State #47 Atlantic City, New Jersey

October 21,2018

Atlantic City Marathon

There is always more in the tank and most times we do not even know it. After three night's in a row with very little sleep and an extremely hilly marathon yesterday my competitive self just can't let someone beat me at the finish line if I can help it. I tell myself let's just finish as I run the last three miles down the boardwalk but when a full marathon "first timer" who I ran with for several miles catches up to me in the last fifty yards...the race is on. It could have gone either way with chip timing, but I manage to edge her out by two hundredths of a second making it the highlight of my east coast weekend! If only she had her bib and chip on the front, the victory would be hers. I learn we can push ourselves more than we think. The body can handle so much more, it is our mind that is the limiting part of ourselves.

My biggest take away from all of these crazy marathon trips is that I still have work to do on myself and the things that challenge me are opportunities to change and improve. Anytime we venture out of our normal routine and comfort zone it's time to analyze ourselves. How do we handle frustrating situations and how do we see the world around us? The quick trip is intended to knock out the two missed marathons in 2015, but there are always opportunities for life lessons even with little time for sightseeing and absolutely no time for  relaxation. It is go go go since the red-eye spits us out Friday morning until the plane departs early Monday morning.  Fatigue limits our attempt to maximize  time. After showering in Baltimore we hurry to packet pickup at Bally's Hotel which ends at 7 pm. It leaves little time to eat, but we stop at Burger King on the three hour drive for a less than appetizing burger just to fill our hungry bellies. I do enjoy a Coke Icee. It is our second time in New Jersey and we are prepared for the tolls. We get the transponder at the rental counter to avoid penalties. It costs an extra thirty-five dollars just to drive to Atlantic City on the expressway with all the toll stops. In Buffalo we paid a twenty dollar fee for not having a transponder for a one dollar toll. We do learn things the hard way during our travels, especially the importance of keeping the toll people happy! California just has higher priced gas and taxes, but I bet tolls are coming in the near future.

Once we get parked at the hotel we try to check-in before walking down to packet pick-up, but the line is long. My husband goes to get our bibs while I check-in. I specifically ask for a quiet room and late check-out and know just by asking I am guaranteeing neither. They do not provide a late check out without extra fees and they can't promise a quiet room ensuring sleep will be a challenge. My poor husband walks all the way down the boardwalk to Bally's~it is much farther than it looks~just wait until we are running it tomorrow! I drag all our luggage up to the room where  

I see lots of young people scurrying from room to room, but I don't give it a second thought. I just want to sit down for a minute. The goal now is to eat dinner and sleep. Once my husband returns he adds an additional two miles to his mileage total for the day before we walk to dinner. The "Showboat" is returning from bankruptcy and there are absolutely no gaming machines on the property. It is funny to see a casino without any machines. We eat at the "Ocean" the new fancy hotel next door. It is getting colder by the minute and we anticipate a cold run in the morning. The forecast predicts winds up to 29 miles per hour with gusts up to 50 mph. Goodie, "wind gusts" is lacking on my running resume. Once we are refueled all that's left is some much needed sleep...until the boom boom boom begins next door. The hotel is full of disappointed Kidd Rock fans. The concert is canceled at the last minute. The group that has three rooms surrounding us are partying it up right next door. The music is so loud that when security arrives they do not hear the pounding on the door. I am all for people having a good time, but isn't that what "the clubs" are for...why drink and socialize in the hotel room. My only question to the front desk, when they tell me I can pack up and move to the other tower, is why didn't they put the marathoners on one floor and the concert goers and bachelor party people on another? I elect to stay and count the number of times hotel doors can slam in one night instead of counting sheep. Eventually sleep wins, even when the drunk kids return loudly at 3 am. My husband hears them return as they sing happy birthday down the hall. Our wake up call occurs at 4:29 am when the front desk calls to inform us that our guest Jason is waiting down in the lobby and I say, "I think you have the wrong number!" Thirty minutes later we hear loud knocking at the other door next to us. After continual pounding an older gentlemen's voice yells a profanity as he opens the door...the knocker exclaims 'sorry' and runs off. I guess we are just not meant to sleep before marathons. 

