Cool morning; wrapped in Mylar, walked to Camden Yards – mile-half from my Baltimore Harbor Hotel but fastest way to reach today’s marathon start.
8am start – only marathoners, halfers delayed ‘til 9:45. Was forewarned course would be hilly. This year has been all ‘bout running hills. No fear today.
Easy, early – surprise run highlight: mile 3 thru Maryland zoo, ‘keeper holding an African penguin. Don’t see that every day, super unexpected.
From Johns Hopkins, ran south 3 miles to Inner Harbor – retraced my pre-race Friday tour; passed the Nat’l Aquarium at mile 12. Looped Bay Harbor Peninsula another three miles before pushing north on Washington to Clifton Park.
Flood of half-marathoners joined the course in Clifton Park. Mixed emotions here – good not to feel course-abandoned late in the race (happens more than it should after 13 miles) – but honestly, there were just so many [runners]. Overwhelming. After marathoning 20 miles, found myself side-stepping late-race walkers 4-across.
Lost mojo somewhere ‘round Lake Montebello, slogged the next 2 miles. No big time goal today – but wanted a hotel shower before hitting the highway early afternoon.
Saw pedestrian Eutaw Street ahead – and its red brick pavers – only a mile to the end.
Picked up pace, finishing marathon #42 in front of Ravens Stadium. 15 years of Charm – nice medal, celebrating the city’s 15th marathon anniversary. FAAANNNTASTIC!
Baltimore Running Festival Oct 17, 2015
K R HAGA Bib 1864
Marathon » Louisville, CO
Finished 04:37:28
Navigated thru an endless maze of people barricades but eventually located my rental in hotel parking; made my way ‘cross Baltimore city traffic. Maryland west to Frederick, dropping just south of Hagerstown on I-81 to Martinsburg WV.
Extracting my idle marathon-stiffened body from the car, suddenly felt twice my age. 30 minutes late – yikes – but luckily, dining with family tonite. Hadn’t seen cousins Regina & Kenny since Granddad’s funeral, Summer 2014.
Happy Birthday Aunt Joyce! Many thanks for sharing YOUR day & coordinating everyone’s comings & goings.
As we grow older, seems only weddings & funerals bring extended family together. Super appreciative of every opportunity to see kin. Reminder of who we are, from where we come. Beard, hippie hair – family love you, no matter what.
Have always carried a strong sense of family. Grandparents belief-stamped this trait; parents drug us multiple summers to visit cousins, aunts & uncles – developing [family] bonds, despite growing up geographically far from one another.
Forever appreciative, full heart 🙂
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- BALTIMORE STRONG
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- Ben & Jerry’s share
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- always been my fave, cuz Regina
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- appreciative of every opportunity to see kin
Flying to Hartford for this weekend’s marathon was like flying home. Before Colorado, I lived in New Haven & worked NYC for 9 years – whole lotta memories. Family, friends, marathon, friends, more friends – that was the plan.
Once Upon a Fairytale CT
Started Friday with breakfast at the Cosmic Omelet, then shared the day with family – FAAANNNTASTIC! Bib pick-up 20 minutes away in Hartford, then watched Michaela doll it up for a neighborhood character lunch, promoting her entertainment company, Once Upon a Fairytale CT. After months of following her progress on social media & the web, was super fun to see the girl the action. Well done, so very proud!
What happens when you combine a professional makeup artist with a lifelong obsession with storybook characters? You get Once Upon a Fairytale CT.
Our story begins with a young autistic boy named David. Who has spent most of his life in love with his fairytale characters and visiting the world they live in.
The story continues with a woman trained in the art of makeup and transformation. A beauty and special effects makeup artist, Michaela was trained at Marinello School of Beauty and Chic Studios NYC. In 2012 Michaela launched her own freelance makeup artist company “Glam It Looks”. And in 2014 started Once Upon a Fairytale CT. Using her skills our characters leap off the pages with the most accurate looks in the business….
Late dinner, even later to bed, tough a.m. marathon start. No regrets – 50 State Quest is much more than a running journey.
Fast forward to Saturday nite – still tight from the day’s marathon finish, my 5th consecutive weekend running – drove an hour south to Guilford, home of my Connecticut bestie, Dawn. Why do I love Dawn? Big heart, no soul more honest, loves life, loves to laugh, amazing chef & horse passionate. Her farmhouse in southern CT is something out of a magazine. You ever need to get away & recharge, spend a weekend with Dawn. Hot tub, dinner, laughs – movie, conversation, cards, more conversation.
Hate to waste hours sleeping. Up early; at the barn, watched Dawn feed Rudy & Spot. Special treat: Dawn harnessed Spot & showed off the new carriage (rode alongside Quonnipaug Lake). Whatta experience! Thanks my friend.
Late flight return to Colorado meant one more stop before the airport – 30 minutes shoreline-south to Branford, where we met up with Andrea, Betsey & friends for brunch & a walk along the beach. Ocean breeze, sea gulls, sunshine, peace.
Returning to work Monday morning, gonna be a struggle. New England vacation in 3 days – friends, family, food, horses, beach AND my 41st marathon – lot more to Connecticut than folks give credit, not simply a halfway point between Boston & NYC.
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- marathon weekend #41
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- family, friends & marathoning — good to be back in Connecticut
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- New England autumn
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- entertainment entrepreneur, Michaela
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- my Guilford gal: love & respect this pic — raising horses is a true labour of love
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- weekend WOW pic — doesn’t get anymore Connecticut than this
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- showing off the new carriage — whatta experience!
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- love this gal – her smile, her laugh, her passion — truly AMAZING individual!
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- Andrea & Stephen sharing a laugh
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- ocean breeze, sea gulls & sunshine
Connecticut weekend Getaway
While I’m chasing marathon #40 this weekend in New Hampshire, bromance continues at home.
Ash sent a short video of Marty, excited ‘bout Ro’s weekend sleepover. I shot a similar response from Rowan…then mashed both videos with a 3rd from the weekend, of the boys romping in Ash & Tom’s backyard. Good day to be dog – love these 2! 🙂
