Before & After the Long Beach Marathon

The 40th Long Beach Marathon is fast approaching and anyone running a full or half marathon knows it takes a lot to get you to the starting line and just as much for your body to recover after the finish. Here are a few critically kind things you can do for yourself before and after the race to ensure you not only run your best, but also recover just as well.

BEFORE: BODY WORK

To make sure you’re in peak condition in body, mind and spirit, check out wellness sanctuary Human Aeon. Located in a private residential building in Belmont Shore–address is provided upon booking–Human Aeon offers cold and heat exposure therapy, massage, meditation, and classes related to wellness, including breathwork and meditation. Its resort-like atmosphere provides a restful environment to prepare you for the challenge to come.

AFTER: INNER STRENGTH

Running 13 or 26 miles is bound to take its toll. Boost your wellness from within with IV therapy treatments or vitamin injections from Dripp IV Therapy (117 W 5th St). They have drip offerings specifically to boost athletic performance as well as recovery. There’s also therapy to target your immunity, improve sleep, increase your hydration, boost your metabolism and even help clear your skin. Also take advantage of Dripp IV’s oxygen bar which has been found to be effective in supporting pre and post-athletic performance as well as speeding recovery and healing.

BEFORE: CARBO LOAD

Carbo loading–eating high amounts of carbohydrates days before a race to provide a runner with extra energy–can be achieved with the consumption of pasta, something Long Beach has in delicious plenty. Downtown there’s L’Opera Ristorante (101 Pine Ave) and La Traviata (301 Cedar Ave), classic Italian restaurants with traditional menus. Michael’s on Naples (5620 E 2nd St) serves pasta made from scratch and Domenico’s (5339 E 2nd St) pasta and pizza has been a Belmont Shore fixture since 1954. La Parolaccia Osteria (2945 E Broadway) offers Roman fare like pasta carbonara, while Ellie’s (204 Orange Ave) serves fresh pasta and elegant vegetable dishes inspired by southern Italy. La Tarantella Osteria (2120 E 4th St) offers wonderful fare and delicacies on Retro Row complete with a charming covered patio hidden in the back.

AFTER: BRUNCH

Sunday morning, after the cheers and the very deserved feeling of accomplishment you’ll feel, you’re likely to feel something else: hungry. Luckily, Long Beach has all kinds of breakfast and brunch options. The Breakfast Bar (70 Atlantic Ave./3404 E. Fourth St.) was recently named one of the top 15 best brunches in the nation by Yelp and is known not only for great dishes like Uncle Marcee’s Omelet Casserole, made 24 hours in advance, but has great mimosas and breakfast mai tais. Belmont Shore’s Breakfast Republic (5313 Second St) serves up tasty takes on American classics, an innovative breakfast destination that offers a delicious, unpretentious way to ease back into the pace of a new day.

BEFORE/AFTER: RUNNING SHOES

Whether before or after races, local runners have long flocked to Runner’s High (6416 E Stearns St/4101 McGowan St, Ste 145). Unlike grabbing a pair of shoes off the shelf or internet, a trip to Runner’s High means your feet get the personal attention necessary, whether it’s devices that analyze whether you pronate or supinate, or an expert staff to observe your gait and ask you about your goals and routine. They will then suggest several pairs that you can try on and test out to see how they really feel. They also have recovery sandals for after running, giving your feet some tender loving care. After all you’ve put them through, don’t they deserve it?

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Long Beach Marathon Returns Oct. 5–6, 2024

For the 40th time, the Long Beach Marathon will wind itself through the city’s streets and shoreline, showcasing the very best of the LBC. Marathon weekend includes a series of races that takes place over two days, Oct. 5 and 6. Along with the 26.2-mile marathon itself, there are other intriguing events that can be walked, run and ridden. It’s all a celebration of what makes the International City so great: community, natural beauty, individual achievement and a whole lot of fun. Here’s a rundown.

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About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.