8 day run-break after a mixed-result Mainly double.  Unloaded my truck, cleaned weeks of laundry, bought East Coast groceries — & enjoyed a GREAT first week with FAMILY.  2-year-old has a solid on my heart.

This week, Bangor.  Crazy long drive past Boston, Portland, Augusta — to eastern Maine.  Road signs reflecting ‘NB’ Canada locations further up the highway.  Heavy overcast, light drizzle.  2 days ago, Bangor recorded an all-time high of 96.  High heat would have put this marathon at risk.  Add-in East Coast humidity… brother dodged a bullet.  Bring on the RAIN!  Bib pickup, motel check-in, dinner, early sleeps.

Still working thru a hip injury/pain.  Lotta runner excitement — pulled from that energy.  Lost majority of field at the Half turnaround.  Popped in earbuds & logged couple more on-pace miles.  Course alongside a rural highway.  More traffic on a Sunday morning than you’d expect.  Music kept me steady.

Weather forecast?  Heavy rain by 9am.  And... they weren’t wrong.  Last 15 miles.  Chose to run without a jacket, hands got cold but… count myself SUPER lucky.  Summer HEAT vs heavy rain?  No brainer.

Mile 23 meltdown.  Laid back/stretched on a large rock.  Downed a bag of chips.  Long break… 5 minutes.  Needed to pull together the mental.  Followed 2 runners outta the aid station.  Followed their run/walk routine.  Company.  ALSO… easier to navigate trek back to town as a group of eyes (poor course signage, crossing traffic).  Scenic last mile along the Penobscot River.  Moving well, ready to get it done.

2 Maine finishes in 2 weeks.  Hung ’round & cheered on fellow marathoners.  Whoop whoop 🙌

Couple weeks ’til my next 26.2.  Next up: HOLIDAY WEEK in New England — happy 4th, y’all!

Great Bangor Marathon — Bangor ME