Marathons/Ultras

Московский Марафон

Published September 2, 2016

Only 3 weeks away – time to book my flight to Russia. About time, don’t ya think?

Registered for the Moscow Marathon last February, applied for my Visa in April. However because of recent health issues, kinda drug my feet committing to travel plans. Crazy far away – so very foreign.

No worries. All in now, 100% – flights booked, hotel near Red Square. Trip’s gonna be AMAZING! #noregretlife

The Promsvyazbank Moscow Marathon route offers a spectacular tour of Russia’s capital, from the embankment of the Moskva River by Moscow City, to the Garden Ring, across Krymsky Bridge, along the Boulevard Ring and on Tverskaya Street, through Teatralny Passage and under the walls of the Kremlin before finally reaching the finish line at the Luzhniki Olympic Complex.

…participants will be able to see more than 30 world-famous attractions, including the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow City, and four of the Seven Sisters skyscrapers.

Denver ⇨New York ⇨Milan ⇨Moscow

Moscow ⇨Amsterdam ⇨New York ⇨Atlanta ⇨Denver

: former workmate’s been training all summer

: Anastasia Myskina, 2004 French Open champion

: just posted a 1:40 Half — WOW!

Posted in Europe, Marathons/Ultras | 3 Comments

Santa Rosa Marathon

Published August 28, 2016

6am marathon start – back that an hour in Sebastopol where I picked up Carolyn. She slept in an all-female teepee commune (Airbnb). Makes Motel 6 sound a bit more sexy, huh? (actually kinda jealous — HA!)

Overcast cool morning – couldn’t ask for better running weather in August. FAAANNNTASTIC!

Started in Corral 2, race paced quick. Hadn’t run with Carolyn since our NM desert trail run last March. Good conversation, felt super relaxed. Generally I’m a solo runner, even in training – much appreciated sharing the day. I’d get a little fast, Carolyn would pull back the reins. sub-9 pace for 10 miles. Thanks friend. Not looking for a fast 10K, but a steady sub-4 marathon finish.

Mike from Southern Cal joined our pack; finished the Half three-four minutes under 2 hours. Nice flat course, few rolling hills, cloud cover protection from August summer rays.

Unfortunately, started puking at mile 13, then again at 15. Slowed, couldn’t hold with my running pals – but kept pushing, didn’t quit. Sick again at 18. Popped a pill at mile 21 (brought one along, just in case).

Stomach settled before mile 23 (big thanks Zofran). Slogged next 2 miles. Saw Carolyn just after the 25 mile-marker. She finished 3:59+, then walked back to pace me – WOW, thanks pal 🙂

Marathon 68 done. Marathon run streak continues at 33 months consecutive.

My first 26.2 since being diagnosed – and I had a GREAT 15 miles. Getting stronger, really good day.

Santa Rosa Marathon 28 August 2016

K R Haga

Net Time 04:39:31.003

Event: Full Marathon

Race No: 1516

Country Representing: United States

Wave: Full Marathon Start 6:00 AM

With yesterday’s 50 States Award Presentation, not a lotta time for pre-marathon adventuring.

[however] 6pm return flight home. Plenty o’ hours to get our California on 🙂

Quick stop at the Charles Schultz Museum. Always been a Peanuts fan. Received a plush Snoopy as a one-year-old from my Grandmother. Memory tugs at the heart. Started the drive back to San Fran early – destination: Golden Gate Park (a close 30 minutes from the airport). Bridge ride-over, pulled off along the ocean. Walked beachside past Seal Rocks, up to Cliff House.

Palm trees, sand & blue ocean water – ah, yes…California.

: iconic Americana, just WOW!

: beach volleyball

: the beautiful blue Pacific

: Seal Rocks

: goodbyes from the Cliff House

Posted in Marathons/Ultras, Pacific/Desert | Tagged beachcombing, museo | Leave a comment

50 States Award Presentation

Published August 27, 2016

Plan always was to finish in Colorado – marathon all 50 states but gotta/hafta/MUST finish in Colorado. Set a goal, meet a goal, make it happen.

the 50 States Marathon Club certifies results & presents awards at our quarterly reunions – reunion locations which rotate ’round the 50 States. Super nice to be recognized amongst one’s peers – we’re a tight running community.

First opportunity to receive my award, club’s 3^rd quarter reunion in Santa Rosa CA.

early Saturday a.m. start – flight delay, heavy fog in San Francisco. Met up with Carolyn (my running partner from Indiana), picked up the rental & hit the highway. Slow going even on the weekend – Cali loves their traffic. Crossed the Bay Bridge. Soooo many cars. Two ½ hours later arrived in California wine country. Bib pick-up for tomorrow’s 26.2 at DeLoach Vineyards, nestled in Sonoma County’s Russian River valley.

Located our reunion location – cool temp room, walled with oak wine barrels.

Whatta journey. Alaska to Hawaii, Maine to California, 26.2 miles in every U.S. state. Additionally, I’ll attempt tomorrow to keep my monthly marathoning streak alive. Haven’t missed since December 2013. FAAANNNTASTIC!