We also saw the race director, Alberto Perusset, at the starting line. We met him several years ago at the San Francisco marathon. He is a fellow barefoot runner.
I also was fortunate enough to get to meet Yolanda Holder, the Walking Diva. She was completing her 449th marathon! I'd heard an interview with her on the Marathon Show several weeks ago and was looking forward to meeting her. She's the most humble person, and quite shy. She completed the NYC marathon last weekend and was disappointed that Pamela Anderson beat her by 1 minute!
This is a fairly small marathon, so the start line isn't big with lots of fanfare. It feels comfortable, homey almost. No big crowds, reasonable lines for the potty, and lots of nerves!
We had a moment of silence for Boston, sang the national anthem, then we were off on time. The race plan was to run, have fun, and not to have to shoot my husband like a lame horse if he reinjured his ankle. We decided that I would pace for the first 20 miles, then he would pace the last 10k. In reality, my husband held the pace the whole way. We a hung with the 5 hour pace group for a couple of miles. I enjoyed the comraderie of running with a group, but my husband tired of it quickly. He wanted to get away from the crowd and enjoy the race course in peace and quiet.
Early during the race we were treated to a video from the Year of the Run mascot, Eddie. He's staying with his grandparents this weekend and shot a video of him going for a walk, so we could run with him!
The weather was beautiful. After a stunning sunrise, we enjoyed cool temps and clouds that hung over the sun for a while. I certainly appreciated a bit of reprieve from the sun. As we turned onto PCH, we ran into a head wind. It was pretty punishing in the last few miles when we were working up long hills, but nothing I haven't run against in during my training.
The views were spectacular and like last year, there were very few spectators. The pitch on the road was pretty bad in some spots, but the scenery made up for it! One of my best friends from college came out around mile 22 to cheer us on with her family. It was great having someone there to yell out my name! It definitely helped me get through the last few miles, as I my left foot was cramping and my calves were on fire. We saw our friends Erin and Brian on the course as well. They were looking good, but I think the distance was getting to them. We hung with each of them for a little while before pushing on. I also ran into a Beyoncé on the route; I had to stop and get a picture of her!
If you haven't read this blog post about Beyoncé, you must! it is one my faves!
Finally, we made it to Malibu! With less than a mile left, I was elated. It was downhill to the finish and the 5 hour pace group was no where to be seen!
We crossed the finish line with a time of 4:50:22, an almost 13 minute PR for me! I could not have done it without the support and pushing of my husband. Thank you Babe for making this such a fun race and an amazing finish time!
After the race was over, we spent some time with a group of my friends and their families. We kicked off our shoes and enjoyed the sand between our toes. Instead of rushing back to the hotel to ice our feet, we splashed around in the freezing cold Pacific!
Loved the tattoo for about a minute...it didn't wash off with my shower and me no likey anymore!
One of my favorite photos of the day. This was right before he face planted in the water, so he still had his dry clothes on!
Thank you to everyone who supported me in my training, gave me well wishes before the race and to those that came out to see us while we were in town! Who wants to run it next year?!?
Miles logged: 26.2
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