2014 LA Marathon - Tough Run in Brutal Heat

Photo by Louis "Picachu" Kwan

On March 9, 2014 we started with a great group of 40 runners.  Some were our core group who have persisted with the training from the beginning, there were a few who couldn't do the full schedule, but were brave enough to come out on race day to join us for this great start. We were also missing a few who couldn't make it to the start due to unfortunate injuries which kept them from starting.

photo by Greg Cole

 The start was under amazingly dramatic fire red clouds which kept us somewhat cool for the first 8 miles, but then as we got to Hollywood, the cover burned off, and we were faced with a very hot, and unrelentingly difficult marathon.  Most of the group did drop back, some walking more to deal with the heat, but a small group continued on and finished right on target. My watch at the finish had: 6:33:54 duration, 26.53 miles, 14:51 avg. min/mile pace. 

Here are some of their stories.

I felt very strong at the start and that held for quite a while.

The cloud cover filled me with a great hope because my greatest fear is always the sun. The sun has been my downfall before. Singing the Sesame Street song didn’t scare the demons away. I was watching my food intake carefully to keep my energy up (I have received instruction from Nurse Nancy on that and she is absolutely right). I had counted on Gatorade from the marathon, so I carried some protein based recovery drinks for near the end and some spare water but no Gatorade. I had planned to sip Gatorade at every other water station for the electrolytes. So with it missing, I started sipping my recovery stuff because it has some electrolytes. I also started early with the Sport Beans but their taste gets old pretty quick!

When we hit the full sun, I found myself slipping to the back, each run was getting harder and I was breathing a lot harder than I should for passing mile 12. Almost to 13, I finally just kept walking. ARGGG! I hate walking the marathon, it just kills my feet, but there I was. That sun was a killer. Nancy had loaned me a neck wrap, which I kept soaking in water from the water stations; I poured water over my head and down my back. When leaving a water station, my hat was dripping like it was raining! It took forever until I finally saw the mile 20 marker and knew that eventually I would get to the finish. Met a few friends along the way, some I passed and some passed me – that’s the way it is among the walking wounded of the marathon. I saw Alice who was still running and walking up the VA hill. What a brave soul she is!

At the finish line, my friend Gary was there ahead of me. All I could think about was “where’s the medals, where’s the medals?”. They were just a few feet further, but I had this almost panicky feeling for a second or two! Ahh, the ribbon around the neck, the medal on the chest and IT WAS OVER! Limped to the RoadRunners tent, good to see some friends there and a few blueberry muffins – wow! Those sure were good.

The sad part of the day was not seeing you get your medals and experience your moment of triumph. I am looking forward to hearing your stories. This was a very hard ending to what has been a really terrific training season and great people to share it with!

Bill Graves 
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Hi Walt. 

I'm glad it's over. I hit the wall at mile 13. I was afraid I'm going to re injure my knee that I have been nursing for 2 weeks so I made a wise decision to just walked the rest of the race. I kept pouring water on my head and wet my handkerchief and put over my head to block the sun on the left side of my face. But I lost it somewhere by the VA hospital

But I'm proud to report that I finished in 7 hours and some change. 

Thank you so much for being a great coach and make us feel like a family. We had the best team. 

Please count me and my guest in at the barbecue. 

Again thank you for everything. 

Keep on running. 

Rosanna

I stopped a few times to put bandage on my toe and to stretch. 
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Genie on left with Chere

The run for me was great. I was a bit nervous about all of the water I was drinking because I didn't want to use the restrooms and lose the group. But I told myself it's better to stay hydrated and avoid injury or a head ache. The miles seemed to just go by. I enjoyed spending a few moments in front with Patricia. Most of the time I made sure my partner in crime Chere was doing well. Once we got to mile 20 I was so excited that the end was near. I knew I had enough energy to make it to the finish. The 1/1 really helped as well as the longer walking breaks.

