It wasn’t easy, but I did it. Marathon #6 is done. 
And I’m retiring.
First let’s back up to the lovely Motel 6 we stayed at in Carpentaria. The door had been kicked in at one point… Fancy.
The Santa Barbara full Marathon started at 7:30am so the wake-up call wasn’t too bad. I laid out all my stuff and got ready. 
Pre-marathon meal = A banana and a Picky Bar – the company sent me a few samples to try. Normally I have toast, but I forgot to make a PB&J for the morning.
Margarita Shot Blocks. My new fuel strategy for the marathon is to eat every 5 miles – 5, 10, 15, 20 (in case you didn’t know how that worked)
And I filled up my water bottles with beer. I mean, tea flavored Nuun
It’s a point to point course so while Ben drove me to the start I started to freak out about my shoe choice. I brought my go-to Brooks Ghost, but when I grabbed them yesterday they looked too worn down to run 26 miles.
So, I also grabbed my Brooks PureProject Flows just in case I wanted to wear those…
Well, I grabbed my Ghosts for some further inspection and realized…
THEY ARE NOT THE SAME PAIR!!!
See? From the top the look the same…
From the bottom it’s obvious they are not from the same pair AND the ones on the right are beyond worn.
So, I while I LOVE my Pure Flows I usually only wear them for 8 miles max. But, I had no choice and they were along for the 26 mile ride.
There was a bit of a disaster yesterday when we couldn’t get Ben’s car out of the shop in time. Blah blah <insert freak out because I can’t get my bib in time> blah.
Luckily, Sheila (Striding Mom) randomly messaged me right around my freak out Friday and hooked me up with Kate from Run with Kate. She was running the SBIM too and could pick up my bib!
LIFE.SAVER. Thank you so so much Kate.
The Santa Barbara Marathon was very well organized and the porta potty lines were short. What more can you ask for?
The start was delayed about 15 minutes, but they announced it right away and that was the only hitch with the day.
Okay, here’s my detailed mile by mile Race Recap…
Mile 1: I felt okay, went out a little too fast (like always) but just tried to relax and keep my head positive.
Mile 2: Not really. This is boring. Plus, I don’t get how people remember how they felt at each mile?!
Wait – I do remember is there was a HUGE hill at mile 23 and I told myself the whole race I could walk that hill (I had been warned about it).
Luckily, at Mile 23 I felt so great I didn’t need to walk. Ha! Kidding!! Not at all. I walked that ish unapologetically. Boom. 
Long story short – I PRd!!! 3:53:39
Oh, but it’s so painful. Marathons are rough. I’m here to officially announce my retirement. 
Overall, I would give this race two stinky sneakers up! The location is gorgeous, it’s a nice sized race – not too big or small and the finish is across the street from the beach!
So, we walked across the street to the Pacific Ocean and I peeled off my disgusting clothes…
California Ice Bath!!!
Ben surprised me with some Pumpkin Bread, but I only had a bite.
Yelp helped again and we ended up at D’Angelo’s Pastry & Bread for brunch/lunch/post-race meal time (it was almost 1pm by this point)
Egg white omelet and toast for me…
Ben got the Sunshine Toast with poached eggs.
Then, we walked around Downtown Santa Barbara
I got a Chocolate Chip cookie from D’Angelo’s because it’s the right thing to do.
It was good and had a good amount of chocolate chips, but it was too thin. I like my cookies thick!
Now I’m driving home. I’m kinda craving an epic hamburger or something for dinner?! What are you having?
{ 77 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats on your PR! I PR’d too in a way — 4:02:39.5 for my first marathon! I looked for you (and Kate) at the race but did not have good luck.
amazing! congratulations!!!
Congrats on a really great PR! It sounds like a pretty nice race, and your post-race food looks delicious. YUM!!
Congratulations! What a great time and a super PR! That hill at Mile 23 is pretty brutal. Not that I have ran it but I drove it when I was there last month and it is no joke!
