Early to bed, early to rise – 330am to be precise, now that’s early.  Official race start 615am, a-ok by me.  Concerned with Florida heat & humidity, happy to get in as many miles as possible before sunrise.

Miami would be my first major race – plan on adding San Francisco (in July) & hopefully NYC to that list in 2015.  80 countries were represented here.  Heavy Spanish contingent made for a fun, unique race – lotta vocal enthusiasm, hip hop & salsa.

With South Beach closed to traffic, took Miami’s MetroMover to the Start at American Airlines Arena, the Heat’s NBA home.

Beautiful course – palm tree lined, 4 long Oceanside treks including MacArthur Causeway to Miami Beach & Venetian Causeway connecting San Marco & Biscayne Islands.  Flat course, only man-made bridge inclines – had hoped to sub-4, maybe PR here.

Lined up in Corral D, ran tight with the 3:55 pacers.  Grabbed water at mile 10, a banana at 14, gel at 15, salt packet at 18 & my second gel at 20.  Generally am not an eater, nor supplement during races.  Kept looking for answers to hold pace.

High humidity restricted breathing – never felt relaxed, fought water pushing into my lungs.

Pace group slowed & grabbed water, then quickly recaptured cadence after each aid station.  At mile 18 I stopped, they moved ahead & sadly that was goodbye.  I struggled on this beautiful course – the 4 hour pace lady passed at mile 23.  Pulled off my headphones & used crowd energy to fuel the last mile.

Finish Line in sight, heard my name announced – K R ‘AGA, Estados Unidos

Laid on pavement, sucked in oxygen & zoned out listening to the Spanish announcer call in runners.  Coooo-lumbia, Cooba, Guatemala.  Never been a huge fan of Florida.  Miami, however – highly recommended.  So much energy.

Soaked up rays in Bayfront Park, waiting for my marathon partner Stacy to finish.  Quick shower & lunch before flying home to Denver.  Gator bites – perfect end to a tropical marathon get-away.

 

Bib 1339 K R HAGA Miami Marathon » Louisville, CO Finished 04:12:55

 

Ashton  Congrats on another finish!!

Stephen  Makes me believe there is a warmer, sunnier day in store someday even for those of us in the snowy Northeast!!!

Val  God bless anyone who runs that far in FL humidity. Good job!

Kelly  Nice work!

Tracy  Love this pic

Stacy  I might have to get a copy of your playlist & try it out. You look so focused in that weather! Great job!

Tina  Go K*!  Now you can eat all the Brussels sprouts you want.

Michael  um…consider shaving that face for these southern courses.

Leslie  Way to go!

Dmitriy  Nice pic! Good result!

Carmel   Well done! You are still amazing!

Tammy   I miss shorts. It would take me hours to find a pair.

Thomas  Great run Keenan!

Collette   Way to go! Great picture too.

 

Many thanks for all the encouraging words – much appreciated!