The one obstacle I faced (along with everybody else) was the sun. But I knew that we were a team and everybody was struggling with it. I didn't have to panic knowing I was really struggling and everybody else was fine. There was something comforting in knowing we were all in it together. Once we saw the banner I had so much energy. I was so excited to be crossing the finish line. It was great crossing with some of our group member all lined up!

Now here is where I struggled....... I did not take one of those foil jacket things. I have never used those before so I turned it down. I felt great! Full of energy. Happy as ever to see my family. Once I got in the car I started getting very nauseous and I had a very bad head ache. I couldn't eat anything. I forced myself to eat once I got home but only a small bite here and there. I thought a shower would help but it didn't.

Finally my family put cold compresses on my forehead and neck and slowly I started feeling better. But I just felt like I had the chills and I was hot with a horrible head ache. I finally went to sleep and woke up at 3am feeling great!! I ate some dinner and rehydrated. Today I feel like myself again. It was a great marathon. Really happy to have done it with you guys.

Genie Boyer
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Group 6 run/Walk:   
Thanks for letting me run with your group. My name is Gary Deitsch; I have been with the Roadrunners for 17 years in pace leading and coaching positions.  Having been in charge of the entire Pace leaders, along with Salya and Barbara, for many of those years, and worked with many PL’s, I can say with much experience and certainty, that Walt Louie and his Pl’s did a MORE than GREAT job.  Walt was a Runner 14-15 years ago in my group that I was pace leading, and I encouraged him to take the next step, and become a PL.  We are all so glad he did.  Walt’s enthusiasm and dedication to his group is 2^nd to none. Even when he was hurting, the last 5 miles he kept the enthusiasm and encouragement up among the group.  I ran next to Walt and his Pls Nancy and Patricia, who were leading the way, and they were all working until the very end to make sure you all crossed the finish line safely.  Walt upon finishing could have easily received his medal and left, but he stayed at the finish line until he saw his entire group finish.  You are so l lucky to have pace leaders so dedicated led by Sr. Pace Leader Walt Louie.  Was not it great that Walt’s sister brought us snacks to eat, another feat that Walt was able to accomplish for all of you.

Remember the BANQUET is 22 March. Make sure you ATTEND and HONOR your Pace leaders-WALT, NANCY, PATRICIA, BILL and Cleave- who gave so much of themselves to make sure you had the best experience ever.  Congratulations to all of you that ran, YOU did it. Wear your medal proudly, and wear it to the banquet.

Thank you,

Gary Deitsch

Thanks Gary....you kept me going when I really needed the help....Walt
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Thanks again Walt and your staff for a great Marathon Experience, I couldn't believe how tough Patricia is and how every mile marker we were exactly on time or ahead of the 15 minute mile mark.  Last year because of a bib mix up I missed running with you, much better this time!

Unfortunately, I was also a heat casuality, and did not finish with you guys, at mile 16 all the signs of heat was there, profuse sweating, headache, and having "cotton mouth" where no matter how much water, it wasn't working. 

The only solution was to start walking and get the core body temperature down so I would be able to use my timer for a 1/1 pace.  It took a long time and a lot of water and ice, mile 18 and 19 were the worst, it felt like walking in the desert.  Thank god I saw Jamie and a few others, I was about to hit the medical tent and then decided, I wasn't going out like this, if this is my last marathon, I will crawl to the finish time, but I will finish. 

Finally started running again at mile 22 going down San Vicente to the finish line.  The legs and feet were fine, and finally the headache went away and the "cotton mouth" wasn't as bad as before.  Bad time, 7:17, but I finished, thanks to your training during the year.  At 60, I am wondering if my marathon days are done, I will revisit that later this year.  Thanks for all your help and being part of a great running group this year.  See you at Walt's party.

Doug Potratz
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Being a first time marathon runner...heck, a first time consistent runner - period,  I had no idea what to expect.  Even from the beginning of this training, I thought, wow, I'm really doing this running thing.  Running was never at the top of my favorite exercise list. Well, it is now. (though I'm still not thrilled about how huge my calves and thighs have gotten - and don't tell me it's muscle, 'cuz that doesn't help when you're trying to pull on skinny jeans and boots! That's okay, I'll stick to my "relaxed-fit jeans and converse shoes" any day).  Sorry, I digress.

