The City of Angels does the Marathon

The City of Los Angeles Marathon, despite high temperatures and a discombobulated start, was an excellent experience not likely to be repeated. I certainly do not want to give the impression that LA was a bad marathon, if fact I ran a great race, I simply would not categorize the race and as a yearly “must do.”

The race officials redrew the race route this year in order to make the race faster. I don’t know what the old race was like, but I would say they succeeded.

The Bad…
First, race officials encouraged participants to get to the start early for the 8:15 start. I mean you have to be kidding! 8:15 is late, especially when the day’s highs were forecasted to be in the 80’s. The start corral was a disorganized free for all with no readily identifiable pace groups to sort out the herd. After an hour of waiting in the corral and once the race actually started, faster runners were forced to fight through walls of walkers who somehow positioned themselves up front. I think it’s great for people to get out there and walk the marathon. Good for them! PLEASE don’t start near the line! Move to the back, or if you can’t, move to the side…

The Course…
The course started near Universal Studios and proceeded up a short hill, then downhill for about 9 miles. It appeared this change had a negative effect on many runners. I observed many runners losing steam around the half-way point; probably do to going out too fast. Nonetheless, the race continued through some less than appealing neighborhoods before heading straight for downtown. Around mile 23 we were treated to a steady uphill, which zapped the last bits of energy from my legs. Throughout the race temperatures climbed from about 60 at the start to probably 80 at the finish.

The good…
Now, aside from the start, I can’t complain (except for the heat, which was not the race’s fault). The crowds were awesome. Many people made it out to support the runners even in areas that looked liked abandoned industrial parks. Thousands of people volunteered and passed out bananas and oranges. It was great.

I ran an awesome race, set a personal record (3:28) and made myself believe I should push myself beyond my pre-conceived limits.

Tom and I had an awesome time in LA. We had our post race meal at In-and-Out burger and saw a movie, where two of the actors in the movie we actually in the movie theater with us (where else in America does that happen?!?!). Our hotel was 6 blocks from the finish and just fine for $50.

I’m glad I ran the LA marathon, but with so many other marathons in California, I doubt I will be back to run in LA. Now, see the sights and eat the food? Definitely…

Treadmill vs. Outdoor Running

The Marine asked me recently which is better running on the treadmill or running outside when training for an event. Now immediately most runners would probably say, “Running outside, of course!” I am not so quick do dismiss the benefits of running inside. And that is exactly what I consider treadmill workouts, running inside. I only make this distinction because some people consider running on a treadmill too easy to adequately train you for any distance and therefore the activity is a hybrid of running and an elliptical machine. I think they are wrong on that account. My simple answer is the road is best, but the belt is very useful.

Running on a treadmill offers many Pros that running outside does not. Among the most compelling reasons to hit the machines are the following: treadmills can regulate a runner’s pace such that proper pacing and rhythm is established early, and for seasoned runners can be reintroduced after many outdoor workouts.

Second, I believe a runner is more likely to adhere to pre-planned speed workouts, and therefore see noticeable gains in speed and endurance. In fact, I attribute my increased speed over the winters to frequent speed workouts in the gym.

Third, of course most obviously, it increases the likelihood of sticking to training plans, either in the summer or winter. Often, my motivation wanes because of undesirable weather conditions. Treadmill workouts give me an alternative to running in freezing or frying temperatures. Thus I am more likely to stick to the plan, no matter what the weather.

Finally (although there are probably many more unlisted benefits), for the motivation-impaired treadmills provide the safe atmosphere in which a runner may lose themselves in a movie, music, or even reading materials. This feeling of mental distraction allows the runner to get the miles in while not feeling bored to tears. I certainly do not consider running boring, but I am not blind to the possibility that others are not as enthusiastic about long distances.

Although I strongly advocate treadmill usage as a net benefit for training, I would be remiss not to mention its detriments. I have found the distraction available to treadmill use can strip the runner of necessary concentration. The concentration learned can be essential to knowing your running body and those lessons can be pivotal under race conditions. Also, no matter how you adjust the settings the real world can never be duplicated, and this is exactly why I advocate treadmills only as a supplement, not a steady diet.

So, if your feeling like a good speed workout, or you’re just feeling blah from the weather; then strap on your shoes and hit the machines, but don’t forget that you seldom find races run on a belt.

mjpsig 2007 Race Schedule

Rock n’ Roll Marathon (Phoenix, AZ) - http://www.rnraz.com/ – January 14, 2007 - (Completed 3:51)

LA Marathon (Los Angeles, CA) - http://www.lamarathon.com/ – March 3, 2007 - (Completed 3:28)
· The bags are packed and we’re ready to go… TG and I are all signed up, have the hotel room and are ready to race. We have no idea what to expect, but we’re excited to make the trek from DC to LA.

Ocean Drive Marathon (Cape May, NJ) - http://www.odmarathon.com/ – March 25, 2007 - (registered)
· My brother are ready to brave the anticipated high winds as this race travels from the southern tip of NJ in Cape May 26.2 miles north to Sea Isle City. The best part will be the finish beer at the Ocean Drive Bar and Grill.

Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (Washington, D.C.) – http://www.cherryblossom.org/ – April 1, 2007 (registered)
· This should be a quick 10 miler on a portion of the Marine Corps Marathon course. By all accounts this will be crowed, but its something I’ve got to do if I plan on truly living in DC.

Lakefront 10 Miler (Chicago, IL) –
· I completed this race in 2005, all I can remember is that it was COLD. Since the race is on the Chicago Lake Path it can be crowed. So if you like an awesome view of Chicago and don’t mind a crowed course, then sign up! After all its does have a great long-sleeve technical Tee.

The Colorado Marathon (Ft. Collins, CO) - http://www.ftcollinsmarathon.com- May 6, 2007 - Registered
· This is a pretty small race and almost totally downhill. 16% of the field runs a boston qualifier. If I can hold up from March and April, maybe I will be one of those 16%.

Pikes Peak Marathon (Manitou Springs, CO) - http://www.pikespeakmarathon.org/ – August 19, 2007 - Registered
· I’ve heard I should expect the first half (the ascent) to take as long as my normal full marathon time.

Air Force Marathon (WPAFB, Dayton, OH) - http://www.usafmarathon.com/ – September 15, 2007 (most likely)
· Amazingly, this is an awesome race! The field is small, but it never felt that way. The people were terrific and I never felt like I was waiting for an aid station. There are two long, steady hills in the first four miles and in the last five miles. But if you train well, you won’t have any trouble.

LaSalle Banks Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL) - http://www.chicagomarathon.com/ - October 7, 2007 - (registered)
· Just me and 44,997 on my closest friends! That’s 45,000 minus the Marine, TG, and Me. Can’t wait! Tons of crowds, Tons of People and a very, very flat course.

Marine Corps Marathon (Arlington, VA) - http://www.marinemarathon.com/ – October 28, 2007 - (Sign ups are May 9th)
· Ooh Rah!!! Considering I live four blocks from the finish I figure I should give this a go! Plus it’s a pretty awesome race to watch!!!

ING New York marathon (New York, NY) - http://www.nycmarathon.com/ - November 4, 2007 - (Lottery doesn’t begin until March)
· I’m a Chicagoan for life, but I’m interested in running this race once – even if it is in New York. Let’s see if I get in. A lottery? What’s that crap?