This past Sunday I ran my second full marathon. My first marathon was just 3 months ago, I ran the California International Marathon on December 8th. Training for the LA Marathon was unique because I already had the distance and endurance training (physical and mental). The trick was maintaining that endurance and learning to increase speed.
After a weekend full of hanging out with friends, running and meeting super athletes, and learning from the professionals it was my time to shine. It was time to trust the training and put all my hard work and miles to the test.
After yet another restless night of sleep and waking multiple times before my alarm… it was time to gear up and head out for the adventure laid ahead of me. I was confident I would succeed in covering 26.2 miles… however, I was unsure how the whole race would unfold.
The morning of the race was spring forward. Daylight Savings Time. Yay. Not. This meant that I (and everyone) got one less hour of sleep prior to the race. Our shuttle was leaving the hotel at 4:30AM (my brain said it was 3:30). Thankfully, our group was able to use and access the VIP lounge inside the Dodger Stadium.
Before we knew it, we were encouraged to check our bags and head down to our seeded corrals. The energy was positive, intense, and full of excitement at the start line. While in my corral, I met a gentleman named Dave from Littleton, Colorado. He had a similar time goal as myself (finishing in 4:30). He decided that we should run together. I figured why not. It is always nice to have someone run with… no pressure… and it can take my mind off the race.
As the sun rose, God painted the sky with a beautiful pink and red sunrise. The cloud cover enhanced the beauty. Everyone kept remarking how gorgeous it was. It truly was a beautiful sunrise… if only a camera can capture the beauty of real life.
While in the corral there were race day photographers capturing the start line energy. I opted for a few photos. Smiling, blowing kisses, and flexing my muscles. You know… the normal thing any mother runner does before heading out to run 26.2 miles with her friends!
The sunrise and conversation with my new friend distracted me from my first concern… I needed to use the restroom. I had been hydrating so much because of the heat. I didn’t want to overheat while running. However, the corrals were closed and the bathroom lines were long. There was no way I could get out and use the restroom in time. Ack! Delima. So I waited.
After the wheelchair athletes and elite athletes were off and running, it was our turn. 7:25 the gun went off and we began inching towards the starting line. Starting temperature was a comfortable 66 degrees.
Funny how once I start running my nerves let up and I can just enjoy the moment. However, once I started running I knew immediately that I needed to find a restroom/port-o-potty. There was a line of men lined up along the side of the road relieving themselves… oh how I wish I could do the same thing.
Miles 1-2 were easy and comfortable. The road was crowded so I spent a lot of time making sure I didn’t step on anyone (or hit them with a swinging elbow). Pretty much the norm for the beginning of a long distance big road race.
Mile 1 – 9:53 | Mile 2 – 9:29
Mile 3 is where everything seemed to fall apart for me. Maybe not physically but it definitely messed with my mental head game.
Around mile 3, I found a port-o-potty line and decided that now was the time, I couldn’t wait. I had never used the restroom in a race before… so this was new for me. I chose the worst line. I was in line for 3+ minutes. Yes. I timed it.
I was SO tempted to stop my watch. I was SO tempted just to say screw it… go in my pants… and run on. But just when I came to that realization the door opened. Instant relief.
My mile 3 split was 12:08. Shortly after I was on my way for the rest of the race.
At the next water station I needed a refill, it was already starting to heat up and I wanted to make sure I was well hydrated and didn’t overheat. I took off the lid to my bottle and started filling my handheld. Then when I went to close the lid…. my lid!?! I could NOT find my lid! I ended up running up and down the water station line trying to find my lid. After what seemed like an eternity the water volunteer pointed to it. Someone had kicked it to the side (curb) of the road. It was camouflaged with all the discarded water cups on the ground.
Flustered. Frustrated. Defeated. Yet laughing out loud, I continued on running. I figured there couldn’t… or shouldn’t… be any more mishaps on my race.
Starting mile 4, I reached in my fuel belt to get a honey stinger. Only to have my zipper break! Yes! I managed to get the belt to open and get my fuel, but after giggling to myself I figured why not!?
Mile 4 mile split was 10:14.
Thinking and hoping I would be able to make up some time from the first few miles, I settled into a rhythm.
Mile 5 – 10:23.
Then BOOM a massive set of San Francisco sized rollers. I was not expecting those hills…. that soon. I remember hearing there would be some good hills later in the course, but I remember nothing about massive hills at the beginning. I did my best to run up those hills but mainly power walked and kept moving forward.
Mile 6 – 11:09.
At that point I knew I was not going to PR. I knew I was going to finish. I knew I would be okay. I immediately shifted my goals for the race: To run strong, do my best, to enjoy the journey and love running. There was no time goal… but just a happy, healthy, finish goal.
