The joy of running my first marathon

By DR. DAN BRENNAN

I did it! I officially joined the 26.2 club by competing in the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach last weekend. Dan Brennan is now on the list of 1/2 of 1% of Americans who have successfully completed a full marathon.

Why did I do it? I had many motivations, but first let me share my 26.2 with you.

The marathon course, formerly known as the Pacific Shoreline Marathon, could not have been more picturesque as it hugged the scenic SoCal shoreline, dashed up and down the Pacific Coast Highway and meandered alongside sandy beaches.

With my iPod dispensing the sweet sounds of Rebelution, I cruised along comfortably until I reached mile 18. It was precisely at this point that the Greek god of marathons laced up his Brooks and jogged down from Mount Olympus to ensure that this first time marathoner had proper respect for the distance of his race. He then proceeded to insert what felt like lightning bolts into my left knee and thigh.

I was apparently in good company, as most of my fellow runners were also hobbling or limping along the rest of the way. One poor guy’s chest was so badly chafed that he had two bloody streaks streaming down the front of his white shirt.

Digging down deep and dreaming about high fivin’ my boys proved to be enough motivation to overcome the mythical electrical surges of pain and finish strong.

Personal challenge

Since falling in love with running five years ago, I have worked to make each racing season more challenging. Thanks to the encouragement of my cousin Dawn, who also ran the race, now was the time to commit to the physical and mental training necessary to undertake this Herculean feat.

Fitness

Six months ago, my doctor challenged me to lose some weight. I had room to make changes in my diet and I hoped to increase my running mileage without inducing injury and meet my fitness goal. With fewer fast food lunches, less late night snacking and some 500 road miles, I was 25 pounds lighter. You bet that I have thanked my doctor for changing my life.

Role model

One of the biggest responsibilities in my life is to be a positive role model for my kids and my patients. I want Josh and Andy to grow up being active and challenge themselves. I also want to motivate my patients to live active and healthy lives. What better way to accomplish these goals, than to live the lifestyle that I want them to emulate. Besides, what teenager is willing to take nutritional and exercise advice from their ‘out of shape’ doctor.

So what challenges are next? Santa Barbara has more fitness events that any other community that I know. Now that I’ve completed my first 26.2, I have my sights set on the inaugural Santa Barbara International Marathon in December. This time I want to do it in front of my friends, family and practice of patients. See you at the finish line.

Dr. Dan Brennan is a board certified pediatrician, Santa Barbara native and proud father of two. Contact him at 563-6211 or visit www.SBPediatrics.com  

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Surf City : 2/8/2009

Good job Dan! I was there doing the 1/2 marathon. Too bad I did not see you.

Jen Doherty Chalekson

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Go Dr. B! : 2/8/2009

I love Rebelution too!

SB

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: 2/9/2009

Great article! Congratulations on the marathon! Your family looks so proud of you!

Amy Curtis

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Santa Barbara International Marathon : 2/10/2009

Dan, great article and good for you! Thanks for mentioning the Santa Barbara International Marathon. For those interested in joining Dan for Santa Barbara's first full marathon register at: sbimarathon.com. We're expecting runners from all over to join this inaugural event that offers a Boston qualifying status, fast course and some of the most beautiful views in the country.

SBIMarathon Staff

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I just finished my first marathon : 10/15/2009

I just completed the Long Beach marathon last sunday and I know exactly what you're talking about with those greek gods. After a nice 7 mile warm up, I kicked it into a pretty good pace for the next 10+ miles, at mile 17 things started to get a little tougher but I fought through it but just before mile 19, those lighthing rods you talked about hit me in my left thigh just above my knee, then in my right ankle. I tried to fight through it and get back to my nice pace but it wasn't going to happen and after mile 21, the only concern I had was completing the marathon that I started. Well, I finished! I gave everything I had in the last 0.2 miles and finished strong! It's 4 days later and I'm still sore but I'm happy that I got through it injury free. I'm thinking about running the Surf City Half Marathon in 2010 or the LA Marathon but I'll make that decision after I finish soaking up the glory from finishing this first marathon!

Julian Ibarra

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Must be on top of the world, wish we could say the same : 10/26/2009

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