Congratulations on the PR! And I totally agree with that chocolate sign. No quitters here!
I had a baked potato with butter and sour cream for dinner. Boring, but good!
Sigh, you are so speedy.
Monica , CONGRATS. That’s huge – and you looked super cute in your outfit doing it too!
Are you serious about not doing any more marathons?
It has been so inspiring to see your running journey. Enjoy this and congrats!
Congratulations on your PR!
Also, I wanted to ask, what kind of sunglasses are you wearing? I like them!
Target Iron Man for the running and I think Target women’s for the casual ones I wear…
Haha, nice retirement announcement. Very blasé. Makes me think there’s a chance you didn’t mean it…
Awesome job, but i don’t think you are done!
Question. Why are you done with marathons? I mean I get it. I ran one and it was U-gly! Trained perfectly and finished in just over 5 excruciating hours. Like, if my husband hadn’t been running with me I’d have crawled of the course crying. But for you to have had such a great time, what happened? No judgement, just curious.
My immediate reaction when reading you ask, “Why are you done with marathons?” was – “because I feel wrecked.”
I feel like I LOVE running and I LOVE training but right around mile 20 the love isn’t as strong. And I kinda feel like marathons do more damage to my body than good. So, it’s a great accomplishment but running a half marathon makes me want to smile, eat, tell jokes and go to the mall while running a full makes me want to sit on the curb and stare off in the distance… Doesn’t that even make sense? Bah. I’m tired
This is me being your mom. You better not quit. I know the last non-experience also probably put a bad taste in your mouth but I’ma need you to come to New York either 2013 or 2014 and run your last.
Rest up. I am making this happen. In fact, we will make up our own RER sponsorship team. As long as you are ok with crashing on couches and traveling to New York via bus. Fancy, huh.
I do really really still want to run NY. I may not be able to next year
But, I want my true “Grand Finale” to be in NY. Maybe 2014??
I think I figured out what that wink meant
But I agree-go out with a bang in NYC!
OMG I really agree.
Yep, totally get it. I decided a half is as far as I wanna go anymore and a 10K is my happy place….
Totally did that with the shoes on Tuesday. Grabbed two different gold coloured Nikes, unfortunately they were the same foot and didn’t realize until I was at the gym. fail
Congrats on number 6 and your retirement
I will need to check out D’Angelos next time we’re in SB. How did you like your Picky Bar? I like Smooth Caffeinator and All-in Almond best.
I liked the Smooth Caffeinated! Curious about the sunflower one since I’m a fan of the Sunflower Seed Butta.
Hey so question about post-run food. I’ve been experimenting in the last few weeks with eating different foods during the day before my runs and then post run/work out meals and I’ve been trying to feel how my body is with different foods. I’ve noticed significant differences when I eat proteins that aren’t from animals, lots of veggies, and some grainier or oat carbs.. i’ve heard the whole “clean eating” shpiel and I think it’s all great but for me I really have to notice a difference in energy levels, running ability, and body changes. My question for you is, have you noticed differences in your body with having a different daily diet when it comes to your running? Especially after a marathon? I’ve never run a marathon but what foods do you feel best eating after 4 hours of running? Can anyone else speak to this??
I have never really changed up my diet enough to be able to gauge this. You mean – eating super clean versus how I eat now, right?
Before the race:
I have actually been trying to avoid soy for a few months now because of my thyroid, but always eat a lot of veggies – so that’s all the same. I ate a little less sweets this week (but didn’t start that until Tuesday) so I did not feel a difference during the race.
I always eat salty carbs before a race – that’s key for my body, but everyone is different.
After the race:
After running for 4 hours my body feels wrecked. I’m usually not very hungry and just kinda thirsty and nauseous. I try to eat something with protein and carbs because it’s important for recovery, but that could be a veggie omelet with toast OR chocolate milk OR a bagel and a yogurt. I don’t ‘eat clean’ after a race because it’s party time and because I have never noticed a big difference. Plus, after running 4 hours I refuse to make myself eat something just for recovery.