After doing our 20 mile training, I felt great and that's what I hung on to before and during the marathon.  Everything seemed so surreal. I kept thinking, remember to take this all in, because this is your first. And no matter how many times you ever do this again, there'll never be anything like doing this run for the first time, good or bad. 

So about that 26.2 mile grueling, heat pounding, mind numbing, pain inducing marathon. Yeah, that was interesting, eh? Who the heck ordered the heat? I have been praying for cool weather since the beginning, so not sure if Jesus heard me correctly.  Then again, I guess it could have been worse. Starting off was awesome, I was pumped but didn't allow the crowd of runners to psyche me out.  I had some friends cheer me on in Chinatown, which was really special to see. Going through the first 9 miles with the group was great and I was feeling confident. I ran into my first mini wall sometime around Mile 10 - 12, or maybe that's how long it lasted.  The steady incline and heat were challenging. The sun was really playing a number on me, it didn't matter how much water I drank, I couldn't seem to quench that thirst or heat. My legs were achy and my toes were cramping but I just kept going. Walt promised me that we'd have a reprieve from the uphill soon, so I hung onto that.  Mile 16 or 17 was another mini wall.  I was running out of steam, and was so hot.  Kept pouring water over my neck and arms every chance I got.  I think one of the toughest areas to run was that VA hill, I was hating that area.

At around Mile 18, another friend was there & she ended up running a stretch w/me. Then my husband appeared out of nowhere before mile 20 and ran a 100 yards with me til we reached the place where my kids and friends were waiting. And at Mile 25 I was surprised to see another close friend & her family there to cheer me on - I got all choked up and cried. It was powerful for me to have family & friends be there throughout the course. It lifted my spirits and reminded me that this journey was possible.  

I tried to remain as positive as I could for the entire run, though I was starting to get whiny and annoyed at all inclines.  My faith was the other thing that kept me going. Whenever I was losing it mentally, I would sing praise songs to fill my mind. And I just kept praying - for myself, for our team and for people I'd pass that looked like they needed prayer. What a spiritual and emotional experience this was for me.  Individuals in the group kept me strong and pushing through. Our pace leaders were amazing. I loved seeing them encourage others and welcome runners to join us.  The treats from Walt's sister helped pep me up too.  And after Mile 23 or 24, something took over and I just started getting revved up.  Only 3 miles to go…only 2 miles to go.  Didn't mean to run ahead of the group, but at that point I just disregarded the pain and kept moving.  I kept looking back to the group to gain some kind of invisible connection, but I realized I just needed to keep my focus forward.  If I slowed down, I knew I would be too tempted to stop.  If I stopped, I would be done.  When I saw the end of the street to Ocean, I had a burst of energy.  And then suddenly I had Chin running beside me - what a relief and joy to have a team member next to me.  I kept asking Chin where the heck the finish line was.  That last mile seemed endless.  But then I finally saw it. Chin and I kept pace with each other and she encouraged me on, and with her strength and mine, we willed each other to the finish line.  Thank you so much Chin!

I can't imagine doing a marathon for the first time without training with a running team.  I felt so well taken care of by LA Roadrunners.  And I know I've mentioned this to Walt before, but I have to tell you, it's been a real blessing and honor for me to have trained with all of you in RW6.  Walt, Bill, Patricia, Jamie and Nancy have been such humble, kind and knowledgeable leaders who were all a source of inspiration to me. They all helped to create a community out of this group, and in the end I think that's what this experience was all about. So, thank you my fellow runners!

Myra Maracine
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Hey Walt,

Here’s my story for this year’s marathon. I’ll keep it short.

HOT!!!! The End!!

Seriously, I don’t know what it is with me and the weather on marathon day. My first was extremely cold and rainy. Then last year, hot the first half, freezing the second. And then there’s this one. I liken this year’s marathon to a plane landing. Any landing you can walk away from, is a good landing.

