Newport Marathon

The Newport Marathon was a comedy of errors. The trip down the Oregon Coast was good enough… excellent in fact. The weather was beautiful, we stopped in Tillamook to eat grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream at the Tillamook Cheese Factory , and we made it to Newport in time to play on the beach before dinner. After a dinner of pizza, we all went to bed with the alarm set for 5:00. I told the family to sleep in and have fun at the beach. I’d call when I reached the finish line and we would meet up.

I woke up before the alarm, ate a light breakfast and slipped out the door while everyone slept. I drove to the finish line, boarded the bus for the start and commenced chatting with a few new maniacs. Once we arrived at the start line, I saw all of my favorite running friends and immediately fell into a big group conversation. Before I knew it, the race director was announcing “5 minutes until the start!”. I quickly made my way over to the sag wagon and checked my drop bag. Within a minute or two panic set in: I had forgotten to take my gels and electrolyte tablets out of my drop bag. I had no gel. On any other marathon that may not have been a problem, but the race directions clearly indicated gels only at mile 15, and only one per runner. That simply wasn’t enough to get through 26.2 miles, I usually need two and sometimes 4. That wasn’t my biggest worry, though. I didn’t have my electrolytes! After being cursed by leg cramps since the last Octobers Northface Challenge 50k, I finally had figured out THE formula. One tablet every 5 miles, then 2 at mile 20 if I needed it. Water and gel as necessary. I started to fret about what to do, then the gun went off and I was swept away on my journey to another marathon finish.

It just so happens that the course passed our hotel at mile 2. I thought briefly about stopping to get some gel out of the room, but didn’t. We passed the hotel again at mile 4. this time Mom was standing on the sidelines watching us pass and I decided a quick stop at the hotel may save me from walking the last 6 miles of the race. I grabbed the key from her, bolted to the elevator and down the hall to our room. Alec and Evan were in the hallway and took great pleasure in helping me search for gels. Of course there were none to be found, I had packed them all in my drop bag. Back down the hall I went and plunged down the stairwell, barefoot kids in jammies in hot pursuit. I reached the lobby door, gave them both a kiss and continued on my journey down Yaquina Bay. My watch indicated I had lost almost 6 minutes, (there goes my PR attempt). I was also in the back of the pack so I sped up a little, hoping to catch one of my slower Maniac friends. By mile 6 I caught Leslie Miller. Leslie is great fun and was my running angel on day two of my double last summer. I knew I’d need her inspiration again today so I decided to throw out any time goal and spend my hours with Leslie. We chatted about everything: mostly running, but also work, travel, relationships. I think we solved some of life’s major problems while out on the course. Maniac #3 tp!, tossed me a gel at mile 10. Leslie gave me a salt tablet at mile 12. My fears had vanished, I knew my friends would make sure I had what I needed. We reached the gel station at mile 15 and the volunteer gave me 3 gels. We passed the gel station again at mile 17 (the way back on this out-and-back course) and I was handed 2 more. I was the gel queen! I had ‘em stashed everywhere! We continued to lope along, ticking off the uneventful but beautiful miles. Soon we were crossing the finish line, getting our medals and looking for food. I called Mom and was told they were just settling down for lunch so I spent some time relishing the post-race glow with the main Maniacs. My time for marathon #26? 4:29 and it really isn’t important.

Oh, one little detail: Somewhere along the course I promised Leslie I would run the Green River/North Olympic Discovery Marathons with her next weekend. It’s time to rest up, eat lots of quality food and tackle marathons 27 and 28 in a few days.

Capital City Marathon

The Capital City Marathon was significant because it was my 25th marathon/ultra marathon. I can’t believe I’ve run so many in such a short period of time …. this marathoning thing was something that just kind of fell upon me. You see, in the beginning I only wanted to run one marathon and check it off my “life list”. I did a lot of research on marathonguide.com and settled on the 2006 Vancouver International Marathon. The timing was perfect (giving me 6 months to train) and the location ideal. My training went better than planned, and so did my research: in February, a full 3 months before my scheduled marathon debut, I went to visit Ric in Arizona and ran a little race that marathonguide touted as one of the best of the west: the Lost Dutchman Marathon.

Okay, I can check running a marathon off my list.