Miles 7-13 were sort of a blur for me. I hit that running zone moment many get when running distances. I tried to check out the sights along the course, but I honestly do not remember seeing many of them. I did see the Hollywood sign and a few other landmarks, but I don’t remember.
Mile 7 – 10:19 | Mile 8 – 9:48 | Mile 9 – 10:53 | Mile 10 – 10:05 | Mile 11 – 10:10 | Mile 12 – 10:14 | Mile 13 – 10:53
It started to get hot around mile 13. I would dump water on my head and down my back at every other water station from that point on… and running through fire hydrants and more. I remember also starting to feel a blister form on a toe on my left foot… not a serious pain, but a mild annoying discomfort with each step.
Around that time I remember seeing a gentleman sprint past me holding a purple shirt. He tapped a woman in front of me on the shoulder, handed her the shirt, and then hung back to catch his breath. As he ran beside me I told him, “I think you are totally awesome for doing that! You rock!” He smiled and simply said between breaths, “We are all brothers and sisters out here running. We are a family!”
I loved that moment in the race. I think it was one of my favorite moments honestly. It just confirmed why I love running. I love the running community. No matter what the gender, body weight, running speed, or age… we are all a family. A wild and crazy family that enjoys running long distances together! I love running!
I did my best to try not to think about the temperature. I would tell myself it was warm… then instantly change my thought to it is such a beautiful day outside! It worked sometimes… but not always. I needed a distraction and put in my headphones and music.
Mile 14 – 11:12
Around mile 15, I was excited to see my friend Tiffany. She jumped up and down and ran beside me asking how I was feeling. I honestly felt great… just warm. We walked a bit and she gave me some positive encouragement. I asked her to update my status on facebook so my friends/family could see… and I ran on. Did I mention how much I love the running community!? Mile 15 – 9:59
Miles 16-22 were a blur again. I must have hit that zone. I know I did a lot of walking. I looked forward to those big orange mile marker signs because that was my mental cue that I could walk. However, there is where the biggest crowd support always was… making it very hard to walk. I wanted to walk… I just didn’t want them to see me walking. I have a bit of a competitive streak in me.
Mile 16 – 12:27 | Mile 17 – 12:06 | Mile 18 – 11:09 | Mile 19 – 11:51 | Mile 20 – 12:02 | Mile 21 – 12:28 | Mile 22 – 12:09
After crossing the mile 22 marker, I hear my Ragnar So Cal vanmate Dre calling out my name. I was walking and feeling defeated. It was such a great sight to see her. She and one of her homies (dog) were there cheering on the runners. She came bearing gifts of water and trail mix. I wanted to stop and chat… but she reminded me that I can do this and I got this. She pretty much pushed me back on the course setting me on my way.
I munched on some pretzels and M&M’s (something new but tasted oh so good) the next mile and then settled into a comfortable rhythm of a walk, run, shuffle.
Mile 23 – 12:40 | Mile 24 – 11:57
The last two point two (plus) miles were a steady down hill. I could SEE and FEEL it. I mentally envisioned the ocean pulling me to it. That mental picture really did help me. I wanted to walk… just for the mental break. However, running was easier.
Mile 25 – 11:00 | Mile 26 – 10:27
When I made that final turn on Ocean Blvd toward the finish, I turned on my final kick. Running to that point on Saturday for the shake out run helped me because I knew I had 3/4 a mile to the finish line. I knew I could run as hard as I could and leave it all out on the course to the finish line.
My last split was that final kick .51 miles with a pace of 8:34.
When I crossed the finish line, I received my medal and was escorted to the VIP post race party. My final time was 4:51:22. I am officially a marathoner x2!
While in VIP, I cooled down chatted with Meb Keflezighi. I am a big fan of his and shook his hand (with sweat still pouring off of me). If you are reading this Meb, I am sorry for being such a salty, sweaty, stinky person! I just wanted to meet you!
Pardon the blur on my photo. I am sure it is the steam coming off of my hot sweaty body.
I enjoyed a post race Blue Moon and some yummy pizza. Even though I am never hungry right after running… I knew that I needed to feed my body. The beer was a perk and a carbo load again, right? Check out that super shiny and heavy LA Marathon medal!
There you have it. My second full marathon race recap. I came. I ran. I survived the 2014 LA Marathon! Later that afternoon, I checked the temperature again and it was 88 degrees. It was a warm race out there!
@keyserSuze says
Well done on a smashing run! I love what you said about the running community too, and that’s one of the reasons I love to run, and to run in races – it really doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from – we all speak the international language of ‘run’! Congratulations to you x
Rebecca Jo says
So awesome you kept a good attitude through all the mishaps!
