Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon: My Redemption Run Through America's Finest City

After a disappointing DNF (Did Not Finish) at a previous marathon, the desire to cross that 26.2-mile finish line weighed heavily on me. I needed to prove to myself that I could conquer the distance, and what better place to seek redemption than the Rock N Roll San Diego Marathon? This wasn’t the race I had meticulously trained for months on end, the one with ambitious time goals, but it became something far more important: a journey of mental and physical fortitude, culminating in a deeply personal victory at the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon.

Overcoming DNF and Choosing San Diego

The sting of the DNF lingered. It wasn’t just about the missed miles; it was the feeling of undone work and unmet potential. As May rolled around, the urge to race again became undeniable. I started exploring options – where, when, and how could I make this happen? Logistics and familiarity became key. The Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon emerged as the perfect choice. It was local, easily accessible, and I had positive memories from running it before. Knowing the course and the race-day atmosphere provided a sense of comfort and control that I desperately needed. While I had begun some light training, the decision to fully commit was made just weeks before race day, driven by a need to simply finish and reclaim my marathoner spirit at the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon.

Race Day Prep and Pre-Race Anxiety

Race morning at the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon begins early. With a 6:15 am start, my husband, who was running the half marathon, and I set off around 4:00 am to navigate parking and pre-race rituals. The mile-long walk from the parking structure to the start line in Balboa Park was brisk but manageable, a typical part of a large city marathon.

Upon reaching the start area, we headed to the restrooms. While waiting, a wave of panic washed over me. Panic attacks are rare for me, but the pressure I had subconsciously placed on this race, this “redemption run”, surfaced unexpectedly. The fear of repeating the DNF experience, of letting it define me, became overwhelming. Hot flashes, nausea, and shortness of breath – all the familiar signs. I confessed to my husband that I regretted signing up, feeling like I had made a mistake. The thought of switching to the half marathon for an easier out crossed my mind.

He offered support, and I began to work through it mentally. Drawing on strategies from past challenging runs, I reminded myself of my 50k accomplishment. This was just another long run, I told myself, no pressure for a personal best, just a finish. Meeting up with friends at the start line, including my best friend, provided a welcome distraction and helped to ground me. The pre-race jitters began to subside, replaced by a nervous anticipation for the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon ahead.

Pre-race snapshot at the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon, capturing the early morning anticipation.

Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon Race Recap

My race strategy for the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon was simple: break it down. Mentally, I divided the 26.2 miles into quarters for the first three-fourths, and then further split the final 6.55 miles into two segments, focusing on the infamous 163 hill and the final push to the finish. The first quarter was all about maintaining an easy, sustainable effort. I switched my watch to clock mode, hiding pace and distance data to avoid getting caught up in numbers and simply settle into a comfortable rhythm for the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon.

Early Miles and Finding My Rhythm

Around mile 4.5, doubts started to creep in. Pace anxieties and the daunting distance ahead began to play on my mind. To combat this mental chatter, I turned to a podcast for distraction, planning to refocus at mile 6.55, the point where I intended to increase my effort during the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon.

The Mid-Race Grind

As mile 6.55 approached, music replaced the podcast, mirroring my training runs. My plan was to maintain this effort through the half marathon mark. Again, I avoided looking at pace and distance, relying on the clock and mile markers for general awareness. Despite the plan, thoughts about pace and initial time goals resurfaced. The dream of a sub-4-hour marathon started to fade. A mental reset was needed. I reminded myself that this Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon was not about chasing a specific time; it was about finishing, pure and simple. Releasing that pressure was liberating and allowed me to refocus on the present miles.

Physically, I felt surprisingly good through this middle section of the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon. Recalling my 2022 experience, where I considered dropping out around mile 14, cruising through this part feeling strong was a significant improvement. The course around Mission Bay, however, is admittedly uneventful – a less scenic stretch of trails. Knowing a friend from my run group planned to cheer somewhere along this section provided a mental point of focus, even though I didn’t spot her amidst the race crowds.

Elevation map of the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon course, highlighting the challenging incline at mile 19-20 and the significant hill at mile 21.5.

Conquering the 163 Hill

I had underestimated a long, gradual incline leading up to the infamous 163 hill, which slowed my momentum around mile 19 of the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon. Then, the true climb began at mile 22. The 163 hill is a notorious feature of the San Diego course. Pushing through, I ran more than half of this imposing hill, and remarkably, I did it about two minutes faster than in 2022. This felt like a major victory, transforming the once “untamable beast” into a conquerable challenge.

The Final Stretch and Finish Line Joy

Cresting the 163 hill marks the beginning of a mostly downhill run to the finish line of the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon. I picked up my pace, enjoying the downhill momentum, until my stomach signaled it wasn’t quite ready for 8:30 min/mile pace at this stage of the race. I dialed it back slightly, focusing on finishing strong.

Redemption and Reflection

The journey to the finish line of the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon was more than just a race; it was a path to redemption. After the DNF in April, I engaged in significant self-reflection. Analyzing what went wrong, acknowledging both controllable and uncontrollable factors, was crucial for growth. This introspection fueled my desire to run another marathon, but this time without the self-imposed pressure of chasing an unrealistic goal.

My primary goal for the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon was simply to finish. While I knew I was in better shape than for my Chicago marathon, and a PR was a possibility, it wasn’t the driving force. Executing the race well and reaching the finish line became paramount. And as it turned out, by focusing on the process and the finish, a personal record naturally followed.

Coming down from the 163 hill, my legs felt strong, but my stomach wasn’t fully cooperating. Despite this, I pushed forward. Remembering struggling and walk-running this section in 2022, I was determined to keep running this time, knowing the finish was within reach. The empowering feeling of passing other runners in the final miles of a marathon is truly unique and motivating.

At mile 25.9, a final hill, reminiscent of Mt. Roosevelt in Chicago but slightly less steep and longer, appeared. In 2022, I had to walk this hill, despite encouragement from a fellow runner. This year, recalling a promise to my friend Nicole that I would run the finish, I pushed through the urge to walk.

Turning left towards the finish chute of the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon, I gave it my all for the final 0.2 miles. The feeling of strength, pride, and pure joy as I crossed the finish line was overwhelming. This Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon wasn’t just a race; it was a testament to resilience and the power of perseverance. The photos capture the elation far better than words ever could. This was more than just a finish; it was redemption found on the streets of San Diego.

Celebrating the finish at the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon, ringing the bell at the top of the 163 hill.

Triumphant marathon finish at the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon

Emotional finish line moment at the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon