After a disappointing DNF (Did Not Finish) at a previous marathon, the desire to cross the finish line felt stronger than ever. I needed to prove to myself that I could complete the 26.2 miles, and erase the lingering frustration of my previous race. The Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon emerged as the perfect opportunity for redemption. It was local, logistically straightforward, and a race I had run before, offering a sense of familiarity and control. Though training had been low-key, the pull to race and finish was undeniable. So, with a mix of anticipation and nerves, I signed up for the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon, ready to face the challenge head-on.
Deciding on the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon for Redemption
The decision to participate in the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon wasn’t just about running another race; it was about reclaiming a sense of accomplishment. Following my DNF, a cloud of doubt lingered. I needed to replace that negativity with the positive energy of a finish line. Choosing San Diego was strategic. Its proximity meant less travel stress, and having previously run the course, I knew what to expect, minimizing pre-race anxieties about the unknown. The timing was also ideal – soon enough to maintain momentum, yet allowing adequate recovery from the previous setback. While my training wasn’t as rigorous as for my goal race, the underlying fitness was there, waiting to be unleashed on the streets of San Diego. This race was about more than just time; it was about completing the distance and reaffirming my capabilities as a marathon runner.
Race Day Morning Jitters in Balboa Park
Race day dawned early, with a 4:00 AM departure to navigate parking and pre-race routines before the 6:15 AM start of the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon. The mile-long walk from the parking structure to the start line in Balboa Park, while expected for a large event, added to the early morning hustle. Upon reaching the starting area and stopping at the restrooms, an unexpected wave of panic washed over me. It was a stark reminder of the mental hurdles that come with marathon running, especially after a DNF. The fear of repeating the past failure manifested physically – heat, nausea, and shortness of breath. I confessed to my husband my regret and considered downgrading to the half marathon. This anxiety stemmed directly from the pressure I had inadvertently placed on myself to overcome the DNF. However, through deep breaths and mental reframing, I reminded myself this race was about completion, not perfection. Finding friends at the start line provided a welcome distraction, gradually easing the panic and shifting my focus towards the race ahead.
Pre-race photo captures the early morning tiredness and anticipation before the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon.
Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon Race Recap: Mile by Mile
The Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon race strategy was simple: break it down. I mentally divided the marathon into quarters for the first three-fourths, and then further segmented the final 6.2 miles, focusing on manageable sections. The initial quarter emphasized easy effort, a pace I knew was sustainable. To avoid pace obsession, I switched my watch display to clock time, removing the pressure of splits and distance in those early miles. Around mile 4.5, the mental chatter began – pace anxieties, distance doubts, the “can I do this?” loop. A podcast became my mental escape, diverting attention until mile 6.55, the point where I planned to introduce more effort.
At 6.55 miles, music replaced the podcast, signaling the shift in gears. This was familiar territory, mirroring countless training runs. The goal was to maintain this effort through the half marathon mark, still avoiding the trap of constant pace checking. While I was aware of the approximate time elapsed and mile markers, the focus remained on perceived exertion rather than precise metrics. Inevitably, thoughts of pace and previous goals crept in. The dream sub-4 hour finish was clearly out of reach. Another mental reset was necessary – this wasn’t a PR attempt; it was a finish. Releasing the pressure of time goals was liberating and allowed me to settle into a comfortable rhythm.
This middle section of the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon felt surprisingly good, a stark contrast to my 2022 experience where I contemplated dropping out around mile 14. Cruising through this segment with relative ease was a confidence booster. Reflecting on both races, I realized this part of the course, along the Mission Bay trails, is somewhat monotonous. The lack of visual interest can make it feel longer mentally. Knowing a friend planned to cheer along this stretch provided a mental focal point, even though we didn’t connect on course.
Elevation map of the Rock and Roll San Diego Marathon course, highlighting the challenging incline at mile 19-20 and the infamous 163 hill around mile 21.5.
The course map underestimated the initial incline around mile 19, a longer, gentler climb that preceded the notorious 163 hill. This unexpected uphill slowed my pace slightly before the real challenge began at mile 22 – the ascent of Highway 163. Conquering the 163 hill was a significant moment. I ran more than half of this formidable climb, and remarkably, completed it two minutes faster than in 2022. This tangible improvement fueled my spirits and banished the memory of the hill as an insurmountable obstacle. Reaching the summit felt like a major victory.
Celebrating at the top of the 163 hill during the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon, ringing the bell to mark the accomplishment.
The downhill stretch after the 163 hill was a welcome relief. I picked up the pace, enjoying the descent until my stomach signaled discomfort with the faster tempo. Forcing down more fuel earlier might have prevented this, but the carb-loading seemed to be sustaining me overall. I eased off slightly but maintained a strong running form. Memories of walk-running this section in 2022 fueled my determination to keep running this time. With less than two miles to go, the finish line was within reach. Even in these final miles, I felt surprisingly strong, passing other runners – a deeply empowering feeling so late in a marathon.
At mile 25.9, a final hill appeared, reminiscent of the Mt. Roosevelt hill in the Chicago Marathon, though slightly less steep but longer. In 2022, this hill had forced me to walk, despite encouragement from a fellow runner. This year, remembering my commitment to my friend Nicole to run the finish, I pushed through the urge to walk. Turning left towards the finish chute, I unleashed a final sprint for the last 0.2 miles.
Finish Line Joy and Redemption Achieved
Crossing the finish line of the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon was an overwhelming wave of emotion. Strength, pride, and immense happiness washed over me. It was more than just finishing a race; it was about overcoming a previous setback and proving my resilience. The DNF in April had been a valuable, albeit painful, learning experience. The soul-searching that followed revealed mistakes, uncontrollable factors, and crucial lessons about mental fortitude and race strategy. This journey of reflection led me to the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon, not as a pursuit of a specific time, but as a quest for completion and redemption. While I knew I was fitter than during my previous marathon in Chicago, the focus remained on execution and finishing strong. Achieving a PR was secondary to the primary goal of crossing that finish line.
The photos from the finish line capture the pure elation more vividly than words can express. They tell the story of a runner who faced disappointment, learned from it, and returned stronger, achieving redemption on the streets of San Diego. The Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon became my personal symbol of perseverance and the joy of reaching a hard-earned goal.
Pure joy and relief at the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon finish line.
Celebrating the completion of the San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon with a triumphant finish.
Emotional finish line moment at the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon, marking a personal victory.
Displaying the finisher medal with pride after completing the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon.
Celebrating the achievement at the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon finish line with pure happiness.
Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon official race logo and branding.
