Stroller Mom on a Roll!

Seems like Stroller Mom is making up for lost time as she talked her third marathon this year (70th to date)! The latest was this past Saturday (29March2008), the National Marathon in Washington D.C, Maryland! Awesome job, Stroller Mommy, Daddy, and Co.! Always great to hear about the further adventures of our East Coast Ohana, which will be growing soon (more later)!


We had a stunning day for a marathon here. Cherry Blossoms were almost at full bloom, the weather was great, the race wasn't too crowded, particularly after the half marathoners finished their course. It was a nice race.

Stroller Daddy was wonderful company for the last eleven miles, meeting me after the fifteen mile marker, just in front of the Capitol. He ran with me with the intent to go as far as a race photographer to get a picture, then peel off and do something with the kids while I finished the race. We passed the photographer and kept running. Wasn't too long before he offered to just finish the race with me. It wasn't crowded, nobody seemed to mind he was there. In fact, most of the volunteers and other runners thought it was great that he was pushing the double. And he got to see parts of DC he'd never seen either.

The kids were enjoying it, so we kept going. We ran through the Ninth Street Tunnel from mile marker 17 to 18, which was about as long as the H3 Tunnel to Kaneohe, and the acoustics were fabulous, so we sang our version of the Oscar Mayer Bologna song, sung to the tune of Beethovan's Ninth Symphony... And "Play That Funky Music White Boy", where Grace chimes in with the chorus.

Both kids fell asleep as we were crossing the East Capitol Street Bridge in the final mile, making for charming finishing pictures. It was a wonderful way to finish out a marathon. I was really glad that not only did we have the space to do it, we made darned sure we weren't in anyone's way, but it seemed to be so well supported by the race volunteers. And nobody tried to pull him off the course at the finish. In fact, the seemed to be excited when family members finished with their runner. And there was plenty of space to do this. I don't like it when kids/dogs jump on the course to finish with a runner in a crowded race, so I certainly don't support it within my own family. But when you're the only runner in sight...

Aloha!

It's always hard when one of the members of our Ohana departs. Today we bid farewell to yet another of our Ohana departing for the mainland (Boulder, Colorado then Reno, Nevada) to further pursue her career. 'Happy Trails' was a good road and trail runner, excellent archaeologist, and an overall great friend to all who knew her. She'll be sorely missed as the H.U.R.T. season kicks off in April, especially by 'Superwoman' (aka Former Maniac Groupie) makes bid to do her first trail season and this editor as he prepares to (re-)train to go for the H.U.R.T. 100(miler) in January 2009, those she 'sagged' for at H2V, as well as various others whom she ran and conversed with.

So what did we do as our last day together....run...the trails!!!! A group of us ran the ol' Tantalus Triple Trek route (at least part of one circuit) and just enjoyed the morning being together, away from the pounding of the road and in the solitude of nature.

Good luck 'Happy Trails', the entire Runners' HI Ohana wish you the safest of journeys and to stay in touch! Guess this means we'll be expanding our borders and places to go (run)! Aloha!

Congrats to our March Madness Manics!!!

My apologies to all! Know this is a bit late but been busy with other aspects of my life (school, work, preping for Boston, etc.). Want to give recognition to our March Madness crew for their incredible dedication & performance in both completing the 2008 Run to the Sun (36.2 miles from Maui Mall in Kahalui up the slope of Haleakala to it's summit) and the 2008 Big Island (Hilo) International Marathon the following day. They endured early morning wakeup calls (230a Saturday then 330a Sunday for most), various climate changes (including cold, rain, low oxygen concentration causing hypoxia, and high UV exposure), and stress from being adequately prepared for doing both races!

Here's the members of our triumphant crew:

Former Maniac Groupie

Forever Four (formerly Forever Bronze)

'Onipa`a (Strong & steady)

Brother 'Shaka' (aka Purple)

'maniacles' (aka coachies)

'TC'/'Doc Marathon'

WilyCoyote

'da Man!'

Congratulation also to those whom completed the Hilo Marathon!

Welcome back to Brother Mark E Mark (aka Pohaku - the rock) who made his offical comeback to marathon running (at full-strength) following an ankle injury at the 2007 Volcano Marathon!

Thanks 'Boss' for your neverending support! We could never have done this without it and the rest of the Ohana!

Much Mahalos to 'Frayed Laces' who was our 'angel over our shoulders', being the all-around great support, driver, nurse, cheerleader, and everything else under the sun!

GO RUNNERS' HI OHANA!!!!

