State Number 31 - Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz

State Number 31 – Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz

Olathe, KS

 

22 April 2017

During my early childhood years, the opening scenes of The Wizard of Oz frightened me as Dorothy’s house is swept away by a tornado from a farm in Kansas to the magical Land of Oz.  She embarks on a mystic quest with her new friends following the yellow brick road to see the Wizard who can help her return home to Kansas.

My brother and I became a little frightened of the destructive forces tornadoes can inflict and we asserted that if our parents ever drove through the State of Kansas, we would make certain they hang some curtains over the car windows so we wouldn’t see a tornado.  Crazy that it may seem, but to young inquisitive minds, it was a sense of realism.  But what was real, was the yellow brick road of the Garmin Marathon.

My wife and I embarked on an overnight excursion to Olathe, Kansas on a Spirit Airlines non-stop flight from LAX to Kansas City, MO (MCI).  We each sported a small back pack complete with a change of clothes and the necessary incidentals in an effort to avoid carry-on charges.

The weather was rather windy and a little chilly and the rain had stopped just as we arrived at MCI.  Saturday’s forecast was predicted to be partly cloudy with cool temperatures – but no rain.  Ideal running weather!

Approximately half-hour south of the airport, the Embassy Suites Olathe functioned as the site of the marathon expo and packet pick-up.  The expo was larger than most smaller-sized marathons and was well represented with a variety of vendors, with Garmin as the title sponsor displaying the latest in Garmin gear, GPS watches and gadgets.  After we obtained our goody bags and perused the expo, we left for our hotel a few miles up I-435 in Shawnee.

The Wicked Witch

Instead of our usual pre-marathon pizza dinner, we opted for Mexican food at Jose Pepper’s Cantina.  Delicious burritos, but the chips/salsa were fantastic.

The marathon and half had a scheduled start time of 0645.  We left in plenty of time to find a parking spot.  Traffic was flowing smoothly until we merged onto KS Route 10.  A mile-plus long line of red tail lights lit up the early morning darkness.  The vehicle queue was moving less than 10 mph.  “OMG”, we thought.  With a half-hour to go, being late for the start was a real possibility.  Police should have directed traffic through the traffic signals on Ridgeview Road as vehicles came off KS-10.  As it was, traffic stopped at red and waited for an entire cycle before continuing.  If traffic flowed in one continuous motion, delay times and levels of service would improve significantly.

Being sneaky by passing most vehicles, we snuck in at the Ridgeview Road off ramp.  From there, it was relatively easy to find our parking spot about 200 yards from the finish line area.  With a few minutes to spare, an announcement over the PA indicated a start time of 0700 – then 0710, due to the unnecessary traffic gridlock.

Participants were given the opportunity to park and catch a start-line shuttle bus at a nearby church complex.  As we snuck around the traffic queue, it was apparent that the buses were also caught up in the traffic delay.  I would think that if one were to catch a shuttle bus, the bus would be given priority by using a faster alternative way to the start.  I thought to myself, as an engineer, I could have designed a more efficient way to handle access, circulation and parking.  I just hope the race organizers take some of the angry criticism from participants and design a more efficient system.  If that includes moving the start/finish line area to another place, then so be it.  I digress.

The 2017 marathon course is basically similar to 2016 with some minor tweaks here and there.  Runners were becoming anxious and ready to hit the pavement as time went on.  Many dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy carrying a basket with Toto, Scarecrow, etc.  There was even a red dragon costume driven by ten different runners who desire to set a record in the marathon run.  A red dragon in The Wizard of Oz?

While killing time in the start line, I talked with a local runner who said that the Garmin Marathon and bad weather are synonymous.  Dark overcast skies and cool temperatures prevailed at the start.  To me, it looked as if the usual bad weather would accompany the marathon keeping the tradition alive.

Finally, in front of the INTRUST Bank building, it was go time.  After the singing of the National Anthem, the 2100 or so runners embarked on their respective journeys down the Yellow Brick Road (well, maybe an asphalt concrete colored road) under a large American flag hanging from an extended ladder attached to a piece of fire apparatus.

The course presented itself with a nice downhill grade for the first half mile or so before leveling off to some rolling hills.  Just one week post Rhode Island, I wasn’t feeling my best and decided to just take it slow with a goal of clocking in at 2:10 at the half marathon split, and finishing in under five hours.

