Returned in 2012 to run marathon the full after enjoying the 2011 half.
Registering was easy online and there were important news broadcast given via email and on Facebook.
Picking up the race material on Friday was simple, and getting to the start line Saturday morning was uncomplicated. Dos Pueblos High School was only 15 minutes from the hotel, and the drop-off was about 1/4 mile away. The gym was open and the heat was on, and it was great to stretch out on the floor as a way to warm up, and talk to friends as we tried to get mentally ready.
Start was delayed 15 minutes, but that was minor. I carried a camelback with my water and food, which made it convenient since I didn’t get bogged down with the runners stopping at the water stations. The route was absolutely beautiful, and there were plenty of local cheerleaders to cheer us on. There were also many hills, especially on mile 23 — WOW! But I expected it since I ran all the way up that hill during last year’s half marathon. This time I had to walk part of it … Ugh!
The finish line at the SB City College by the sea was beautiful, and I simply walked back to the hotel – so convenient.
I came home Sunday, day after the race, and registered to run the full marathon again in 2013. Yay!