The late 8 am start is wasted on us~Sleep is overrated~so we get up, get ready and check out. As we walk to the car the wind pierces us to the bone. It is a taste of what is to come, but the start area isn't as cold as anticipated and I regret keeping two jackets. Dang...another run with a jacket wrapped around me. 

The sun is out and people are excited to get started. After the National Anthem, we begin. I hesitate to start running, but that is not an option. I came here to get it done. The first few miles are slow, I plod along loosening up my stiff legs. I even walk up the only hill, an on ramp, before we run through a hot tunnel. I run into a Maniac that I recruited to pace at the Shiprock Marathon. Now he paces all the time and loves it. I also run into Patti from Washington who is almost done with her fifty states. Chatting with other runners makes the time pass so much faster. I talk with Karen who is doing her second marathon. She is trying to catch up to the 4:25 pacer, but she will be happy to beat her last year's time. I start talking to a guy who is running his first half with his friend who is doing the full. He is really working hard and struggling his "old college roommate" talked him into running the half. With five miles left (for the half marathoners) I tell him to think about his five mile training route. He tells me he does not do training runs...no wonder he is struggling!

The guys keep me entertained for miles and give me a boost. Unfortunately, the new runner trips on the boardwalk and falls. He gets up and keeps going, but he needs to slow down. I am struggling on the boardwalk too, the surface has no give and my

feet and ankles are aching. To get through the boardwalk section, I talk to anyone who will talk to me. One lady asks me if it is my first marathon and we start talking. It's her first one thanks to her husband who signed her up. My only tip is to smile when she feels tired it will trick her brain. The ocean is right there, but I am too focused on getting off the hard boards to enjoy it. Finally at mile 12.5 we move back to the roads. I struggle for a few miles until I see the 17 mile marker and I want to get to the turnaround so I can get back to 17. Along this stretch the gusts hit periodically. At times it is hard to move forward and a few times my foot hits my other foot and I almost knock myself over.

Thankfully, the gusts are not constant. It doesn't matter which direction we are going the gusts come out of nowhere making it difficult to step forward. I keep waiting for a tailwind, but I never feel one. At 17 we turn to another out and back section, I spot the

mile 21 sign and that is my next goal to get back to it before heading back to the boardwalk at mile 23. I feel pretty good for five miles. Once I get back to the hard wood and nails of the boardwalk, my sails are lowered. The final three miles are a slug fest. I can see the hotel area in the distance, but progress is slow going. My watch beeps at each mile, but the course is long and I must run another three tenths before reaching each mile marker. Finally, the finish line is within reach just as the lady whose husband signed her up passes me up. I pick up my pace and we are running neck and neck, she surges and then I surge just barely touching the mat before her. It is my most dramatic finish in awhile. We congratulate each other before getting our medals. I am relieved that my states are done for the year. I enjoy a beer and some warm clam chowder as my husband finishes up his miles. Every marathon is a good marathon once it is done! We take our medals and go home, but not before another night of noise. At least each night's noise is unique. The last night we are serenaded with loud Indian music until one in the morning. We get three solid hours before the 4:30 am Alaska text informs us our flight is on time, but once we get to the gate it's delayed an hour. After landing without a gate, we park at the back of the airport and wait for an open gate. What else is new EARLY...when we don't need to be... and LATE when we just want to get home. 

The highlight of the trip is a stop to visit sweet pea. As she finishes up at work, we spend an hour on my favorite beach. Who needs running shoes when there is sand between your toes. We cherish a few precious hours with our daughter before driving home. Time to close the marathon state book for 2018. The remaining states will have to wait for a new year. The journey this year has been long with P.R. highs and challenging health lows, but I am grateful for the opportunity to experience it all. I have two pacing marathons ~my favorite kind~in November, but I can sleep in my own bed ensuring I will enjoy every step!!

State #46 Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore Marathon

October 20, 2018

One double marathon weekend and two pacing marathons to go~104.8 miles before my running year~2018~officially comes to an end. I am excited to take a run break even though it seems much of the year consists of running marathons and taking breaks (run...rest...run... repeat. Let's just say it will be nice NOT to do any long runs of the 26.2 variety. Baltimore and Atlantic City here we come. The last time we attempted the east coast double back in 2015, we got stuck in a mudslide on our way to the Los Angeles airport. Needless to say we didn't make it to either marathon.

