Kylo Anderson, 31
Clinical Research/Yoga Instructor
San Diego
Rock & Roll San Diego, 4:31:45
Why did you decide to give up your Marathon V-Card?
I was proud of my 5 and 10Ks. Someone told me I’d get bored with short races and I accepted the challenge!
How did you select your race?
It was local and in my own city!
What shape were you in when you began your training? At the time I weighed 190 pounds and I was muscular. I lifted weights five times a week. The only cardio I did was on my off days from weights.
What was your training plan?
I ran four times a week. Tuesday through Thursday, with a long run Sunday. Friday was cross training and Monday was my off day.
What was your motivation for running?
My family. I’d imagine them cheering me on and seeing me at the finish line.
What was your biggest mistake in training?
Training on an injury…now I know better!
Your diet..
Lots of meats, fruits and vegetables. After the weekend run, I’d have a cheat meal.
How did you deal with any injuries?
Shin splints got me. I stopped running for a week. I’d still cross train or walk in the park.
What was your pre-race ritual?
Watching NOVA Marathon Special on PBS, a hot yoga class, playing “Sweet Justice” by Jill Scott and the pasta carb load!
Be brutal, what was the race like?
The race was the hardest thing mentally since boot camp. I was feeling fine until mile 21. It was a long stretch and not much was out there. I walked for a second time just after mile 22. As I walked, an elderly lady told me, “You can do this, but I can’t!” She must have lit a match under me, because I kept it going until the finish line.
How did you celebrate your marathon?
I went to a local neighborhood bar with friends and had a couple of pitchers of beer and pizza later!
I went to a local neighborhood bar with friends and had a couple of pitchers of beer and pizza later!
How many marathons have you done since?
Four and soon to be five after the Los Angeles Marathon on March 21st!
What advice do you have for first-timers?
Pre Race: Take your time. It’s okay to take a couple of days off to nurse an injury. Race Day: Take your time, relax and have fun!
Anything else?
Running a marathon isn’t the easiest thing to do. It’ll take everything you have mentally, physically and emotionally. Remember, you can do it. You’ve come this far from training to the actual race day. Feel the butterflies, cheer and give high-fives with the crowd and smile…that’s what it’s all about.