I began with the four-hour pace group, but apparently the pacer’s strategy was to start out much slower than the required 9:10 pace.  To me, increasing the pace in the latter half of the marathon is a bit dicey, but if they could do it, more power to them.

I felt comfortable plugging along at a 9:40 pace, in the meantime, charging ahead of the pacers.  I realized it was only a matter of time before they caught me, but as long as I reach my objectives, I’m happy.

The first half of the marathon meandered through mostly residential neighborhoods with commercial districts scattered along the way.  I had some interesting conversations with a number of other runners making the miles seem to fly by.

I crossed the 10 km split in a time of 59:56.  I came upon a lady seeming to struggle just after the 10 km point.  She was running the half marathon and was focused on a PR in under 2:09.  I mentioned that I pace 2:10 half marathons and was happy to supply needed encouragement and pacing so she can reach her PR.

We crossed the 11 mile split point together.  My split time was 1:46:17 (9:40 pace).  She began to fade just before Marathon Mile 12 as we headed up a gradual hill on College Blvd. towards the finish line.  Soon after the twelfth mile, we parted ways as the marathon route turned towards the Mill Creek Trail for the second half of the course.  I’m not sure if she got her PR, but I hope she did.

The clouds began to break, the winds were picking up and the temperatures were on the rise.  I began to get worried the sun and warm temperatures were going to affect my running.  But I just had to move along.  As always, as soon as the half marathon runners turn away to the finish line, the number of runners dwindles, leaving the marathon runners in a solitary world.

The 4:15 pacer overtook me as I turned onto the uphill portion of W 114^th Street crossing the half marathon point located at the brow of the hill in a time of 2:09, more or less.  The steep little hill abruptly turned into a nice steep downhill leading to the Gary L. Haller Trail along the scenic Mill Creek Streamway Linear Park.

Aside from one mile of city streets, the pedestrian/bicycle trail consumed practically the second half of the marathon.  The well-maintained six-mile out and back trail portion of the course parallels Mill Creek with lots of rolling hills, park settings, picnic grounds, playgrounds, bends and wooden planked bridges spanning the calm and tranquil Mill Creek.  The arboreal surroundings provided abundant shade and cool temperatures.

I crossed paths with the lead marathoner around Marathon Mile 14 as he approached me coming in the opposite direction.  I admit I was a little jealous as he was already nearing Marathon Mile 25.  He appeared strong, but had a slight worn-out look as well.  I thought, “OMG, he’s eleven miles ahead of me!”

I kept plugging along the trail enjoying the cool shade and scenery with some brief conversations with fellow runners.  The four-hour pace group of about five runners overtook me just past Marathon Mile 17.  I thought he would have passed me miles ago, but I guess he really picked up the pace during the second half.  Shortly after the pace group passed me, runners dressed in the red dragon costume pranced by me.  I was amazed that all ten runners were still intact.  Perhaps they will set that record of some kind.

The trail passed under a highway viaduct before crossing an old highway bridge from a bygone era near Marathon Mile 18.  I took an interest in the old moss-covered concrete bridge with the words “BEAT YESTERDAY” painted on each side.  The old bridge architectural styles and designs aren’t seen anymore and I was glad the bridge was put to good use.

I crossed paths and high-fived my wife coming in the opposite direction at Shawnee Mission Park about a half-mile from the turnaround at Marathon Mile 19.5.

When I made the turnaround in a time of 3:19:38, I had 6.5 miles left on the yellow brick road back to the Land of Oz.  I had forty minutes left to run a sub-four and catch the pacer – not a chance!  With all the nutritional supplements I consumed, I was feeling pretty good, but not that good.  The aches and pains were kept at a minimum, but my lower back was beginning to hurt.

I crossed that wonderful old bridge again and reentered the shady portion of the course.  Now, the rolling hills seemed like climbing mountains.  Gee, they weren’t that bad going the other way.  Walking was now becoming the norm, but I didn’t mind, I enjoyed the tranquility of my surroundings, even with the horns and sounds of the many diesel locomotives pushing their way through the region.

My wife texted me that she had finished as I was approaching Marathon Mile 24.5 and my lower back was really bothering me.  Even so, I was focused and determined to finish in under five hours.

I couldn’t believe it, I was finally at Marathon Mile 25.  The leader I saw some two hours earlier was likely long gone from the finish line area.  As I came out of the trail’s shaded area and into a rural clearing, a stiff head wind blew across the region.

