As the hours and days have passed since I ran the San Francisco Marathon, I’ve been reflecting on the many thoughts and moments that crossed my mind during the race.
I want to share them before they fade into the background—as they often do when life moves on. We all experience vivid thoughts during races, only to find them slipping away as time goes by.
The Start
The race began at 5:30 AM. I woke up early, ate breakfast, took care of business, and headed out the door. Everything was off to a great start! The morning was cool and dark, and I’m familiar with the course, so the first few miles flew by. I enjoyed listening to the different sounds of the runners around me: footsteps hitting the pavement, snippets of conversations about pace, nutrition, strategy, and encouragement. One moment that stood out was a couple arguing—the man repeatedly asking, “Should we wait for them?” while the woman firmly replied, “I’m doing my own thing.” Suddenly, there was a loud splat as someone fell. The sound and gasp from nearby runners made my heart race. I hoped she was okay and continued onward, paying extra attention to avoid curbs, poles, and other obstacles.
The Race
Fort Mason Hill Climb
The first significant climb was short but steep. My mantra was clear: “Keep your cadence, shorten your stride.” I powered up the hill and enjoyed the smooth downhill on the other side, feeling strong. But it was still early in the race.
Chrissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge
The next climb led up to the Golden Gate Bridge. The fog was so thick that the bridge was barely visible. My thoughts were focused: “Jeanne, you’ve got this. These hills are nothing compared to those in Norfolk, CT. You’re trained for this.” Running across the bridge was surreal. The steel grates seemed slippery with fog moisture, and my forehead was drenched—not with sweat, but with the damp air. The incline toward the center of the bridge felt long, but reaching the midpoint and seeing the leader running past was inspiring. We cheered and settled back into our rhythm.
San Francisco Streets
Next came the iconic streets of San Francisco, reminiscent of scenes from Beverly Hills Cop. Running uphill and recovering downhill felt like a rhythm I could embrace. I loved this part—the views of stacked houses and the energy of the city streets were incredible.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park was a mental challenge. The overcast sky obscured much of the scenery, and the gradual climb felt endless. I just wanted out of the park. It was tough seeing half-marathoners finish while I still had miles to go. Finally, I emerged from the park, but not before a short, punishing hill that tested my quads.
The Final Stretch
Miles 19-20: The Mirage
The sun was shining on a long, straight stretch that seemed never-ending. I started counting steps to distract myself: “Just get to mile 20, and there’s a nice downhill.”
The Painful Downhill
Be careful what you wish for! The steep downhill arrived, and my quads screamed in protest. Each step felt like rubber. I kept thinking, “I’ll feel this tomorrow.”
AT&T Stadium
By the time I reached AT&T Stadium, I was hot and exhausted. Jumping onto a curb to enter the park felt like climbing a mountain. My quads burned as I stepped back down, and I wondered where the finish line was.
The Home Stretch
With half a mile to go, I decided not to stop at the final water station. I started singing “The Ants Go Marching” in my head to distract myself. Then I heard the cheers and saw the blue finish chute. Kim grabbed my hand, and together we crossed the finish line. Overwhelmed with joy, my eyes filled with tears. My phone buzzed with messages, but I needed a moment to catch my breath.
Reflections
I ran the San Francisco Marathon again! Despite the pain in the final miles, I’m proud of my performance and grateful for the journey. Running has brought so many positives into my life. From lacing up my first pair of running shoes in 2008 to completing 44 marathons, I’ve gained strength, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the sport. I’m already looking forward to next year’s race!
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