Mattias Bramstång

Finally I was there, in the start area among approximately 17000 runners. It took me two hours to get there from the motel by foot, bus and metro train. I was on a crowded spot! I had a few hundreds of runners ahead of me and all I could se in front of me was shoulders and heads.
We were released from the start area a little late and everybody walked slowly ahead. It took me a minute or two to reach the start line, and then it took me almost 2 miles to run before I could se the surface in front of me…
The early morning was glorious. A blue sky, an upcoming sun and a comfortable cool breeze. During this conditions I ran a little to fast the first 10k. I was on such a good mode but I decided to slow off a little. Then I continued on a little slower pace along the beautiful course through areas like Hollywood, Korea town, little Tokyo and El Pueblo. Sometime during this part a magnificent view appeared with the downtown skyline reflecting the sun.
The last miles were fun to run because the American crowd were very encouraging. I enjoyed it all and kept my pace steady but on a little more demanding effort. I finished at 63 place over all with 2.55.09. It was a good day for a run!