mkymsehi
I'd rather be at Disneyland!
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2007
- Messages
- 2,457
It was a busy week, heading to the expo on Wednesday for packet pickup with Chester and Tracy (WISH teammates). Friday was sightseeing, and then the carb load party held a our Marathon Clinic doc's house.
I returned to the Expo on Saturday to meet up with a pair of ROTE members (Annie, and Barry). Sadly, Sandra wasn't able to meet with us. I had a chance to chat up the Disney Reps at their booth.
Saturday after the expo, we hustled over to Chuckie Cheese's for our younger daughter's early birthday party. Then to Kapiolani park to drop off my bag with my phone, camera, cash, and Crocs for after the race. Stopped off at the grocery store to pick up bagels, peanut butter, and bananas. Finally arriving home in the afternoon, I set up my gear for the morning. *(SEE SIDE STORY BELOW).
I carb loaded on lasagne for dinner, and went to bed early around 6:30 pm. I woke up at 2 am, and visualized the race course. Dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Woke my wife up, and we headed out the door at 3 am.
Since the roads along the course are closed off as early as 12:30 am for the volunteers to set up aid stations, I was dropped off near a friend's house. We met up, and three of us walked about 1 mile towards the start line. We found the local mall had left the restrooms open, and we stopped since there were no lines, and it's way cleaner than a Port-a-Potty. We soon split up, as they were headed to meet their intermediate group in one location, while the advance group was meeting in Ala Moana Beach park.
I got there early just before 4 am, and watched as bus after bus drove through the park. They pick up participants near the finish line and drop them off 3 miles away at the start line.
When everyone showed up, we had one last bathroom break then walked to the start line. Coming from the opposite direction, we moved right into the front of the mass of nearly 24,000 people. Just the elites were ahead of us.
15 minutes passed, then Star Spangled Banner. The wheelchair racers were given a 5 minute head start. Then the fireworks were lit sending us on our way. Set the Garmin to start as my foot hit the timing mat. With the massive surge and having to watch people zig-zagging their way around walkers and slower runners, there was no time for me to look up and watch the pyrotechnics.
Quickly our group found our 8:45 average pace. It was cool and dry, considering the last several years conditions. We headed towards downtown Honolulu, and then turned to King Street, which is fully decorated in Christmas colors.
Everyone in our group stuck together, and we were settled in. Steps were going easy, and breathing was nice and easy. Our pace fluctuated between 8:30-9:00 minute miles, depending on our walking through water stops.
Waterstops 1 & 2 came, and then we were headed through the heart of Waikiki. The crowds were bigger here, as many family members traveling with racers came down from their hotels to spectate. Water stop 3 came up, and soon we were passing the 10K mark at 56:31, where the race day walkers would end their day.
Mile seven we pit stopped for a brief bathroom break. No more than 15 seconds. Now onto our first traverse of Diamond Head Crater. The two lane road narrows, as the high school volunteers hold up a long roll of plastic tape to separate us from the other lane. As we were up and over the hill, the first wheelchair racer was in his last 1 3/4 miles to the finish. He was flying!!! Everyone screamed and clapped as he went sailing by.
Waterstop #5, and it was still dark out as we went for our second climb around the backside of Diamond Head at mile 9.
Waterstop #6 at mile 10 3/4, and there on the side was my family cheering at their usual spot. Without missing a stride, I grabbed a banana from them, and split it with my running mates.
We made the turn onto the Kalanianaole Highway and it was just starting to get light out. We commented, get through the loop before the sun comes up.
Along mile 11, the elite men were already heading back in at mile 21. Their first half marathon were all sub 5 minute miles. The men's leader, Kenya's Patrick Ivuti (defending champion), had at least a 1/4 mile lead over second place. The woman's leader, Russia's Svetlana Zakharova was well out in front of Japan's Kiyoko Shimahara (defending champion). We all cheered and clapped as they made their way past us.
Miles 12 & 13 were smooth, and our half marathon time was 1:58:43. The crowd ahead of us was thin, so no more dodging people in front of us.
Got through the next two waterstops, and was doing fine. At mile 15 you turn off the highway to the turnaround of Hawaii Kai loop. It's 2 miles around, with lots of spectators. You exit back to the highway, and then see the mass of people who are behind you. It's a never ending wall of humanity, and you think, they've got a long way to go!
I get through mile 18, my 30K time is 2:48:11.
