Yesterday was the Los Angeles Marathon. And unlike last year when it was sunny and warm and all the spectators wore shirts and flip flops, this year it poured rain. And hail. And it was awful. But we (sans Annie) still went out in the downpour to cheer, because my cousin Leah was running.
I won’t complain about the rain because I was in a sweatshirt and a poncho, and I had an umbrella, but if I WERE to complain I would say HOLY FREAKING BALLS IT WAS COLD. But since I’m not complaining, I will say how badly I felt for the runners. Not only were they already running 26.2 miles, but they were doing it in freezing rain that was coming in sideways.
Don’t they look thrilled?
(I stuffed my camera in a garbage bag and poked a hole for the lens. The results look like I took pictures through a plastic bag. Weird.)
After cheering for the runners for twenty minutes, I spotted Leah in the crowd:
She came over and said, “what the hell are you doing out in the rain?!”
Like we would skip cheering her on because of some rain.
Leah has been training for the marathon since JULY. Nine months. I’m pretty sure gestating a baby would be easier. A month ago, she hurt her knee and it looked like she wouldn’t be able to run. But with lots of physical therapy, her doctors gave her the OK.
It may not have been as fast as she could have finished uninjured, but….she finished!!!
I am so proud of her!!!
Have any of you run a marathon? How did you feel after? Is there anyone out there training for one?
And I still have absolutely NO desire to run a marathon. Ever.
katrina @ They All Call Me Mom says:
Very impressive! For Leah and for you guys, for being there to cheer her on…in weather like that. Running in a marathon…is something that I’ve thought about. But that’s just about it. It never gets passed the thought about stage. Because, see, you have to train. For months! And I’m just not all that disciplined. Aw well.
Jenn says:
WAY TO GO LEAH!!!!! No wonder your family is Proud of You!!! It’s no small feat running a marathon, let alone running a Marathon in the freezing rain! Be proud of yourself Leah!! You did an excellent job and what an amazing role model you are for little Annie!
It looked like they had a good turn out despite the rain. It was so nice of you, mama & Kyle to go out and support Leah like you all did. Lucky her to have the 3 of you in her family…So AWESOME & Supportive!!! I’m sure she appreciated seeing you all there!
I hope when all was said and done, you all went somewhere warm to dry off and get a much deserved drink of your choice….afterall, you all more than earned it!!!
Lynn from For Love or Funny says:
Wow – great job, Leah! I’ve never run a marathon, and I doubt I ever will. I have the greatest respect for folks who do!
QoB says:
congrats to Leah, that is a fantastic achievement.
I’ve never had any desire to run a marathon. The idea of doing anything for that long – other than sleeping – is odd. But I have serious respect for those who do – including my dad, who ran two marathons in just over 3 hours. Mad props.
Emily says:
In a couple of weeks I’ll be signing up with the leukemia and lymphoma society’s team in training to do the NYC marathon – my first ever. I figure If I’m going to torture myself for 26.2 miles, I want to do it in honor of people who’ve endured SO MUCH more than that.
Oh yeah, and AWESOME JOB LEAH!!!
Patrice says:
I ran a marathon 4 years ago and am in training to run my second one on May 1. I can’t wait! Good for your for cheering Leah on in the rain!! What an awesome friend.
Claire says:
My husband has ran like 15 marathons! 13 full and 2 half. He is a crazy nutter, but I love him for it. It takes so much endurance, commitment and determination to run that far and to train for it. Every now and then I get some crazy idea I’d like to do it too, then I come to my senses!
Well done for being there to support everyone, they need it!
Heather says:
I haven’t run a marathon, but after losing over 60 in the last 8 months I am going to climb the CN tower for charity in less than a month!
I’ll let you know how I feel
Mommy says:
Wow!! 60?? Good for you!!!
