OC Marathon Race Report (Read 596 times)

As I said to someone else, the first mile was easy. The last 25 were a real bitch. After 2 injuries that seriously threatened to derail me (I even posted for advice here about all the time I had taken off), and a horrible case of food poisoning that had me in the hospital 24 hours before the race was supposed to start, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to those 26.2 miles. Saturday night, I wasn't planning on running. Even though I felt better, 26 miles is hard when you're healhty, let alone when you've just been sick. But my husband kept telling me to wait and see, and Sunday I woke up feeling absolutely normal. No residual effect of the food poisoning, which (as expected) was gone in 24 hours. So we went. Worst case scenario, I would call from an aid station to be picked up, or even choose to do the half instead of the full. But I didn't have to call, and I finished in under four hours, which was my goal when I was healthy. 3:59:18, and it was my very first marathon. And I'd just been sick. And I've had 2 major injuries in the last 2 months that required a total of 3 weeks of complete rest. I can't believe how well I did! Okay, on to the "real" race report: For anyone considering doing the Orange County Marathon. DON'T. At least not until they change the course. The home page says "ocean bays" and "beautiful architecture" but apparently that was from before they changed the route 2 years ago. Now it's on a closed down toll road, running along the freeway and down off ramps and up on ramps and on little trails along the ditch below the overpasses. The scenery was crappy, there were very few spectators (because they couldn't get to the marathon side lines due to road closures), and while I wouldn't call the course hilly, miles 12-21 were at a slight constant incline that killed my quads. Not only that, but the weather was just weird. It was really windy at about mile 20, which was a little more incline than before, and the head wind kept pushing me back. When the wind died down, I was out in the middle of nowhere on a freeway with no music or people to distract me, and the sun was beating down on me with no relief. There were no trees, no buildings, no houses. The biggest hills were at mile 23.5 and then again at about mile 25. Even had I NOT just run so many miles, I would have said that the hills were tough. But add in the last hour of running and, even though they weren't really long hills, the incline just wore me down. The race support was good, with aid stations well stocked and spaced throughout the course. The volunteers were all nice and friendly, but that doesn't come close to making up for the horrible route and lack of spectator viewing areas. I really should have looked at reviews of the marathon before signing up, but was so gung ho about finding one relatively close to me, and the timing fit. I'll know better for next time. And now, 2 days later, I think I can almost say there will be a next time. Yesterday was tough, since we had to make the 4 hour drive home that turned into 6.5 because of an accident. I was so sore everytime we stopped that I had a hard time getting out of the car. I had a massage last night, and today is much better. Not that I am walking normal, but it sure beats the limping steps of yesterday. Overall, it was an absolutely amazing experience. While it wasn't exactly what I expected, it was defintely worth the pain and the hard work to cross the finish line and come home with a medal. My biggest surprise so far was actually how sore my upper body was. I expected the leg pain and tight calves and thighs, but I didn't expect my shoulders and neck to hurt as badly as they did yesterday. During the race was fine, but within 24 hours I was tight and sore to the point where I was getting a headache. So far that has really been the only thing I hadn't really planned for. Anyway, I just wanted to let you guys know how it went. Have a great week! ~Callie

Wow Callie, it is amazing that you could still run after just having food poisoning and overcoming injuries. Congratulations!!! Any training advice for other first-timers? In your training, what do you think you did that best prepared you for the marathon?

Wow! Great race and time! Considering all the obstacles (especially the food poisoning.. that sounds awful!), it's really amazing that you even met your sub 4-hour goal! Congratulations and enjoy your recovery! If you're already able to think about it, I know you'll be back for another marathon soon!

Nice one...i hope they'll change the course someday because i'd like to run that one of these days..

Damn, that is quite a showing, especially under the circumstances. Just think how well you would have done had all factors been more favorable! k

Girl that's one impressive time!!!! You are a real inspiration. It's amazing that you had these issues and still aced the time demon. I want to be you. You are my new hero! Claire xxx

Wow, that is awesome Callie, congratulations! Quite the inspiring story- next time I try to talk myself out of running because of a small headache, I'll remember that you ran 26.2 miles the day after having food poisoning!

Callie, I thought about the San Diego Rock N Roll, but we have a wedding back east to get to that weekend. Damn weddings. (Just kidding of course, as there's no better subsitute for a race than drinking and dancing your heart out with wonderful friends. . .) Thanks for the suggestions. I didn't know there was a marathon in Long Beach, but it's definitely a pretty area down there and something to consider. Good luck as you plan your next race. Keep us posted on what you decide!