Just the right distance

Soon after Marathon Mile 25, a fork in the trail led runners back onto a paved Class I pathway paralleling College Blvd.  The steep incline up to College was demoralizing.  The climb was tough (even when walking) and upon reaching the top, the hill continued, but only as a mild sustained positive grade.  With the gusty head winds, running the last mile more or less proved to be a difficult endeavor. 

When I made the final left turn back onto Ridgeview Road from whence I began, the gates of the Emerald City were nearly a half-mile away on the horizon.  It reminded me of Boston’s infamous left turn onto Boylston Street with the finish line off in the distance, yes, it’s farther than it actually looks.



Remember the downhill at the start of the marathon?  Well, it was uphill at the finish.  The winds and that uphill grade made it very difficult for me to run strong so I resorted to a slow jog.  My back was aching and my cap nearly blew off my head several times, so instead of fighting with it, I turned it around and charged to the finish in a time of 4:46:27.  I was literally spent and was glad I was done and my Garmin read 26.27 miles, so I didn’t have to run any farther than I had to.

Age graded score: 49.69%

Age graded time: 4:15:14

 

My fabulous diploma

After I received my really cool finisher’s medal featuring a rotating image of the Wizard surrounded by yellow bricks, it was off to the Royal Palace of Oz for some food and drink – beer!  Yes, free beer and margaritas guys!  I’m not a huge margarita fan, so forget the margaritas.

I grabbed some bananas, bagel slices, chicken teriyaki sandwich, beer and a hot dog for my after-run snack.  I sat down under a large tent canopy in the beer garden area next to the INTRUST Bank drive-up teller area to escape the annoying wind.  A few margaritas were sitting on a table in the sun, melting and I would imagine, yucky tasting.  After my wife brought me a windbreaker to relieve the chill, I was good to eat, relax and talk with another runner hailing from Oregon.

We had a late afternoon flight from MCI back to LAX.  We were kindly granted a super late check out at the hotel, so we had ample time to clean up before departure.  We stopped at a Kansas City McDonald’s to charge our phones, have a drink and relax a bit prior to dropping off the rental car and shuttling back to the airport.  We closed our eyes, tapped our heels three times and said, “There’s no place like home!”

So, what did I like about the Garmin Marathon? 

• Appreciated Mother Nature for the non-traditional nice weather she bestowed upon us.
• The expo and packet pick up.  Great venue for the expo with plenty of room and vendors. 
• The incredible volunteers and those dressed in costume complementing the Oz theme. 
• The finisher’s medal!
• Even though I didn’t see them, but if I did, the flying monkeys hanging from the trees along the Haller Trail.  Hmmm, as I watched The Wizard of Oz as a kid, I hated the flying monkeys!
• The great food and drink at the finish line.
• The course.  It was scenic and challenging enough for a runner like me.
• This was a smaller-sized race.  The roads were wide enough to provide plenty of room for runners without worrying about tripping someone from behind.

What were the things I particularly didn’t care for?

• The traffic getting to the start line area in Munchkin Country!
• The wind – but there’s nothing the race director or anyone else can do about that.
• The course is not wickedly fast.  Maybe some claim it is, but I wouldn’t consider it a PR course.

As a suggestion, I like the idea of placing a long piece of yellow carpet at the finish line affording runners with a picture-perfect touch as they cross the finish into Emerald City.  I was pleased to have completed this annual event and my 31^st state.  Although there were not a ton of spectators, I didn’t mind, but they were still awesome and supportive.  The course is scenic and hilly (but not too bad) and showcases Olathe, but the out and back portion may be a little boring for some, however.

My main criticism of this event is the lack of efficiency with parking and traffic congestion, to which a vast majority of participants would likely attest.  I urge the race organizers reevaluate this subject matter and meet with the appropriate professionals to devise a circulation plan for better traffic control and access points in an effort to reduce the levels of service.  Priority should be given to shuttle buses as an incentive to runners who desire to use this mode of transportation. 

 

State Number 30 - Newport Rhode Race

State Number 30 – Newport Rhode Race,

Newport, RI

 

15 April 2017

There are so many horrible things happening in this world at any given moment – war, famine, disease, violence, and terrorism to name a few.  Sometimes, I feel that I’ve kind of lost faith in humanity and the despair at the evil humans are doing to other humans.

