10 February 2012 – 5 hrs 13 min
It was another fresh cold overcast morning in Long Beach to start out the third marathon in a row. There were a small group of close to 20 people starting out to run the Marathon and Half Marathon this morning.
The course would be comprised of just over 4 miles out and back course with marathon runners to complete six laps and half marathon runners three laps. The 4 mile course took in residential areas in the Long Beach area and around the Long Beach Marina known as The Aquatic Capital of America.
The earlier 6.30am start provided for a spectacular sunrise over the Marina making this a sight to behold. There was a little uncertainty on crossing a large bridge with the runner ahead of me not too sure of the direction to follow with the two leaders out of sight. After a slight course correction it was soon clear as to the best way forward with the remainder of the course well marked with chalk on the road and sidewalk.
I was feeling pretty good today and was ready to finish the three day adventure in style after a tough day out yesterday. There was again plenty of things going on during the marathon with a number of teams training from Dragon Boat racing and paddling along the river with teams warming up prior to competition.
It was great to share the road with Andrea Ettingshausen who was running the Half Marathon with her Dad running the full marathon and very pleasing to play some small part in helping her to post a new personal best by close to 20 minutes. The aid station was well located close to the start line and convenient to help refuel during the out and back course.
It was at the Half Marathon stage where I caught up with a few other runners briefly and the atmosphere was relaxed and cordial which was great as I had expected at least one other was running the full marathon only to then find out that they had decided to call it a day. Here I was thinking that we would get a quick drink and then head back out only to find myself quickly returning to the course to get the job done.
There sure is a massive difference in running with company during a marathon at a consistent pace to push you a little harder and challenge you as opposed to being on your own. I soon tuned into the iPod for some favourite tunes to keep me company over the closing stages.
It was interesting to see the local Real Estate Agents out in force mid morning to promote open homes with political style promotional posters set up in parks with US flags to highlight the event. It was great to catch up with a real character of the marathon world in the USA Karen Weston Vollan over the closing stages and at the end of the event.
Mission Accomplished in California prior to heading across to Washington State for back to back events next weekend.
2013 Statistics:
Marathons Run – 17
Total Distance Run – 717.3 km / 445.4 miles
US States Completed – AZ, CA, FL, NV, TX
Total Drive Distance – 1,465 km / 911 miles
Total Flight Distance – 11,828 km / 7,351 miles