 This was my third marathon, second with Walt and the Roadrunners. I just knew I had this one in the bag. After all, third time’s the charm, right? I’ve trained hard, did everything right, listened to all the PL’s, followed the mid week schedules (although I ran a bit faster), threw in some races along the way to make sure I was on track. I was injury free. I was gonna do it, just go for it, finally finish with the group and get my first sub 7hr finish.

It was gonna take an act of GOD to stop me. And, in a manner of speaking, that’s exactly what it felt like happened. Despite all the hydration, the clif shots, candy, protein bars, etc. The sun took its toll on me. I was able to stay with the everyone until 13 and then there were no more buildings to hide the sun. It was brutal. Last year I wrote NO QUIT on my training shirt. After mile 15, I was ready to give up. I was just drained. Nothing was working. Everything was hazy, I was seeing double, feeling sick. But I also kept hearing Walt’s voice in my head. SUCK IT UP, YOU GOT THIS!!! Maybe not in those exact words… Then there was Greg’s message on the video board telling me to PR. So, on I went through the cramps, delirium, and of course the VA.

So we marched on with our makeshift run/walk 6.5 (as Jamie called us lol). And we finished together and strong. Although we think they moved the finish line back a quarter mile. Arms raised big smiles, and a nice easy run across. I have to check the video for the smiles.  I loved watching the enthusiasm Daanee had as she danced crossed the finish line. And that’s what it was all about. I battled the heat just as everyone did. Well everyone except the Elites that finished before sunrise. Lol.. I may not have been as chipper as she was. I was still so happy to be out there running those streets again, smiling, high fiving strangers, cheering some people on as they pass me by, meeting new friends.

I ran into one of the teachers from the Students run LA program at Jamba juice on my way home and she was talking about how hot and miserable it was. How she felt sorry for the kids. Adults too, but mostly the kids. So I asked her: how many of her students finished the race today? She said all of them. My reply: Then the weather didn’t matter. It was a great day. #LIVEONCEVALUEEVERYTHING

So Walt, thank you and Nancy, Patricia, Jamie, and Alice (weeeeeee) I sucked it up and I got it done. As did we all…. WE CAME, WE RAN (walked) WE FINISHED, 26.2 MILES. KICKED ASS!!! ROADRUNNERS!!!!! J

Oh and Greg…. I PR’d!!!! Thanks for the message.

I hope to see most, if not all of you, this summer as we prepare for LA30!!!! Til then see ya at the BBQ.. :) 

Teon Taylor

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Walt, 

As always, thank you to you, Nancy, Bill, Jamie, and Patricia. You guys are the best!  Well, Greg and I started the day waking up late. We somehow didn't figure out how to set the alarms right with the time change. Fortunately Greg woke up anyway and we managed to make up most of the time we lost by oversleeping because we had pretty much everything ready, so we got out the door pretty quickly. Dumb fancy electronic gadgets. I should've dug out an old regular alarm clock.  Anyway, we got there, got started and everything was going great. That was the best EVER wheee coming out of Dodger Stadium when the whole street was doing it.  

I was happy to be in the back of the group because you could see the whole street full of people raising their arms together. It was awesome.  I felt great for the first 13 or 14 miles. I was very thirsty though and started drinking a LOT of water. The effects of that were probably predictable, but I really had to keep drinking.  Soon I had to go to the bathroom so bad that it was crazy.  So, I had a conversation with Nancy that went like this...

Nancy: How are you feeling?

Me: I really need to go to the bathroom.

Nancy: Do you want to stop at the next one?

Me: No, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to start running again if I stop. 
Nancy: ok, are you sure?

Me: Yes. I think I will just go in my pants. I have clean clothes in the car.

Nancy: <long silence> Oh

It is so funny to me now that I really thought that was a good idea at that moment. But, then I started also feeling super dry mouth and a little nauseous.   So, I told Nancy I was going to walk for a bit.  What I actually did was walk straight to the next porta-potty. That took forever. I don't know why or how people were staying in there for so long, but even though there were only two people in line, it took a long time.  After that stop, I felt MUCH better and started run/walking again.  For a mile or so, I thought I might be able to catch back up with the group.