Kimberly says:
Congrats to Leah!!! I ran a marathon in October and had to train twice (20 and 22 miles) in the rain. It sucked!!!!! I’m training now for the Cellcom Green Bay Marathon which is in 7 weeks, and last week I ended up with sinus and chest congestion. There goes a whole week of training out the window. Will Leah do another one? Is she on the Dailymile.com? It’s an awesome community for runners.
LizL says:
My husband ran the Boston Marathon last year. He started to train in DECEMBER (Boston Marathon is in April). I was a nervous wreck all day long. But he did it in under 5 hours, his goal. I was super proud of him, but I told him to wait at least 2 years before doing the next one. I don’t think my heart can take it again. Plus, it kinda sucks being a “Marathon Widow” with 2 kids. But that’s purely selfish on my part.
Em says:
I ran the Boston Marathon a few years ago. It was one of those things I said I always wanted to do (having grown up in Boston and all) and I had a friend who was really into it, so we trained and ran together.
I hated every moment of it. I hated training. I hated the actual marathon. I haven’t gone on a long run since. I accomplished my goal; I’m done with running and marathons. I have no desire to do either ever, ever again.
Now, I only run when chased.
Sarah Miles says:
I haven’t run a marathon. I can’t find time to join such a fun activity. But I have this elliptical trainerthat allows the simulation of running and brisk walking. But I really want to take part in a real marathon event.
Susi says:
Way to go, Leah – in the cold rain and all! I ran ONE marathon in 1996, and I’ll never do it again – my knees still hurt! My dear cousin drove me 3 hours to Cleveland & cheered me on. Cousins are awesome. While I can’t imagine ever wanting to run one again, I still keep the certificate framed on my dresser as a reminder :o) Thanks for sharing Leah’s accomplishment!
Megan says:
I’m with you. I would never, ever, run a marathon. I have little desire to even run a mile. I don’t see the appeal.
So, out of curiosity, what’s “cold” for LA? I’m suspecting that your “freezing rain” is not literally freezing rain. Seems like running 26.2 miles on wet surfaces would be dangerous.
Bampa says:
Heather always wants a roaring fire on Christmas morning..even if it’s 65 degrees (no way)..so she has a sensitive cold threshold. But yesterday, during the marathon, the temperature was 49 to 50 degrees with a wind of 25 mph and gusts to 50 mph. Freezing rain..no.. but uncomfortable. We do have snow out here….we keep it at the snow museum, the mountains, where we can visit it anytime we want .
Heather says:
Ha ha dad, you’re so funny. CHRISTMAS DEMANDS A FIRE. It’s the law.
Definitely not literally freezing rain, but with the wind, etc, it was really, really, REALLY cold. And contrary to what my dad said, I actually run hot, so when I feel cold I know it must be really cold.
Rachel says:
I ran the Nashville 1/2 marathon a few years ago. It was SO hot out. I would have paid big bucks for rain. That was the official start and end of my running career. Crossing the finish line was the weirdest feeling ever. It was amazing, I had finished, and I thought I might just keel over right there. I watch Boston ever year, and this year I AM MOVING TO LIVE ON THE ROUTE TWO DAYS BEFORE THE MARATHON! (im psyched)
Samantha says:
i HAAAAAAAAAAAAATE running!!! i think i’d rather poke my eye out. it kills my knees and chins and joints, and quite frankly, i get bored!
i’m with you heather…i have absolutely zero desire to run a marathon…or a half marathon…or a mile……….or down to the mailbox.
cheers to those who enjoy it and can do it!
Mommy says:
Or to the mailbox! LOL!! Love it!!! And I am the exact same way. Good for those that can and do participate. I wish I had it in me, but no way, jose!!
Samantha says:
i forgot to mention that if it makes you feel better, i woke up this morning to a snow-covered ground, the wind absolutely howling, and the snow still coming down….horizontally. where the hell is spring????????
Amanda G. says:
Wow. I’ve never ran a marathon and don’t intend to, but you’re cousin is a rockstar for finishing it in the rain! I was cold just looking at y’all!