Great job all and can't wait til the next race whether it be here (on O`ahu), on the neighbor islands, or on the mainland U.S.! ~ed.

A Marathon Maniac is born (Part 1)!!!

During our March Madness Weekend, two brave and strong-willed runners entered the promise land as they qualified to become members of those running crazies, the Hawai`i Marathon Maniacs! They were asked to jot down their thoughts, feelings, etc when they initially thought doing this, during the course of training and that weekend, and now that it's over and they've emerged successful. This first 'confession' comes from (ex-)Marathon Maniac groupie (she now needs to make up a pen/MM name):

I am not built to be a runner. My mother is always reminding me of that fact. I certainly do not have the physique of a runner but I believe I have the heart of a runner. That belief gave me the courage to take part in March Madness with my ohana. My first ultramarathon, Run to the Sun, and then Big Island marathon in Hilo the following day. 36 miles followed by 26. I have long wanted to try running an ultra. Just to see what it felt like to get past that 26.2 mile hurdle. I was hoping that sheer determination would get me through the weekend. Saturday morning dawned way too early for someone who will just never be a morning person. Three of us first timers took the early start at 3.30 am. Fortunately, some runners had volunteered to act as guides and a group of about 20 of us headed onward and upward from Kahului. The first part of the course was relatively flat and we settled into a nice relaxed pace. The first highlight of the run was passing a field of burning sugarcane. The sound was like fireworks and the glow so bright that it lit our path. Luckily for us the wind was in the right direction and smoke was not a problem. The runners that started at 4.30 am were not as lucky and had smoke and ash to contend with. The sun started to come up as we reached the lower part of Kula. A beautiful red glow as we looked up at the outline of Haleakala.

This run was really a treat for the senses; visually it was stunning but also the smells were amazing. The smell of cattle as we left Kahului, the flowers of Kula and then a eucalyptus forest as we headed into the switchbacks. The weather cooperated perfectly. It was a great day for a run and everyone seemed to be in high spirits. The faster runners all greeted me as they came past. I remember two things that people said. As one girl flew past me she said “ it`s okay I`m part of a relay team”. The fact I was standing taking a photograph should have been a clue that I was not there to race. I was savouring the moment.

After the 33 mile aid station I had enough energy to make a final push. I was determined to make the 10 hour time limit. As I passed one lady she asked my age group and when I told her she said “oh that`s okay, you`re one of those youngsters”. Being called a youngster made my day and I traipsed on towards the visitors centre glistening at the top of the world.

For me this was one of the best runs I have ever been part of. The volunteers were wonderful with lots of great food and encouragement. I remember getting to the aid station at mile 27 and being so happy that my legs were still moving and that I actually still felt good. They probably thought I was suffering from the altitude as I explained that this was the furthest I had ever run. Rounding the last bend at the visitors center, seeing people I knew and hearing my name was one of the best moments for me. I already know I want to be part of this great event next year.

We had to rush to catch our plane to Hilo. I am grateful that the guys let me shower as others did not have the chance. We met other members of our ohana in Hilo and after eating dinner we all headed for bed to catch a few hours of sleep. It was pouring rain that night, how unusual for Hilo, and I had already decided that if it was raining in the morning I was staying in bed. Well, it wasn`t raining so I had no excuse not to run. The race started at 6am and we wound our way down to Hilo town. Somewhere along the way the heavens opened. I had flashbacks to Honolulu but I ran most of the first ten miles with ohana so that kept my spirits up and stopped me dwelling on my goosebumps. The sun did come out for long enough to raise my temperature and the rest of the race was pretty uneventful. I remember getting to mile 13 and being amazed I was already half way. 26 miles suddenly seemed achievable. The out and back part of the course by the beach parks is always a great morale booster. The ohana all seemed to be doing well and I thank them all for their encouragement. All I had to do was get my tired little body over that finish line. For me Hilo was all about becoming a maniac. Completing two marathons in 48 hours. I did that and as an added bonus I beat last years time by 20 minutes.
I remember a photographer asking me how I could keep smiling and I explained to her that I was about to become a maniac. She told me I already was. High praise indeed as far as I was concerned. For a long time I have been chasing the Hawaii maniacs. They are my inspiration and more importantly my ohana. Previously I considered myself their groupie but now I am honoured to become a real one.
Congratulations to all the runners and thanks to the race organizers for a great weekend of running. A heartfelt mahalo to my ohana for making this March Madness a weekend I will never forget.
Maniac groupie.

March Madness...Ohana Victorious!!!

