I don't know what the atmosphere will feel like, don't know what the energy level surrounding a marathon is like. So I scoured around online and, uh, borrowed, some pictures of previous Surf City Marathons. While we visited Huntington Beach earlier this month to try and get a feel of what it will be like, I wanted to see what the race scene might look like.
The marathon will feature a wealth of runners, so the starting line could look like this.
tight quarters at the start lineThis year they are featuring a two-wave start, so there might not be such a crowd at the start but who knows.
Out on the course, it probably will look like this.
runners runners everywhereNot sure where on the course that pictures is from but I'll be there on Feb. 7.
This next picture is pretty cool because you can see our motel in the background.
down the stretchOn the right-hand side of the street are motels, hotels, houses and business surrounded by palm trees. To the left (and off camera) is the beach. This is Pacific Coast Highway, the 1 Freeway, and these runners are heading towards the finish line. I get goosebumps just thinking about being here, going towards the finish line.
the ultimate destinationAll the mile markers lined up, probably the day before the big race. To think that it will take me 10-11 minutes to see each of these. But I know I will be very happy to see each mile marker.
Another thing that helped set the scene was this post by blog buddy Lisa of Discovering the Meaning of Stonehenge (a runner's journey). She's also running Surf City and is an accomplished runner/marathoner. She knocked out a 16-miler on the weekend and is now, like me, in taper mode. Taper is a Latin word meaning "sit around on your arse and don't run."
I'm less than two weeks away!! Can you believe it?!?
9 comments:
Very exciting and I even got butterflies looking at those pictures. Amazing experience you will have L.B. I'm excited for you!!!
OMG when I did Chicago I was so amazed at the Start line! It's INSANE! It's so big, there's so many people, you will seriously wonder how on earth all the people even fit! And the buzz! The anticipation, excitement, adrenaline... you will get so caught up in it, it will fuel you. Your heart will be in your throat you'll be so excited. You'll keep asking yourself, is this a dream?!?!? OMG I'm so excited for you! I can so easily remember every moment of the start at Chicago.
As for Taper, I forsee you hitting refresh on the weather website 20,000,000 times a day as well as reading every single Surf City recap you can find and basically be incapable of processing any non-running related thought... or maybe that was just me! :)
Haha, I didn't know that's what "taper" really meant! ;)
You're gonna rock it!!! :)
So that's what "taper" means! Thanks for the clarification, silly Latin words!
The buzz and excitement at the start is indescribable, but it still chokes me up every time. Soak it all in, you deserve it!
And don't worry, I have a feeling that many of your miles will thin out and give you time to really soak in the atmosphere and scenery. I have a butterfly tummy for you!
It seems like it is flying by to me. I can only imagine who it seems to you.
It looks exciting and intimidating all at the same time to me! I can't wait to read your post-race post!
Thank you so much for the mention and the link. I am flattered that you label me an "accomplished runner/marathoner." I suppose that means that I write with some semblance of authority. The truth is, Surf City will be my 3rd marathon and the first time I have run anything other than San Diego Rock-n-Roll. I am looking forward to the different experience. San Diego is CRAZY. It is also a bit bigger than Surf City, where everyone is running the marathon. The majority of runners in our race are running the half.
No matter what, it will be a beautiful course and a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to it!
Enjoy your "sitting on your arse" period. I know I will. :-)
The course is pretty crowded (not too terrible though), till after the half-marathoners split off.
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