Just Get to the Bridge

By David Damron · 9× CIM finisher · 3× CIM BQ'er · 1× CIM sub-3

I've had some dark times at CIM. Of everything I've learned on this course, one mantra has helped me more than anything else: just get to the bridge.

The bridge is the J Street Bridge, at roughly mile 21.5, where the course crosses the American River toward downtown Sacramento. It's the last climb on the course. After it, it's flat and fast all the way home to the finish line at the Capitol.

Don't think about 26.2

When the race starts to hurt, the worst thing you can do is think about how far you still have to go. 26.2 miles is too big. Six more miles is too big.

So shrink it. Your only job is to survive until you get to the bridge. Whatever happens after the bridge happens after the bridge. Right now, all you need to focus on is getting there.

Why it works

• It's a target you can reach. "Survive to the bridge" is something you can do. "Survive another hour" isn't something your brain wants to hear at mile 19.
• It's the last hurdle. Once you're over it, there are no more climbs. You still have about four tough miles, but you've conquered the last obstacle the course can throw at you.
• It works anywhere. I use it at mile 10 in the rollers and at mile 21 with nothing left. Any time it gets hard: just get to the bridge.

What to expect when you get there

You come out of the big crowds around miles 20–21, and it gets quiet. Then there's a right-hand bend, and the bridge takes you up and over the river. It isn't a hard climb, but any uphill this late in a marathon is not appreciated. You'll know it when you see it.

Hold your pace up and over. Then, on the other side, the 22-mile marker comes up soon after, and so does the aid station where you're going to take a gel at 22.

Next: Take a gel at 22   The full final 10K