Hello! I just ran the LA Marathon!! Here are my LA Marathon results, recap and all the best eats from the day/weekend/fun!
First. I headed to LA Marathon expo Saturday afternoon super last minute. I was just in and out to get my bib.
Well, I was just there to get my bib and a California dog. Actually, I’m usually super reckless with my eats before a race since I run so much but my stomach’s been hurting on and off this week so I skipped this (not everyone in my party did though). Sads.
Second. Hydration nation.
Dad: “What do you want to eat before the LA Marathon?”
Monican: “Mostly carbs and like rice…”
Dad: “Okay, I might have some fish to grill too…”
Dinner:
We don’t mess around.
I stayed at my parent’s since it’s a lot closer to Dodger Stadium, where there race starts. This morning I decided to go with my ProCompression low socks and Hokas.
There was major major traffic getting off the freeway and into the stadium for runner parking and drop off at the LA Marathon start line. I barely had time to hit up the restroom and get to the start by the new earlier start time (made earlier to beat the heat a bit).
But, I was stuck on the wrong side of the fence and didn’t actually get to start until probably like 10 minutes after the gun. And I was in the like 6 hour marathon corral at that point behind all walkers (people that are walking, not like people who are doing a marathon using a walker). It was frustrating, but there really wasn’t anything I could do about it. I weaved in and out of people as much as I could without being super rude. My first mile was over 10 minutes.
I knew it was a super HOT race day and I am not in PR shape anyway so I didn’t worry about it. The only time I really get stressed about finishing at a certain time is when people are waiting for me.
I have decided I really love the LA Marathon. I have a little SoCal pride in the course. Parts of it bring out certain memories for me. I walked the course in high school as part of a fundraiser and that gives me some warm fuzzies.
Mile 8 – spot the Hollywood Sign!
It really was a HOT day! Luckily the LA Marathon organizers were super prepared. There were a lot of water stations – long ones too – that’s the best.
A lot of people spraying water… Fire hydrants spraying water too! Unfortunately, I still saw a few people go down on the course. Very sad and scary.
Since Ben is around this weekend he was a sweetheart and came with me to the race. Bonus: he got a few pictures of me near the finish in Santa Monica.
LA Marathon results : 3:54:12
Post race relaxing with DD and ProCompression socks.
And all the stolen fries from Ben’s lunch!
It was the 30th Anniversary of the LA Marathon too! This is a pretty medal 
Congratulations! How many marathons have you run now? I’m glad to see you took precautions and survived the heat. You did what Ryan Hall couldn’t do- you finished!
What amazes me about you is that you do not train for months to run a marathon you just wake up and run one. I wish I could do that!
I just ran the LA for my 3rd time PR at 3:51:26
Is it worth a shot at the SD?
Do you mean San Diego RnR?
Yes!
the SD RnR on May 31
Hi Monica, I’m a big fan of your blog. I did the Marathon too but nothing compared to your time, I finished at 5:53:24… its my first full marathon. I’m glad it wasn’t as hot as I expected. I was wondering if you were running and if I would see you — I would have said hello, your are hard to miss ; )
Congratulations Karen! Hopefully we’ll meet one day 🙂
You rock! I ran the STL St Patrick’s Day 5 mile run Saturday. It was a blast and I had a great run. There were 4 people running and pushing a keg of beer! It’s a crzy, fun run! I ate fried chicken and steak fries Sunday, I had a craving and went for it, intuitive eating
You rock! I ran the STL St Patrick’s Day 5 mile run Saturday. It was a blast and I had a great run. There were 4 people running and pushing a keg of beer! It’s a crzy, fun run! I ate fried chicken and steak fries Sunday, I had a craving and went for it, intuitive eating
Congrats on completing the LA marathon in under 4 hours! You’re truly an inspiration and hoping to achieve that goal this year! I also ran LA marathon (marathon #7) and in spite of the mess not being able to dodge past most walkers, I had a really great time! Love my city. ☺️
Congrats on the race, especially in the heat and bright sun. It’s also good to see that the LA Marathon organizers understood the risks of running in such heat and made really smart adjustments.
