5 consecutive weeks marathoning – hey, didn’t I already finish my 50 State Quest last May? Healthy addiction 🙂 Takes the mind off health issues/negative thoughts, provides daily goals – proving I can still marathon, even thru chemo.
After family invited [me] to join their Disney World vacation, I did what all Marathon Maniacs do: Calendar-checked for a nearby marathon. AND as luck would have, YES – the Orlando Marathon, a Veterans Day run in Winter Park.
Jetted work 2 hours early. Friday nite flight, Florida arrival just before midnight. Hotel, rental car, 5 hours shut-eye. Bib check-in at American Legion Post 112, an hour before race start. Post Commander gave a rousing speech about the importance of Veterans Day & serving our country. Hats off for the National Anthem. Air horn start…2 laps on Cady Way Trail.
Flat neighborhood trek, not super scenic – but ALL proceeds (100%) support War Veterans. Course not a BQ qualifier either…who cares, right? 27 miles – that’s .8 [miles] too much folks. Guess what’s another mile, bigger bang for your buck. LOL>
Miles 8 & 9 (21 & 22) looped a local shopping mall…bit odd. Weather however stayed fair. Sure it topped 80 degrees…but running in Florida, could’ve been far worse. Dropped pace on my 2nd lap – higher temps & lack of water – but stayed focused on the Finish.
Orlando Marathon
Bib # Name Time
254 Haga, K R 5:05:48
Keenan – You just finished your 76th marathon, what are you going to do next? I’m going to Disney World!! Yep, that’s exactly what I did. Ok, showered first but then, Disney-shuttled to MGM Studios. But that’s a story for another day 🙂
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- Veterans Day run in Winter Park
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- marathon SUCCESS & won my Age Group — FAAANNNTASTIC!
Thursday nite pre-race activity – Jersey Boys, my first in Denver’s Buell Theatre. Orchestra, Row C – FAAANNNTASTIC!
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- Broadway hit, Jersey Boys!!
Orlando Marathon (Veterans Day start)
Whaling by day, dinner & a show by night. Living B-I-G on my BIRTHDAY!
After a half-day at sea whale watching, caught a few zzz’s on the upper deck of the Elephant Walk Inn (my P-town B&B). At my new advanced age, find an afternoon nap is the only way I can hang past 10pm. LOL>
Tea-smoked duck at the Front Street Grill (thanks Sheila & Patricia), followed by VIP tickets to Audra McDonald at the Town Hall (thanks Stephen). Lovin’ me some Broadway – and THIS gal delivered. A 6-time Tony WINNER, she captivated for an hour half – 7 months pregnant & in heels…and only 4 years my junior (yep, baby-making at age 46 – WOW!).
Fog rolled in & evening temps dropped double-digits. Perfect nite for a stroll.
Happy Birthday me, happy birthday.
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- the only way I can hang past 10pm
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- perfect Birthday dinner
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- tea-smoked duck — why I keep coming back
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- red dress & a strong handshake
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- perfect nite for a stroll by the Town Library
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- 6-time Tony WINNER, Audra McDonald
6-time Tony WINNER, Audra McDonald (audio only)
Early a.m. start – marathon morning. Hadn’t actually run 26.2 miles since my race in New Brunswick, 3 weeks ago. Cut things kinda close this morn. Heard the anthem play while in the porta-john. Made it to the Start as runners were just on their way. Yikes!
Tight first couple miles. Race wound on pedestrian paths thru Aspen downtown & John Denver Sanctuary, allowing little room to pass – super congested. Crossed 2 footbridges. Water rushed wildly below; crazy scenic.
July temps remained cool-to-moderate for 9 miles. Followed the bike path just outside of town, thru Snowmass Village.
The Aspen Valley Marathon is primarily on the Rio Grande Trail…this mostly paved trail follows the Roaring Fork River and is closed to motorized vehicles.
Struggled a bit with elevation, breathing bit more labored at 7900ft (versus my Louisville home, 5500ft) – however, a super forgiving course. Gradual decline for long stretches, ultimately finishing in Basalt Colorado 6600ft.
Tree cover loss near [town of] Snowmass. Sun cooked the last 10 miles. Ya’ll know how much I love the heat…argh.
Eventually slogged my way to the Finish, just under 5 hours. I’ll take it. 67th marathon done – & my streak of monthly marathoning continues…32nd consecutive month. FAAANNNTASTIC!
No post-race shower but gotta kick my feet up while Stephen drove us 4 hours back to Louisville. Capped off the weekend with a little dinner theatre – Ash & I love our seasonal shows in Boulder. everybody get Footloose! 🙂
Aspen Valley Marathon
July 16, 2016 in Aspen, CO
K R Haga
bib number: 138
time: 4:52:07
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- 32nd consecutive month marathoning
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- Aspen leaf design
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- Aspen to Basalt 26.2 miles
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- everybody get FOOTLOOSE!
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- theatre tradition