Then the force of the sun hit and I seemed to get slower and slower. I started walking more and running less or not at all for long stretches. I started pouring water down my back, on my wrists, and going through every hose and fire hydrant they had spraying. It would feel so good for a minute and then I'd get hot again. The water stations started to seem so far apart and my mouth was so dry. I would refill two of my water bottles at every water station and started just carrying one to slowly sip the whole time.  Those miles seemed a lot longer without the group, I saw many of RW6 and other Roadrunners along the way and it cheered me up every time. I found Bill or he found me in the VA.

I was trying to still run/walk, but he was walking faster than I was run/walking, so he eventually got way ahead of me.  I was cursing the whole idea of marathons by the 22nd mile and swearing I'd never do it again. Ha! We all know that's not true. By about mile 23, I got into a good rhythm of run/walk for the last few miles, but it was tough.  I was so happy and proud to cross the finish. 

Sorry this is so long, but one more thing. To any of you who are disappointed that you didn't finish with the group or didn't finish with the time you wanted...let it go, hold your head up, be proud. You finished a marathon and that is incredible no matter what. Accept the empowerment of knowing you have the strength of body and mind to do something so big!

Alice Webb-Cole
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Hello Walt,

Thank you  Walt, Bill, Jamie, Patricia and Nancy for all your help during the training runs. On Sunday, the heat , the time change and a cold I came down during the week were obstacles that I had to overcome to complete the Marathon. Your  tips from training and my determination to finish pushed me the last 10 miles.  I had to walk the last 10 miles it but was able to complete the marathon in 7 hours and 50 minutes.

Michael Hanlon
---------------------------------

Here is my story. I trained on my own most of the season due to my work schedule. I was a bit nervous, because I did not train as well I would have liked to, but at the same time, I was confident, because I ran several ½ marathons the past year and this was my third marathon. 

The day started really well, I was full of energy, I was having the time of my life (early marathon photos depict my happiness really well). Suddenly, it got really hot!!!! I “lost” my friend Sandra, in WeHo and from Century City to the VA, I almost died, but I was determined to keep going.  Around that time, my cousin started to text me and that kept me going (my #1 supporter and inspiration). Pretty’s message at the VA was awesome (a picture of our wrist bands at the SeaWheeze ½ marathon in Vancouver, my favorite ½ marathon BTW).

At the VA, I was looking for Sue, I was afraid I had missed her, but there she was right outside of the VA with Tara :) It was such a boost of energy and confidence.  Thanks Tara and Sue!!!

Right after the VA, my legs were killing me; I saw my husband and my friend at the Presbyterian Church on San Vicente. They offered me some Advil and I told them “I took tons already, I am not going to OD on ibuprofen” I guess I was already delirious. Even though, there was a little shade on San Vicente, the heat was getting to me and I wasn’t sure I could keep up with the group. I was so tired, that I don't even remember what Nancy told me but whatever she said, gave me hope. Patricia also kept me going. Unfortunately, I have to confess that when Walt said we were going to do 2:1s again, I wanted to kill him (just kidding Walt, you are AWESOME, but I almost begged you to do 1/1s), I could not keep up and I really wanted to finish with everyone. Walt kept saying “your legs will take you…” and of course I believed him. When we turned on Ocean, I saw Sue and Tara again with a sign saying “Go Flavia” and my energy level went up 100% and being able to finish with the main group was  priceless!!!

I have to thank the pace leaders, my running buddies, my cousin and my husband!! YOU MADE THIS HAPPEN! If it were not for you guys, I could not have finished with the group.

Today my legs feel a bit sore, but I feel very stupid because I forgot to put sun block and I am as red as a lobster. I guess that takes the muscle pain out of my mind :P Would I do it again, OF COURSE!!!

