Finished 26.2 Beautiful Miles for State #17!

On Sunday, June 7th, I ran one of the most scenic marathons I've run from Sequim to Port Angeles, WA for State #17 - the North Olympic Discovery Marathon!  It was a hot day for a marathon, but an incredible 26.2 miles.

I've never been to Washington State, and so this was like a little vacation for me.  I landed in Seattle on Saturday morning, and then took a 4 hour bus ride from the airport (including a ferry ride) to get to Port Angeles.  The views from the airplane and bus were stunning, and I knew I was in for some beautiful views along the way.  Port Angeles is a small town on the north border of WA that borders Canada (across the water). 

On race morning, I made the mile-long walk from my hotel room to catch the buses to the start of the marathon.  The buses took us to Sequim so that we could finish in Port Angeles.  At 6:00 in the morning, I was able to see some great views just as the day was starting.

 

The buses brought us to Sequim, with about an hour to go before the start of the marathon.  It was already feeling warm and the sun was shining, so I knew we were in for a toasty marathon.  We could see the Olympic Mountains in the distance, which we were able to see throughout almost the entire marathon.  Soon we were off!

The view of the Olympic Mountains beyond the Starting line.

Due to the heat, I decided early on that I would take it fairly slow.  I met some fellow Marathon Maniacs at the start and began the run with the 5-hour pace group.  Initially I thought I would try for 4:45, and so soon went ahead of the pace group a bit.  I was feeling pretty good and just taking in the views through the first half of the marathon, which was almost entirely on the Olympic Discovery Trail.  Here are some photos - but they really don't do the beauty of the Olympic Mountains justice.

Just after half way, we came out onto some small roads, which is when things became a bit difficult for me.  There was no shade and the sun was beating down, and I just became incredibly slow and a little overheated.  We finally reached the trail again, where I was looking forward to some shade, only to find some pretty substantial hills over the next few miles.  I slowed down and took some walking breaks.  No need to worry about time, I just needed to cross that finish line for State #17, but needed some motivation to get there.

I really tried to focus on the views, and as I looked out into the beautiful blue sky, I thought about all of my Stroke and Heart Heros.  I went through a bit of an emotional period as I thought about the fact that it is because of Gram, who had a stroke in 2007 and inspired be to run for the Tedy's Team and American Stroke Association, that I have taken on this endeavor and am seeing the amazing places all over the country that I am seeing.  Even though we lost her a year after her stroke, running has kept me close to my Gram, Pop, and Papa, all of whom suffered from stroke and/or heart disease.  And I thought about my Dad (a heart attack survivor) and how my parents would just love Port Angeles.  Thinking about my Stroke and Heart Heros, Tedy's Team, and everyone who has supported me got me through those miles.

Around mile 19, I met a fellow runner and we struck up conversation.  We happened upon a photo opportunity right around that time, and decided to have a little fun and take advantage...

We talked for a bit, and soon came out of the trail for a bit, where my most favorite volunteer told me the most wonderful news ever... that it was all downhill and shade from here as we went back into the trails... the hardest part was over!  Suddenly I had a rush of energy which lasted through the remaining miles.  As we came into Port Angeles, we could see views of the water, which were equally as beautiful as the mountain views.

The last 4-5 miles were along the waterfront, and went along fairly quickly (or as quickly as the last 5 miles of a marathon can go).  I was so excited to come into the finish area.  Because of my slower time in the heat and hills (and all of the picture taking), I came in a little after the 5-hour mark.  I reunited with some of the runners I had met along the way, and just enjoyed sitting on the water in the finish area.  It was an amazing day and I was so happy to have been able to run the North Olympic Discovery Marathon - it's definitely one that I would run again!

So State #17 is complete and onto State #18 in July - Revel Rockies in CO!  An all downhill marathon that I am super excited for!

Marathon Highlights:
The views!
The views! (just to emphasize)
The trail is great and provide some shade
Fun little bridges along the trails
Great volunteers - each water station had a theme!
Personal escort from finish line to food - pretty great!
Awesome medal

#1 Song that got me through a tough spot:
Hold On - Wilson Philips
(this may have been due to the fact that I watched Bridesmaids the night before I left for WA) :)

ALSO - while not a song - the wonderful person that put a sprinkler out between mile 18-19 - this was much needed and appreciated, and there was no one there to say thank you to.