One problem, though, I had already paid for Vancouver and I wasn’t going to let that $100 entry fee go to waste. Less than three months later, I was heading to Canada. I had a great time in Vancouver and enjoyed it more than the Dutchman. I even started contemplating a marathon as an annual tradition. I posted my race report on Coolrunning and sat back to watch the kudos come in. They came flooding in, in droves, and private emails too. One such email from a Seattle runner pointed out that if I ran Capital City in the next two weeks I would qualify for that exclusive Marathon Maniacs club. I was tired and ready to take the summer off, but the idea was too tempting. I wanted one of those yellow singlets… then I would settle back and run my once (or maybe twice) a year marathon. Of course it didn’t stop there, on those familiar streets of Olympia. Another marathon, this time in Bend, Oregon was calling my name. Then another marathon, and another. Suddenly I’m toeing the line at the 2008 version of Capital City Marathon: preparing to run my 25th and reflecting back on the last two years. As friends and familiar faces came up to chat, I realized this is who I’ve become. I’m a marathoner, one of the regulars.

The actual running of the marathon was rather uneventful. The morning was hot and the pavement even hotter as it radiated heat from the previous days 100 degree scorcher. The air was still as we made our way along the Puget Sound, talking about this marathon and that one. “I first ran with you in the 2006 Tri-Cities, that was a nasty headwind. Remember? Didn’t you set a PR that day?” one friend asked. “Oh, this is my 363rd marathon” another friend would comment when I asked his stats. Yet another would quip about our leg cramp mishaps in Boston, or the time we trudged up the final hill in Apache Junction in 85 degree weather. Not all the talk was happy, though. I passed my friend Uhna Lee attempting to finish her 100th marathon. I always pass her…. she goes out fast, I slow. I speed up, catch her and depending upon which mile marker that happens we make a comment on our relative runs. On most days I catch her around mile 20. This day I catch her at mile16. I ask about her health… she tells me she’s cramping badly. I give her my best healing hug (as best as I could do while running), offer her salt (which she declines) and tell her I’ll see her at the finish line. I continue on and catch Tom on the final, long hill before we head back into downtown. Tom runs my pace but always manages to beat me by a minute or five. As I come up to him, I can see he’s hurting. I try to get him to run the final 2 miles with me but he is clearly done for the day and just needs to dig deep and keep trudging. I finish feeling strong. Ric is waiting for me with a big hug and congratulations. He helps me untie my shoes, retrieve my clothing and buys me favorite post run treat: a coffee (and an extra pair of those great customized Capital City Marathon running pants). 25 is done but no time to rest… 26 is in two weeks.

Tacoma City Marathon

I just finished running the Tacoma Marathon. The course was nice and hilly, and the weather was perfect (mid 40’s, clouds, a little drizzle). I took the early start since I was planning on using it as a training run. I had a couple of goals: Tweak with my electrolytes and try to get it right this time, practice a 5-1 run/walk ratio in preparation for a 12-hour race later this year, and feel recovered within 24 hours. I am happy to report I met 2 out my 3 goals. The 5-1 walk/run fell apart right away. The early start had about 40 runners so we were accompanied by a pace bike. It just so happens I was in the lead along with another woman. As we chatted the first few miles, I forgot to walk. Then I looked back and the two of us were alone with the pace bike. We couldn't walk because the pace bike was showing us the way, and he wasn't slowing down (we didn't want to get lost). We made a decision to keep our pace until the lead runners from the regular start passed us. We figured that would be about the half-way point. It didn't happen so we kept running. By that time it was conceivable to the spectators that we were actually leading the whole race, so everyone started cheering for us as we passed. It wasn't until mile 17 that the lead man overtook us. Relieved, we started to walk... but the spectators wouldn't let it be. Now it really appeared that we were the first women, and the leading women don't walk! At mile 21, the first woman passed us, quickly followed by another one. I finally allowed myself that walk break and walked the next 3 miles. I picked up my run again at mile 24 and cruised the last 2.2 miles .... my fans told me I was 5th woman (I didn't have the heart to tell them otherwise). My final time was 4:22:39 and some change. The last two miles were my fastest at a little under 8 minute miles. My legs didn't cramp (I took electrolytes every 45 minutes) and I felt good enough to walk a few miles in the afternoon. Even though the course as hilly, I didn’t have any leg cramping following the race or leg soreness the next day. This Sunday I have the Capital City Marathon: another long training run, then Newport at the end of the month. I may actually taper and race Newport if everything goes well.

