Arrived a day earlier than most for my Granddad’s funeral so…had a free day in Northern Virginia.
Woke early, hit the hotel gym, then off to Harpers Ferry National Park in West Virginia – approx 45 minutes away.
THE HISTORY OF HARPERS FERRY HAS FEW PARALLELS IN THE AMERICAN DRAMA. It is more than one event, one date, or one individual. Harpers Ferry witnessed…the arrival of the first successful American railroad, John Brown’s attack on slavery, the largest surrender of Federal troops during the Civil War, and the education of former slaves in one of the earliest integrated schools in the United States [Storer College].
Arrived 10 minutes before the start of a FREE ranger guided tour of the town. Ya’ll know – FREE is for ME – so on the bus we climbed. Best way to see the Park & understand its unique history in a short amount of time. Highly Recommended. That said, think the ranger thought we were prepping for Jeopardy – whole lotta information 🙂
Summer’s already arrived in the Shenandoah Valley – sunny & humid but luckily, this day included a breeze. Enjoyed spectacular views of the Potomac – rushing water still running high, early in the season. Walked over the river via a pedestrian bridge constructed by the B&O Railroad. Took pics at “The Point” (where Maryland, Virginia & West Virginia meet) & ate lunch at a local café before the heavens opened. Rain cooled temps by 15.
I had been to Harpers Ferry years ago as a boy. Seemed fitting to return before tomorrow’s funeral. So much personal history, shared memories with my Grandparents. Fun day but jeez, hard saying goodbye.
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- Harpers Ferry Nat’l Park
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- ranger guided tour – whole lotta information
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- Potomac River & Shenandoah Valley
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- springtime in the Virginias
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- Appalachian Trail — 1165 miles to Maine, 1013 miles to Georgia
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- historic Storer College (1865-1955)
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- St. Peters
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- “The Point” — Maryland on left, Virginia to the right, standing in West Virginia
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- B&O Railroad
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- pedestrian walk-bridge over Potomac – sunshiny humid East Coast day
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
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- check out that ocean view
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- Kennebunk, Old Orchard Beach & Cape Elizabeth — Maine Marathon weekend
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- 7 down, 43 states to go
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- Welcome Back! Mother’s Day snow?
Dropped Ro & Marty at Windstar Kennels – Maine marathon for K*, Jersey holiday for Ash & Tom. Caught an after-work flight on Friday – didn’t arrive in New Hampshire ’til almost 1 a.m. Super late arrival but crazy excited about the upcoming weekend.
Started Saturday with friends – including a pre-Memorial Day cookout in Merrimack. Sun poked out & temps soared in the 70’s. Feasted on grilled bird, corn on the cob & potato salad. SOOOO good! Many months since I’ve been East Coast – far too long. I love my Colorado home but there’s no replacing forever family.
Road tripped across the Maine border, race bib pick-up at UNE-Biddeford, then checked in at the Old Orchard Beach Inn. Maine’s first hotel, built in 1730 AND walking distance from the ocean – literally 3 blocks from sand. EXCELLENT choice!
When I think of Maine, I think lighthouses, lobsters & crazy Mainer accents.
a Mainer will say, “Jesus Mary and Joseph, it’s roastin’ out he’ah. Goin’ to Bah Habah for some Lobstah’ sounds like a good idear. ‘Cause down there, the wind comes at a wicked good clip 🙂
Got my tourist on after marathoning this go-around.
So after a well deserved shower, drove to Cape Elizabeth to see Portland Head Light. Arriving on an unseasonably warm & sunny day, Fort Williams Park was packed. Lotta pale-skinned folks flying kites & sunshine loading.
Stared out into the grey Atlantic & admired the rugged shoreline. Simply beautiful. A perfect day.
Perfect? Yep, ended Sunday with Maine lobster at The Landmark in Old Orchard Beach.
Not that I compare marathon weekends, but gotta say Maine was something special. LOVED it!
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- feasting w/ Stephen & Sheila
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- pre-race beachcombing
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- Maine’s rugged coastline – BEAUTIFUL!
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- Fort Williams Park
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- Portland Head Light
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- first shone January 10, 1791
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- “The Lighthouse” by Longfellow (1849)
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- Halfway Rock Light (half way between Cape Elizabeth & Cape Small)
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- Maine lobster DEE-LISH!