It was never more evident as this race approached.  I felt overcome by sadness as I reflected upon this date four years ago.  On 15 April 2013 at 1449 EDT, I was witness to the heartwrentchingly sad series of events that occurred at the Boston Marathon.  It was a date I will never forget. 

It all happened as I was standing on the stoop of the Arlington Street Church at the corner of Boylston and Arlington Streets across from Boston Common waiting for my wife to finish the marathon.  I had just received a text message that she had crossed the finish line seconds before I became suddenly alarmed by the reverberations of two explosions echoing throughout Boston’s Copley Square and throughout the marathon’s finish line area on Boylston Street.  My first thoughts were the sounds of canons being fired in Copley Square – perhaps in celebration of Patriot’s Day – but judging from the body language of bystanders and Boston Police officers, it immediately became apparent it was much more serious.  Looking down Boylston Street, I noticed plumes of blue-colored smoke rising above the spectators.  The jovial and cheerful atmosphere quickly became overshadowed by a sense of fright and panic.

With the ensuing chaos, the horns and sirens of emergency vehicles and first responders clearing paths through the hordes of runners, my wife and I were dazed and confused as to what was actually happening as we walked away from the madness and across Boston Common.  When reality finally set in, I looked at it as another “date which will live in infamy,” especially in the running community.  Since that fateful day, many marathon events have changed their policies and procedures when it comes to spectators, clothing drops and security.

That evening, we sat in our hotel room with the feelings of sadness and anger as we watched the events unfold on the never ending television coverage.  We looked forward to the Mile 27 After Party at the House of Blues at Fenway Park that evening, and thanks to those two individuals, our celebratory happiness was quickly dashed in the wake of that overwhelming tragedy.

Each and every one of us cannot lead perfect lives.  If we did, we would be able to walk on water.  Happiness without sadness would not be complete.  They both complement each other in balancing life. 

Usually, we want to move away from sadness as quickly as it comes.  We’re often encouraged to dissuade ourselves from such emotions by participating in some sort of physical activity, imagining some calm and pleasant experience, or looking for humor in some situation that is making us sad.

All of us have been touched in one way or another by the bombings and subsequent manhunt – some of us, unfortunately, more viscerally and irreversibly than others.  Finding ourselves in good conscience to see any humor in the Boston bombing is not possible, but the resilience of Bostonians, as well as the mass support from the running community, prove we can come together and be Boston Strong! 

The Newport Rhode Race was held on the fourth anniversary of the Boston tragedy in the picturesque cities of Newport and Middletown on Rhode Island’s Aquidneck Island on the banks of Narragansett Bay.  Since we were already traveling to Boston so my wife can participate in her fifth Boston Marathon, we took full advantage of completing another state while we were on the Eastern Seaboard.

Our east coast jaunt commenced from Long Beach Airport (LGB) during the late evening hours of 13 April for a non-stop red-eye JetBlue flight to Boston’s Logan International Airport (BOS). 

I’m not a fan of overnight flights and I’ve experienced my fair share of them.  A champion upright sleeper, I am not, and overnight flights are certainly not tailored to my travel preferences.  I consider a red-eye synonymous with misery and trading a bed for an airline seat, I believe, is a serious comfort downgrade.  I envy those who can fall into a deep sleep while in an upright position only to somehow awaken as the aircraft begins to make its initial descent to the destination airport.

We arrived at BOS Friday morning between 0600 and 0700 hours EDT.  From 3000 feet above Boston, we were greeted with a beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean.  Once on the ground, with tired and heavy eyes, we marched through the relatively empty corridors of Terminal C to catch the rental car shuttle bus outside of the baggage claim doors.  Before exiting, we purchased our seven day MTBA subway pass, and following a brief stop at MTBA’s Blue Line Station, we secured our mode of transportation for the next 36 hours from the airport’s rental car facility.

Apparently, the State of Massachusetts eliminated cash toll booths on all tollways, tunnels and bridges in favor of electronic toll devices such as transponders or license plate photo billings.  This was news to me and, naturally, we were required to purchase the use of a window transponder on the rental car whether or not we used a toll-way.  The only toll gantry we passed was for the Ted Williams Tunnel inbound towards Boston.  Yes, it certainly makes passing through toll areas easier, but I would rather fork out a couple of bucks now and then for the privilege of using a toll-way and not paying up front costs even when toll-ways are not used.

