After a disappointing Did Not Finish (DNF) at the Revel Mt. Charleston Marathon, I needed redemption. The Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, a race I’d run before, offered the perfect opportunity for a comeback. This local race provided logistical ease and familiarity, allowing me to focus on finishing strong. With a renewed training plan and a different mindset, I set out to conquer the course.
Preparing for Rock n Roll San Diego
The 6:15 am race start meant a 4:00 am wake-up call. After parking and navigating the pre-race chaos, a sudden panic attack hit. The fear of another DNF overwhelmed me. The pressure of not letting the previous race define me became almost unbearable. Thanks to my husband’s support and some serious self-talk, I managed to calm down and reconnect with my reason for running: to prove to myself that I could finish.
A tired but determined pre-race photo captures the early morning anxiety.
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon Race Recap
My race strategy involved dividing the course into manageable sections. I started with an easy effort, relying on feel rather than pace. To avoid overthinking, I covered my watch face, focusing only on the clock. Around mile 4.5, doubts crept in, so I used a podcast as a distraction until mile 6.55, my planned pick-up point.
From mile 6.55 through the half marathon mark, I maintained a consistent effort. I consciously avoided checking my pace or distance, trusting my training. Despite the urge to chase a specific time goal, I reminded myself that this race was about finishing, not speed. Releasing that pressure proved crucial.
This middle section of the course, running along Mission Bay, felt monotonous. Unlike my previous Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego experience, I felt strong and in control. Looking for a friend cheering along the course provided a welcome mental distraction.
The course map highlights the challenging inclines, particularly the significant hill at mile 21.5.
A long incline around mile 19 tested my resolve, followed by the infamous climb up Highway 163 at mile 22. This time, I conquered the hill with significantly more strength and speed than before, a testament to my training.
Reaching the top of the 163 hill was a triumphant moment, marked by ringing the celebratory bell.
The downhill stretch to the finish was exhilarating, until stomach issues forced me to slow down. Despite needing more fuel, I pushed through, remembering my commitment to run the entire finish. With less than two miles to go, I found strength in passing other runners. At mile 25.9, another challenging hill loomed, but I pushed through, remembering my promise to a friend. I sprinted the final 0.2 miles, crossing the finish line with a sense of accomplishment and joy. The photos capture the pure elation of that moment: overcoming adversity and achieving redemption at the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon.
