If the Big Sur International Marathon is not on your bucket list, then add it now. It’s kinda weird that I don’t have a bucket list (especially since I have a list for virtually everything else in my life). If you don’t have a bucket list, then start one now by putting “Run the Big Sur Marathon” at the top of the page!
My Big Sur Marathon weekend started Saturday with a fabulous family fun run in Monterey. It was there that I formulated my plan to run with camera in hand and no watch. I also decided that I wanted to run at least part of the course with my Mom’s cousin Claire.
This race report is divided into three chronological sections: first the photographic part (read the captions), then the running part, and finally the finish.
The First Half: So Many Photo Ops














The Second Half: Cruising to the Finish
I crossed the half-marathon timing mat at about 2:40 – a pace of 12:12 minutes/mile. I was thinking it might be time for me to cruise on without Claire… lovely as it was, I didn’t want to be out on the course for more than 5 hours. I put my camera away while I waited a minute or two for a quick porta-potty stop. I said goodbye to Claire and off I went. I couldn’t have planned the day better if I had tried! The second half is not nearly as scenic as the first, although there were a few times where I was tempted to pull out my camera again… sheep, cows, and a quaint barn.
It was a bit surreal running a huge negative split. I ran the second half in about 1:55, somewhere in the neighborhood of a 9 minute/mile pace. The second half has no big climbs, but plenty of rollers that can really wear on a tired marathoner. I felt like a stinker (at best) or a cheat (at worst) passing all these hard-working, but tired, runners with my legs fresh as daisies.
I entertained myself by observing all the different running outfits, and I had already noticed a whole lot of Lululemon appareal out on the course. At some point I decided that I would count all the Lululemon insignias that I passed, but then there suddenly seemed to be none at all. I was only able to find 5 or 6 before I gave up the count.
At another point the police escorted a traffic caravan in the lane opposite us. The vehicles contained either enthusiastic supporters or annoyed and delayed motorists. It was fun to smile and wave at them all – to see if I could get a smile out of some of those grumps!
The last mile I could really feel the air temperature increasing. The weather had been unusally lovely for the event, with only a mild-to-moderate head wind and clear sky for at least the most scenic parts of the course. I felt for those still on the course with the temps increasing for their final cumbersome miles.
I passed a couple of guys as we neared the finish chute. There was a gal in front of me as we entered the chute, and I gave her an encouraging word, “Bring it home! I’m certainly not going to pass you in the chute!” I throttled back so she could finish first, and she gave me a sincere thanks afterwards.
At the Finish



Congratualtions! You have completed a marathon of a race report! Spectacular vistas, great company, and good luck with the weather definitely put Sunday’s run in my top 5 favorite running days to date.
Kristin Henry says
Nice job, Helen. Well written, and made me want to run this marathon!!! Currently counting baby kicks, but next year, game on!!
Helen says
K – Thanks for the note. Can’t wait to run with you and the little stinker again!
H
JayPea says
Another good read Helen . Good job.
Kim Williams says
How fun, that is what marathons need to be, FUN! Love your reports.