Big Sur Marathon

For more than a year I had been contemplating running a marathon. After some research I discovered the Big Sur Marathon and it was just perfect. From the moment I read about it, I knew it was the first marathon that I wanted to run. It was perfect in every way. Not only did it allow me to travel back to California to see some of my best friends. But I never seen the Big Sur coast and what better way to see it than to experience it while running.

Quickly after deciding I told my best friend Jamie of my decision and she quickly jumped on board. Funny enough, our friendship owes so much to running. Over the years we have spent most of our time together running and talking, it's just who we are and what we do. It started years ago as freshmen running track together. We could be seen running the 1600 meter race stride by stride next to eachother the entire race. Over the years our runs together have made us best friends.

So 4 months later we both met in Monterey.

Jamie and I at the Hotel waiting for the bus ride to the race start. If I remember right...this was at about 4:30 am.

The start of the race.

Jamie and I at the race start.

All the people preparing for the start!

Jamie showing off her GU.

The starting line.

Jamie and I at the starting line! After 4+ months of training we were finally there!

The pack at the beginning of the race.

Getting closer to the cliffs. The scenery was just incredible!

haha. Jamie in line. This was repeated about every 2 miles.

Yes, pretty amazing.

Running along Highway 1.

The cliffs were breath taking!

It was a very emotional run. I ran in the shirt dedicated to my friend Liz who died about a year before my race. She was an inspiration to everyone around her. And definitely was the inspiration for me to run this marathon.

From the pictures you can't read what the shirt says...but on the front it says "Life is Short. Run Long." and on the back "Always running with Liz." Her strength and incredible passion for life gave me the strength to run that day and continues to inspire me today. She will never be forgotten.

Every 2 miles there were different musicians along the road. Since all access to highway 1 was blocked to allow us to run, there were very few people along the race cheering. So instead we had musicians to inspire and keep us going.

The Pianist was placed perfected at the end of the beautiful iconic bridge. And when we arrived he was playing "It's a wonderful world." Quite perfect for the circumstances.

Waiting for us at the finish line was Jamie's husband Ryan and our good friends Kiko and Matt. They had made signs for us and were a great sight to see 100 yards from the finish line. And in true form...Jamie and I crossed the finish line stride in stride.