Again, thanks for making my 3^rd marathon so much fun. Looking forward to our celebration on Saturday. 

Flavia Pirih

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After finishing the marathon, I really wanted to be at the finish line with Walt 
to congratulate each of you on this amazing accomplishment. 
I waited a few minutes with Walt and Patricia but felt so nauseated and weak 
that I was afraid I might keel over. This was a tough run and I had to play mind 
games to keep going…. pretending I was in the Olympic trials when there were 
people cheering us on, focusing on just putting one foot in front of the other, 
thinking of those who have lung problems and trouble even walking, and 
remembering the Asics billboard sign, "We're all in this together". I knew this 
race was hard when Walt didn't announce what he planned to eat after the race 
and I didn't want to know. I've never had so much water during a race and gone 
so long without having to pee….11 hours to be exact!

From my unbiased perspective, there's no doubt that RW6 is the best group!  
Thank you, Walt, for making us a family, for inviting us to your studio, home, 
Chinatown, for sharing your stories when you "were a young man", for "there will 
come a day" speech which always comes at the perfect time (I almost thought that 
March 9 was going to be that day), for your "kicked ass" cheer at the end of 
each run and for just being you. Thank you, Jamie and Patricia for your support 
and caring. Thank you, Bill, for your jokes and singing during our runs. I can 
always count on you for some laughs. Thank you, Alice, for being my partner when 
I have to lead, for your weeeeeees, and enthusiasm. Thank you to each and every 
member of our group….it's been a pleasure and an honor to be a pace leader in 
RW6. We have such a great group of friendly, fun, caring people. Each of us has 
to run the marathon on our own, but we're not alone, we all share the same 
passion of completing a marathon and that's the bond that connects us. 

Congratulations!  Our goal has been accomplished and now it's time to party! I 
look forward to seeing everyone at Walt's and at the banquet. 

You all are the best! 

Nancy Nelbaum 

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I had an 11 hour work day the day after our marathon.  I just finally got some time to reflect on what just happened this past Sunday.

Well.. it's over.. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm very sad.  I joined RW6 without the intention of running the full marathon.  I Just wanted to do something consistent and healthy.  When Walt shared his stories with me after last year's marathon, I was so moved by all the amazing stories of how lives were changed.  I thought I had to try it out.  It has been an amazing experience training with you all.  

During the marathon, I remember feeling great at mile 13.  I thought, which marathon should I sign up for next?  half marathons...no problem!  I was planning my next gig.  Then I hit the WALL at mile 15, I was nauseous and I knew my family was going to meet me soon at mile 20.  I didn't want my kids to see me like this...down, sweaty, exhausted!  I remember during the training, Walt would tell me to get in the middle of the pack if I hit the wall.  He told me not get too far back or I'll loose the pack.  "Lean on the group to carry me through" Walt's voice would say in my head.  So, I conjured up all of my strength to find my PLs and I just started counting their steps and focused on their feet...left, right, left, right. That's how I got through mile 15.   I felt pretty good at mile 16 and when I saw my family at mile 20, they gave me strength and I was reinvigorated.  That pretty much carried me through the race.  The last mile was the longest ever...I just wanted to get out of the sun and finish, but the 26 mile marker seemed so far.  I couldn't see Myra and Chin in front of me and I couldn't see the group behind me either.  I felt alone, but someone in the crowd cheered me on and yelled out "keep going Jo Hao", so I did and that got me to the finish line.

I have to share with you all, my mother was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  My sisters and I had to make a very difficult decision and moved her into an Assisted Living facility.  Seeing my mother's personalty and physicality change has saddened me tremendously.  If it weren't for this running group, I'm sure I'd be going through some major Depression.  I am so thankful for you this group.  I'm thankful that I had something wonderful to look forward to every Saturday morning.  It's kept me functioning for the past few months and now I have a MEDAL to remember this season by.

Thanks to all the PLs and race veterans for your wisdom, leadership, and encouragement.  All of you had made this a truly memorable experience.  

Check it off the bucket list Myra...what's next?

Josephine Hao