Number 14 Was Special

Yesterday I ran my 14th marathon! And it was special because...

I almost didn't think I would be able to run it.

A month out from the race, I felt something not quite right with my foot and took time off to rest it. I was able to fit in some runs after, but not per the training plan. It was quite iffy whether I would start or even complete the race.

But I had my mind set on running across Bixby Bridge, which is at the mid point or 13.1 miles in.

In the end, I think I was able to do it because conditions were favorable - cloud cover the whole way AND I wasn't doing it for time (no watch!). Just a lot of things fell into place, including the hydration and gel taking during the race. Sometimes the gels really bother my tummy.

I did worry about how a good part of the course was hilly and canted and whether I would complete under the time limit. Deciding to run was not the wisest thing to do, but it's hard to be sensible when to get into the race, it's by lottery and I got in on my first try. In the end, my running angel looked after me.

Another positive part of the weekend was meeting a lot of runners my age or older who had more marathons under their belt. Just a bunch of committed runners, continuing to train for 1 or 2 marathons a year.