The San Francisco Marathon is this Sunday. Two weeks after my Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon finish, I’ll be aiming to receive my 4th San Francisco Marathon medal. This year is different than previous years. The fastest I’ve done this marathon is around 4:45… I’ve struggled on it. Mostly due to injury before or during, but I’ve finished every time I have started it. I know the course like the back of my hand. But no matter how well you think you know it, doesn’t change the fact that it’s a tough course. Look at that elevation above? Yep.
Game plan:
Keep it calm and controlled for the first 11 miles. That’s along the Embarcadero, through the Marina, the out and back across the Golden Gate Bridge, and the downhill scream through the Presidio.
Manage the Golden Gate Park, miles 12-19. This section is tricky. You’ve run the glory that is the Golden Gate Bridge and you are working your way through Golden Gate Park which is deceitful in how it rises and falls. This is also the section where we merge with the Half Marathoners (there are 2 options for a half marathon, the 1st and the 2nd half). Be careful not to get swept up in the 2nd half runners speed. Don’t burn out here, miles 14-20 is subtle consistent climb .
Finish Stronger, mile 20-26. Here is where my race begins. My focus will be to run a smart race until I exit Golden Gate Park (mile 12-20) and start the run down Haight Ashbury. It’s the last six miles of the course and is relatively calm (see map above). Don’t scream out of the park on the decline those first few miles, you’ve still got a 10k to run.
Look at the map above. See the far right side with the number 24, 25, 26. See how the red route lines up almost perfectly with blue route right next to it? That red route is a part of my lunch run 75% of the time. That’s right. For the past 5 months I’ve been preparing myself to be extremely comfortable with those few miles. When the tag of this blog says:
Run Strong. Finish Stronger.
…I mean it. My race begins at mile 20, but I know the last few miles like no one’s business.
I’ll be shooting for anything below 4 hours (**cough 3:45**). Sub-4 was my goal when I originally registered back in October. But you know I want more.
You know I have something to prove… whether it be to myself, this race, the water station at mile 5, the guy clapping at mile 18, anyone and everyone. I’ve never been so calm, scared, confident, nervous and excited to race.
The Spirit of the Marathon II played in theaters on Wednesday and I know many runners were excited to see it and get inspired for race weekend. Know what I’ve been doing? Watching the Die Hard series from start to finish. Yep. I’ve watched Die Hard, Die Hard 2: Die Harder, Die Hard with a Vengeance and Live Free or Die Hard. Friday, I’ll watch A Good Day to Die Hard, which I have not seen yet.
I’ve got a John McClane frame of mind and I just won’t quit. Nice hair cut McClane.
If you happen to see me at the start or at the expo on Saturday (meet up/tweet up at noon at tech center), say hi. I’m giving away high-fives for free and would be excited to meet you.
Welcoming anything you have to say.
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Interesting pick for motivation! ;)
Good luck! You know this race- own it!
your game plan needs to include: take really fun pictures as you pass race photographers throughout the race!! :) :) good luck! xoxo
Great movie marathon for the occasion! Love your game plan! Good luck and enjoy the run!
Sounds like a great plan… knowing the course is an advantage (well, maybe a disadvantage sometimes as well to dread what’s coming!) Excited for you!
Now, this is what I needed to see! Great strategy for the race! I will keep this in mind for sure! Let’s do this!
Good luck!! You’ve so got this!!!
Whoa! I mean, you’ve got this Bri :)
What an exciting opportunity you have! I don’t think there’d be anything better than to run this race for the fourth time, an hour faster than the last time, and prove to yourself (and the race) what you’re made of. Your year has been incredible so far, and this could serve as the crown jewel. You’re so good at sticking to your race plans, and I just know you’ve got this one. I’m excited!
Man, I am seriously impressed with your preparation (running the last few miles frequently). You’ll do fantastic!
Love this race, one of my favorites. I did it the first time in 1997, when it started on the Marin side of the bridge and finished in Kezar stadium (that was GREAT!). I have run the race 4 or 5 times (for a while they changed the course every year!), and the half another 4 or 5 times.
It sounds like you have a good plan. It a tough course, but beautiful. Enjoy! Good luck, I have confidence you will achieve your goal.
You know what to do…now just go do it! I know that you will have a great race.
Good luck and have fun!! Be strong.
definitely motivating! it’s fantastic that you are so familiar with the course – makes for less surprises while you are out there. GOOD LUCK!!!
Good luck! I know you will pull that goal with no problem.
I’m so excited for you to get after it on Sunday. Seriously, you are going to do great. I’ll be cheering all the way from NYC!!!
Good luck and enjoy yourself! After reading your post, I would love to do this race some time! As I am sure you don’t need to hear this, just stick to your plan and you shall do it, can’t wait to hear about it.,
You definitely know the course and you have a great plan. It is tough to start out slow and save it until the end but if you can stick to it the last 10K should fall into place. Good luck and I love how you watch Die Hard movies to pump yourself up! You are ready so now get out there and do it! GOOD LUCK! YOU CAN DO THIS!
Love the Die Hard movies :) Looks like you’ve got your head right where it should be and are prepared as one can ever can be before race day. I hope the plan doesn’t waiver too much and you have a fun, strong run that you are happy with.
I’ll be cheering you on from the south bay!
Good luck!
That looks like one tough course. But you’re tougher! You got this. Have a fabulous race!
I admire that game plan. Very smart! I freaking love the fact that you have been running the last fee miles on your lunch break. It will make it feel like a victory lap. Good luck Sunday:)
You’re going to rock it friend. I’m trying to block out the fact that I should be in route up to SF right now to run with you. NEXT YEAR- it is one. Me and you. GOOD LUCK!!!!!! Have fun with Michele too! You are both so darn awesome!
Good Luck!! I have friends running this race as well….can’t wait to hear how it goes. You will do great!
Holy crap – you are amazing! Good luck!
Good Luck!!
Great game plan and good luck! Or rather, run hard and leave it all on the pavement. Can’t wait to hear about it!