With my subway token and a dollar tucked inside my shoe, we were off to Rhode Island.  The next 2.5 hours were spent on the freeway to Newport, RI with an unplanned detour and stop for some morning caffeine at McDonald’s in Stoughton thanks to a vehicular crash causing a major traffic back-up on southbound Highway 24.  It was a good opportunity for us to take a much needed rest stop, switch drivers and to find an alternate route around the crash site.  Besides, we had oodles of time to kill before even thinking of packet pick up and hotel check-in.

Crossing into Rhode Island just south of Fall River, MA lies the quaint and picturesque colonial cities of Newport and Middletown steep in history with unquestionably many stories to tell if the walls could talk.  The well-preserved colonial architecture welcomed us and I was awestruck being in one of the centerpieces of the Revolutionary War.

We drove out to Castle Hill Lighthouse on the historic Ocean Drive to visit the lighthouse and to take a little nap before packet pick up.  The drive on the peninsula area of Newport was very scenic.  The stately homes, ranches and rolling green hills was rather beautiful on such a bright sunny day with signs posted along the roadways advising motorists of Saturday’s marathon event.  I looked forward with the marathon being situated on a beautiful piece of real estate.

Without GPS, the maze of Newport’s streets and alleys would have led us around in circles.  A narrow street here an alleyway there, oops, one way, can’t go that way.  But thanks to Siri’s directional management, we eventually found the lighthouse location.  Let’s not get started on all those unwarranted and needless stop-controlled intersections.

We parked in a gravel lot near the Castle Cove Marina adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard Station.  Before settling down for a nap, I walked up a trail that wound its way through the forest thicket to the lighthouse.

It was near 0930 hours, the sun was shining brightly, with a cool ocean breeze coming off the bay.  The brisk air was enough to wake my senses after an hour in the car as I strolled along the dirt trail leading to the lighthouse.

Constructed in 1890, the lighthouse is closed for public access; however, the lighthouse is easily accessible via multiple footpaths in and around the shoreline area.  From what I could see, the lantern room likely housed a fifth order Fresnel lens or smaller.  As I scanned the area, I noticed one distinct feature, the absence of a keeper’s house.  Possibly it was located away from the site, but I’m not sure.

After seeing what I wanted to see, I made the short trek back to the car and attempted to get a little shut-eye before moving on.  The sun was shining through the car window making napping a bit difficult.  With the sun in my face, it didn’t take too long for me to start sweating so I had to open the windows.  But soon, it became a little too cool.  There was no perfect balance between hot and cold.

It was obvious we weren’t going to get much of a nap.  Sleeping in the seat of a car is akin to an aircraft seat – but only slightly better.  Maybe because it was too hot and uncomfortable in the car, too much noise going on, or that we were just too tired – we couldn’t sleep.  So we departed the marina area for a bite to eat before packet pick up and we banked out hopes on a nice nap once checked into the hotel.

Of course, pizza is always on the menu prior to a marathon.  We first stopped at our hotel about a quarter mile from the start/finish line area hoping for an early check in.  The lobby, located on the second floor was adjacent to the pool/spa room.  A maintenance man was busy fiddling around with an electronic device and I could see a frustrated look with what he was doing. 

Unfortunately, it was not possible to check-in at the time, so before our pizza lunch, we drove a portion of the second half of the course Sachuest Point Road to the National Wildlife Refuge.

We kind of got the impression the second part of the course was going to be tough going in terms of wind-blown sand, sun, heat and just general unimpressive scenery.  I kept telling my wife that out-and-back portion was only short lived and that the course would become more scenic once off the tombolo.

The refuge’s visitor center displayed many pieces of taxidermy art and displays of the avian flyways of North America.  Interesting it was, but I didn’t have much of an interest hiking all the trails around the refuge.  Besides, the military Blackhawk helicopters flying around and hovering over some of the swamp lands provided better entertainment.  I wasn’t sure what they were up to, but I guess training maneuvers.  The rangers at the refuge didn’t seem to appreciate the helicopter noise and disturbances.  One of them had a disgusted look on his face making hand gestures to the pilots to move along and get out.

We were getting hungry and drove up to our pizza spot, Piezoni’s, not far from the marathon expo/pick-up.  The restaurant appeared as if it served up some delicious pies.  Judging from the customers and the menu selection, we found a great spot.

