I loved the little surfboards, they were the perfect choice! I tried to take photos of most of them to help me chronicle the race.

Self portrait at mile 4, I look like I'm pregnant!

The Point Mugu Naval Base

First glimpse of the ocean, off on the horizon

I couldn't have made it through this race without my parents and my dear friends who came out all the way out to LA just to cheer my name. I am forever grateful for their support during this, the biggest challenge I've faced. Their smiling faces, encouraging words and butterscotch candies helped me get through all 26.2 miles. But I'll be honest, it didn't go 100% smoothly. After the halfway point, they were supposed to hand off a full bottle of zipfizz, but it was in the car, across the highway! My dad was a trooper, he ran to get it, but I had already moved ahead. But he didn't give up, he ran after me and I turned around and ran backwards to him! The other comedic moment happened when my friends were a few seconds too late to see me run by. They were across the highway, but I saw them and yelled out. And Corey also ran after me, pushing a stroller with his 2 boys in it! 

My amazing parents!

The majority of this race was flat, until just after mile 18, then the rolling hills started and lasted through the next 6 miles. They were tough, but nothing like San Francisco.

Spectacular views

Kicking ass and taking names!

As I rounded mile 25, an older lady ran by me and yelled out "if we push hard, we can finish in under 5 hours!" I looked at her like she was insane! It was taking every ounce of effort I had to keep up my slow jog and make it through one more mile. But then it hit me. I was close to finishing a marathon, my very first, in 5 hours! Being without a watch, I had absolutely no idea how fast or slow I was going and in my wildest dreams, I wasn't anywhere close to 5 hours. Whatever I had left of adrenaline kicked in and I'm pretty sure that last mile was my fastest (I'll never know though)!

When I finally saw the finish line, I erupted in tears. It was the most intense feeling of happiness and accomplishment that I had really run a marathon! It was so overwhelming, but was the greatest feeling ever!

Winning!

The finish line was a little disappointing. I wanted fanfare, I wanted a party. But after getting my medal and finishers beach towel (awesome, right?!), I grabbed a bottle of water and a fruit cup (but no spoon) and headed out to meet up with my friends and family. The next order of business, flip flops and a shower!

Miles logged: 26.2!!!