Over my Quest, have been asked: what’s your favourite race?  Previously kinda limped thru a response: “every state is different…”

Mesa Falls‘ (Ashton ID) high on my list (scenic Targhee National Forest start); also, rank Grandma’s (Duluth MN) near the top – my first sub-4, foggy cool drizzle along Lake Superior in mid-June, amazing crowd support.

Got a solid answer after today’s run – favourite 50 State Marathon: Crater Lake Marathon in Oregon.

Always strong in the mountains.  Felt the morning cold blow, wind blasting over the Lake.  Stood strong.  Watched the sunrise peek over majestic Crater Lake.  Nothing like it, truly spectacular.

Low key 730am start – ok, go.  Eased into the first 3 miles, relatively flat, few ups & downs.  Was not fooled – knew hills were a comin’. Researched this run in advance (altitude range 5,980 to 7,850 feet); would be my most challenging marathon to date.

Steady 5-mile climb near mile 8 – no relief…slight, medium or steep – but all grades UP as we climbed the top of the Rim.

Found hills to be an age equalizer.  On each climb, I’d pass young guns walking the upticks.  Every downgrade, they’d fly past my heavy legs.  Mile 19, mile 21 – UP again.  Tagged two runners (Michigan & Jersey) miles 22 & 23, and soaked in my surroundings – HUGE ponderosa pine & sunshine.  Heat kicked in, eyes salt-burned but flying on adrenaline this day.

Have never experienced such a beautiful run – literally ran Start to Finish in a National Park.  Whatta journey!  Still appreciate my other state experiences – but telling ya, Crater Lake is unmatched, really something special.

Slowed on the cruel 2-mile finish UP but did not stop, did not walk – I stayed strong.

Breathing laboured & heavy, volunteers at mile 26 promised the last 2-tenths were flat…and straight ahead.  Crossed with a smile on my face.  Planted on a nearby tree stump — no fancy Finish digs, my 36^th state finish.

Most challenging, most rewarding run ever.  FANNN-FRICKIN-TASTIC day!

2015 Marathon

1 Sergio Morales, 2:53:38; 2 Gary Krugger, 2:53:38; 3 Kyle Hall, 3:07:38; 4 Stephanie Cooke, 3:32:52; 5 Richters Warnick, 3:37:46; 6 Scott Schwasnick, 3:39:59; 7 Mark Albanese, 3:40:44; 8 Jonathan Seiber, 3:43:53; 9 Thomas Hallberg, 3:49:59; 10 Angela Wells, 3:51:44; 11 Micah Harpel, 3:53:38; 12 Jeffrey Schulte, 3:57:34; 13 Stephen Guynn, 3:58:45; 14 Timothy Hamn, 4:00:31; 15 Josh Wood, 4:01:10; 16 Alyssa Bowers, 4:01:24; 17 Beth Henderson, 4:04:58; 18 Geoffrey Rabie, 4:06:01; 19 Paul Andrews 4:07:00; 20 Jessica Armstrong, 4:07:15; 21 Ryan Stansfield, 4:07:49; 22 Jennifer Arrowsmith, 4:07:49; 23 Aaron John, 4:10:43; 24 Darryn Zawitz, 4:17:25; 25 Tobin Turner, 4:17:40; 26 Joe Binevento, 4:19:58; 27 Jonathan Richards, 4:19:40; 28 James Salge, 4:20:17; 29 Adam John, 4:23:07; 30 Louis Pahnke, 4:25:02; 31 K R Haga, 4:25:39; 32 Irwin Hosea, 4:25:49; 33 Gerald King, 4:32:17; 34 Jeni Hous, 4:34:37;

Hiked Mount Hood, trail ran Warm Springs, marathoned Crater Lake Nat’l Park – leaving a HUGE fan of Oregon.