Grapevine

While driving to LAX the freeway (called the Grapevine) closed! As we tried to go around using Highway 58, we got stuck officially for the night along with hundreds of other cars and trucks in a flash flood. Finding a place to pee was a bit challenging, but as they say "necessity is the mother of invention" and it was really dark out there. It is our only DNS...did not start! We have made it to every other finish line regardless of our physical or mental state.

Highway 58

Once we made it out of the mud, thanks to the highway patrol and various mud removal equipment, we disappointingly returned home extremely grateful to have an undamaged car. We only lost out on the registration fees since we were able to cancel the hotels and received an airline credit. Let's hope for a rain-free drive and weekend on this go around. As long as we can get to the start line, two more states will be complete. However; the Bart Yasso quote, "Never take a finish line for granted" sticks in my mind a lot more often these days! My aging body constantly reminds me, it is not as strong as it once was. Now, I never take the start line or the finish line for granted. The only mishap on the drive to the airport is a finicky car window. It randomly decides it does not feel like going back up after I grab a

ticket from the parking dispenser.  It happened last time we pulled a ticket at the airport parking garage too. Thankfully after a little rest and some coaxing, the window slowly clicks back up into place. Otherwise a windy ride home would be our double marathon weekend reward. With our attention focused on the window, we end up turning into the wrong side of the parking garage. After nine levels of reserved spots and a call, we conclude that we are not in the correct side of the parking structure. Now we can't get out of the garage. It is for residents only and the railing will not lift without a pass code. After backing, finagling and going into the "do not enter section" we manage to get to the correct parking lot. Good thing we left home really early. You would think after traveling to 47 states that we can figure things out by now, think again! But hey, I saved a whooping fifteen dollars on the parking garage. Now I know why my husband said, "No, let's not try a new long term parking garage!" But we eventually figure it out...even if it takes extra time and maybe an ounce of frustration. Who says you can't teach old dogs...new tricks. The red eye flight is on time and lands thirty minutes early. The only time our flights are early it seems is when it is 4 am and

the rental car is reserved for 6 am. We find a few seats in the airport without arm rests and try to grab a nap before making our way to the rental car center. It's cold in Baltimore a balmy 40 degree air greets us as we exit the glass doors. Now what...in the car with no place to go as the morning sun lights a new day. I requested an early check-in, but is 7 am too early? I call the hotel and Ana says to come on down she has a room ready for us...wow! Things are looking up as we anticipate a nice nap before going to the expo. Being a Marriott's member pays off as we stop on the sixth floor to grab complimentary snacks and drinks before heading to the room. The bed is soft with tons of pillows as we drift into peaceful sleep in the quiet (at the moment) room. Staying in downtown Baltimore makes for easy access to the expo. We pick up our bibs and shirts before walking to the start line area.

The race starts in front of the baseball stadium. We wander over to the finish line area near the waterfront. The bay is bustling with people and workers preparing for the 18th annual event.  It is a warm afternoon and 

we take our time looking around before fueling up with some dinner. I order some crab soup to go with my sandwich, but it tastes like a vegetable tomato soup to me. Exhaustion sets in quick and we decide to retire early for the night at least that is the plan, but the elevator has a different plan in store for me. The quiet hotel we checked into in the morning becomes a busy place on a Friday night as the noisy elevator methodically begins to clunk each time it reaches the top floor and crescendos back down the floors.  As a troubled light sleeper, I envy those that can simply sleep when tired. Going to sleep sometimes feels more challenging than running a marathon. By nine we are settled and ready to sleep with the television set to turn off in forty-five minutes to help ease the transition into sleep, but the continual bang of what sounds like a roller coaster car clicking into position begins before it blasts down the tracks. I used all the sleep techniques in my bag of tricks~even listening to two bedtime stories for adults~that's a first, but that doesn't work either... 

 My husband finally puts me out of my misery by uploading

No...we aren't tired at all!!

the I-pad with the talk radio station that puts me to sleep at home~and five and a half hours later success, sleep. In the time it takes me to fall asleep, I can run a full marathon with an hour to spare. Once we are blessed by another glorious morning, the nighttime marathon sleep battle in over and forgotten, it is time for the real thing. My husband deserves a medal for putting up with me... that is for sure! The dawn of another race day begins with a short walk to the start line. The streets are buzzing with runners scurrying from all directions to huddle into the corrals. After a momentary frenzy to find bag drop we are set. Parking garage woes, red-eyes and fitful nights of sleep are all worth it as we wait to begin another marathon journey. 

