The 2011 Los Angeles Marathon was a challenging race and outside of the actual race details, I have not really shared much more about the trip. Overall the experience is one that I will never forget. After months of planning and finally getting to L.A. for the race, I was not disappointed.

Relax

The full experience began as I was flying into Los Angeles. I made the mistake of taking a window seat and was able to spot Dodger Stadium. As I continued to glance towards the west, I still could not see the coast. Probably a bad idea to look out the window. The week prior, I had arranged for a ride from the airport to the hotel and back. I decided that I would stay at a nicer hotel since some of the others were all about the same price for the weekend anyhow. When I arrived at the airport there were three drivers with signs that read my last name. I remember laughing to myself doubting that any one of them were for me. I then received a phone call and glanced over to notice that one of the drivers was for me. How cool!?

For a minute I felt like a rock star and the driver was the nicest driver that I could have ever remembered. Upon arriving at the hotel, I checked my bags and wandered to the pier to catch a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. I then hopped on a bus to head to Dodger Stadium to get my race registration packet. While there I had to get a L.A. Marathon jacket. It was a must have for me and my first full marathon. On the way back to the hotel, the afternoon bus route stopped about five miles from the hotel. This ended up being a blessing in disguise as I walked the final five miles of the course. Visually, this would help me immensely for the race on Sunday.

As some of you know, I spend a lot of time on dailymile conversing with other runners and meeting new ones. That night I had the wonderful opportunity to finally meet some of those dailymile runners from Los Angeles in real life. Some of us had run several races together without even knowing it. We all met for dinner and it was an amazing time. It was so nice to meet everyone and it was as if we were all long time friends that picked up where we left off. After food, fun and conversation, we all went our separate ways as we continued to prepare for the race.

Reminisce

On Saturday, I spent the day visiting more places that I had been as a kid. I ran a quick three mile run through Palisades Park the day before and decided to head to Douglas Park where my Dad would take us as kids. I also wandered past his high school and went to the pier for a little while. While it was nice to see everything, I have this problem with walking around everywhere prior to race day when I should be resting up the legs. Overall, it was fun and I am glad that I got out there and visited some old memorable sites.

Race

Wind, rain, sweat, tears, pain, courage, heart, determination, frustration and excitement are just some of the words that would describe my first full marathon experience. I am convinced that, for 26.2 miles, a runner has the opportunity to experience a gambit of emotions which makes finishing that much sweeter. I previously went into the details of the race on my prior post, but have since accepted that this race will be one that I learn the most from for a long time to come.

Rejoice

After crossing the finish line, despite the rain, it was quite possibly the most unbelievable experience that I have ever had. Once out of the secure zone, we must have traversed about 500 yards of people about 20 deep on each side waiting for friends and family congratulating us as we wandered through. It really made me feel good that this many people braved the elements to come see the finish.

Despite being waterlogged, I found a gym to change into some dry clothes and headed to the hotel room to shower and get into something warmer. I then headed to meet some of the L.A. running crew at a English Pub for some celebratory beers. As runners entered the pub, the entire place would erupt into cheers welcoming the finishers. I then met the remainder of the runners at a nearby hotel as we exchanged stories and got to know each other more.

These are just some of the reasons why I will never forget that race. I am so glad that I picked the race that I did and am looking forward to my next full marathon which I am planning to do in Arizona. I am also planning on revisiting L.A. now that I have a score to settle with the course. The fact that I have new friends that I met there is awesome too.

A special thank you to everyone that helped make this such an enjoyable experience. From those who trained with me, motivated me, gave me advice and welcomed me to your town, you all are true examples of an awesome running community.