I pass mile 19. Right about mile 20, I see Chester in his WISH shirt coming the other way, he's around mile 14. I veer to the right, yell "GO Chester!!!" and we exchange high fives. I yell "Go get 'em Marathon Maniac!"
By now the sun has started to peak, and the heat is building on my back, as well as the pavement. Just so you know, there is not very much shade on the highway. Just then, I feel a twinge in my right calf. I try breathing through it. I get to the next waterstop, and take a combination of Enduralytes (salt tablets), and a mustard pack. It seems to help briefly. I continue down the road, and out of nowhere, the calf seizes. I check behind me, and find it clear for me to move to the curb to stretch. As I'm doing this, I yell to my training partner to go without me. Simultaneously, my big toe decides to join in on the fun and cramp as well.
After a minute, the cramp eases, and I go on my way again. But good things always happen in pairs, right? A little further down the road, I cramp a second time. Stop, stretch, run. This time I ease my pace, and just focus on moving forward. I make it to mile 21, then 22.
At mile 22 you reach the large spectator area at the gas station landmark. On approach you hear the live rock band jamming, and I know my family is right around the corner. I make the turn, spot them, and signal that I want a granola bar. I again grab without missing a stride, and keep on trucking. Another waterstop, but this time just a sip, as I've absorbed all that I can already.
I get to the turn to Kahala Avenue, and see lots of people walking. I start picking out targets, and one by one pick them off and pass them. Kahala Ave is a 2 mile stretch through 23 & 24. The last 3/4 of a mile is uphill. I lose focus, and have to take a brief walking break. I then power up the hill to triangle park and the last water stop.
On the way back over Diamond Head, I spot a group with a keg of beer at mile 24 1/4. In tradition of the Deads I grabbed a cold one, and yelled "Mahalo" to the guys serving. It was in a RED cup, and went down rather smoothly.
I plod along to the 40K mark at the top of Diamond Head, and my time is 3:54:56. All that is left is a mile downhill, then a flat stretch to the end.
I love that gravity just carries me downhill, and my pace really picked up. But when I get to the bottom of the hill, I have to slow my pace again. One final turn to the last section of the race at Kapiolani park.
I manage my best pace, when a girl next to me says, "Come on, we've got this." She takes the lead, and I try to maintain her strong finish. As we enter the last 300 yards of the chute, friends are yelling out my name. I manage a smile and a shaka, and keep on going.
I approach the finishers mat, step on it, and say to myself..."that was my easiest marathon ever." I finish with a 4:08:47. Just over my goal of a 3:59 finish.
I'm completely happy with the results, considering I shaved 37 minutes off of my personal record at January's WDW marathon (the Dopey Challenge).
I collect my finisher's shell lei, and find my friends waiting for me near the exit area. We all congratulate each other, and then head off to get our medals (key chain) and our finisher's shirt. We then make it over to our clinic's tent for food, drinks, massages ($10), and lots of laughs and stories.
Chester made his way in, refueled, and headed back out to accompany Tracy back in. He found her between mile 20 & 21. All in all, Chester did at least 39 miles, considering the walk from their hotel to the start line. Wow, that's Goofy in a day!!! Congratulations on your Marathon Maniac status, and to Tracy in earning her first marathon! Also a shout out to Sandra for gaining her Marathon Manic status as well !
I got home, ice bathed, showered, lunch. Lounged, had dinner, and I finally fell asleep 18 1/2 hours after the day began.
I'm recovering well with just a little soreness in the calf and the quads. No problems going up or down the stairs. Nothing a little stretching, massage chair, and stationary bike can't relieve.
I'll be back training on Tuesday and Thursday. Next Sunday there will be a short recovery run, followed by a group picnic and bragathon.
Here's to a new year of training in 2010, and getting that sub-4 time next year at Honolulu. Now bring on Dopey in a month!
I know it was a long narrative to sit and read though. I hope you enjoyed the ride.
*Here's the side story I mentioned above:
As a reminder to everyone, the night before the race, start with putting your timing chip onto your shoe. One of my training partner's was dropped off this morning for the marathon. She looked down, and had no timing chip. She was in tears. This was 32 minutes before the start of the race.
Frantically, she searched for someone with a cell phone, and found one. She called her husband, who had to rush home about 15 miles, grab the chip, and race back in the car to meet her past the last police roadblock. Thankfully no speeding ticket.
After the race, we found out that he managed to get back after the start of the fireworks, gave her her chip, and she ran back to the start line to start the race.
