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Monday, May 3, 2010

OC Marathon Race Recap



This was my first time running in California. I love Southern California. I have lots of great childhood memories there. I love the smells, the sun, the ocean...AND it is home to "The Happiest Place on Earth." 

The OC Marathon course was great. It went through the coastal cities of Newport Beach, Irvine, and Costa Mesa. I especially loved running through Corona Del Mar... there are some magnificent homes in that area. The coast on one side, the smells in the air, California at its best.

The first 10 miles was along the Pacific ocean and Newport Beach. The weather was perfect, warm with a slight breeze in the upper 70's, perfect for running. 

I enjoyed this race so much. It was well organized, although they could've had more volunteers at the aid stations, they just weren't prepared for the number of runners coming through. But there was great spectator support all along the course. 

I felt strong the entire race. At about mile 20-21 I started noticing the runners who had hit the wall, I have been there and knew exactly what was going through their heads. I had been following what appeared to be a first timer, and I could see by the slump in her stride that she was hitting the wall. I ran up next to her and said, "Don't stop now," as so many other people had done for me in the past she smiled and she started to run with me. I have been so grateful for all of you out there that have told me to "Not stop now!" It has got me to my 18th marathon.

 I DIDN'T HAVE ANY NAUSEA OR CRAMPING!!!!!! I think I have finally figured out what works for me. My last several races I have taken B-12 drops along the way. And the last two races I ate a burger and fries the evening before. I really think there is something to the red meat, fat and salty french fries :).

All along the route throughout the day I had seen people in red shirts that said, "Carey's Corps." At mile 26 a group of them passed me pushing a wheelchair. I didn't think anything of it until I crossed the finish line... they were all right there and I heard the announcer say, "Sergeant Carey is crossing the finish line with the help of his fellow U.S. Marine Corps platoon..." I turned around just in time to watch him get out of his chair and walk across the finish line..the tears just poured out of me as I watched and clapped for him. You can read Sergeant Carey's story here.  Oooh-Rah Sgt. Carey! Congrats on your marathon finish!! It really was the highlight of the entire race for me!
Thanks again to my Sponsor: Little Caesars! I will be running #18~ Grand Valley marathon in five days! Almost halfway there! Keep running!

12 comments:

Evolving Through Running said...

Sounds like you knocked it out of the park - Congratulations!! Great story with all the support Sgt. Carey got in the race - and a GREAT picture. Capturing a moment of pure joy.
Spent several of my childhood years in Southern California - Garden Grove. Great memories.

Marlene said...

Congrats on another one! Sounds like a great race, and how amazing to see the Sgt. cross the line!

Unknown said...

I love OC, I went to college up there and I hope to run this marathon some day. I enjoyed your post, wow, lots of marathons!

Janice {Run Far} said...

I love OC.My aunt still lives down there, but I spent every summer as a teen with her and my cousin. I will have to put this one in the books for next year. Make it a family vacation or something. Congrats on #17 and god luck with #18 in 5 days. geesh. you are amazing. the story of the marine, made me tear. Thanks for sharing.

Sherry @ Life from my persective said...

Congrats on #17! Thanks for sharing the story of Sgt. Carey as well... what a wonderful thing they did for him. I wonder how many of our co-workers would do the same for us? I love the USMC!

misszippy said...

Congrats! Sounds like a beautiful course and that you really enjoyed yourself. Thanks for sharing Sgt. Carey's story.

Denise said...

wow...the flood gates just opened reading that. i can't imagine what it must have been like to watch him cross the finish line in person. there are so many incredible achievements made during marathons, i'm glad you captured one for us to see!

congrats on #17...bring on the next one!

Glenn Jones said...

I had no idea you were running the OC Marathon! I was on my bike trying to be a one man cheerleader. I'm sure I saw you at mile 6.5 when everyone came out from behind Newport Dunes! Snap!

I saw the Sgt and his corps right at the top of the hill coming out of Eastbluff. I was reduced to tears. Ooo rah!

Congrats on a great race!

P.S. - You might want to check out my blog for a little video recap of the Half.

Felice Devine said...

Yay for a great race and for figuring out what works for you!

Unknown said...

Stacey I was part of Careys Corp on Sunday and I just wanted to thank you for your kind words!! I am one of the therapist who is currently working with Sgt. Carey in rehab so I am going to personally deliver your message today!

Quinton J said...

You've got and AWESOME smile!

Julie @ HotlegsRunner said...

Hi! I just chanced upon your blog while looking for OC marathon race reports. I just wanted to ask how the course was? was it flat? Plan to PR, you see =)