Boston Marathon

I worked hard preparing for this marathon. I wanted to do really well with a goal of BQ for 2009. All winter I trained hills, increased my average run to 10 miles (with a 13 mile medium-long run mid-week). Things were looking good, then 3 weeks from Boston I strained my hamstring during a cool down. The strain forced me to miss my last long run (the Dizzy Daze 50k), and as a result my final long run was 5 weeks prior to Boston.
By the time Boston hit, I was just happy to be healthy enough to run. Alec and Ric were both joining me on this trip, so I decided to have as much fun as possible and not worry about resting up for the actual marathon. Friday we hit the expo, the aquarium, played catch at the park, worked out in the hotel fitness center and had dinner at Fenway park, under the bleachers during a game. Saturday we did some siteseeing, worked out again then made our way to Cambridge for a gathering of friends.

We were up early Sunday morning to help Brooks organize high school kids into cheering squads for the Women’s Marathon Olympia Trials. The high schools were competing against each other for three prizes: each a complete outfitting of their track team for the year. Our team was a small school from New Hampshire. 6 kids, the coach and two parents had taken the 3 am train to Boston to try and win a prize. Coming from a small, rural community, they had little funding for their team and have had to hand-patch their track uniforms for the last several years. The Brooks prize package was a huge deal for them. They were the first high school to show up. The kids and parents were dressed head-to-toe in Brooks/Hansen colors (red/yellow/black), they had painted their faces, glittered their hair added beads and leis. We started our quest for the prize by parading up and down the course, trying to get the crowd warmed up. Right before the marathon start we lined up in “our” spot, feeling good about our chances. Then the other schools came…. the big Boston schools. Our little team felt their prize slipping from their grip as 50-60 kids per school descended on us. Drums thumping, horns blaring. Still they cheered on, in the cold, doing their best to bring victory to the Brooks runners. After the trials, and hugs and best wishes we went our separate ways. The kids from Masenic headed back to New Hampshire. Ric, Alec and I headed to the Brooks post-marathon trails party.

The party was a blast. It was held in a retro bowling alley next to our hotel. Brooks provided free food, beverage and bowling to all of their guests. I got to meet several ID members and Alec and Ric bowled along side marathon legend Joan Benoit. We finished the day by attending the BAA sponsored pasta dinner. The food was good but nothing fancy, I’m glad we went though.
I was up early and heading for the buses to Hopkinton at 6:30. I was amazed at the long lines through the Boston Commons, but chatted with several Maniacs I hadn’t met before so the time passed quickly. Just as I was getting ready to board the bus, I ran into Steve Yee, Chris Warren and T.P. We sat together at the back of the bus and spent the hour-long ride catching up. I hadn’t talked to Steve or Chris much since Yakima last year and I had never met T.P. When we got to the athletes village I wandered for a minute or two then stumbled across Maniacs Marc Frommer, Brain Pendleton and Ami Yanni. Maniacs must have a some super sense that allows them to find each other, because even with over 30,000 people in the Village, I’ve quickly found the main group of Maniacs both years. I had just settled in when the call came to head for the starting line. I miscalculated how long it would take to change into my racing gear and check my drop bag. As a result I got to the starting corrals late and couldn’t work my way up to my starting corral before the gun went off. Once again, I was stuck in with the charity runners. I really didn’t mind too much. I was actually tired from a busy week of siteseeing and knew I wouldn’t be running fast, so I decided to just enjoy the ride. It was quite a ride, too! The weather was perfect (60+ degrees and sunny), the crowds were huge! The entire course from Hopinkton to Boston was lined with spectators at least 3 deep. They were screaming and cheering. Music was blasting out from all corners. There were the official aid stations and many more ad-hoc aid stations offering oranges, popsicles, chocolate, beer. My favorites were the oranges and the popsicles. I made sure to take an electrolyte tablet every five miles. I was running better than I expected and on track for a 4:10 or so marathon. Unfortunately I forgot to take an electrolyte at mile 20 and by the time I crested Heartbreak Hill, it was too late. I cramped badly at mile 23. I was completely immobilized in the middle of the street. Somehow I managed to make my way over to the curb, put my hands on my knees and proceeded to get really sick. I knew there was no way I was going to continue and run. I also knew that I had come too far to drop out… I only had 3 miles left. After what seemed like an hour, I started to hobble towards Boston. First it was barely a walk, I made it to an aid station, took two electrolytes and some water. Soon my hobble became a brisk walk, then the walk turned into a slow jog. Before long I was running again and turning the final corner on to Boylston. I spotted Alec and Ric, ran to the side to give them a high five, then ran across the finish line.

