WHY RUN MISSOULA…

 

“Fireworks at the start. Sun rising over the distant mountains. The only hill worth mentioning was so gentle and brought you up along a ridge line overlooking the river on one side and endless supply of shady trees on the other. Two spectators sitting atop their horses to encourage runners up said climb, which was also the image on the well-designed race shirt. The number of spectators is about what you would expect from a relatively rural marathon, but their enthusiasm and offering of support (food and mist stations) was enormously helpful – one guy played his piano on his yard. A truly enjoyable event!” — SK from New York

Earliest race time to date – 630am start – but no argument here.  Hottest day of the year forecasted for Missoula.  Ugh – not a fan of heat. After securing primo parking downtown (near the finish line), walked to UM where runners took a yellow school bus to neighboring Frenchtown for the Marathon start.

Firework ignited start – took a mile to work my way thru the initial herd of runners.  Surprisingly, today’s course was relatively flat.  After spending the last few days in Glacier, I had expected a lotta hills.  Folks flew by until the first stretch of rolling hills at mile 12 – hills proved to be my strength, wow how times change.

Duluth spoiled me.  I now know sub-4 is possible – that’s the new bar, my expectation.

The sun soared & I seared.  At mile 17, I felt its heat on my cheek & neck.  At mile 21, the 4 hour pacers caught me in a quiet neighborhood, turning on 4th heading downtown.  Stayed close for a half mile.  Mentally knew I could not match their pace 5 more miles.  And then they were gone.

Many residents turned on lawn sprinklers to help [runners] combat the heat – thanks!  Steadied myself on an orange traffic cone at mile 24.  I struggled.  A lady asked if I wanted ice.  Back of my neck, exactly what I needed.

The day topped out at 97 degrees – crazy hot, but I finished.  8 consecutive marathon months, 9 states completed.

K R Haga

2014 Missoula Marathon

Full Marathon – July 13, 2014

4:27.21

Overall Place 580

Age Place 35

 

Body felt good so spent my last day whitewater rafting on the Clark Fork River through Alberton Gorge.  No grizzlies this day, but spotted a lotta bald eagles – ‘baldies’ to locals.

BIG, beautiful, imaginative, scenic, inspiring.  I’ll be back Montana.