LA marathon 2022 Review

I have been thinking to do this race for a long time, but it’s hard to decide because it’s not close to my place and the traffic is always bad. Since I decided to do different marathons at different big cities last year, this becomes a must. The original plan was to drive there in the early morning , but it might take more than an hour so I decided to stay in a city I don’t need to drive too far since all the hotels near LA must be expensive. However, after I checked the hotels that work with LA marathon and the price is not bad.

Hotel

I picked Westin hotel that cost $198 for Saturday night and did the Valet parking ($30, supposed to be $45). The good thing about it was it had shuttle to drop you to start line and pick you up back to hotel. I noticed multiple hotels share this service and this hotel is the closest to the shuttle. Back to the race itself, it’s my first time to do this race so I can’t compare before. However, for bib pickup, I think the direction in dodge stadium was pretty bad. At least for people who never been there. There was any sign for LA marathon, it was hard to find for me. At least parking wasn’t bad.Race dayThe weather was good today. 76 degree was the maximum, but it was cold in the early morning since it rained last night. Portable bathrooms were enough at least the line I was waiting only 4 people. Wow. No need to hold your pee. I didn’t pee at all during the race as usual.

Course

I thought LA is supposed to be a flat course, but I was wrong about it. I heard it just changed course last year. It isnt too bad, but comparing with surf city, total gained 300ish vs 900 ish elevation. I will do a good training again to do the surf city instead.

Race

During the race, the first 17 miles was ok. However, after 19 miles, the course had lots of climbs, it might be because I was already tired so those continuous climbs were killing me even though I don’t hate hills that much. You will pass lots of famous places such China town, Thai town, Hollywood, etc. that’s kinda benefit for the race.Although the weather wasn’t bad, but under the Sun, it was still hot. Hot and cold made me weak. Also, at some miles, the head wind was crazy I did three official marathons so far. It was my first time sacrificing bike and swim training for this marathon training, so I was we hoping I could do better. However, with this new course and I was targeting 3:45 at least, I am happy with this result. Kinda wanna try surf city with this training next year, but also wanna try if I’m lucky enough to do Chicago. Anyway the worst for today was I didn’t get the chance to drink my free beer cuz I felt not good after the race. And I also rested almost an hour here and there and spent little more time to find the shuttle. The worst came, I threw up right before the shuttle left. I went out and threw up on the grass and also some on the bus. Felt so embarrassed. first time. Feel a grown up