Marathoning

Maine Coast Marathon

Published May 11, 2014

Marathon day – another early start.

Up at 4:30am, quick face splash, then off to Biddeford to catch the bus to Kennebunk High School. Maine Coast Marathon was a point-to-point run – from Kennebunk thru Kennebunkport to the University of New England in Biddeford.

Today’s race temps – 70’s & sunshine. Who knew? Back in Colorado folks were experiencing late Spring snow – yep, on Mother’s Day — but far away in the extreme Northeast I was scurrying to locate sunblock. LOL>

As has been the norm with my recent marathon runs, I struggled. Lotta hills – which I knew were coming….but jeez, there were a bunch of them. However, special for today’s run was the salty smell of the Atlantic Ocean. Travelling from a landlocked state, I appreciated the view at miles 7, 10 & 23. Crashing waves against Maine’s rugged coastline — SPECTACULAR!

FINISH #7 – my first in the Northeast. Met a guy from the 50 State Club (which I qualify to join after 3 more state completions) who asked if I finished in 6 hours. Huh? He felt my one a month plan will result in slower finish times. Hmmm.

When a marathoner has completed a valid marathon in 10 different US states the eligibility status will have been met. After submitting an application with proof of completion, it will be verified by the membership committee. Each member shall retain some information to substantiate each event, such as: a finisher’s certificate, published event results (www.marathonguide.com, result card, result book, newspaper, etc.), race bib number AND medal (both required for this option).

Think I’m just gonna chalk this up to increased cycling taking away from weekly long runs. Finding it hard to balance run, swim & bike — in addition to work & personal life (added cycling to the mix in April). IRONMAN.

We’ll see how fast I bounce back. Only 3 weeks ‘til Minneapolis! What a crazy challenge — LOVE seeing the USA!

Maine Coast Marathon

5/11/14 Haga, Kr 457 4:53:29 LOUISVILLE, CO, USA

: check out that ocean view

: Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach & Cape Elizabeth — Maine Marathon weekend

: 7 down, 43 states to go

: Welcome Back! Mother’s Day snow?

Posted in Marathons/Ultras, Northeast | 2 Comments

Greenland Trail 25k

Published May 3, 2014

After Friday night’s ballgame, struggled with the 4 a.m. alarm on Saturday morning.

Up, dressed & on the road for a 25k trail race in Greenland – 30 minutes north of Colorado Springs.

Arrived early, picked up my race bib & shirt – then dozed 45 minutes before the 25k race start. Running at 7,500 ft elevation, stunning view of the Rockies & all trail – my first trail race, LOVED it!

3 hills – 2 huge hills which slowed my pace to just over a fast trot. And since today’s course was a loop, I got to see those same 3 hills twice. Fortunately I was strong this day & continued my trot UP while others walked at miles 10 & 12.

Tough course – altitude & hills – but loved running on trail. Found it easier than marathon road running.

Only 8 days ‘til Maine!

Place Bib#

98 1117 K R Haga M LOUISVILLE CO 2:25:21

Greenland, Colorado

Salt Lake Marathon

Published April 19, 2014

7am race start – woke early & took advantage of free train transit to U of U campus.

Most scenic marathon start-to-date, locale blanketed by the towering Wasatch Mountains (Utah’s Rockies). 6,500 participants, caps off for [singing of] our nation’s Anthem – and pop, we’re off.

My legs felt tight at mile 3 — not sure if caused by running a half marathon 6 days ago or running with my Thursday night group just 2 days prior. Just a twinge but still came as a surprise.

Checked out the elevation map in advance (lesson learned from last month’s Georgia Marathon) – running solid to mile 10. A steady 5 mile climb to mile 15, then one last hill at mile 20. Paced my first half 1:56 & gutted up the top of mile 15. Pushed to mile 17 but that was it – empty, no more in the tank.

Water break.

Started running tandem with a young guy from Ogden. Running, walking, shuffling but ultimately finishing what I started. Along the way Timothy encouraged another runner, Natalie, completing her first marathon. Tears streamed down her face as we neared the finish – only .2 miles away. Super emotional day – I’m a better person for having finished with these folks.

Crashed an hour in Washington Square, showered, then up & off to Temple Square. Gait wasn’t pretty – more of a stumble – but enjoyed showing my friend Matt Temple Square & soaking in Spring. Flowers were colourful, wildly vibrant.

6 down, 44 to go. Next month’s marathon – Maine (Kennebunk to Biddeford, along Maine’s rugged coast).

Salt Lake City Marathon — Saturday April 19, 2014

469 K R Haga Louisville, CO 4:41:23

UPDATE

Early flight on Sunday meant spending Easter at home – just in time to start a new tradition, outdoor dining at Casa Alegre, our first Mexicana holy holiday feast 🙂

TRAINING UPDATE

Signed up for a 25k trail race (15.5 miles) in Larkspur Colorado the week before my next marathon. Then no running or cycling for 6 days, only swimming. And Nutella — it’s baaaack for 3 weeks thanks to Ashton.