My experience running the marathon was nothing short of awesome! The Rock N’ Roll was just that, a rockin’ party for the entire 26.2 miles! I was so energized and happy to be fortunate to be healthy and able to run (I thought about our other running mates that had injuries and could not do the marathon, Jay, Julie, and Lily—I was thinking about you). It was emotional to see people in wheelchairs on the side of the road cheering all the runners on at the start of the race. I was lucky to find Mike, Guy, Zach, Jennifer and Tammy prior to the start. Tammy and I lost everyone else right before the start of the race (very disappointing), but she and I stuck together the entire race.

The energy and excitement of the crowd and the utter amazement that I was actually running in a marathon kept me going and going, like the energizer bunny. Before the race started, Mike had a permanent marker and wrote my name on the front of my shirt, this turned out to be the best thing for me, thanks Mike. Spectators were looking to cheer on people by their names, it was so cool. I was constantly hearing my name, “You look great, Sara. “, “Keep up the good work, Sara”, “Sara, yeah, you go!” Words of encouragement from the spectators just excited me more and more. I kept an even pace throughout the race and despite my asthma acting up a little bit, I was great.

At the ½ point, Tammy and I both agreed that it only felt like we had been running for an hour, although it had been 2:33. I was rocking and singing with the bands, cheering with the cheerleaders and waving at onlookers all the way till the end. We would see people looking really horrible and we chatted about how good we feel and the training that prepared us for the race. I was very consistent with the training runs and I feel that is what kept me going strong. Somewhere around mile 10, Tammy and I ran into Suzanne and Jennifer and we all ran closely together throughout the remainder of the race. It was great to see my running buddies during the race. Natalie, it was nice to see the blurb of you that I did! By mile 21, I was overjoyed to have gone that far, but to continue to hear “Sara” just fueled the fire even more.

The last few miles were tough, but the end was in sight. I kept saying to myself and Tammy we are at the tunnel, we are on our way home. I envisioned the Irvine course throughout the race and how I looked for the rocks, the drinking fountain at the park, etc. When we entered the marine base, I knew we were so close to the finish line, but I suddenly lost all counting of how close we were and got emotional when seeing the marines on either side of the gate, what an appropriate place to finish the race. My sense of pride to be American somehow kicked up my speed. Suzanne and Tammy followed in my sprint to the finish line (I think they hate me for that last sprint, but I could not contain myself). We rounded a few turns and then when I saw the finish, my eyes teared up and the crowd was so loud and cheering for us, that I sprinted faster and at that point, I do not remember my feet hitting the ground, I raised both arms up while crossing the finish line. The emotions I felt after stepping over the line was the most wonderful experience of my life. To cross the line with Tammy & Suzanne was inspiring too! Nothing can compare to putting all the personal drive and ambition in setting such a goal and achieving it!

WOW, I am still on a high from what I accomplished! I was tired after the race and a little sore, but nothing more than the 16 mile run. The only part of me that still hurts are my face muscles from smiling the entire 26.2 miles. Thanks John & all my running mates! You all are like family now! I’m game for next year, anyone else? How about we make it an annual ROCKIN’ event?

Dave's Experience

I ran a 4:06, which is 45 minutes better than my last race. I was hoping to hit the 4 hour mark but those last four miles were hard... I just signed up for the new Rock and Roll event in Scottsdale which runs January 11th.

Suzanne's Experience

My marathon experience was very separate from the training experience. See, I never was a runner. And when I say "never," I mean "never, ever, ever." As in, my family and friends literally don't know what has gotten into me. I won't bore you with the inconsequential details of my life, but just for background, I was pretty overweight when I was young. I was a bookworm and didn't have a lot of friends. I couldn't run because I had exercise-related asthma. Walking around the track one mile in school was difficult. So you see what an accomplishment this is for me. I never in my wildest dreams anticipated running a marathon. I didn't even WANT to run a marathon. I just did it because Sara (whom I work with) asked if I wanted to do it and I'm crazy enough to try anything once. I'm completely serious here. I really saw no reason for running (unless something was chasing me).

I love running now!!! Thank you, John and group for getting me into this! I can't believe I can stand beside you guys and say that I am a RUNNER just like you all! You all challenge me in ways that you can't even imagine. You all have inspired me and I love all of you guys more than you'll ever know.

As far as the marathon, I didn't perform the way I wanted to. Around mile 6, I had sharp knee pains (as you guys know, this has been plaguing me for a while). My sciatica was acting up. Then my left hamstring, then left calf, then left Achilles. It was a very painful, horrible day for me. Thank God I found Jennifer, Sara, and Tammy and was able to run with you all. I think I would have quit and gone home was it not for you ladies!!!!

I really can't tell you what happened between mile 13 and mile 24 because it's a blur. I remember "hitting the wall" around 18 because I was so hungry and just counting down the miles after that. Then, at mile 24, Sara challenged Tammy and I to sprint towards the finish! And we did it TOGETHER!!! Nothing makes me happier than the memory of those Marines at the recruit depot and being able to sprint across the finish like "Chariots of Fire" in front of a grandstand full of onlookers, running with a guy dressed like Elvis and a guy carrying an American flag...and the group who has been at my side since those 3 milers (whether you were at my side or in my heart, you were there with me)!!!!!!!

But despite the knee pain, et al...can you all believe that I have not taken one painkiller since I finished?!?! After those long runs every weekend, I used to pop Advil like candy. I had a small amount of soreness afterward but so far, I feel great. I'm in utter disbelief. What a testament to the training!!!!! IT WORKS!

In closing, let me add that I have just signed up to run a half-marathon with my husband in August. Looks like this marathon thing is not a fluke...

You all are truly amazing. Every one of you.

Guy's Experience

It was a GREAT run. I had lots of fun and it was easier than I expected. I felt some cramping (the famous wall???) at around mile 23 or so, but it wasn't too bad. Because it was so crowded I ended running most of it alone, but there was so much going on around me that it didn't matter much. Thanks for bringing me to this in less than the 4 month I had (had to start late because of my broken wrist!).

My time was 4:44, which is better than the 5 hours I expected. I could do even better if it wasn't for the fact that it was so crowded in the beginning and I just HAD to go to the restrooms twice that the first two miles took me 30 minutes! Then on it went much faster.

The most important news is that EVERYONE from the team that started (13 in all) finished! It was really nice seeing everyone there.

Tammy's Experience

The rock n roll marathon was fantastic! Sara and I ran together every step of the way, and we enjoyed every moment of it. The crowd was supportive, and the weather was overcast and perfect.

Jane's Experience

The race was great and I finished - not a PR but it was fun!

Copyright © 2003 by John Loeschhorn - Mail to:mtnrnr@pacbell.net
June 8, 2003