State #15 Honolulu, Hawaii

December 14, 2014

I am very excited about marathon state #15 and it has nothing to do with running. Any chance I get to see my daughter is true happiness. Having her join us for a little family time is treasured. She takes a few days off from work to go with us. Cherish the time with your children, they grow up and fly away before you know it is happening...SOAK IN every...precious...moment!

Lost time is never to be found again!!

After staying at her place, we are up extra early to drive to the airport in the pouring rain. The torrential rain most of the night makes for a scary drive. Hydroplaning is a real possibility. After some fright filled moments we make it to the airport for the not so pleasant flight...I will not fly that airline to Hawaii again.

The weather isn't as nice as expected; it's on the cool side, but we relax with cocktails.

After a quick trip to the Expo for packet pickup...

we just enjoy a few days of relaxation at the pool and on the beach.

Race morning starts with a mile walk to the start line in the wee morning hours before the sun even thinks about dawning. 

 Where is the heat and humidity? Am I really in Hawaii? It is a sea of humanity at the start area. Organized chaos is the best way to describe state #15. An explosion of fireworks hit the sky as we begin the effort to make forward progress in the darkness. It is not a good time to lose your footing, a runner could easily be trampled into the pavement by thousands and thousands of runners never to be seen again! Well, maybe it just seems that way. I am definitely not feeling great. The run is anything but effortless. Sometimes running feels great; it is fun and frees the soul! Other times, running is torturous. Although I am blessed to be on a beautiful Hawaiian Island, it is rough going physically. I try to use it as an opportunity to take a twenty-six mile scenic tour of Honolulu and the surrounding area, but the body is not always on the same page as the mind. When I am passed by the four hour pacer in the first few miles, I have to rein in my expectations for today's journey. Instead of going for a specific time goal, I decide to run it mile by mile and appreciate what each mile gives me. 

After the rain...our reward is a rainbow!!

The Honolulu Marathon is definitely a unique experience. It is a huge race or rather a mobile celebration with 40-50 thousand participants. It attracts every type of runner from the total novice to the elite level. It is just a fun event for many of the runners and walkers.The marathon has no time limit, the finish line remains open until the final participant crosses the line. Many people do it for a pure adventure, something novel to try while on vacation. Others do it as a social outing. For many, it may be a one and done type of activity...a long walk through paradise...there is no better place usually hot to complete a marathon. Even though it is cold, windy, and rainy; the heat arrives in the final miles. People are in groups, many dressed up in crazy costumes that run the gamut! There are many newly married couples running together. Watch video below to get a sense of what running Honolulu is like.

https://youtu.be/ckleJBr--ns

It is party time especially for the over four hour and beyond category. I can't think of too many races where people stop for lunch and Starbucks along the way. It is hard to understand why so many people feel no sense of urgency to get to the finish line. I guess they don't want the fun to end too quickly. Or maybe they are just getting their money's worth.

The struggle is real for me today especially until mile 18. Once I am over the hump the last miles are much more pleasant. I enjoy the enthusiasm of the young people at the water stations.  

The volunteers are all very positive and encouraging. After a final climb in the last couple of miles, the reward is a long span of beautiful coastal views. The final push is through the park and I am able to pass a number of runners in the final mile. My daughter meets me at the finish and we eat Hawaiian doughnuts. I am busy eating, surprise surprise, when Steven Yee sees me and I can't hide....the sugary treats...stuffed in my cheek.

 It turns out to be a great day in paradise when my husband crosses the line and our little family is  once again united to celebrate in the Aloha State! My little princess, and personal photographer, is there to capture our finish line moment.

Thank you pumpkin...it is time for another tropical relaxing trip without a marathon!