Lisa says:
As somebody who is a pretty serious runner (I stick to half marathons and am currently training for my first triathlon because I am terrified of the full marathon training), thank you for going out to cheer even though the weather was lousy. Having people out there cheering makes it so much more fun, and I know it means a lot to runners when people come out in less-than-ideal conditions. One of my favorite race memories is running a half and seeing my friend’s 2 year old cheering everyone on, it was so cute!
Kate says:
One of my high school friends ran the marathon this weekend too and said that she loved it MORE for the rain.
Yeah. I think she’s nuts, too.
Good for your cousin, but I? I like my exercise dry and limited to going up and down the stairs at school. PERIOD.
Kelly says:
I have no desire to run a marathon. I also just don’t think my poor feet would be too forgiving. I’d gladly be a fan in the stands.
Kelli says:
I ran my first marathon last June. Loved it. Well, not so much between miles 24 and 25. Of course, we only had a little drizzle. I’m sure I would’ve been miserable a lot longer in the kind of weather Leah had to deal with. And I’m pretty sure my husband wouldn’t have sat on the course to cheer me on like you guys did! You rock! I fully intend to do more, but not until my kids are a little older and happy to have Mom out of the house. For now I’m sticking with 1/2 marathons.
kathlynn says:
I HAAAATE RUNNING! However in February 2010 one of our close friends died of Leukemia and the following week one of our best friend’s little girl passed away from the disease. I was so pissed at the world that when I saw a notice for Team In Training later that day, I signed up on the spot.
I ran the Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco last Oct. I had never run more than a block in my life and couldn’t comprehend what lay in front of me, other than an attempt to raise money so that one day a cure would prevent anyone from losing a parent or child. We started training in April and at the end of May my own mother was diagnosed with cancer. The women training with me – and I do not say this lightly – carried me, literally and figuratively throughout the summer. I would not have made it without them. My mother passed away in Sept, two short weeks before the race. I ran for her and in her honor (she had passed away from colon cancer) and it brought me great joy to simply take one tiny step towards a cure. Our team raised over $250,000 and we were just one of over 600 teams running.
Would I do it again? Honestly, I’m not sure. It also rained the entire time and by the time I finished I was so cold I couldn’t even raise my arms up over my head. But after the finish line having people cheer for you who were actual Leukemia survivors, who benefited from the dedication of so many people participating in Team in Training – that made it worth every step.
PS: But I still really, really, really do not like to run
Mandy says:
Wow! Wow! Amazing! Great job!
amy vw says:
Wow…good for your cousin! I’m amazed at folks who have the ability to run a full marathon. I’m a new runner myself and just completed a training program through my local running store for a 5k race (which I ran last weekend! WOO!). It was an amazing feeling to finish. I plan to run two more 5k’s in May. But a marathon? Uh-uh. I think the only way I could ever run that distance is if someone was chasing me with a chainsaw and I was running for my life. I get bored after about 3 miles, so I just can’t fathom 26.2!
Rumour Miller says:
It’s on my Bucket List to run a 1/2. I’m not sure if I actually have the motivation to train! Good for Leah.
Heather says:
My sister ran this marathon, too! While she has done a few half marathons this was her first full. I am soooo proud of her, especially because of the weather! She called me yesterday to tell me about it…and the rain…she said it was like running on sponges. Thank you for cheering…If I wasn’t all the way across the country I would have been there, too!
And, no, I have no desire to do that either. Running for over 5 hours in a row (ok, doing anything other than maybe sleeping for over 5 hours in a row) is not appealing.
Beckie says:
Hi Heather! I ran the L.A. Marathon yesterday, and it was MISERABLE. I damn near ended up with hypothermia afterwards. But I have to thank you and the other spectators who braved the rain to cheer us on…the support of friends and strangers alike is what keeps us going until the very end. So, THANK YOU!
