What happens when a lifelong lifter turns himself into a runner and an ultra guy finally toes the line at a road marathon? We dive into a full, unfiltered walk-through of the California International Marathon—why 26.2 felt worth the leap, how the training actually fit into real life, and the pacing decisions that made race day feel strong instead of shattered. From expo buzz and shakeout nerves to the bus ride, the frosty start, and that roaring finish by the Capitol, we bring you inside the moments that matter.
Max shares how a 3 a.m. alarm, union trade hours, and three days of lifting paired with steady long runs to shave nearly two minutes per mile. Daryl explains converting trail and ultra endurance into road rhythm with weekly mileage targets, a delta 30K test, and a plan to avoid the start-line sprint. We unpack the power of heart rate pacing, the discipline of letting friends go early, and the late-race calculus when the Sac State bridge shows up and your legs refuse to turn over any faster. Fueling, electrolytes, and simple choices like posture and core strength get their due—because they decide whether you’re sprinting the chute or cramping on the curb.
Beyond splits and gels, this is a story about community and identity. CIM’s organization, crowds, and volunteers—bananas, bands, and all—create an atmosphere that lifts thousands. We talk about the quiet minute after the medal, the way kids light up at the fence, and why “enjoy your race” is the best send-off you can give a runner. Finish lines have a way of changing what you believe about yourself. That’s why the calendar is already inked for CIM and the San Francisco Marathon.
If this sparks something, hit follow, share it with a friend who needs a nudge, and drop your next goal or target time in a review. Subscribe for more real training talk, smarter pacing, and stories that push you to start—then finish.
