Valencia Marathon Discussion with Dr. Leo Kormanik Running Specialist and Samua Kormanik

Mind Body Marathon

The Valencia Marathon, initially unknown to the Dr. Leo Kormanik and Samua Kormanik, turned out to be a significant race, often considered one of the fastest marathons globally. Despite recent floods in the area, over 28,000 runners participated. The marathon is known for its high percentage of finishers breaking the three-hour mark, with around 18.5% achieving this in 2023. The course, while not particularly fast in design, draws many elite runners due to its accessibility and the potential for fast times.

The host highlighted the vibrant atmosphere of Valencia, the local cuisine, and the lack of American representation at the event, possibly due to its timing during Thanksgiving. Notably, American runner Sarah Hall achieved a top-ten finish and set a Masters record. The conversation also touched on the impressive expo, which featured many unique brands and a large turnout, despite logistical challenges caused by the floods.

Overall, the host expressed a desire to return to Valencia for the marathon and the expo, emphasizing it was one of the best marathons he had attended in his extensive running experience.

In this discussion about the Valencia Marathon, the host reflects on the unique experience, particularly highlighting the crowd support, which was reminiscent of the Boston Marathon—there were both quiet and energetic spots along the route. The finish line was especially lively, with roaring crowds on either side of the narrow course, adding to the excitement.

The host compares the atmosphere to the Tour de France, noting the lack of barriers between runners and spectators, which created an intense experience as fans were very engaged. While there wasn't much music or entertainment along the course, the crowd's enthusiasm made up for it.

The conversation then shifts to the host’s personal experience with marathons, discussing his struggles with injuries over the past year and a half. Despite these challenges, he successfully completed the Valencia Marathon in 2:51, feeling strong cardiovascularly but recognizing the need to build strength in his legs due to previous injuries and travel fatigue. He aimed to finish under 2:53 as it would qualify him for the New York Marathon, although he acknowledged the complexities of getting into that race despite meeting the time requirement. Overall, the Valencia Marathon was a fulfilling experience for the host, blending the thrill of competition with the charm of the city.

The conversation revolves around the challenges and experiences of running a marathon after traveling internationally. The speaker discusses how flying to Brazil and then Spain affected their physical performance during a race, where they aimed to finish under 2:53 to qualify for the New York Marathon, albeit recognizing that entry is still highly competitive. They mention the complications with timing chips that inaccurately recorded their finish time due to a late start.

The speaker prefers to break the race down into manageable 5K splits rather than counting down by kilometers, which helps mentally during the run. They express admiration for the fast times achieved by other runners, despite warmer weather conditions during the race, noting differences in how American runners might react to heat compared to other competitors.

The discussion also highlights the interesting phenomenon of "balloon ladies" at Disney races, who are not official sweepers but rather a group of runners helping others gauge their pace and avoid being swept off the course. This has unintentionally created a sense of dread among some participants, despite the balloon ladies' friendly intentions.

Lastly, the conversation touches on the effects of jet lag on performance, with the speaker sharing tips on how to adapt before a race, emphasizing the importance of timing regarding arrival to minimize the negative impacts of travel on running performance.

The discussion centers around strategies for managing jet lag and preparing for international races. The speaker suggests arriving in a new city and engaging in a workout to help adjust to the local circadian rhythm, along with using melatonin or sleep aids for the first night. They note that flying west is generally easier than flying east due to time gain versus loss, and highlight the psychological impact of overnight flights.

The conversation also touches on the practices of elite runners, like Sarah Hall, who might arrive a week to ten days early before a race to acclimate fully. The speaker reflects on the unique aspects of races in different countries, such as the distribution of full water bottles at aid stations, which allows for effective hydration and cooling during runs.

They express enthusiasm for the current running boom, encouraging people to explore international races as a way to engage with different running cultures. The speaker shares a humorous experience of a half marathon in Luxembourg, where participants enjoyed beer and wine along the course, showcasing a festive atmosphere.

In comparing running cultures, the speaker observes that other countries might have a more serious tone towards running, contrasting with the more casual, fun-run vibe seen in the U.S. They comment on the fitness culture in places like Spain, attributing a level of vanity to the aesthetic values prevalent in Latin cultures. The speaker concludes by encouraging listeners to consider participating in international marathons and to explore unique racing opportunities.

You can order the Dr. Leo Kormanik's book Faster Without Fail on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4eEsB7M.

Be sure to also check out Dr. Leo's Running Rehab YouTube page at www.YouTube.com/@RunningRehab.