I suppose she ran at least 31 miles considering the detours she had to take.
What a day and a memory she will never forget. Nor will we let her ever live that one down!!!
I returned to the Expo on Saturday to meet up with a pair of ROTE members (Annie, and Barry). Sadly, Sandra wasn't able to meet with us. I had a chance to chat up the Disney Reps at their booth.
Saturday after the expo, we hustled over to Chuckie Cheese's for our younger daughter's early birthday party. Then to Kapiolani park to drop off my bag with my phone, camera, cash, and Crocs for after the race. Stopped off at the grocery store to pick up bagels, peanut butter, and bananas. Finally arriving home in the afternoon, I set up my gear for the morning. *(SEE SIDE STORY BELOW).
I carb loaded on lasagne for dinner, and went to bed early around 6:30 pm. I woke up at 2 am, and visualized the race course. Dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast. Woke my wife up, and we headed out the door at 3 am.
Since the roads along the course are closed off as early as 12:30 am for the volunteers to set up aid stations, I was dropped off near a friend's house. We met up, and three of us walked about 1 mile towards the start line. We found the local mall had left the restrooms open, and we stopped since there were no lines, and it's way cleaner than a Port-a-Potty. We soon split up, as they were headed to meet their intermediate group in one location, while the advance group was meeting in Ala Moana Beach park.
I got there early just before 4 am, and watched as bus after bus drove through the park. They pick up participants near the finish line and drop them off 3 miles away at the start line.
When everyone showed up, we had one last bathroom break then walked to the start line. Coming from the opposite direction, we moved right into the front of the mass of nearly 24,000 people. Just the elites were ahead of us.
15 minutes passed, then Star Spangled Banner. The wheelchair racers were given a 5 minute head start. Then the fireworks were lit sending us on our way. Set the Garmin to start as my foot hit the timing mat. With the massive surge and having to watch people zig-zagging their way around walkers and slower runners, there was no time for me to look up and watch the pyrotechnics.
Quickly our group found our 8:45 average pace. It was cool and dry, considering the last several years conditions. We headed towards downtown Honolulu, and then turned to King Street, which is fully decorated in Christmas colors.
Everyone in our group stuck together, and we were settled in. Steps were going easy, and breathing was nice and easy. Our pace fluctuated between 8:30-9:00 minute miles, depending on our walking through water stops.
Waterstops 1 & 2 came, and then we were headed through the heart of Waikiki. The crowds were bigger here, as many family members traveling with racers came down from their hotels to spectate. Water stop 3 came up, and soon we were passing the 10K mark at 56:31, where the race day walkers would end their day.
Mile seven we pit stopped for a brief bathroom break. No more than 15 seconds. Now onto our first traverse of Diamond Head Crater. The two lane road narrows, as the high school volunteers hold up a long roll of plastic tape to separate us from the other lane. As we were up and over the hill, the first wheelchair racer was in his last 1 3/4 miles to the finish. He was flying!!! Everyone screamed and clapped as he went sailing by.
Waterstop #5, and it was still dark out as we went for our second climb around the backside of Diamond Head at mile 9.
Waterstop #6 at mile 10 3/4, and there on the side was my family cheering at their usual spot. Without missing a stride, I grabbed a banana from them, and split it with my running mates.
We made the turn onto the Kalanianaole Highway and it was just starting to get light out. We commented, get through the loop before the sun comes up.
Along mile 11, the elite men were already heading back in at mile 21. Their first half marathon were all sub 5 minute miles. The men's leader, Kenya's Patrick Ivuti (defending champion), had at least a 1/4 mile lead over second place. The woman's leader, Russia's Svetlana Zakharova was well out in front of Japan's Kiyoko Shimahara (defending champion). We all cheered and clapped as they made their way past us.
Miles 12 & 13 were smooth, and our half marathon time was 1:58:43. The crowd ahead of us was thin, so no more dodging people in front of us.
Got through the next two waterstops, and was doing fine. At mile 15 you turn off the highway to the turnaround of Hawaii Kai loop. It's 2 miles around, with lots of spectators. You exit back to the highway, and then see the mass of people who are behind you. It's a never ending wall of humanity, and you think, they've got a long way to go!
I get through mile 18, my 30K time is 2:48:11.
I pass mile 19. Right about mile 20, I see Chester in his WISH shirt coming the other way, he's around mile 14. I veer to the right, yell "GO Chester!!!" and we exchange high fives. I yell "Go get 'em Marathon Maniac!"