Hope that helps – let me know if you have more questions
(I ask because of your meal after being pretty normal – omelet/toast/cookie.. so I’m wondering if you just eat whatever and don’t notice a difference whether you’ve just run a marathon or haven’t run in a week)
Awesome race!! A PR is a great way to retire from marathons!!
I had a lame supper at work. A Santa Fe Black Beans and Rice Smart Ones and some Pumpkin Cheesecake cookies <— these weren't lame, they were delish.
You are so inspiring. And good for you for retiring! 6 marathons is no joke!! If it isn’t fun anymore, it’s time to move on. You’re a champ!
How were the Pure Flows for that long of a race? I love mine and I had toyed with the idea of wearing them for a half but I wasn’t sure. Congrats on the PR!!!!
I don’t think they were the best choice, but they worked. My knee started to feel it earlier than usual in the race and I think the lighter shoe might have been part of the reason.
Congrats on the PR! I have run a couple halfs and have a full on the goal list for 2013…..
I am no, no, no, expert on shoes but IF I had shoes that were that worn down I think I may use them ONLY for mowing the lawn…..ha!
(However, glad to see that even passionate runners like your self do have worn out shoes like myself) Keeping it real once again! Nice PR!
Are you really done with marathons? Sticking to Half Marathons then? Just curious…
Yeah, I’m bad because I hold on to my old shoes to donate for recycling but then I get them mixed up or keep wearing them! Busted.
For now I’m thinking halfs
great job PR-ing!
Nice PR, lady! Congrats.
Wowzers! Another PR! You’re a PR machine!!!! Congrats!
I definitely feel ya on the retiring from full marathons! I ran my 5th about a month ago and walked away feeling accomplished, but tired. I am a full time teacher and some days I just don’t have the motivation it takes to get up at 4 AM or run 10 miles after school. The half is a much more manageable distance. I am signed up for Grandma’s Marathon in June. I told myself that if by March I am not feeling it, I would switch races.
Congrats on your PR!
Congrats on the PR.
Oh sweetie…is your stuff REALLY touching a kicked-in-door Motel 6 bedspread???????
“We’ll leave the black light on for you.”
yeah, i live dangerously
Dinner came from Bertolli. Probably one of the worst options I can think of, but easy after a long day of volunteering at a 50k.
Tonight, I am attempting homemade chicken and dumplings!
The Kidless Kronicles
Congrats on the PR!
A husband who brings you pumpkin bread? Swoon.
For supper I had leftover Famous Daves BBQ beef and BBQ baked beans mixed into a salad. It.was.awesome.
Amazing job! Had I realized that I had packed the wrong shoes, I seriously would have just cried.
Congrats! I can’t remember how I feel during each mile either. I was worried about your hotel room when I first saw your pic of tea nuun. I once stayed at a hotel where the water was that color straight out of the faucet.
oh no! gross!
Aweoms job on the marathona and the PR. I am in awe of anyone that can run a marathon!
I love that sign about chocolate – so true!
Nice job on the PR! Enjoy your retirement!
Great job on the pr Monica! What do you think went differently this time so running was more considerable and faster?
I think I just had a good day. I never know how I’m going to feel on race day and I’ve been 100% prepared for races and totally tanked just because my body wasn’t feeling it. But, I felt good and made sure to fuel. I think the fueling every 5 kept me from hitting the wall again.
Great job!! Can’t blame you too much for wanting a retirement. Marathons are hard, and running them fast is even harder! The half marathon is definitely more enjoyable, though it sure does feel good to tell people you’re a marathoner, right?
You are absolutely amazing! Do you think you will keep racing? Maybe cut back to half marathons? Just curious! You are just great, way to go on your PR!!!
I’m going to focus on half marys for now
Congrats on a PR! SB is also my PR from last year
Congrats! I loved the race!! The support was great (I loved the guy dressed as the chicken…and the accordian players )!
