When ya dine in a 19^th century Methodist church Marathon Eve, how can you go wrong Marathon Day?  Stained glass windows, massive organ pipes, cathedral arch – and fresh seafood.  Ace up my sleeve?  Convinced Stephen today a necessary training run.  He’d Uber 6-8 miles from the Finish & run me in.  Marathon path BACK on TRACK, guaranteed.

7:30am drop off at Sullivan Gym (U of Southern Maine), single loop out n back course, quarter-to-8 start.  No frost on the pumpkin but cooler autumn temps 😊

Hit it hard early, deceptively hilly.  Didn’t drop pace for 10 miles.  Porta-potty regroup,  2:07 first Half split.  Plan: keep pushing ‘til 15, pop a pain pill/ease late-race stomach woes.  PLENTY of FALL COLOUR – New England foliage: reds, orange, yellows.  USA’s brightest/most diverse hues.  BESTEST place to leaf peep.

Electrolytes, water – complete refuel, doing it all this day.  Unfortunately, found I’d dropped my magic med solution.  Argh.  “Pain just mental, keep pushing.”  Legs like lead by mile 18.  Electrolyte sugars initiated day’s dry heave show.  Walk/jog.  Walk/jog/run.  Expected Stephen soon, would help motivate a Maine finish/lift my spirits.

No seacoast grin repeat (re: yesterday’s lighthouse 4-miler) but moving forward.  Phoned-a-friend at 19.  ‘Training’ partner would meet near marker 21 (last relay exchange).  No drama, just no gas in the tank.  Walk, jog.  Walk, jog, run.  VERY MUCH appreciated!

3 hour+ second half – but I finished.  I showed up, I medaled.  University shower & a flight home 2 hours later.  Portland to Philly, Philly to Denver, work in the morning.  Despite the slow familiar finish, Colorado-returned upbeat, improved attitude.

ALL IN.  1^st day of October.  LOVE October, LOVE the temperature swing.  Fave month of the year.

Diet, consistent training miles, improved hydration – 100% effort next 30 days.  Diet is the answer/will provide long-term relief.  Swollen pancreas, meds for the pain.  Bread, sugar, dairy, most fats – not my friend, not on October’s deal-a-meal plan.

Now to New Year’s, I’m moving.  Every day, every single day.  Antarctica driven!

Maine Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay
Sun September 30, 2018
Portland, ME US 04101

 

Congratulations on Finishing the Maine Marathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relay!

 

K R HAGA  Marathon  Louisville CO  BIB #142  CHIP TIME 5:23:52

Maine Marathon