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| 3:50am: about to go to the shuttle station |
The shuttle pick up station in Figueroa street was also just a 3 minute walk from the hotel.
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| All set! I think I caught the first shuttle |
I got to the stadium around 4:30am. At that time vehicle traffic near the stadium was already close to heavy and runners were just starting to arrive. There were more than 26,000 participants, and getting early in the venue was an advantage.
I was happily surprised that there was free breakfast available of banana, bagel and energy bar. I lined up to get mine and immediately looked for the open seed waiting area.
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| Early birds at Dodger Stadium |
I was aiming for a 5:30 time, so I stayed at the 12 minutes per mile group. I was really impressed with this strategy. Runners with more or less the same speed were together, so human traffic was smooth for everyone. In the few Philippine races I participated in, which were not really as big, I spent the first few minutes overtaking slower runners and being passed by faster ones.
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| Targeting 12 minutes per mile |
Before I knew it the energy level at Dodger Stadium got really high and exciting. Music blasted from a local band, runners here and there were preparing themselves--some doing their warm ups, putting petroleum jelly and sun block on their body parts, using the porta-potties; while clear announcements about bag deposit and start time could be heard.
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| LA Marathon 2015 runners waiting for the gun start |
These porta-potties were such a joy! There were a lot in Dodger Stadium-- maybe 100+. I was loading up on water and drank more than two litters a day seven days prior the race that I had to use the pottie 3 times before the gun start and on the 6th mile. Thankfully, there were also portalets on the course.
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| Porta-potties in Dodger Stadium |
There were also runners who went out of their way to spread good vibrations. This Smiley face balloon did a good a job of cheering me up and shaking off my nerves.
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| One runner brought a Smiley balloon |
Another proof that it was going to be a good run-- all of us runners were lucky to have this colorful and lovely sunrise. I just love a great sunrise. It's a promise of an awesome day ahead.
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| Sunrise during the LA Marathon 2015 |
And then it was race time. One by one each corral was called with the open corral being the last. Once I passed the starting line, I was in the zone.
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| LA Marathon 2015 starting line |
I wasn't able to take as much photos that I would have wanted to on the course, because doing so would have affected my time. Though like what I said, it was such a joyous event. Aside from refreshments--water and Gatorade--on each mile marker, there was also entertainment from local bands. But what I was surprised with was the people. Spectators--young and old-- went out of their way to cheer, support and prepare placards for the runners. Seeing and hearing the cheerers were more than enough already. But they even prepared food like orange slices, jelly beans, ice candies, ice cubes, gummy bears, pizza pie slices, chips, pretzels, and twizzlers for the runners. I tried some before I realized that munching on ice cubes was the best. It was hard to eat during a run, even energy bars. Sweet or sour food on a really hot weather made me more thirsty. There were also refreshments and sometimes free hugs, high fives and Vaseline. Who would not be motivated with all of that!? As for the placards, I can still remember some that made me smile and want to push myself more like Your feet hurt because you are kicking ass; Pain is temporary, pride is forever; Believe me, hell is hotter; Worst parade ever; Run like you stole something; There is beer in the finish line; Smile if you peed a little; Smile if you need to poop.
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| LA Marathon 2015 |
The legacy runners were very inspiring. I want to be just like them.
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| LA Marathon Legacy Runner Ruth |
It became challenging for me on the 10th mile. Suddenly I felt really heavy. Might be because of the mix of unfamiliar air, extremely hot weather--reached 90 degrees, and jetlag. I started counting and looking forward to each mile marker. I wasn't expecting this since I already had conquered a very comfortable 21 mile race in the Philippines.
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| LA Marathon 2015 runners |
Another group that helped me a lot was my host family and my fellow Filipinos on the 13th mile. Apparently, my tita Precy--who took care of me when I was young and she was still in the Philippines--and her family volunteer as water station operators, together with the APO fraternity in LA, every year. Her husband Tito Rocky is the APO member. Seeing familiar faces and fellow Filipinos and getting hugs from them right exactly on the half mark of the race gave me an additional boost. I even have my own signage.
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| LA Marathon Mile 13 with APOGLA |
For some reason, I did not notice the 24th mile marker, so it was a very pleasant surprise when I saw the 25th. One more mile left!
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| LA Marathon 25th mile marker |
The last mile seemed the longest and composed of a lot of walks. It was where "you are almost there" felt the farthest. At this point, I had to be extra careful not to get into any injury. One wrong move and my leg would had easily gave up on me.
I just made sure that I was running as I crossed the finish line. Approximately 250 meters from finishing, I gathered all the energy I had left and ran with all my heart. I finished my first marathon and the fulfillment is tremendous!
I cried when I finally saw my husband. After running for 5 hours and 38 minutes-- just 8 minutes off my target time-- there were just a mix of so many feelings: I was dead tired, I was very happy with my accomplishment (quitting was not an option and it wasn't easy), I missed him, my family and friends and I realized I'm so lucky to have them (running makes me think and reflect about my life). He cried, too. Out of relief that I made it in one piece.
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| LA Marathon 2015 Finisher! |
Right after our small, happy reunion, we saw a medic station. Ice bags then sounded like a very good idea. Those cold bags helped relieve my aching tired legs.
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| Ice bags for my tired legs |
This, by far, was the best race I ever ran. From the time I registered online, to the expo, actual race, medal--heavy and high quality, post race and up to now, the support and updates have always been grade A. A million thanks to all the organizers, volunteers, spectators, my family, friends, coach and husband for making the LA Marathon a very memorable milestone for me.
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