2007 Big Sur International Marathon
Marathon Man Home How it started... Dublin 2002 New York 2003 Paris 2004 Chicago 2004 Twin Cities 2005 Steamtown 2006 Running Posters Running Links |
Ray Runs 10th Marathon on California Coast
|
Support this site by visiting my advertisers:
Running Posters: Motivation, Events, Photos
|
Monterey and Big Sur Course Drive2 nights in Monterey before race morning, at Travelodge motel just a 10 minute walk to Race Expo and bus pick-up. On Saturday, I drove the course to snap photos and scout the hills and landmarks. Start is in the small town of Big Sur, with finish in Carmel with the entire course on Highway 1.With the challenging course, I ran without the pressure of trying for a PR, but the motel provided motivation for a good time by not allowing me to have a late check-out time. If I didn't leave by noon, I'd be charged $149 for another full night. This mean policy was partially due to the fact that the manager lived along the course and was inconvenienced due to the closure of the road.... so I have to give him partial credit for my good time. See video clip of news preview 
 Downtown Monterey, with race banner || Monterey Fisherman's Wharf  This is the road sign that originally inspired the race. This course is known as a "moderately difficult" marathon and the race literature notes that runners should add approximately 20 minutes to their regular marathon finish time. On Friday night I got a good night's sleep, but Saturday night was a different story. The alarm got me up at 3:20 am to stretch, dress, and walk down the street to catch the bus to the start. It's eerie enough to drive the course before a race, but doing it in the dark is even more bizarre. I sat next to a woman from Boston, and chatting made the slow, winding road less discouraging. We arrived at the campground style start village around 5:50 am, while it was still dark. I had eaten a Power Bar on the bus, taken my trusty USANA vitamins earlier, and now downed my "5-Hour Energy" drink before throwing my sweats bag into the waiting trailer and heading for the start line. Speaking of vitamins...  My vitamins helped me have a great race! 
 Big Sur course (click to enlarge) || Ray at crest of Hurricane Point "Running on the Ragged Edge of the Western World" is what the race shirt proclaims, and the course lives up to it brilliantly. There are no crowds. Just runners, walkers, and Highway 1, but the breathtaking scenery provides motivation --- as well as the challenge to conquer it! See video clip of Bixby Bridge area 
 Big Sur course || Porta-Potties standing by (click to enlarge) 
 Bixby Bridge is the halfway point of race || Big Sur (click to enlarge) 
 Race shirt || Race bib and program || Finisher medal (definitely earned!) | ||
 BART station advertisement in San Francisco [click image to enlarge] | ||
|
Contact Marathon Man! Buy Running Posters Invite your friends to visit my site |
|
