My first marathon: like Rocky, I just wanted to go the distance. This was my first organized sports event ever, at age 49.
I mostly used marathonrookie.com for training. At one point I developed patellofemoral syndrome (“runner’s knee”) and was in such pain I thought the race was off. But I got some physical therapy, did exercises, and started using a knee strap (which I’ve used ever since). I got better and was able to keep training.
It was the 2nd year of the “new” Oakland Marathon and it still started and ended at City Hall Plaza. I came into the finish chute and heard my name announced out loud to the world–I didn’t know they did that! (The timing chip in the bib lets the announcer know who’s about to finish.) Crossing the finish line I shouted, “I LOVE YOU OAKLAND!”
Totals: 20 training weeks, 428 training miles (1x 20 miler), and about $500 (including race registration, shoes, shorts and shirts, hat, Gu, physical therapy)
Russell Yee 