By now the sun has started to peak, and the heat is building on my back, as well as the pavement. Just so you know, there is not very much shade on the highway. Just then, I feel a twinge in my right calf. I try breathing through it. I get to the next waterstop, and take a combination of Enduralytes (salt tablets), and a mustard pack. It seems to help briefly. I continue down the road, and out of nowhere, the calf seizes. I check behind me, and find it clear for me to move to the curb to stretch. As I'm doing this, I yell to my training partner to go without me. Simultaneously, my big toe decides to join in on the fun and cramp as well.
After a minute, the cramp eases, and I go on my way again. But good things always happen in pairs, right? A little further down the road, I cramp a second time. Stop, stretch, run. This time I ease my pace, and just focus on moving forward. I make it to mile 21, then 22.
At mile 22 you reach the large spectator area at the gas station landmark. On approach you hear the live rock band jamming, and I know my family is right around the corner. I make the turn, spot them, and signal that I want a granola bar. I again grab without missing a stride, and keep on trucking. Another waterstop, but this time just a sip, as I've absorbed all that I can already.
I get to the turn to Kahala Avenue, and see lots of people walking. I start picking out targets, and one by one pick them off and pass them. Kahala Ave is a 2 mile stretch through 23 & 24. The last 3/4 of a mile is uphill. I lose focus, and have to take a brief walking break. I then power up the hill to triangle park and the last water stop.
On the way back over Diamond Head, I spot a group with a keg of beer at mile 24 1/4. In tradition of the Deads I grabbed a cold one, and yelled "Mahalo" to the guys serving. It was in a RED cup, and went down rather smoothly.
I plod along to the 40K mark at the top of Diamond Head, and my time is 3:54:56. All that is left is a mile downhill, then a flat stretch to the end.
I love that gravity just carries me downhill, and my pace really picked up. But when I get to the bottom of the hill, I have to slow my pace again. One final turn to the last section of the race at Kapiolani park.
I manage my best pace, when a girl next to me says, "Come on, we've got this." She takes the lead, and I try to maintain her strong finish. As we enter the last 300 yards of the chute, friends are yelling out my name. I manage a smile and a shaka, and keep on going.
I approach the finishers mat, step on it, and say to myself..."that was my easiest marathon ever." I finish with a 4:08:47. Just over my goal of a 3:59 finish.
I'm completely happy with the results, considering I shaved 37 minutes off of my personal record at January's WDW marathon (the Dopey Challenge).
I collect my finisher's shell lei, and find my friends waiting for me near the exit area. We all congratulate each other, and then head off to get our medals (key chain) and our finisher's shirt. We then make it over to our clinic's tent for food, drinks, massages ($10), and lots of laughs and stories.
Chester made his way in, refueled, and headed back out to accompany Tracy back in. He found her between mile 20 & 21. All in all, Chester did at least 39 miles, considering the walk from their hotel to the start line. Wow, that's Goofy in a day!!! Congratulations on your Marathon Maniac status, and to Tracy in earning her first marathon! Also a shout out to Sandra for gaining her Marathon Manic status as well !
I got home, ice bathed, showered, lunch. Lounged, had dinner, and I finally fell asleep 18 1/2 hours after the day began.
I'm recovering well with just a little soreness in the calf and the quads. No problems going up or down the stairs. Nothing a little stretching, massage chair, and stationary bike can't relieve.
I'll be back training on Tuesday and Thursday. Next Sunday there will be a short recovery run, followed by a group picnic and bragathon.
Here's to a new year of training in 2010, and getting that sub-4 time next year at Honolulu. Now bring on Dopey in a month!
I know it was a long narrative to sit and read though. I hope you enjoyed the ride.
*Here's the side story I mentioned above:
As a reminder to everyone, the night before the race, start with putting your timing chip onto your shoe. One of my training partner's was dropped off this morning for the marathon. She looked down, and had no timing chip. She was in tears. This was 32 minutes before the start of the race.
Frantically, she searched for someone with a cell phone, and found one. She called her husband, who had to rush home about 15 miles, grab the chip, and race back in the car to meet her past the last police roadblock. Thankfully no speeding ticket.
After the race, we found out that he managed to get back after the start of the fireworks, gave her her chip, and she ran back to the start line to start the race.
I suppose she ran at least 31 miles considering the detours she had to take.
What a day and a memory she will never forget. Nor will we let her ever live that one down!!!
