The Big Sur Marathon was really tough.
I went into it feeling a little off, my stomach wasn't really settled, something just felt funny.
I started out smart, keeping with the 4:00 pace group for a strong and steady race, not going out too fast like I usually do. Almost immediately my left knee was bothering me. I tried to put it out of my mind, sometimes I imagine an ache just because I'm worried about hurting myself.
At mile 8 I couldn't take it anymore, when I got to the next aid station I had to have my knee wrapped up. I watched the 4:00 group pass me. I hobbled along, cringing and clenching my fists. At mile 17 the 4:15 group passed me. Hobbling, hurting, disappointed. At mile 20 the 4:30 group passed me. I finished just under 4:45. What a bummer.
I'm not sure what it was, I'm guessing the banking of the road was just too much strain. Right now I'm feeling lucky I didn't get into New York, I'll get some time off to properly rest my knee and I'll have a change of sport....
So check out my sweet new ride!


I forgot to take photos before/after the race, but here's an idea of how beautiful it was in Monterey this weekend.

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And race day wasn't all bad! After the race, ma, Kev, and Taxi were waiting at the finish line. We went to lunch with Shannon and I had a wonderful tofu scramble with mushrooms, black beans, brown rice, and tapatio (perfect post-marathon meal).