Slowly getting back my distance and pace after a vertical stress fracture in my right tibia. I’m not up to 3.5 miles and SLOWLY getting back to a 5-6 miles/day distance. My orthopedist told me not to run 5 miles when I started again, but 5 minutes. The risk was a vertical splinter fracture which would have sidelined me for a LONG time and been an absolute mess. I listened and it’s paying off, even if it’s slow.
Goal: Get back to 1/2 marathon distance and pace.
Congrats on a good race despite less-than-ideal conditions!
I was up in NYC this weekend and ran over the Brooklyn Bridge to the World Trade Center Memorial site and back. It was really nice (but only 32 degrees).
Best eat was a turkey reuben sandwich at Junior’s in Brooklyn. I haven’t had roasted turkey so moist at a restaurant before! I don’t usually order a sandwich that doesn’t come on a roll, but this ended up a great choice. Oh, and I guess I have to mention the delicious double chocolate cake we took home. 🙂
Congrats! I can’t imagine how hot it was, way to go!
I just finished 6 miles which is the longest I’ve run since the Phoenix Marathon. It felt good and I’m ready to pick up the mileage again!
Wow, awesome time for that heat! I ran Chicago a few years ago in temps like that and it was brutal. Great job!
Im just starting to pick back up on my running since I can finally run outside again and bc I have a half coming up in May. I did 6 miles along the Lakefront Path and found out that my pace has improved by 45 seconds! I guess that’s what hibernating will do to you. Congrats!!
Glad you stayed safe in the heat. Congrats on another marathon done! You look like you didn’t even break a sweat! Nice job.
Fall back week for me with my long run at only 12. Finished that up and had several beers while hanging out with the family. Best thing I ate all weekend was a 1/2 PB&J sandwich. My daughter has a peanut allergy so I never get to eat peanut butter anymore 🙁 I was visiting with my mom and the kids were far, far away (40 minutes) with their dad so I snuck in some PB!! It was glorious.
Wow congratulations!
I have just started a blog and would really love it if you could check it out! My most recent post is of kale chips!
http://snapgracklepop.blogspot.co.uk
Great job! I ran 9 miles on Saturday – as I am training for my 2nd half marathon. Excited for the warmer weather so I can get off the dreadmill!
Congrats on surviving the heat. It is only now FINALLY getting warm in MO.. there is no way I could have been prepared for that.
I’d love to do this race sometime! Husband is all about the 50 states and we already knocked off California with Big Sur, but I think this one sounds too fun to pass up!
Congrats on a great race! Sorry you got stuck in the walker corral – that is my nightmare. The weather down here in San Diego was (and is) really hot too! I headed out for my 22-miler @ 5:15am and it was already warm. By the time I finished, it was already in the 80s. I am a total wuss and cannot handle running in the heat!
Oh, the best thing I ate this weekend was my fav carb-loading meal…pizza!
I PR’d my half marathon this weekend in DC! The best part is, the course was super hilly so I know I could run it even faster on a flat course. Post-race we went to Dangerously Delicious and ate our body weight in pie because pi(e) day.
Holy cow – did you do RnR DC? Kudos for PR’ing! I was there, but did an average half (not best, not worst). Had no clue there were so many hills (especially that suicidal one at 5.5) since I live where it’s flat and fast in Virginia Beach.
1- Man, your pre-race dinner makes me miss meals with my husband’s family (we recently moved away). Carne Asada and grilled green onions are my father-in-law’s specialty!
2- I kinda love how you and that guy next to you at the finish are wearing matching outfits!! haha 😀
Woo! Way to go!
Congrats on another great race! I am glad Ben was there 🙂
congrats on the race!! the best thing I ate this weekend was limeade pie for pi day! 🙂
25 beautiful kms on sun. When I got home I tried your French toast. Don’t think I got it quite right (did you put butter in the pan?) but I cover my French toast in so much powdered sugar it looks like it has a serious cocaine problem (think beignets). So it was delish anyway.
You have some serious natural talent to bang out a sub 4 in that heat! Congrats! Very curious to hear what you think of the Hokas. I’ve seen them around a lot lately.
