LA Marathon Updates!

Well race day is over, all across LA there are thousands of runners with their feet propped up enjoying a cold beverage while they begin to recover. 

First, let me say that there are some amazing men and women on this board. I'll let each of the runners share their own experiences about today's race. I just wanted to share my own story...and make a few mentions....

I woke up early about 4am and drove to downtown LA to meet up Brian,Kimmie, Kevin and Kirsten. After we dropped off Kirsten and Brian 1 mile from the starting line the three of us "Support Crew" went to breakfast at mile 11 in Hollywood.

By the way, traffic was a nightmare pretty much the whole day where ever we went.

I got to see the elite male and female runners zoom past. These athletes run at an astonishing 12 miles per hour. Drive your car that fast and imagine running that fast for 26 miles. These guys make it look easy.

I ran a few blocks with Kirsten at mile 11 before "the Crew" dropped me off at mile 20 in west LA. I began to walk and at mile 21 I saw Brian W. aka "the beast". I took a walk with him and chatted a bit, but there's no way I could have run his pace. He was doing just fine.

I stood and waited for Kirsten at mile 22 for a while. I knew she wasn't feeling so well. This is where the "Extended Road Crew" came into play. Kirsten, you may not know about it but there were so many OHers pulling for you today. Thank you so much to Liz R., Celeste, Michelle, Becky, Lori C., Jean, Lynn, Janeen, Leann, Coach Scott and all the others (sorry if I forgot you) who sent texts, made phone calls and Facebook messages of support. 

This is what makes OH great!! People who care, get involved and offer support make this journey so much easier.  

When you are out there on that lonely road it seems like you are lost and forgotten when your body is so tired. Thank you so much for your love and support. Those little words of encouragement mean the world to a runner.

Running is an individual sport, but it thrives on community.  

I was just one lone runner out there waiting for Kirsten with a wet washcloth....but I felt like I was representing all of you who were tracking her from home. We finally met up and Kirsten had some fire in her. I ran with her for about 2 miles before I let go to the finish on her own. 

I strolled to mile 26 and jumped off the course. I wasn't a registered runner, and it would have been bad runners etiquette to cross the finish line on a race I didn't run.

 

To all the runners out there, you have my admiration and respect. You have much to be proud of! 

You are such an awesome woman and friend...the best to you =)

Thanks! You wanna run with me? ;)

It would be an honor...when you need me?

PS: My homemade shirt was a big hit, and lots of people stopped to take pictures with me. I want to start selling them!

 

Thank you so much Monica, Kimmie, and Kevin who were out there on the course for me.  Sorry I made you wait for so long and scared you guys so much.  I didn't realize I had so many of you calling, texting, and Facebooking for me.  Thank you all!!!!  I needed the support so badly.  I have run many races including a few 1/2 marathons and one other marathon, but this one was BAD.  I woke up this morning thinking that it had all been a bad nightmare, then I saw my medal and realized that it wasn't a dream after all. 

I will be putting together a race report soon.  I really want to forget about the day's events, but by putting them in writing maybe I can figure out what went wrong and learn from it for next time.....IF there is a next time!  LOL