After the race we walked down to Fenway park for dinner, then Alec and I took the long way home with a stroll through Back Bay. Just before we came to our hotel we saw the last 5 people finishing the marathon (somewhere around 9:00 p.m.) Alec was thrilled he got to see the first and last place finishers.The next morning we rented a car and drove to Newport. We had a great time touring the mansions and taking in the harbour side sites.
It was a great trip. Great weather, great company and good running. I’m already qualified and booked for next year.

Des Moines Creek 6 Hour Trail Ultra

I have been intrigued by set-time events for the last year. I’ve had a hard time wrapping my mind around running a 50 mile ultra, but running for 12 hours somehow seems more doable. I have tentatively added the Ultracentric 12 hour (Dallas in November) to my 2008 race calendar, but thought it would be wise to try a 6 hour first and decided if I even like the set-time format. With that thought in mind, I signed up for the Des Moines 6 Hour Trail Ultra on March 1st.
My drive north to the race start was miserable. Heavy rain and wind made visibility next to zero. Early in the morning I had packed my car with every article of clothing imaginable. I had a raincoat, thermal coat, vest, tights, long-sleeve shirts (both heavy and light weight), shorts, three pairs of gloves, two hats, three pairs of socks, two pairs of trail shoes and one pair of road shoes. I also had my Nathan hydration pack and a hand held water bottle. I packed a drop box full of Sports beans, pretzels, Ensure, Gatorade, BodyGlide and BioFreeze. I was prepared! I learned last year that trail ultras can vary greatly and not to assume any level of difficulty or support. I reached the race start and parked in a soggy, muddy meadow just as the clouds parted, revealing a glorious late winter sunrise. Given the present conditions, I decided my bright orange Brooks running skirt, black Brooks long sleeve Runderwear shirt, Black Maniac singlet, gray Brooks Cascadias, and orange/pink paisley Dirty Girl gaiters would be just right (topped off with gold hoops and champagne diamond studs, of course). If the weather changed, I’d pass by my car every 4 miles and I could change.

Right before the race start, the race director explained the race. Everyone would run a 4 mile loop, when the clock ticked down to one hour remaining runners would be allowed to continue on a 1.1 mile short loop for the remainder of the race. Only completed loops would count and you could drop at any time. Loops completed at the time you stopped would be your official result. After one loop was completed (either long or short) there would be no DNF’s, just shorter distances in the results. I already decided I liked that format. There was no pressure to complete any set distance.

I ran the first loop slowly. I didn’t know what to expect for terrain and didn’t want to waste energy I may need later in the day. The first 2 miles wound up and down through a wooded ravine. The footing varied greatly: sand, mud, nicely packed dirt, rocks, roots and logs. There were a few steep inclines and gentle down hill sections. The next 2 miles twisted and turned through an old housing development. All the houses were gone, but ghostly stairways would peek out of overgrown shrubbery. Remnants of foundations would jump up out of the mud and grab unsuspecting runners. Roads from nowhere would appear from underneath blackberry brambles then conclude in a jumble of broken concrete. These obstacles proved to be much more treacherous than the roots and rocks of most trail races. At several points there were drop-offs that had to be navigated. I took special note of which drop-offs had dangerous footing at the bottom, and which ones provided safe landings. I completed the first 4 mile loop in 45 minutes, grabbed a granola bar and started out on lap two. I felt a little more confident, ran the flats faster, walked the up hills with more purpose and started to come up with pet names for the obstacles. I finished seven 4-mile loops before I was diverted onto the short loop. I managed to complete 2 short loops before crossing the finish line in 5:58. I racked up a total of 30.2 miles. I’m not sure how I placed, but only 6 people ran the entire 6 hours. Most dropped out after completing the marathon distance.

I really enjoyed this type of race and am looking forward to trying a 12 hour later this year, although I don’t know if I can wait until November.

Carlsbad Marathon

My first marathon of the year was uneventful (a welcome relief after several difficult marathons in 2007). Mr. Hawk and I flew into San Diego the Tuesday before the race and headed straight for Yuma, Arizona to catch some sun. Yuma was sunny, but the Santa Anna winds were kicking up the whole time we were there (up to 35 mph gusts). We spent the days before the marathon working out at the World Gym, running along the river and lounging by the pool.

