11.15.09
Malibu Marathon Race Report
Posted in Races, Run, race
at 7:00 am
by luluorange ·
Digg! this story.
Coming into the finish line, Finally!
The course of the marathon started from Camarillo Airport, where it will take us through the flat farmlands of Ventura Valley. Acres upon acres of farmland are a site to see for a city girl like me. The Santa Monica Mountains loom to the east as we run the first ten miles towards the Navy base at Point Mugu. Coming onto the southbound Pacific Coast Highway, we make our way two miles along the base before entering the “Keyway to the Coast”, the rock valley passageway to the ocean at Point Mugu.
As we ran along the beautiful cliffs lining the undeveloped coastline around mile 11-12, we were hit with strong headwind. The wind was so strong, it was pushing us back as we ran uphill, the wind was also creating mini sand storms. This was a rough challenge that I have never experienced before. I held my footing firmly on the ground while keeping my head down so the sand doesn’t get into my eyes. I thought to myself, “This must be what a derma abrasion procedure feels like. My skin better be baby soft after this…”
During this section of the route, I recognized “my rocks”. There were two huge rocks hanging off the cliff over the Pacific Ocean where I used to drive here to think and contemplate in the middle of the night. In the era of dealing with “loss”, lost of family through divorce, lost of my father, lost of relationships; a lot of emotional stuff. I used to get in the car, drove on to Pacific Coast Highway and just drive until I see “my rocks”. I would park my car, put the seat down and look up in the sky and watch a million stars while I listen to the Pacific Ocean wave pounding the coastline. I am at a different place in my life now, but actually running by “my rocks” in broad daylight was surreal.
As the wind died down, the sun came out and there were no shades to relief us from the sun beating down. The next 8 miles was a test of mental toughness. The rolling hills don’t seem to let up, but the coastline in its pristine beauty distracts me from thinking about how uncomfortable I was. I ran passed a restaurant called Neptune’s Net; my husband and I used to come out on his motorcycle for a Saturday morning ride. Neptune’s Net was the restaurant where all the bikers ended up for lunch. Bikers are scary creatures to me when I am in a car, but when I was on the back of my husband’s motorcycle, all the bikers were so friendly, they would wave as we rode by each other. I’ve never experience such friendliness. Running by Neptune’s Net brought back some fond memories.
The final 6 miles took us on a tour of beautiful and secluded homes of Hollywood superstars. Because of the inaccessibility of the road, there were few supporters cheering for us. But a lot of residences came out of their huge home; sat on the driveway with their morning coffee and newspapers; cheering for us as we run by. At this point, all I can think about was my coffee and newspaper and maybe a nap.
As I approached the edge of Zuma beach, the activities started to get busy, there were crowds cheering, I turned into the beach parking lot, smiled and waved at two photographers as they snapped my pictures. Crossed the finish line as my friend Julie came up and gave me a big hug! The medal was beautiful and heavy, I loved the feeling of a medal around my neck!
I wasn’t really thinking about finish time, I set a silent goal of sub 5-hour. I ended up with 5 hour 4 minutes. Better than San Francisco marathon of 5 hour 15 minutes. I think overall considering the terrains and the weather, this marathon was a tougher race than San Francisco. I was proud of myself that I shaved off some time. As for all physical challenges I took on this year, I suffered the agony during the challenges but gloat in the knowledge that I’ve done it again! That’s something that no one can ever take away from me!
So this is it for the year; with four marathons and two half marathons under my belt, not bad for a newbie on her first year of racing.
The fitness goal and my training will continue as I wrapped up this year. Setting new goals for next year, continuing on with new challenges. Until next time…
Workout:
- Type: Run
- Date: 11/15/2009
- Time: 07:00:00
- Total Time: 5:04:00.00
- Calories: 3195
- Distance: 26.2 miles
- Average Pace: 11:36.32/mile
Kathy Wenzel said,
11.17.09 at 5:44 pm
Once again, congratulations Sharey! I can only imagine in my dreams what you have accomplished this year. I am very proud of you and you have my admiration. Till next time!
Ramona said,
11.17.09 at 5:53 pm
Well Done Sharey!! You are very inspiring. . I look up to you and hopefully one day in my life i will actually run one too! I’m very proud of you and all the medals you have received this year
Madeline said,
11.17.09 at 5:57 pm
You go girl! Just think, you didn’t use to like running. Now, your the iron (Bionic) woman in our office. This is an accomplishment that no one can ever take away from you. I’m very proud of you. Keep on running.
Carey said,
11.17.09 at 9:04 pm
I am very turned on…oops wrong blog. Yikes…how do I delete what I just wrote?!
Congrats Sharey! You are an inspiration to us all.
Pei Pei said,
11.18.09 at 12:18 am
That’s great!
Bill Lockton said,
11.18.09 at 1:05 am
Congrats! Nice write-up. All of that in your first year? I’m proud of you!
Want to hear something crazy? 3,195 calories burned up in the marathon doesn’t quite equal even one pound of weight! Add lots of running, biking, etc. throughout the week, though, and then repeat that week after week, and then it adds up. But, less than a pound burned off by running a whole marathon! Who’d have thought it was so little?
nw said,
11.18.09 at 4:10 am
Great job baby, so you’ll have some times off till next year. congratulations.
Hoss said,
11.18.09 at 4:30 pm
Congratulations Sharey - again. Great feat and awesome year end finish. You are doing great for a first year runner. Good Luck next year and you can run with us, now that you are faster.
Sue Hoffheins said,
11.19.09 at 12:07 am
Is that you sticking your tongue out?
Mommy Sue