Kristin (MamaKK922) says:
I personally only run if being chased. But yay Leah congratulations. That is pretty amazing, actually that is a lot amazing.
Nanette says:
Great job, Leah! And awesome that you all went out to support her!
Brent & I went to a movie at the Century City Mall yesterday, and we watched some of the runners/walkers on Santa Monica Blvd. We were FREEZING & SOAKED under the partial safety of an awning, noting that it was definitely 1000% worse for the marathon participants. Those peeps have HEART for sure!
Glenda says:
I’ve never ran a marathon and I hate the rain unless I have no where to go and can stay inside…cuddled up with my pj’s… cozy…listen to the rain hit the windows…then the rain is OK and I’m with Heather… 49 degrees with winds and rain is FREEZING to me too!
Kenna says:
Way to go Leah!!!
I started running last July as part of my mid-life crisis (although everyone says I’m too young for one… whatever!). Did a couch to 5K program, now training for a 10K and coaching the 5K-ers. Plan to do a half in the fall, quite probaby the half-marathon in Palm Springs (road trip!) in Feb 20120, and the Disney World Marathon in 2013 to celebrate my dh’s 5oth.
And I’m still fat.
Rebecca says:
I can’t even run out to the mailbox without getting so winded I feel like I’m going to pass out…………and the mail box is only about 20 yards from the front of the house…maybe 10?
AND….running is dangerous. I can barely walk without tripping over shadows.
Dee says:
Good for her (and for you guys going out to support her)! That’s hard work
I know this only because, for my 40th b’day two years ago, I agreed to run a 1/2 with my SIL. We did the inaugural Disney Princess half marathon and, while it was a lot of fun to wear tutus, beads, jewelry, etc., the actual ‘running’ part was hard! I’m not a runner (my 38G chest thwarts any attempt even with a serious sports bra) and–despite the best laid training plans–I half-assedly trained for 5 months beforehand. End result being that I half-ran, half speed-walked the 1/2. I finished in 3:32 but was practically unable to move my legs for a day afterward (and my knees have never been the same).
Been there, done that, never doing it again
Angelica says:
I just want to say thank you for being out there to cheer in the rain yesterday. I was one of the runners out there enduring the rain and wind to finish the race. The weather really affected the number of spectators – which I totally understand – so I just want you to know how much those of us running appreciated those of you who came out to cheer us on. Your cheers kept us going through some difficult moments.
And way to go Leah! She rocked LA!
Mommy says:
I would sooner jump in front of a car than run a marathon- but I do think people that do it are awesome and dedicated! I WISH I had the endurance, motivation, dedication, etc. etc. to do it, but I don’t. And I NEVER will. It is just way too fun to sit on the couch for me to actually go running- let alone for 26 miles. Or even 2.6 miles. No, thank you!
That’s awesome that your cousin did it! And that is a good time for being injured!
Yay for the Buchanans for cheering her on too!
Jen says:
I ran the Nike Women’s Marathon (San Francisco) in 2008 with Team in Training. Great medal–Tiffany necklace–handed out by Bay Area firefighters in tuxedos. Make running the hills worthwhile (plus raised lots of money for a great cause). Recovery was not bad–my legs were stiff for a couple days. I had to keep rehydrating, as I was breastfeeding at the time.
I will run the Rock N Roll St. Louis marathon in October.
Danielle @danielle92278 says:
How awesome for your cousin! I did the NYC one in November. You can read all about how stupid I am here: http://okaygreat.blogspot.com/2010/11/so-i-did-marathon.html
I’m doing the Pittsburgh one in May and attempting to train, but I have runner’s knee. I’ll probably end up just winging it again.
Yes, I’m an idiot.
Iowamom says:
Great job Leah! I love running and have run 4 half marathons, one marathon and am currently training for my second marathon. It’s one of the only sports I’m good at so I stick with it. Clears my head, keeps my hips trim and have made some amazing friends over many years of running.
Lisa says:
Way to go, Leah!! That is quite an accomplishment.