Thanks! I plan on a review soon 🙂
Congratulations, Monica (and all LA marathon runners) on another marathon! I’m super impressed at your time given the heat. Your blog is awesome-cracks me up and I love that. I did a 15 mile long run (training for Boston after a mid training injury related 3 week “taper”). It was hilly and I felt sooooooo out of any kind of marathon shape. Makes me a bit nervous since it’s only 5 weeks away. Best thing I ate was probably freshly popped popcorn at the Penguins game and then later a mixture of chocolate chips, almonds and dried tart cherries (dessert, but, way too much I’m sure). What does a typical running week look like for you? how many miles/week do you average?
Congrats on LA! Do you like the Hokas? Did it work well for you? How about doing a review on the shoe?
Yes, I plan on doing a review soon! So far I dig em!
I ran LA, too and was really impressed with how they stepped up the course hydration and support. Police/fire/EMS were very visible and frequent along the course. It was very crowed at the start but it spaced out as the miles wore on. Overall, considering the last minute changes I thought they powers that be did a great job! I did read that 54 people were transported to the hospital for treatment!
Congratulations!
Agree about the course support.
Great job Monica!! My niece ran it today too but I am not sure what time she got. She is pretty fast for her age and has potential for BQ already and she is only 19!!
I did a half marathon this weekend and I am sore. I am going to try some your post race tips to relieve the soreness.
I ran the Tobacco Road Half Marathon and had a great time. Go you for running in such hot weather! You are the bomb! What shoes did you wear? Hoka? Which model?
Congrats on another sub 4. You really are consistent.
I ran the nyc half today. It was amazing because my knee locked up only 3 times and recovered each time so I could 95 percent of it and just walked when the knee needed to recover. I had only got up to 4 miles in training because of this runners knee. But doc has been doing ART on me and it’s helping. Endurance wise I was shocked at how strong I felt. I thought I would be walking 10 miles so this was a huge and welcomed surprise 🙂
congrats on the awesome time! I was thinking of you today, glad you are ok. Glad Ben was able to be there!
I am on thumbs up for Ben
Hey Lindy! Thanks for thinking of me 🙂 You’re always the best <3
I did weights on Saturday, and a 9km interval session, and then on Sunday I did my ‘long’ run of the week – 13km, but I’m starting to taper because I have a race next weekend! It’s not really long enough to taper for (15.5km), but that’s my excuse anyway 😛
The best thing I ate was Thai takeaway on Saturday night. I love red vegetable curry!
Good luck on your race!!
You are AMAZING! Congratulations on finishing another marathon!! Add that nice piece of neck candy to the front of the collection.
I was on the complete other side of the spectrum this weekend and ran 10 miles in the cold pouring rain here on the east coast. I was highly motivated since I bought an adorable new jacket, so I mean you have to use it sometime. Sure I finished feeling slightly soggy, but I looked fabulous.
Yeah for new gear!! You are tough for getting out there!!
What do you think about the Hoka’s? I run in asics, which i havent had a problem with. recently had a friend recommend the Hoka’s. Nervous about trying something new and then if they dont work out possibly being out of the money that i spent
I’m still deciding. I really like them so far! But I think it’s hard for me to get my head used to such a different looking shoe when I used to wear super minimal ones.
Congrats on your marathon!! 26.2 is my ultimate goal as of now, and I love reading your blog because it seems so effortless for you! You are such an inspiration. I ran my second half on Saturday! I had actually spoken to you about it earlier in the month because I was unsure if I could run a second one three weeks after my first, but it ended up being awesome and I did even better this time 🙂
You are a beast! It took me forever to finish today. 6:41 I want to be like you when I’m a grown up runner lol.
Ps definitely had some march for hunger flashbacks!
Congratulations!! That heat was no joke.
Great job! Love the St. Paddy ProCompression socks to 🙂
I ran 6 today on a new-to-me trail and it was super fun especially since the weather here in ATL was fantastic today!
Fun! I need to find some new running routes!
Congrats on LA!!!
I had a group long run: 18 miles.
Best food: omelet for breakfast!
Thanks! Great job on that long run!!