That’s so incredible you are a 2x’er … & smiling through it all!
MEETING MEB? COOLEST!!!
Ashley @ Snow Cream and Syrup says
Whoa 88 degrees?! That’s pretty hot. Especially for a race! Nice job. I didn’t understand what you said about the purple shirt – was it something to do with team in training?
Rachel says
Hi Ashley,
Apparently when that girl was running her shirt fell off her waist. The gentleman saw that and picked it up for her… then ran to catch up to her to give it to her. 🙂 She was clueless as she had not noticed it fell off. But he saw the need and helped another runner out. 🙂
It was a selfless act of kindness in the middle of a race. I loved it. 🙂
Ashley @ Snow Cream and Syrup says
Ohh, gotcha. That was really sweet! I probably would have cried.
Rachel says
Yes! At that point I was so emotional and overcome by his kindness… if I wasn’t so salty and losing water from sweating I am sure tears would have come out of my eyes! LOL
Rachel Costello says
I was ssoo salty. every time a ran through those heavenly fire hydrant water sprays it was like a I was swimming in the ocean!!!!
Rachel says
haha! yes! Me too! I was a sweaty salty betty for sure!
Marcia says
Congrats on pushing through a tough race Rachel! Blah to the heat, it sucks the life out of me. Totally agree about the running community, especially in later miles and when conditions are tough. Runners are so very kind. They rule.
Rachel says
Thank you, Marcia! Yes, I love the heat when I am sitting by the pool… but running in it is a totally different beast. 🙂
I agree… the running community is the best! 🙂
Laura P says
Congrats on finishing your second marathon! I was out there too running my first. The heat was brutal, that’s for sure!
I actually think I saw you on Saturday walking in Santa Monica with Brian (pavement runner) but I didn’t want to be some weirdo and be all “hey you don’t know me but I read your blogs!!” Lol.
Good job!
Rachel Costello says
Oh my goodness! I love your blog. I found it through Monica’s blog- run eat repeat. Anyway. I too, ran the LA marathon on Sunday. It was also my 2nd marathon. Reading this recap is so funny because it is like I was recapping my own run. people keep asking about all of the sights I saw but quite honestly it was a blur… The hills were not a huge killer for me (although they were quite brutal) because where I live and run there are killer hills all over. But…the heat got to me a little!!! The 1st two hours, the weather was awesome, then… wherever I could find shade I ran!!
I have two small kiddos so I am relating to a lot that I am reading in your posts!!! I am so excited I stumbled across you and good luck with your future marathons! I cant wait to run another one also!!
Rachel Costello
Rachel says
Yay! Welcome to my blog! 🙂 I love your name 😉
Rachel says
Haha! You totally should have done that! We would have LOVED to have met you!! I had someone come up to me while we were walking the outdoor mall area comment on my shirt (I love running). 🙂
btw – I totally did the “Can I take a picture with you because I love your blog… or am a HUGE fan!” all.weekend.long! 🙂
Lora @ Crazy Running Girl says
Congrats!!!
Rachel says
Thank you ! 🙂
workout mommy says
YAY! great job Rachel!! 🙂
Rachel says
Thank you! 🙂 I still would LOVE to run a Disney race with you 😉
Ganeeban says
Congrats girlie! I loved reading your recap, the highs and the lows – that’s what running is all about 🙂
stephanie says
great race Rachel! Still a really great time!!!
Rachel says
Thanks Steph! 🙂
Running Hutch says
So great, Rachel! You are a fabulous runner and I’m so glad I got to see you!
Rachel says
Thank you so much for believing in me, supporting me, and more recently coming out to cheer me on in person! Your presence and support meant the world to me! 🙂 Thank YOU again! 🙂
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Awesome, awesome, awesome! I love that there’s a big smile on your face for every pic. And 88 degrees is no joke! Great job mama!
Rachel says
Thank you. I found that interesting too (smile in photos). I am hoping I was smiling the entire race… and that my love for running was beaming from me. 🙂 lol
Linz @ Itz Linz says
congrats, girl! you’re awesome!
Amanda - RunToTheFinish says
CONGRATS!!! I think people underestimate how much recovery the body needs after a first marathon, so it’s amazing that you tackled another so quickly!!! Love the guy giving her the shirt and yes the entire running community is a family, it’s what keeps us coming back to this crazy sport.
Ericka @ The Sweet Life says
Many congrats! I know it was hot but you pulled through! I was supposed to be t here but couldn’t make it. Glad it turned out well!
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness says
You’re amazing!! Congratulations on the finish!
Rachel says
Thank you so much! 🙂
Chad on the North Coast says
What a great race report! I love your spirit through the whole day. Congratulations!