The weather is perfect for running not too cold and not too hot...it's just right. The weather may be perfect, but by mile two I already feel as if I am hitting the wall. Baltimore is rather hilly. I anticipated the hills in the later portion, but the hills are actually

dispersed throughout the entire course. The Baltimore Marathon has the feel of a big city race even though it has about 2000 full runners. The relay and half marathon participants make it feel much bigger and more congested with over 11,000 participants. The course has good support, it is well directed with lots of spectators and entertainment. The course wanders through a variety of areas within the city. Mile 4 takes us through a portion of the zoo where we see a penguin, skunk, bird and the fluffiest white lionhead rabbit. The hills are beating me up and I appreciate any and all distractions. I like the variety of the course especially

sections near the water, Druid Lake is the first water sighting followed by portions along the waterfront. I adjust my time expectations within the first couple of miles. My training has essentially been nonexistent since Belleville, a few runs here and there to make sure I can still move. My husband takes the last eight days off and I take off the last four days. Our goal is just to finish and check off another state. By mile 11 we are back near the start area. During a short out and back section, I spot the four hour pace group...as they dance away out of reach. At the turnaround they have chews available and I grab two. My husband sees me with my chews in both hands, but I don't see him. I am focused on getting to the halfway point where I plan to reward myself with pain reliever. It is not the greatest idea to take during every marathon, but I really need it today. Everything hurts and the caffeine will give me a boost for a few miles. As I near the halfway point I can hear the countdown for the half marathoners as they get underway, they merge with the full marathons at around mile 16.  The full runners

have three more miles of peace before we are inundated by a mass of runners and walkers. The course is never isolated with the relay runners constantly transitioning in with new fresh runners. Even though it is a struggle fest kind of day, the time passes fairly quickly, there is lots to see and runners to watch. The course turns and changes upward often (it goes up up up and sometimes down) as we run down some of the straightaways we can see a sea of runners trudging up the hills we will soon climb. Spectators and residents are out cheering with lots of police and traffic control to keep the roads clear. Occasionally people cross the street in front of runners, police are quick to blow a whistle to control the crowds. As we approach mile 16, one side portion of the road is barricaded off as the full marathons prepare for the mass of half marathoners. It becomes densely packed with runners as we all merge into one big group of runners. At the water stop I am passed by the 4:15 group. I do not even attempt to stay with them.  It will be a slow saunter to the finish for me today. Some of the hills are just too long and I walk. 

I talk to a few runners about the course and many didn't expect the hills to be so relentless others knew just what to expect. As we are directed to a turn, there is a huge lake (Montebello) and I see bodies trudging around the lake. It looks like a long way to run...especially on exhausted legs. I putter around hoping to get back to the other side soon. The last six miles are a blur. I remember my husband saying as we walked to the start that the last mile is downhill. My focus is to get to the downhill and when I finally get to mile 25 there is an actual hill in the middle of it but the last half mile is a nice little slope in the negative direction, thank goodness... 

I am beyond excited to see the finish line arch. The timing clock comes into view and I sprint to cross the mat. I lean over and two nice medical ladies help me move to the side as they ask if I am alright. I am good, just need a minute to breathe. Once able I find a place to sit on the curb before getting my medal. That's not the best  idea as I ponder how to get back up. I don't dare ask another exhausted runner for a hand.  Finally, I turn on my side and push myself up. After getting my crab medal, water, snacks and bag, it is time for the beer. A few people offer beer on the course, but it is too hard to cross over to grab it.   

Once reunited with my jackets, I drink my two beers while talking with other runners. Once my husband is finished, we meet by the boat where a fellow runner asks me if I saw all the dead rats in the road. What...I missed that.  My husband saw lots of dead rats as well. Yikes...thankfully I didn't see any on my tour of the city! On that note we head back to the hotel and take our time getting cleaned up thanks to a 4 pm checkout before we make our way to Atlantic City where we get to do it all over again tomorrow!!