Saturday morning we drove to Carlsbad, selecting the scenic but longer route through the mountains to see the damage from last Falls wild fires. We arrived at the ocean in time to pick up my packet and meet some Maniacs for dinner at a great Italian place in old Carlsbad.

Sunday morning I woke up extra early because I selected the early start option, blasting off at 6:30. It was a good choice. Unlike last year, driving to the start took 5 minutes. I quickly found Karl since there were less than 200 early starters and promised to run with him through the early miles, hoping to pace him to a 4:15 finish. We started off well, although maybe a bit too fast. Mr. Hawk met us at mile 4 and I was already warm so I stripped down to my Maniac singlet and handed him my long sleeve shirt. Much to Mr. Hawks relief, Karl decided to keep his “throw away” sweater for another mile or two. Having Karl to chat with (and with lots of catching up to do since our last marathon at Haulin’ Aspen) made the long, uphill miles pass quickly and painlessly. We reached the halfway point right on target for a 4:30 finish, then Karl started having a few side stitch problems. I felt like I was just warming up so I continued on without him. I picked up my speed a bit, hoping to still get that 4:15. I felt really good the entire race and got a real mental boost out of seeing the elites several times during the out-and-back sections of this race. I finished in 4:17 with plenty left in the legs. The next morning I didn’t even feel like I had run a marathon, so Mr. Hawk and I went out for a little 4 miler on the beach. All in all, it was a perfect week away. I got lots of quality training in and a nice long run that I could count as marathon number 21.

Seattle Marathon

After Boston last year, I made the tough decision to focus on running lots of marathons this year instead of running just one or two at maximum effort. As I expected, more frequent marathons meant my pace slowed considerably and I found myself firmly in the 4:20-4:30 finish times by mid-summer. I felt frustrated (even though I knew this would happen) so I turned to 50ks and adopted the more laid-back attitude of trail runners. I really enjoyed my new running world and found that even with slower times, I was making respectable placements in my age group. I approached Seattle (my first road marathon since July) with one goal: HAVE FUN. I also had two “it would be nice if it happened” goals: get my 2009 BQ and a PR. I really didn’t think the last two were much of a possibility since all of my training has consisted of a slow marathon or 50k every 2-4 weeks with lots of easy runs in between.
It turned out to be a great weekend in Seattle. One that I’m sure will become one of those “Boomer Legends”. I’ve attended enough Boomer gatherings to know it’s best not report on them, and everyone else has given their version anyway, so I’ll skip directly to my marathon report….

Race morning was cool and clear. I wore a black Brooks long sleeve tech top, yellow Maniac singlet, black skirt, Brooks Adrenaline 6’s in copper and blue Smartwool socks (I decided to wear the dorky ankle-length version to protect my ankles from chip-strap chafing). I left my hair loose and finished off the look with diamond studs and white gold hoops.

As usual, when the starting horn sounded, everyone went off way too fast. I got caught up in the momentum, but I was feeling good so I decided it was best to go with the flow and not risk getting trampled. The first hill was hard since I didn’t feel adequately warmed-up. The tunnel was horrible: all the walkers were crowded around the aid station and it was impossible to grab a cup, plus the smell of old car exhaust made me sprint towards open air. Once out of the tunnel, the cool breeze of the lake swept over me and I felt great. I hit the half way point around 1:52: much faster than I expected. I was starting to sweat so I reached into my pocket to retrieve an electrolyte tablet only to discover I had left them in the hotel room. Eek! I knew this meant trouble down the road. Sure enough, after topping Galer hill I felt the first twinge of a cramp in my quads. I cursed my legs and told them “we’re finishing this race and running the whole way, so buck up.” I forced myself to keep turning my legs over even though the pain was getting worse. Then it started to migrate: left quad, right calf, left hamstring, right arch, left toes etc….Something would seize, then let up as I kept forcing a quick cadence through the Arboretum. I looked at my watch, but couldn’t think clearly through the pain and couldn’t tell if I was on track for a BQ. I thought briefly about stopping, then decide a little cramping never killed anyone so I forged ahead. I flew down the last hill towards the stadium and suddenly all the pain went away. I crossed the finish line in 3:59:10. I got my 2009 BQ out of the way but missed a PR by a few seconds (my PR is 3:58:46). I finished 21 out of 402 in my age group. And, in spite of the horrible cramping, I had FUN!