Mount Desert Island Marathon...for Phila....

On Saturday I flew into Maine and made the drive to Bar Harbor for marathon #41 of the year. The sky was gray with scattered clouds, and it rained every so slightly the entire afternoon/evening. It had the true feel of fall, with cooler temps and wind, but above all else it was take your breath away beautiful.  Even with the rain, I had to resist the urge to pull my car over to take photos as I made my way to the race expo. I can honestly say that I have never seen such an explosion of colors anywhere. The bold fall colors were like an artists masterpiece. It reminded me of Bob Ross, the artist who did all kind of oil paintings on PBS.  I remember watching him as a child, although usually rather bored to tears, as I had no patience for the time it took. But the way he mixed the colors and created effects with each stroke of his brush, immediately brought back those memories as I soaked in the beauty around me on my drive.

I got to the expo, which was just a few vendors and booths. The first thing I noticed were the beautiful banners posted on the wall. Local artists had donated original painted canvases for the race that would be sold at silent auction to raise funds for a local preschool. They were creative, unique and stunning. If I could have afforded one, I would have placed a bid myself. I thought it was a fantastic idea, and a great way to help raise funds, allowing a runner to come away with a one of a kind memory from their marathon experience. The problem would have been picking one! They were all beautiful and original!

I got to talk with several running friends, and finally meet race director Gary Allen. Gary had reached out to me early in the year, asking me to come run his event. He had shown great support to my efforts and as a crazy awesome runner himself, it was a pleasure to finally meet face to face. He invited me to be a VIP guest at his table for the pasta dinner and I was delighted to have such an honor.

 In my new MDI windbreaker

After I left the expo I spent a little time downtown before going to dinner. Bar Harbor was quaint and fun, with lots of cute shops and restaurants to take in. I went into this one shop called Suncatcatchers and that's all it was - beautifully crafted suncatchers, glistening and glowing, even in the rain.

Next I went into a local brewery for their free wine/beer tasting and tried several different beers and wines.  They even had a dessert wine and a beer that was made with some of Maine's famous blueberries. It was a unique taste for sure.

 The dinner was held at the local HS and they did a wonderful job with the food. They had the normal spread (pasta, red sauce, meat sauce, garlic bread, salad & chocolate cake). And then they had a white sauce loaded with seafood. I always get meat sauce, but after seeing the white sauce, I knew I needed to try it. So I got a second plate.  I know, I know, that's a lot of food! Amazingly, I ate most of it. And I'm so glad I tried the seafood sauce; It had lobster, scallops and shrimp! You can't go to Maine and not have lobster in some form!     

My friend Roger and his son Hogan, were the featured speakers and they shared their "Wicked Long Run" adventure through stories and pictures. Together they ran from Maine to Florida over the course of a few weeks this past summer, raising funds for the American Cancer Society. It was a great presentation and wonderful to hear about their experiences of running to change lives. It gives me great inspiration to hear stories like theirs. We all have a story to tell, we all have something to give. Have you written your story yet? Have you explored what it is that you have to give? Whether it be through something physical, like running, or on a completely different venue, I believe we all have something we need to do, to give. Find your calling! 

Hogan and Roger

Race mornings are always a little interesting. It's the same routine in so many ways, and yet every day, every race is so different. This weekend I was lucky enough to get to sleep in since we didn't start until 8 am and boy that was a treat!  I always try to get to the start area with plenty of time to spare. This morning was no different, I parked by the start line and sat in my car to stay warm for awhile. It was quite chilly out, but bless them, they had a table set up with free coffee!

Bib pinned, but still not fully awake.

Now if you don't already know, I have a crazy coffee habit. It's not unusual for me to drink 3-4 cups a day, and that's me putting a limit on myself. I can drink any kind of coffee, anytime. Black, bold, hot, cold, it doesn't matter. Thing is, I had already had some coffee with breakfast (I try to limit my coffee on race mornings so I don't have to pee the whole time I'm running). But with it being so cold out, I just couldn't resist. So I had a small cup. This shouldn't be too bad. Just use the bathroom again before the race right? But then I went back to get another. I knew I shouldn't have, but it was so perfect for the day for it. I did "pay" for that decision, but I have to say, the coffee was really good!

