Santa Monica's Tips for Runners

Check out some pre and post-race tips on 10 Spots Within Crawling Distance, 10 Sinful Desserts and 10 Tips for Marathon Training.

Get more on the 2012 LA Marathon including marathon discounts and runner information.

Santa Monica: 10 Spots Within Crawling
Distance of the Finish Line

Here are some of the places runners, families and fans can celebrate post-race that are within walking distance – or crawling distance, if one’s legs are too exhausted – from the finish line.

1. Exhale Mind Body Spa, 0.2 miles –

Located at the award-winning Fairmont Miramar Hotel, Exhale invites runners to relax with a soothing massage, or reward themselves with a rejuvenating Acu-Energetic treatment. The spa is offering a special to all marathon participants for a 60-minute Fusion massage for $100 (reg. $130).

2. FIG Santa Monica, 0.2 miles –

Also within the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, FIG features the acclaimed cuisine of chef Ray Garcia, using market fresh ingredients from the equally acclaimed Santa Monica Farmers Markets.

3. Cameo Bar at the Viceroy, 0.9 miles –

This seaside spot features al fresco poolside dining in luxurious cabanas, setting a perfect scene for celebrating a strong finish with friends.

4. Santa Monica Place, 0.7 miles –

The newly re-opened, completely made-over shopping mall offers a chic, yet laid back shopping and dining experience for visiting and resident runners. Snag a table at the Sonoma Wine Garden on the rooftop deck andsoak in the ocean views and breezes.

5. 3rd Street Promenade, 0.5 miles –

This world-famous boulevard features an eclectic array of shops, entertainers and restaurants. It’s a great way to unwind after a long race.

6. Aquarium, 0.8 miles –

Home to more than 100 species of marine animals and plants, all found in the Santa Monica Bay, visitors can get up close and personal with these plants and animals in the aquarium’s 4,500-square-foot interactive marine center.

7. The Ocean Spa & Fitness Santa Monica, 0.9 miles –

A treat for any runner, the Ocean Spa offers therapeutic body treatments, relaxing massages and a host of salon services. Try the Beachcomber Santa Monica Massage, which features warm tiger infused with mineral-rich kelp and seawater to provide an unforgettable heated massage.

8. Spa Le Merigot, 0.9 miles -

Stop by for a Deep Tissue or Sports Massage after the marathon to rejuvenate sore muscles and release toxins. Located at the Le Merigot Hotel, all guests of the spa are also welcome to use any of the spa's facilities, which include and eucalyptus steam room as well as a heated outdoor hotel pool.

9. Pacific Park, 0.9 miles –

Located on the world famous Santa Monica Pier, this famous amusement park offers rides and games, and is the only free admission amusement park in Southern California.

10. Take A Nap On The Beach! 0.5 miles –

With 300+ days of sunshine every year, chances are the beach will be sunny and inviting. Take advantage of the miles of sprawling sand and enjoy the front-row view of the Pacific Ocean. Your personal Beach Butler from Perry’s Café will set up your beach chair, table and umbrella at your chosen time and locale, plus deliver chilled beverages and food, ensuring that you never have to leave your towel. And when you are ready to leave, they do the clean-up, so you don’t have to!

A Runner's Reward: 10 Sinful Desserts
in Santa Monica

After months of preparation and dedication to training regimens, long, early morning runs, strict diets and constant hydration, it’s time to treat oneself to a decadent, sinful dessert at one of Santa Monica’s world renowned restaurants.

1. Melrose Apple Tatin, Drizzled with caramel and served with refreshing sea salt ice cream

FIG Santa Monica at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Boulevard
(310) 319-3111

2. Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Bites, enhanced with French vanilla ice cream & Cherith Valley sweet braised peaches

Upper West
3321 Pico Boulevard
(310) 586-1111

3. Budino di Pane, warm chocolate croissant bread pudding complemented by caramel-chocolate sauce and hazelnut.

Drago Ristorante
2628 Wilshire Boulevard
(310) 828-1585

4. Sticky Toffee Pudding, served with mocha malt ice cream and red berries-hibiscus consommé. 

Melisse
1104 Wilshire Boulevard
(310) 395-0881

5. Valrhona Crepes, delightfully paired with gianduja, kumquats, hazelnuts, cocoa nibs.

Whist at Viceroy Santa Monica
1819 Ocean Avenue
(310) 260-7511

6. PB&J, a classic, prepared with pound cake and peanut butter ice cream, and covered with warm huckleberries and salted toffee crunch.