Instead of the customary circular pizza served up by the usual establishments, Piezoni’s prepares a rectangular pizza sliced into squares.  Does the shape of a pizza affect the taste?  I personally cannot tell, but I can say that a triangular piece is much easier to hold than a square piece.  Maybe it’s an unexplained mystery, but I must say the cheese pizza was rather delicious and satiated my appetite for the day. 

The marathon expo/packet pick-up at the Mainstay Hotel opened its doors at 1300 hours.  We arrived at the hotel a few minutes early as workers were busy setting up tables and displays.  Besides us, other runners also gathered around the expo entrance enjoying the warm sunshine and pleasant weather prior to the opening.

The expo was held in a smaller-sized conference room decorated with abundant Narcissus flowers (since they were in season) with all but three or so vendors displaying their products.  It seemed to me the expo’s main function was to hand out goodie bags, race shirts and bib numbers rather than accommodate vendors.

We were more than ready and looked forward for an afternoon nap.  Yay, we were able to check in.  The man was still busy with that electronic device.  Circuit boards scattered around with wires and fasteners sticking out, I wasn’t sure what it was, but he looked like he had enough.

We secured a late check-out so we could clean up after the marathon.  The desk clerk informed us that key cards would not be available and we were to have maintenance personnel or an escort open the room door.  They must have been busy that day.  I realized the device the man was working on was the key card magnetizer.  Just if we could use a good old-fashioned key like we did back in the day.

Wow, I thought.  What an inconvenience!  That, in a way, limits us from leaving the room.  But who cares.  We were looking forward to a long nap anyway.

When we finally laid on the bed, it wasn’t long after we realized we were next to the elevator mechanical room.  At first, I wasn’t aware of the noise until my wife reminded me of it.  From that point on, it was very annoying!  Throughout the afternoon and evening, we know when people were using the elevator.  Oh, we cannot forget the door slamming and loud talking throughout the corridor.

Needless to say, our day and nighttime sleep was non-existent.  With my wife being sick with a nasty cold and practically zero sleep, the marathon was going to be a formidable task.  I was worried about my wife and the stress a marathon can have on the body and suggested that she opt out in favor of the Boston Marathon.  Not a chance!

The marathon start time was late compared to most marathons, 0730 hours.  I managed to sneak in a couple of hours of sleep during the night, but that’s all I seemed to need.  I was ready to take on the day!

The day started with about 1200 runners (both half and full) congregating in the start corral.  Classic rock music was playing over the loud speakers for everyone’s enjoyment – well at least my enjoyment.  The emcee was constantly informing everyone to stay off the small grassy-covered sand dune berm separating Memorial Drive from the large parking lot located at Easton’s Beach.  Wow, are they that environmentally sensitive?

After the National Anthem and a moment of silence dedicated to the fourth anniversary of the Boston bombings, the marathon began.

Finishing the first half

I admittedly looked forward to the marathon course and the scenic beauty the region has to offer.  The first half led runners into the area’s storied mansions owned by the rich and famous, the historic Fort Adams State Park and along the famed Ocean Drive with its stunning views of the rugged coastline of the Atlantic Ocean.

I commonly pace 2:10 half marathons, so my strategy was to keep a steady 9:30 – 9:50 pace with a goal to cross the half split at around 2:10, meanwhile, conserving my energy while taking in the scenic views.  From my memory of the marathon route map, I got the impression that the second half appeared to be not as scenic.

The first half of the course was somewhat hilly, but not too bad.  It was just enough to challenge my fitness level.  With my pre-marathon hill training, I felt sufficiently prepared enough to negotiate all the hilly terrain without any issues or mishaps.

On the tombolo at Marathon Mile 16

The half marathon split timing mat was located adjacent to the finish line gantry.  Coming down the beach boardwalk into the finish line area, the half marathoners veered left, while I continued straight.  It was demoralizing to pass by the finish line knowing I still had 13.1 miles left before I would see the framework of the finish line again.  Soon after I crossed the half split, an aid station appeared in the middle of Easton’s Beach sprawling parking lot when I downed 1500 mg of acetaminophen/caffeine tablets to quash the pain and discomfort the second half usually brings.

I crossed the half split with a time of 2:10:07 and was ready to tackle the second half of the course and the dreaded run along the tombolo to the wildlife refuge and back.  Sure the wind was blowing, but I looked at is as a pleasant way to cool off.  At least sand wasn’t blowing and the sun didn’t bother me at any time.

