Running LA Marathon

I did it! I am officially a Marathoner!

I ran the L.A. Marathon last weekend. I decided to run it about 3 weeks ago after I ran the Ragnar Relay. I figured I'd probably never be in this good of shape again. It's just so time consuming to train for. This has been a life goal of mine and it was time to accomplish it. I can now check it off my bucket list:) I am very proud of myself. Usually I am not this vocal when I am proud of myself but heck I just ran 26.2 miles! I can be proud and be vocal if I want to;) Here are the highlights:

Before the race in our front yard.

* I did my training on my own.
* My training consisted of 3 maybe 4 runs a week.
* My longest run was 16 miles.
* Usually, people who run marathons run at least two 18 mile runs prior to the marathon. I didn't have time with Jon's work schedule and children to tend to.
* The marathon course was from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier. Many people took a shuttle from the Pier to the Stadium to get to the beginning of the race. Jon drove me. The freeway was backed-up for the last 4 miles. At 3 miles we see this guy get out of his car and start running to the start line. At 2 miles bus loads of people we getting out and walking along the freeway to get to the start line. People were peeing in the bushes along the freeway (women squatting). I took pictures laughing. I figured the race starts when I run over the start line and activates my sensor chip.

These are some of the people who got out of the buses and cars on the freeway about 2 miles out.

* Jon dropped me off at the Stadium.
* The race was delayed 30 minutes.
* There was a crazy amount of people there. 25,000 racers.
* During the race I ate gel packs to give me the energy.
* Drank water/powerade at each mile.
* It was hard to get focused and get in a flow since at every mile there was a water station. It was good to be hydrated but difficult to stay mentally focused.
* Mile 4 my right calf started hurting. It had been bugging me all week so I knew this was a possibility.
* Mile 7 I took my Ibuprofen.
* I was actually happy for some hills and downhills because it gave my calf muscles a little bit of break. Different muscles were being used.
* Mile 18 Jon and the boys met me. Lucas ran next to me for a little bit. It was fun to see them.
* Mile 19 a women collapsed and another racer was performing CPR on her until the ambulance came.
* I got wigged out a little bit seeing that so I slowed down a little.
* Mile 20 I hit my wall. Kind of felt a little dizzy but knew I was well hydrated. It crossed my mind "maybe I need something to eat."
* Mile 21 ate a banana.
* Mile 22 I was feeling better.
* Mile 23 I felt great. I finally got into a flow and ran the last 3.2 miles at about an 8 minute-mile pace.
* Finished in 4 hours 3 minutes with a pace of 9:16
*After the race I met up with Jon and the boys. We then walked about a mile to our van. The boys played on the beach for a little bit on the way back. They were excited.
* After the race I saw this guy with a white tank top with blood all over the front of it. His nipples chafed during the run. I can't imagine that pain. It hurts to think about. I'm glad I don't have that problem:)
* I loved seeing 3 blonde boys playing in the sand together and knowing they're my children. Wow! Parenthood is great!!!
* Running is great too. But, I need a break.
* Sunday and Monday it felt like I just went through 2-a-day basketball or volleyball practice. Those were the days!
*By Tuesday I could walk without feeling sore muscles. Yeah!!

Well, I don't know when or if I'll run another. But, I'm glad I did this. It was a good experience. Thank you Jon for taking care of the kids while I ran on the weekends. Thanks for waking-up at 5 a.m. taking me to the race and then dragging the kids around the city to support me and pick me up. You are the best!

This picture shows the personalities quite well. Micah sweet and adorable. Lucas - serious and confident. David - always on the go. Can never sit still.

Great action shot of Lucas after the marathon.

All three boys playing and loving the beach. That mile walk back to the van was long. But, the kids had fun playing for a little bit.