Wilshire
2454 Wilshire Boulevard
(310) 586-1707

7. Warm Sweet Potato Lasagna, sprinkled with homemade pecan brittle and paired with vanilla cream.

Ocean and Vine @ Loews Hotel
1700 Ocean Avenue
(866) 563-9792

8. Frozen Lollipops, assorted flavors include wine ice cream with a chocolate center, passion fruit and eggnog.

Stefan’s at LA Farm
3000 Olympic Boulevard
(310) 449-4000

9. Mexican Chocolate Cream Pie, whipped chocolate mousse with a touch of cinnamon, sliced almonds on a meringue crust, topped with dark chocolate curls.

Border Grill
1445 4th Street
(310) 451-1655

10. Chocolate hazelnut purse, Nutella ice cream topped with candied hazelnuts.

Fraiche
312 Wilshire Boulevard
(310) 451-7482

Santa Monica Fitness Experts Give 10 tips for marathon training

Whether one is an elite athlete and avid marathon runner, or is celebrating a first venture into the 26.2 mile club, proper training and optimum health are key. Here are the ten marathon training tips from Santa Monica’s training pros:

1. On one of your weekly training days, include some strength training and running in the sand. This will increase your strength and prepare you mentally for the awesome feeling of your legs being totally drained! Todd McCullough, T-MAC Fitness

2. We teach something called "pose running." Basically, it is an efficient way of running which allows gravity to affect you. Instead of long strides we focus on pulling feet up off of the ground faster. The main point is to focus on running as a skill, focus on your form and train your muscles through anaerobic exercises. David Paradiso, Paradiso Cross Fit

3. Buy the proper shoes. Every foot is shaped differently and improper foot support can lead to serious injuries. Test your foot at a local reputable shoe store and find out what shoes are best for your foot-type and whether or not you need in-soles. Justin Roth, General Manager at Circuit Works, Inc

4. Have a plan and stick to it. Having a set training program will obviously prepare your body physically for the big day, but it will also help you mentally. On race day you can rest assured knowing that you have done everything possible for this exact moment and when the going gets tough you can pull from all of your hard workouts felling certain that you can do it! Amanda Borja, Team Fitness Training, Inc.

5. Carb-load two days before with complex carbohydrates such as whole-wheat pasta. Try to avoid eating a heavy meal the day before the race to prevent a bloated stomach. Jason Vega, Iron Gym

6. Stretch! You should delegate at least 20-30 minutes prior to the race to this. Your body will thank you the next day. Justin Roth, General Manager at Circuit Works, Inc.

7. Start the race slowly. Remember, you have 26.2 miles to run, so don’t get caught up in your adrenalin and go all out in the first mile. Stick to your plan and pace yourself smartly. Sonki, Sonki Fitness, LLC

8. After the race it is best to do long stretches with long breaths that help oxygenate the blood and get it flowing throughout the body, like yoga. Start with 60 second stretches then work your way up to 90 seconds each as long as you are not in pain. A minimal discomfort is fine but any pain should be avoided. Meg Gray, The ONE Spa at Shutters on the Beach

9. The Petite Spa recommends a treatment called the "Sole Searcher" for runners after the marathon. It is a 30-minute treatment that includes a foot soak followed by a foot and lower leg scrub and then they finish up with a 20-minute foot massage. The "Sole Searcher" treatment is $40. Lisa Mayer, The Petite Spa

10. Have fun! Ultimately you aren't doing this for anyone, but yourself. Enjoy it while it lasts!!! Justin Roth, General Manager at Circuit Works, Inc.