At around Marathon Mile 18, the course diverged from the beach areas, around Gardiner Pond and for a long out-and-back section along Hanging Rock and Indian Roads.  To keep things interesting, Indian Road featured a steady slight uphill incline all the way to the turnaround point around Marathon Mile 21.  Runners were able to view the residential homes along this portion of the course with views of the ocean few and far between. 

Around Marathon Mile 18, I began to experience some cramping in the calf muscles of both legs and along the shins.  Each time a pain presented itself, I walked until it subsided.  Then, I would run again for about 100 yards until it hurt.  I stopped by an ambulance to ask if the EMTs had any salt packets – no, they didn’t have any.  Damn, it was going to be a long eight miles.

As the sweat on my face usually dries, it leaves behind a salty crust on my skin.  Over the next couple of miles, I wet my fingers and wiped away the salt from my face and licked them like a make-shift salt block.  Along with all the bananas (I was sick of bananas) and pretzels I consumed, it seemed to work, and by around Marathon Mile 22 I must have replenished some of the electrolytes in my system.  The cramping subsided and I was able to sustain a slow but steady pace.

As Hanging Rock Road merged onto Paradise Avenue at Surfer’s End near Marathon Mile 25, a short, but substantial hill reared its ugly head.  I mentioned to the police officer monitoring the intersection, “What’s this about?”  He chuckled and told me to, “hang on, you can do it.”  It was tough, but I managed to get over the hump.  It was pretty much downhill from that point.

The final and eternal mile was upon me.  The last jog along Tuckerman Avenue around Easton Point’s homes was a welcomed site.  There, I heard the Rocky theme song blaring away for the fifth and final time throughout the marathon.  I don’t think that song needs playing other than in the Philadelphia Marathon, even though he didn’t train for such an event.

The last quarter mile brought us to Purgatory Road and in front of our hotel.  I had a slight temptation just to jog on up to the room, but I had to officially finish.  I wasn’t feeling too bad coming down the final hill and had enough energy to finish the last few hundred meters feeling like a champ.  I finished in a time of 4:51:43 for an 11:08 pace.  My Garmin read 26.55 miles – I guess I didn’t run the tangents in a proper manner.

Age graded time: 4:19:55

Age graded score: 48.8%

Course profile

I was immediately presented with my finisher’s medal which was only the first third of a three-part Rhode Race challenge (Rhode Master Series).  Those completing three of the five Rhode Race marathons are presented with a ship’s helm that ties all three medals together.  It is highly unlikely I will complete the series, but I am still proud of my hard-earned medal.



After a couple slices of peperoni pizza, water, and a bagel slice, I walked back to the hotel for a shower before heading back to Boston. 



Mother Nature bestowed some beautiful weather during the entirety of this marathon.  The sun shimmering off the small ocean waves and the cool breezes coming off the water were practically ideal.   I didn’t have to squint too hard through my sunglasses to enjoy the magnificent scenery provided by this impeccably run seaside marathon.  The first half of the course is much more scenic and varied than the second half and the run along the tombolo’s strand was not as bad as I had envisioned.  Yes, the marathon is rather hilly, but was not too terribly difficult.

Fresh Pierogis, kielbasa and "burrito"

The half marathon is typically the first half of a full course and organizers desire to showcase the best scenery for the first half and any veteran marathoner or 50-stater should already be used to that.  The best part of the second half were the cool ocean breezes providing a welcomed cooling effect for old well-worn runners like me.





It was off to Beantown!  But first, lunch was in order at Patti’s Pierogis in Fall River, MA featured on an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network.





The pierogis looked delicious and since Patti’s was right in the back yard, I had to stop in and sample the popular Polish dish.


I didn’t know what exactly what I wanted, so I tried the sampler plate with four different pierogis along with a kielbasa sausage and a couple of cabbage-wrapped “burritos”, is what I called them.

The sampler plate was more than enough to satisfy both our appetites for the rest of the day.  I even got to meet Patti whom I saw on the show making pierogis with Guy Fieri. 

Here's where it all begins

After a pit stop at a McDonald’s accompanied with a dramatic sideshow inside the restaurant, it was back up Highway 24/I-495 to Hopkinton, MA so I can finally see the starting line of the Boston Marathon.  Since I doubt I will ever qualify for that marathon, I consider visiting where it all begins in Hopkinton and driving the course the next best thing.





