The California International Marathon (CIM) is known for being a fast course, attracting both elite athletes and everyday runners chasing personal bests. For Osmo athlete and runner Susie Lozick, CIM 2024 wasn’t just another marathon—it became a celebration of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of mindset.
Here’s how Susie approached the race, overcame unexpected challenges, and made the most of her experience at CIM.
Did you have a specific goal for CIM?
“When I started my training block, the goal was to attempt a sub-3,” Susie shared. “But working in a school exposed me to a lot of germs, and I couldn’t shake feeling sick and run down.”
That combination of physical strain and illness led to burnout. A tough day at the Long Beach Marathon in early October, where Susie had to pull out mid-race, confirmed she needed a reset.
“By October, I had essentially taken time off from structured training and adjusted my goal for CIM to simply have a great run—and, if I felt good, try to negative split the race.”
Susie’s story is a testament to the importance of listening to your body, adjusting expectations, and staying flexible when life throws curveballs.
What surprised you about the race?
“How good I felt!” Susie said, reflecting on her CIM experience. “Considering my minimal training, I was shocked at how smooth things went.”
Despite dialing back her training in the months leading up to the race, Susie executed a race plan that many runners dream of: a negative split.
“I ran a 1:42 first half and a 1:38 second half—my first-ever negative split—and even managed to sprint the last mile. It felt incredible.”
Susie crossed the finish line in 3:20:46, a time she’s proud of, despite it being 10 minutes shy of her PR.
How did you use Osmo Nutrition to train and prep for the race?
Fueling and recovery were key to Susie’s success, even during a more relaxed training block.
“Osmo Rapid Recovery was a key part of my routine after long runs,” she shared. “I got creative with it—mixing it into smoothies and even using it as a base for homemade ice cream. It was such a treat post-run!”
Osmo Nutrition’s emphasis on science-backed hydration and recovery allowed Susie to keep her body feeling strong, even as she adjusted her training.
A Race That Redefined Success
Susie Lozick’s CIM experience highlights an important lesson for runners everywhere: success isn’t always measured by a clock. Sometimes, it’s about finding joy in the process, trusting your body, and celebrating small victories along the way.
“Given the circumstances, it feels like one of my most satisfying performances,” Susie said. “A big factor? I took the pressure off. I ran for my mental health, didn’t restrict my diet, and focused on enjoying the process rather than hitting prescribed weekly mileage or specific paces. That shift in mindset made all the difference.”
For runners looking to balance training with life’s challenges, Susie’s story is a powerful reminder that adaptability and a positive mindset can turn even the toughest situations into meaningful accomplishments.