These lobster girls were soo

While waiting at the start line I got to see a bunch of my Marathon Maniac friends and of course we got a group photo, then it was time to get running!

Everyone with their shirts and me in all black

Shortly after the race started I got to chat with Beverly, who at 22 years of age was running Maine as the last of her quest to run a marathon in all 50 states. She was going to take the world record for being the youngest woman to complete all 50 states, making this race, this day, very special for her, and historical too! Beverly works full time as a nurse and has been running marathons for the past 4 years, working on her goal to finish all 50 states. She told me she didn't have any intention to try and run all 50 until her first marathon. While she was running that marathon, she saw someone with a 50 states shirt.  She was very motivated by the idea and decided she wanted to run each state.  He hard work and dedication was going to pay off at the finish line today. And again, I found myself motivated and inspired.

I ran with several others runners for a bit here and there, all of us enjoying the run. The first 10 miles passed like a blur. I was enjoying the views, the scenery, and stopping to take pictures like mad. I was seriously worried my camera battery wasn't going to last the whole race! It was hilly, up and down and down and up. But it wasn't bad and I didn't even really mind all that much. I was telling one runner "hills give character to the course and they also build character." Challenges are something to embrace and learn from. They shape us, and make us stronger, even if painful in the pursuit.

Mount Desert Island had been listed as the most scenic marathon by Runners World and I think it earned that title in every respect. Many runners refer to it as the Big Sur of the east coast, and we were treated to magnificent beauty the entire race through. As the miles carried on, and so did the hills, I tried to distract myself with my surroundings. Those hills that built character, were now challenging mine. My legs were feeling the wear and tear of the little bumps in the road and I didn't have the energy I sought. But like any other race, it's a mile at a time, one foot in front of the other, and every step is one closer to the finish line.

Those times when I feel myself struggle, I start thinking about the children I'm running for. Today it was Phila, who is 14, and orphaned in South Africa. As one of 9 children, who has lost his parents and is now in the care of aging grandparents, Phila lives a life so different from the teens in my area. He doesn't have a cell phone, or a Nintendo Wii. He doesn't have to try and juggle homework and football practice. He doesn't have any parents telling him his room is too messy. All those things in life that are part of our day to day existence, simply do not exist in his world. These kids struggle for the very basics, things we don't even think twice about. These kids worry about getting to eat every day or finding a safe place to stay at night. These are real needs! These are real children, no different than our own. But born into unthinkable poverty, often losing their parents to AIDS, this is the life they face. I will keep running to bring change, and hope. Whatever hills I climb, or crawl over, I do it for Phila and the other children of 25:40. They are my inspiration!

 Phila

We ran along the water, with the scent of the ocean carrying through the wind. The pictures don't even begin to do justice but I hope it gives you a little glimpse of just how lovely it was.

 

Photo courtesy of Matt Smith - Me at mile 17

Approaching the finish line, tired and ready to be done, I was happily surprised with my time. I managed a 4:19 which was a lot faster than I thought I had run. The hills may have gotten the best of my legs, but finishing was such a great feeling. This race had been a wonderful treat to run, with great organization on a spectacular course. I will return to run this marathon again and would highly recommend it!

With race director Gary Allen at the finish line - photo courtesy of Matt Smith

After I finished I had a chance to share the finish line mic with Gary and talk about my marathon journey. I grabbed some food and enjoyed the chance to stand at the finish line, cheering for others as they completed their 26.2, watching the joy and tears that followed. Then it was time to go home. I never have much time; my trips are usually as short as possible to minimize the time away from my family. But I could have stayed a lot longer and the next time I visit Maine I'm going sea kayaking, having lobster and of course...going for another amazing run!

My medal

Final Race Stats:
4:19:25 - finishing time
326 out of 787 overall
95 out of 350 women
36 out of 77 in my age group (19-29)