Mercer Island Half Marathon

The face says it all: 'I'm done, I'm cooked, I made it.' Where's the guy in the orange jacket waiting for me.

I've heard that people cry when it's over, I cried when the race began when I saw the sunrise and realized that this was the kick off to an amazing year. I realized that on this earth and in this universe, I'm very small, and the realization of what I'm priviledged to do humbled me and the beauty around me overwhelmed me with gratefulness.

This is the beginning of my purpose for this year. The stats are 13.15 miles, 3 hours 6 minutes, 14 minutes 11 seconds avaerage mile pace, average heart rate 124 bpm, max heart rate (with arrhythmia) 186, total ascent 2541 feet, and 1080 calories. My average pace is a personal record that shaves 19 seconds off my previous best. I raced with the Polyp Busters and Steve's Team. I don't know who they are or who Steve is, but I know what these people are made of and how much love it took to take finish this course.

What it takes: 1. Organization: This race was sponsored by the Mercer Island Rotary Club to support colon cancer research and organizations. At the start I learned that all registration fees went straight to the charities, which for me was $45. We received great swag, including a wicking long-sleeved tee shirt, chok blox, and other stuff at registration Saturday. On race day, the Rotary had stationed volunteers at each interspection on the East Mercer to West Mercer to North Mercer route which was effective mind diversion for me. I made a point of greeting and thanking everyone for their support, especially the couple and their pooch in bunny ears. There were also water stations every two miles, and Clif had one nutrition station (NO COLA CHOK BLOX!!!). By mile 11 (at the bag pipers, yeah, baby!), we merged with the 5 and 10K runners and proceeded enmasse to the finish. I will eternally be grateful for the downhill finish.

(Marja and Mamie) 2. The Plan: The goal that Marja, Eliza, and I had was to finish, finish before Eli, and do every mile in at least 15 minutes. As the race progressed, my goal also became straighten the road and cut the curves. The course is windy along the the perimeter of the island and the road is very canted to the inside curve, but I learned to cut switchbacks as much as possible to cut distance and to give my muscles as much range of motion as possible. I also planned to walk the strights and up slopes and run the down slopes. This I executed very well. I practiced good hydration and nutrition: drink and eat hourly or more frequently. I hit a dull point at the 8 mile and I took a few long tugs at the hydration pack and that doggy was gone. Thanks to chok bloks; again, a great choice for eating on the run. I was so surprised to be able to run without stiffness until the last mile. There was no way I was running up that last hill despite the encouragement of the Scots gentleman, who offered to hold my hand for that last 200 yards. I reverted to my initial goal, which was to finish and fall into the arms of the man in the orange jackets, which I did.

(Marja, Mamie, and Eli - I mean, do these people look happy or what) 3. Lessons learned. Probably would be a good idea to take a few OTC pain relievers before the race for the aches and pains, and a few more at the finish. I was going to be looking for friends at the finish, so next time I will also pack a grocery bag of finisher's essentials, including said pain reliever, some dry clothes, and a container of chocolate soy milk. I will take a moment to stretch afterward too. I was really punky for the remainder of the day. I found that the instep of my left foot had bruised from the downhills. Ice made that bad boy go away. I was fine the next day, and the day thereafter. Thanks Marja! Thanks Eli! Thanks Kent!

Lastly, I took my iPod, but never felt compelled to listen to it. My mind, which I thought would be bored, was otherwise occupied with cutting corners, drinking fluid, and eating. I was somewhat aware enough of the people around me to be careful not to cut in front of them and to notice that we were mostly in a pack. But, what a thrill to see the first runners pass at the 10 mile. They started at 0900 (our starting gun was at 0730). They made it all look so simple. The first female runner was the seventh to pass me on the course. I was really proud of them. At 3 hours 6 minutes, there's no where to go, but faster for me. Marja and I will begin training for the Seattle Half on Thanksgiving Sunday. Those details will be related as they happen. After all I have a bike race to train for.