I was training for the 2014 LA marathon for over a year and then broke my hand playing soccer 2 months back. I have run this marathon and others on more than several occasions. I strongly recommend, if you haven't already, look at the elevation map posted at the LA site. It's a net downhill course but by no means an easy one. The undulating hills take a toll on most so they are unable to take advantage of the last 2.7 miles which is ~1.7% downhill.
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