A little pre-race inspiration

Sunday March 18th, 2012 over 20,000 people will meet at the historical Dodger Stadium, not to watch america's favorite pastime but instead to start a journey few will ever take on and even fewer will ever complete in their lifetime. They'll rise before the sun mentally and physically preparing themselves for the grueling day that lays ahead of them, the 26.2 miles across one of america's most developed and populated cities Los Angeles.
Whether you've spent your whole life here or you're just visiting for this special occasion, as you run this course you will see parts of L.A. you've never seen before, blocks of buildings you've never seen, stores you never heard of and restaurants you'll want to go back and try some day. The streets will be filled with thousands of unfamiliar friendly faces sprinkled in will be a few that you do know friends, family, co-workers and neighbors, all will be cheering you on as you make your way across the city to the ever beautiful Santa Monica Beach finish line.
Like life that finish line won't come easy, around ever turn will be a surprise, some good a like leveled road with maybe a slight decline allowing you to catch your breath, others just waiting to stick it to you demanding you to push harder just when you felt you pushed your hardest. As you work through the hills of Downtown and Hollywood plenty more will be waiting for you in Century city and Westwood reminding you of just how much you love having a car in this city with its crazy gas prices and a greater appreciation for all those cyclist you see everyday commuting to work and around town.
You'll want to take a break, you will want to quit, but you won't let yourself, you're focused and determine to complete this challenge set before you to be added as yet another reminder that you can overcome anything you set your mind to. This isn't a graded test to see who can do the best, this is pass or fail and your results are the only one that matters. Over the last year you ran for fun, ran for training you've spent time with others who have the same goal of completing this course, you shared drinks created bonds gained inspiration and have given it while sharing stories of you, your training and your motivation. On March 18th on the other side of that finish line not only will you be standing where you want to be, but will also be standing tall as the person you want to be. I wish you all the best at the 2012 L.A. Marathon, and just remember run YOUR race not the next guys. I can't to hear your stories of triumph.
Kristian Michael
Asst. Organizer of
RunMDR / Marina Del Rey Running Club