After a few missed turns and some traffic aggravation, we arrived at our hotel on Beacon Street a few blocks from Coolidge Corner in front of the marathon’s route near Marathon Mile 24, more or less. 



A car isn’t a necessity in Boston.  Getting around the city is quite easy with the “T”.  With that in mind, we drove back to Logan Airport, dropped off the rental car, boarded the Blue Line to Government Center, and changed to the Green Line to St. Paul Station in front of our hotel.  Very convenient.  We found that the hip Coolidge Corner, a few blocks away, was home to some great pizza spots.

The city closes Boylston Street to traffic over the weekend while a host of workers scramble to set up the finish line area.  This is typically the time when runners crowd the street posing for photos of the finish line or whatever suits their fancy. 

After we visited the marathon expo at the Hynes Convention Center Sunday afternoon, it was our time to strike some poses and to absorb all the electricity in the atmosphere.

It was disappointing no one even know our name!

It was a very warm day in Beantown, with temperatures hovering over 80°.  Even though a slight breeze blew in and around the downtown buildings, it was a little too hot to walk around and, besides, my wife needed to conserve as much energy as she could.  We enjoyed a burger and a beer for lunch at the famed Cheers on Beacon Street (funny how no one knew our names) and spent some time lying on the cool grass at Boston Common just watching all the people pass by hearing various conversations, with many others speaking different languages.

Later, en route to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Marketplace as we exited the T station, we happened upon the familiar long line of runners and family members meandering around city hall plaza at Government Center waiting to partake in the annual pre-race dinner.  One year, we participated in the pre-race spaghetti dinner and found it wasn’t worth the cost; however, maybe it would have been fun anyway.  Oh, well.  We had pizza instead.

Go Galen.  He had a great run!

On Monday morning, a couple of hours after my wife left for the shuttle buses, I was able to stake out my spot in front of the hotel before the masses arrived so I could get a good visual and cheer on the elite runners as they whizzed by at incredible paces.  The weather was much cooler than Sunday, with a stiff breeze out of the northwest.  The forecast called for partly cloudy skies with temperatures near 70°.

Following the thrill of witnessing the world class runners, hitching a ride on the Green Line, walking out to the Harvard Bridge and back to the finish line at my usual spot on the stoop of the Arlington Street Church, I waited for my wife to finish.

The “Mile 27 After Party” is a post-race celebration held at one of America’s most beloved ballparks, Fenway.  It’s a chance to observe the presentation of the day’s champions, mingle with fellow runners, friends, and family, wander the fields’ warning track or even sneak in a photo in front of the notorious Green Monster.  Marathon participants were offered one complimentary admission to the party.  However, I was fortunate enough to snag a spare ticket from a fellow runner who was unable to attend.  It was a great opportunity to listen to and see the runners I was cheering on the most – Desi Linden and Meb Keflezighi. 

Sure, it may have been a little chilly during the early evening hours, but it was outshined by the warmth and thrill of sitting in the outfield seats near the Green Monster.  How cool would it have been if the song Sweet Caroline was played in the ballpark.

It was good to sleep in Tuesday morning and it was our day to leave the amazing city of Boston.  However, the cool, cloudy and windy weather kind of put a damper on our spirits.  Following an excursion down Boylston Street for some shopping and lunch, we boarded the subway for our trip to the airport, this time on the Silver Line, hoping we could do some last minute browsing at South Station – no luck, so on to the airport we went.

As anyone knows, being sick is not fun.  But being sick while traveling across the country and running two marathons takes a great deal of stamina and grit.  My wife is a trooper.  The bravery and perseverance she showed over the weekend is commendable.

We arrived at BOS with time to spare, so we stocked up on some items from the airport shops before our flight back to LGB.  The long six-hour flight approached my limits, and with my wife unable to drive, I was deemed the designated driver.  I admit it was tough and about an hour or so from home, words from a classic Eagles song entered my mind, “my head grew heavy and my sight grew dim, and I [almost] had to stop for the night”, but I made it.

I love visiting Boston, it’s a fantastic city, and not being able to qualify to run the Boston Marathon does weigh heavy on me, but spectating and the thrill of watching the elite athletes, in a way, kind of makes up for it and I’m always there to cheer and support my wife whether she chooses to run or not.