Cape Cod Marathon

Published October 25, 2015

In between my Lizzie Borden comings-n-goings, drove to Falmouth for bib pick-up — it’s marathon weekend after all, right?

While at the Expo, met a lady who quilts using marathon race shirts. Have accumulated many a shirt since my first Alaska run in June 2013. Quilts are not super cheap – but hmmm, really liking the idea. Nabbed a business card; seeing this in my 2016 future.

50 States Marathon Club reunion. Fun to catch up with marathoning buddies, network with folks on a similar journey. 2 or 3 [reunions] are planned each year; place where 50-State finishers are plaque-recognized. Planning my turn next year in Santa Rosa CA 🙂

8:30 AM start on Main Street, Falmouth, MA: The one-loop course begins and ends at the Village Green in Falmouth center. The first part is easy, the latter is a test. The people who do well on this course follow the following formula: go out easy, take plenty of fluids, and save energy for the hills.

After a restless night (little sleep with Lizzie Borden’s ghost roaming the halls), an early alarm reminded of the reason I travelled to Massachusetts this weekend – marathon #43. Hour drive from Fall River, crossed Bourne Bridge over Buzzards Bay, then dropped into Falmouth. Overcast, chilly temps, but no rain. Perfect running weather.

Easy start: Windy roads littered with autumn colour, reminiscent of Newfound Lake (New Hampshire) three weeks prior. Falmouth center, quiet residential neighborhoods – first ocean view (Vineyard Sound) just before mile 3.

Course climb at mile 6, high point culminating at mile 13.

Mile 16 – Rolling hills. THIS is what they were talking about…6 miles of rolling hills. [Hills] wear on a body, particularly late in a race – but today, felt strong mentally. Cool temps all morning plus I’m HUGE on New England; LOVIN’ my scenic surroundings.

Slogged flat or downsloped remainder of the run – ocean views at miles 22 & 24. Big Capes on stilts; homes built on sand, pointing toward rolling ocean surf. Beautiful. Slipped back into Falmouth at mile 26; FINISH Line 2-tenths later. FAAANNNTASTIC!

Whatta weekend! 2 crazy busy jam-packed days – gonna need a vacation from my vacation. LOL>

Best post-race food in many a race: clam chowder, baby. Chowdah – a New England race done right 🙂