2008 (Jan 06) Orange County Marathon

On my drive to the OC marathon, my first race in 2008. Got up at 5 AM and now driving there on the freeway. I'm trying to be there early since I learned that parking is rather difficult.

2009-01-21T08:45:22Z

jakob
On my drive to the OC marathon, my first race in 2008. Got up at 5 AM and now driving there on the freeway. I'm trying to be there early since I learned that parking is rather difficult.

Gatering of the first runners getting ready for their 5K's, half-marathon and marathon runs. The race starts in about 1.5 hours.

2009-01-21T08:48:23Z

jakob
Gatering of the first runners getting ready for their 5K's, half-marathon and marathon runs. The race starts in about 1.5 hours.

15 minutes to the race. Slowly the runners are getting ready at the starting line. So far we're lucky because there's no rain (yet).

2009-01-21T08:47:10Z

jakob
15 minutes to the race. Slowly the runners are getting ready at the starting line. So far we're lucky because there's no rain (yet).

A few minutes until we're all off. Many runners are eager to get this thing going including myself. I'm using my Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS running watch for the first time and I'm curious ho ...

2009-01-21T08:47:48Z

jakob
A few minutes until we're all off. Many runners are eager to get this thing going including myself. I'm using my Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS running watch for the first time and I'm curious ho ...

An off we are slowly but surely. Due the big amount of runners (over 11'000) it actually takes me almost 3 minutes until I run through the start.

2009-01-21T08:47:22Z

jakob
An off we are slowly but surely. Due the big amount of runners (over 11'000) it actually takes me almost 3 minutes until I run through the start.

5.7 miles into the run. This is a small out and back and while we run out other runners come down the street. Should I just run over take a short-cut? I don't think so LOL.

2009-01-21T08:47:30Z

jakob
5.7 miles into the run. This is a small out and back and while we run out other runners come down the street. Should I just run over take a short-cut? I don't think so LOL.

Sill enjoying the run hoping that the rain will not come crashing down over us. Perhaps we're lucky today.

2009-01-20T20:00:29Z

jakob
Sill enjoying the run hoping that the rain will not come crashing down over us. Perhaps we're lucky today.

Aid stations had mostly water and was sponsored by a small company called "M" and with their logo "I'm loving it". Did they mean "Marathon - I'm loving it"? If yes they're darn right LOL. Th ...

2009-01-21T08:46:45Z

jakob
Aid stations had mostly water and was sponsored by a small company called "M" and with their logo "I'm loving it". Did they mean "Marathon - I'm loving it"? If yes they're darn right LOL. Th ...

Still going strong trying really hard to appreciate the moment and to let go of the fear of rain. Rain and running just don't mix for me. I ran the 2005 Hartford marathon while it was pourin ...

2009-01-20T20:01:30Z

jakob
Still going strong trying really hard to appreciate the moment and to let go of the fear of rain. Rain and running just don't mix for me. I ran the 2005 Hartford marathon while it was pourin ...

We're crossing the 405 freeway around mile 7.5.

2009-01-21T08:45:43Z

jakob
We're crossing the 405 freeway around mile 7.5.

Around mile 8.5 the marathon and half marathon splits. For sure the crowd went right whereas we went right to complete the full marathon.

2009-01-21T08:45:05Z

jakob
Around mile 8.5 the marathon and half marathon splits. For sure the crowd went right whereas we went right to complete the full marathon.

It was really, really hard to go wrong here LOL.

2009-01-21T08:43:56Z

jakob
It was really, really hard to go wrong here LOL.

Shortly after the split the crowd was gone and it was easier to run at a comfortable pace.

2009-01-21T08:45:17Z

jakob
Shortly after the split the crowd was gone and it was easier to run at a comfortable pace.

2 hours and 12 minutes into the run I crossed mile 13, which won't break my PR but was faster than I thought I would be. Without rain I could expect my finishing time around 4 hours and 40 m ...

2009-01-21T08:43:46Z

jakob
2 hours and 12 minutes into the run I crossed mile 13, which won't break my PR but was faster than I thought I would be. Without rain I could expect my finishing time around 4 hours and 40 m ...

Running on a freeway out-and-back on the right side.

2009-01-21T08:43:39Z

jakob
Running on a freeway out-and-back on the right side.

Feeling the pain yet? Not really. After all, it's just a marathon LMAO...

2009-01-20T20:03:32Z

jakob
Feeling the pain yet? Not really. After all, it's just a marathon LMAO...

Lousy self-portrait running along the freeway enjoying the music and hoping for no rain. Several times I did the no-rain dance along the way hehe.

2009-01-21T08:48:10Z

jakob
Lousy self-portrait running along the freeway enjoying the music and hoping for no rain. Several times I did the no-rain dance along the way hehe.

Am I almost done? I hope not. Just enjoying being out there doing this thing.

2009-01-21T08:45:23Z

jakob
Am I almost done? I hope not. Just enjoying being out there doing this thing.

Almost at mile 18 and still feeling happy for no rain.

2009-01-20T20:00:05Z

jakob
Almost at mile 18 and still feeling happy for no rain.

By mile 18 (3 hours and 10 minutes into the run) very dark clouds are filling the sky. It was obvious that from now on it would be just a matter of time until we all are getting soaked.

2009-01-21T08:47:09Z

jakob
By mile 18 (3 hours and 10 minutes into the run) very dark clouds are filling the sky. It was obvious that from now on it would be just a matter of time until we all are getting soaked.

Sure enough, after about 20 minutes, it started to sprinkle.

2009-01-21T08:44:28Z

jakob
Sure enough, after about 20 minutes, it started to sprinkle.

jakob's photo

2009-01-20T20:01:29Z

jakob

And suddenly all hell breaks loose with the rain just soaking us in seconds. I litterally was soaked to my toes within 5 seconds. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide while mother nature leashes ...

2009-01-21T08:47:28Z

jakob
And suddenly all hell breaks loose with the rain just soaking us in seconds. I litterally was soaked to my toes within 5 seconds. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide while mother nature leashes ...

The rain only lasted for a few minutes but little rivers started to build next to the street.

2009-01-21T08:43:42Z

jakob
The rain only lasted for a few minutes but little rivers started to build next to the street.

Oh well... might as well enjoy what I got. I'm always trying to see the good first LOL...

2009-01-21T08:44:18Z

jakob
Oh well... might as well enjoy what I got. I'm always trying to see the good first LOL...

We're all wet now and the wind is blowing. I guess this marathon just turned into sort-of-a challenge.

2009-01-21T08:44:30Z

jakob
We're all wet now and the wind is blowing. I guess this marathon just turned into sort-of-a challenge.

Alright, almost there.

2009-01-21T08:46:54Z

jakob
Alright, almost there.

I'm finishing in 4:48:55 place 581 out of 1053. Not bad I guess. Hey, I didn't say I'm fast LOL.

2009-01-20T20:00:20Z

jakob
I'm finishing in 4:48:55 place 581 out of 1053. Not bad I guess. Hey, I didn't say I'm fast LOL.

Luckily they provided transportation back to the starting line where my car was parked. I would not have liked to run another 13 miles back to the car :)

2009-01-21T08:44:20Z

jakob
Luckily they provided transportation back to the starting line where my car was parked. I would not have liked to run another 13 miles back to the car :)