Race: California International Marathon

Runner: Ava Sorell

Race Date: 12/04/2022

Location: Sacramento, CA

Results: https://www.athlinks.com/event/3241/results/Event/1036173/Course/2307831/Bib/5753s

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/8208282980

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Start line bathrooms are a clusterf***

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

The downhills can sneak up on you if you haven’t done any downhill training in the block leading up to the race.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I was targeting sub 2:45. Though I missed that goal due to my quads locking up at the end, I still ran a 13 minute PR and managed to gut out the last 2k at my original goal pace.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

(also lesson for self) I knew the course was mostly flat/downhill, so I didn’t do a lot of hill training. I was on pace to run a 2:43, but my quads locked up at mile 18 because the pounding downhills at sub-6 pace were too much stress on my quads over that duration, which resulted in a 2:49 as I slowed by 45 seconds per mile the last 10k.

In hindsight, I would have done more specific strength work, and more workouts with downhills that I was running at least moderately hard on.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Don’t rely on the busses to get you to the start time on time. Have a friend drop you off at the start line shuttle at least an hour before your race.

Our bus got lost and dropped us only 24 minutes before the race (if your bus is late, you will not get a refund). The bathroom lines were 20+ people deep (the worst I’ve ever seen), and I only had time for a quarter mile warm up and a single chance at the restroom (which bit me later as I had to stop along the course to use the restroom).

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

The course is mostly through neighborhoods and lined with deciduous trees in full autumn color.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

The course is not tough, provided you train for the roller downhills so your muscles don’t lock up like mine. The trees and houses mean the course has practically no wind.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Considering our bus got lost and the bathroom lines were a 20 minute wait…. For a course that prizes itself on setting personal records, this was dissatisfactory.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

The field was extremely competitive. I didn’t even finish in the top 100 women with a time of 2:49. 42 women hit the OTQ (Olympic Trials Qualifier) of sub-2:37

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

You’ll want to book your hotel in advance and make sure you have private transport to the shuttle instead of relying on the busses.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Bring throw away clothes to the start line and shed them as you go.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

The course is generally accessible, but since it’s point to point, spectators can realistically only see you twice.