The 2008 L.A. Marathon is going to be my first one ever so on top of being excited, I’m really really nervous. Run 26.2 miles? Are you kidding me? Eesh! It’ll probably be the meanest thing I’ve ever done to my body so I’m going to need all the encouragement I can get when I’m feeling like giving up at Mile 19. In fact I’m going to go out on a limb and say that all marathoners, especially first-timers, luuuuvs it when people come out and cheer us on from the sidelines. We’ll have our names on our bibs so please shout them out when we run by. There’s something about hearing our names cheered at the top of people’s lungs that is so invigorating.
I’ve already told all my friends what my pace will be so they can guesstimate where I’ll be at various points of the course and hold up “Go Caroline!” signs (and I also signed them up to get text message alerts about my progress). But I forgot to tell them all the crucial stuff that marathon spectators might want to know, like where to park, how to get around, where to meet your marathoner after, etc. so I’ll tell you…and just email them this post later.
It’s going to be crazy driving around L.A. what with all the closures of major streets and about 1 million spectators anticipated to show up. But fortunately the Metro Rail has stations close to the marathon course: Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine near the beginning of the race, Wilshire/Western, Wilshire/Normandie, Grand, Pico, and the 7th Metro and Pershing Square stops which are five blocks from the Family Reunion Finish Line Festival.
Unfortunately spectators won’t be allowed on the first three miles of the course nor at the finish line itself. But you can meet your marathoner after the race at special lettered meeting spots at the Finish Line Festival on 3rd Street and Flower where you can find them by their last name.
If you go Metro make sure to purchase a $5 all day pass in advance so that you don’t have to wait in crazy-long ticket vendor lines at each station. You can buy these passes from any Metro bus or any rail station. For parking, check the rail station map to see which rail stations have a park/ride.
Have lots of time to kill til your runner comes by? Fortunately there will be entertainment centers located throughout the course where you can find cultural performances, food festivals and, most importantly, port-a-potties. New on the course is the Mariachi Mile on Mile 21 in Boyle Heights where 100 musicians will be on hand to invigorate runners to those last crucial miles. Dance the mariachi and cheer on your friends from the entertainment center there.
Thanks again for coming out to cheer us on. I’m looking forward to the race and to seeing all the smiley faces on the sidelines. If you happen to spot a girl with a bob tucked into a black cap wearing a black running skirt and “Caroline” on her bib, feel free to show her some love!
2008 L.A. Marathon Course and Metro Map
From one first time marathon’r (in my training stages for the Rock and Roll) to another, Good luck and kick a$$! Don’t eat Fettucini Alfredo as your carbo-load. I saw Michael Scott from The Office do it once…not a good idea. I hope you’re a fan of The Office because if you’re not, then that last one made no sense.
I LOVE the Office! And fettucini alfredo should be ok to eat the night before, just not right before you run. ;)
Thanks and good luck on your marathon, too!
Aughhhh! Good luck, Caro! Where did you end up booking your massage? Pho Siam in Echo Park is good and cheap.
Thanks, Chris!
I booked it at Thai Sabai in Westwood cuz the Hollywood location got such great reviews. And it’s going to cost only $65 for 1 1/2-hour-long Thai sports massage!
Hey Caroline. We made you a poster…not sure if you saw it…but here is the link to check us out:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22333217@N05/2304628715/
Recover well and eat lots of cupcakes! You earned them!!!
My old roommate ran today so a bunch of us took the Metro to check it out. I looked for you at Mile 8, Mile 19 and the finish but didn’t see you :(
I was so looking forward to yelling, “Caroline on Crack!”
Congratulations, Cracko!
I saw someone with a “Go Carline on Crack” sign around mile 5!
Jennifer,
Awww! That’s so awesome! I remember that water station. Pretty chaotic and I avoided them the first several miles. In the beginning I was running with my run/walk group which was a bunch people wearing yellow hats. So don’t know if you saw that. But LOVE the sign. Thanks so much! Today I’m getting a massage and cupcakes.
Heidi,
At Mile 19? That’s where my bf was and he was holding up a sign. Right at the bend. I only stopped briefly to give him a peck. But thanks for the encouragement. I’m kinda glad no one saw me though. I was a red, puffy mess.
dvg,
Thanks! I didn’t know about that sign til I saw the above comment. I’m sad I didn’t get to see the sign in person.
how did you do in the race?? Congrats I swear | ‘m doing it next year.
congrats, team turbo! you’re a champion!
That Crack sign is sweet! You have awesome friends, Caroline.
Also? You’re my new hero.
Was nowhere near the marathon site yesterday, but congrats on surviving the marathon!
Yolanda,
If you do end up doing it next year I really recommend joining a running group. I joined the L.A. Roadrunners and loved it. Everyone is so supportive.
Thanks, Mike! I kept what you said in mind during the marathon which was to not worry about time but just focus on finishing. I didn’t push myself too hard and just enjoyed it.
Jennifer (the one who is related to me),
Isn’t that sign awesome? I’m glad I got to see it even if only in photos.
H.C.,
Aww, thanks!
Thanks I will. It’s on my list. i come back to L.A tomorrow. Yay