That hill was a jerk, but I felt so close at that point that I just kept telling myself “make it to the top!! It will be over soon!!!” and thankfully it was!!!
See, I think I got the bug running this marathon…I can’t wait to do another
But they ARE exhausting. Recovery from halfs goes by way faster.
Congratulations on the PR!!!
Half marathons are my all-time favorite distance!!
Enjoy retirement (even if it ends up being one of those temporary ones!)!!
Awesome! I saw you at the start but I didnt want to bug you! You looked like you meant business- and you did! Hello PR! Congrats! Beautiful day wasnt it! I went slow and enjoyed myself and really it was a new experience. Slow time (4:13) but the most fun Ive had and Im not wrecked today! Im begining to see that racing a marathon and running one are 2 diffrent things…so dont retire just yet (<;
Awww! You should have said “Hi!” I was all alone
I agree, after LB I felt a lot better this year versus last year. I might run a fun one with a friend, but I need a break for now. Great job! 4:13 is NOT slow in my world so I think that rocks!
i loved your mile-by-mile race recap:) congrats on the PR!
Congrats on your #6 Marathon…AND on your PR…AND for being awesome! I completely agree with you; full marathons are just too far (in my opinion and I’ve only done two) thus I’d prefer to participate in a half marathon any day.
And when you DO the NYC marathon, it will be #7. Finishing on Lucky #7, I think that would be fantastic.
Congratulations on the PR!!! That’s amazing!!
Sounds like a great race! How are ur feet/knees feeling? Dude u gotta check your shoes mama! What do u do with all ur old shoes? Donate or just trash?
Way to go on #6! I just wanna do 1!
Congrats on finishing with an awesome time, Monica! Hope your feeling recovered soon!
Congrats on the PR! Marathons seem like they do some damage; I wouldn’t want to do another one anytime soon either.
Congrats on your PR Monica! That’s awesome
I’m glad you were able to finish your last marathon with a bang. Happy recovering – you’ll have to let us know if the compression socks make a difference!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! so proud of you!!
by the way, yes, you can name your first child after me if you want.
I would, but I know my kids are going to be big boned and I don’t think the other kids will be nice to a HUGE “Skinny Runner” on the playground…
Awesome job! I 100% feel you with your issue with the shoes. When I get ready for a race, a lot of it is mental: right outfit, snacks, socks and shoes all ready to go! I swear sometines a cute new shirt for a race and make all the difference because you feel confident
Great job pushing through it!
Nice work, Monica. I’m all about the half-marathons. I’ve never attempted a full, but worried if I never do one I’ll never feel like a “real” runner. Sigh.
I was totally going to bail on next weeks marathon but after this, I may give it a shot! Congrats!
awesome job, congrats!
Congrats on the PR!!! That’s awesome, you are so fast! And those are the cutest poached eggs I have ever seen…I’ve never seen them in that shape before!
It’s a super small place and I could see into the kitchen – the chef used a little cup thingy to make them like that. I told Ben, “He’s cheating! But they’re perfect…”
Amazing time!!!! a) There is no way you r retiring. b) Carpenteria is so stinking cute. My brother got married there. Congrats on finishing with an amazing time.
Nice work, Monica!
Thick chocolate chip cookies are definitely better than thin! Congrats on completing your 6th marathon that is awesome! And what better way to end a race than a walk on the beach/dip in the water? I bet the views were awesomely scenic which must have made for some beautiful running. Definitely don’t blame you for retiring after #6 though!
WAAAHOOO! Congrats on the PR!!
Congrats on the PR! Glad you were able to find another marathon to run since NYM didn’t happen. I am training for my first marathon, and I already agree that the marathon is so much harder on the body! Not sure if I will run too many of them either, but I thought it was worth at least one try, right?!?
How come you never did a review of the levain cookie?!
CONGRATS MONICA!!!! Sorry, I’m late on this!! Soo proud of you chica!!