I have no desire to ever run that kind of distance. In fact I have no desire to run, I’ll stick with walking or working out on an elliptical machine My neighbor used to be a marathon runner before she was injured a few years ago. I was always in such of awe of her. I don’t know how they do it. That is a long way to run.
mommymae says:
congrats to leah!!
i ran a half marathon in december. probably won’t ever do a full. i have no desire to run for 4.5 hours.
AmazingGreis says:
I have no desire WHAT-SO-EVER to run a marathon or a 1/2 marathon…EVER!!! I’m not sure I even have desire to run a 5K.
But I’m totally in awe of Leah, because 26.2 miles is a LONG ass run!
Way to go Leah!
Vera says:
My friend Karla swam the LA marathon too, and it sounded soooo miserable. I can’t run very fast or long because of my asthma, which sucks because I think running a marathon would be awesome.
amourningmom says:
Yeah for Leah! Very impressive – especially in the rain. Fans make a huge difference so I am sure Leah was happy to see you.
I have run marathons but all before having kids and getting married. My first marathon it was cold and rainy. My parents went to breakfast and just met me at the end. The last full I ran was NYC and there were so many fans it was incredible (or as incredible as running 26.2 miles can be – I do think it is a bit nuts to run so far). I did run a 1/2 last fall but I am just not sure if I will run another full.
Sarah M. says:
Congrats to you & a big thank you to you & Mike for going out & cheering her on! I’m three months into training for my second half marathon (uh, no to the full marathon!) & it helps SO much when people are there cheering you on. Even in the shortest of races, I like to pretend they’re all there to support me & it makes me feel like a rockstar runner! You helped a lot of runners that day besides just your cousin so from this wanna-be runner, thank you!
Dawn @ What's Around the Next Bend? says:
I’m doing well to run a 5k much less a WHOLE freakin’ marathon!! So YEA!! TO lEAH!!
Tiffany says:
Congrats, Leah! And a HUGE thank you to Heather for braving the elements and serving as a cheerleader to so many!
I’ve run 2 full marathons and a handful of half marathons, and I’ve got to say that half marathons are the way to go! The last race I trained for was the Nike Women’s Half Marathon in October 2009 – I trained with Team In Training like I have for every endurance event since 2004. That race was tough (heck, I live in the Bay Area and even ran most of the course while I trained and it was still tough), but running in a sea of purple jerseys and with women (and a few men!) from all over the place is a pretty empowering experience.
If it weren’t for the spectators and folks like you and Mike, I don’t know how I would have finished each of my events. Thanks again for cheering on all of those runners and walkers yesterday!
Penbleth says:
Well done Leah. I am truly impressed, I couldn’t run if the hounds of Hades were after me. Cerberus could just get his chew going.
Kelsey says:
In college, which feels like a LIFETIME ago, I ran two marathons. One was a good experience but the other was full of misery (I wasn’t feeling well and am still shocked I finished the second one).
Sadly, I am 99% positive I couldn’t run a mile today. Seriously. But I would like to do it again someday. I kind of fantasize about getting into that kind of shape again…
Congrats to Leah. Even having done one, I still kind of don’t know how it is possible.
Oh, the day after my 1st marathon some friends and I drove from Virginia Beach to Indianapolis (then to Milwaukee the next day) running 26.2 miles and then sitting in a car for hours was horrible. We could barely get out of the car to fill it with gas.
Beth says:
I am training for one, with a knee that has had problems in the past. It’s motivating to know that she was able to do it in spite of her knee issues. Go Leah! Good Job:).
Laurie says:
I have run five, and whenever anyone I care about shows up to cheer me on (fortunately my husband is a given) it totally lifts me through more than a few miles. So great that you went out to support your cousin!
Karen B says:
More power to those who have the stamina and drive to run, especially a marathon, but I have a very strict policy for myself. I only run if I am being chased by something scary or if the safety of my child warrants it.