With anticipation mounting, a euphoria of mixed emotions, and having completed thier training, nine members of the Runners HI Ohana went forth to attempt two days of running on two separate islands to complete a total of 100km or 62.2 miles! Not only did they battle the rigors of the constant pounding of their feet on the road, but also varying environments, fatigue, and time itself! All survived with smiles and fully elated with their results! Most importantly though was that they able to resist the temptation to give up. Congratulation to all for a job well done! A special congratulations to the two newest Hawai`i Marathon Maniacs...Heather & Wily Coyote!!!!

We want to also recognize a very special person to whom none of this could've been possible (or we would've been completely in total chaos). Much Mahalos to our 'guardian angel' Frayed Laces for all the support, care, and constant motivation during the entire March Madness event! She not acted as our driver but volunteered at practically every aide station for Run to the Sun, drove all abou Haleakala Highway checking on every member, saved Brother Shaka from hypoxia (read his account below), and cheered us on with every step! In essence she herself participated in March Madness and survived as she was with us in heart and spirit! Read about her exploits as a doctoral graduate student and ultra-runner in the making here! Congrats and a well deserved round of thanks from all of us (special award to come)!

The 10 from Maui met up with others in Hilo to take part in the Big Island (Hilo) International Marathon and Fun Runs the following day. Congrats to all who ran! A big welcome back to full strength to Brother Mark-E-Mark as he has completely recovered from his ankle injury! Way to go to WW for not only running Sunday but also swimming 2km for five consecutive days (Monday to Friday) prior to doing the marathon! Hey you're did 1/3 of a marathon!!!!

Here's a few comments and descriptions regarding the events from some of participants with more to come from the new Maniacs!

Run to the Sun 2008 (aka R2S):

Aloha Ohana...
Well nine of us all survived both the Run to the Sun and the Hilo marathon!!! And we could not have done it without our very vital support person Frayed Laces!!! Actually if it wasn't for her, I may not have completed the Run to the Sun!!!...REALLY!!!!! Basically what had happened was that I did not stick to the game plan and I threw out the "I'm going to just cruise the Run to the Sun" out the window and kept running up the hill like there's was no tomorrow. As I was working my way up, I noticed something going on within my head but I just could not pinpoint the exact feeling. I started feeling a little woozy but kept my steady pace nontheless. As Frayed Laces kept driving by, she would always ask how I was doing I would always say that I am doing fine but she had noticed my behavior changing. It wasn't until around the I think the mile 32 aid station that she had me start walking. Actually I had forgotten to fill up my water bottle so she had me go back to the aid station and fill it up. She kept insistiing that I should start walking and I initially would have nothing of that. As I left the aid station, my head was REALLY SPINNING BIG TIME!!! I think I started to run/jog but after a bit of that, I told myself "Maybe I'd better listen to her!!!" So I started to walk. The last 4 miles was a real struggle. It was more mental than physical. My body felt fine. My head though was definitely in the "Clouds"!!! I remember joking with some of the aid station volunteers because when I would stop to resupply, I was staggering. I could not stand still and I would tell the volunteers to stop moving around.
When I crossed the finish line, I was told to sit down. I was covered with a blanket and the first thing I told them was that I wanted to stay so that I can see everyone finish. Someone said if I feel better but I was told I needed to get back down to sea level ASAP otherwise. Sure enough, I was not feeling better so I was brought back down. It took a couple of hours once back at the hotel, but next thing I knew, I was back to normal. I guess that meant I had no excuse to not run the Hilo marathon the following day...

Aloha,
Shaka

March Madness Summary:

On Saturday we were among a full field of runners who did the Run to the Sun on Maui. This 36.2 run from sea level to the 10,023 feet summit of Haleakala was the first ultra for some in our group. Stiff achy muscles and a few blistered feet but everyone accomplished this first leg of our weekend journey. Descending the mountain, we barely made our connecting flight to Hilo. A couple of us didn't even have time to shower.

On Sunday we finished the Hilo Marathon. Everyone was so happy the course was only 26 miles and relatively flat compared to the previous day.Everyone had a tremendously successful weekend filled with many memories. Most notable will be "Shaka"s delirious antics and subsequent headache as he suffered from hypoxia at the summit of Haleakala.

-maniacles

Trainings Pau! Taper time!

With two weeks remaining til March Madness, the gang put in their final weekend of hard training today. This included 12-16 miles of hill repeats on Saturday and a good 12-miler on Sunday. Despite a complaint or two about things, everyone seems excited and ready to go!

Since Hilo-to-Volcano, training consisted of various weekends of

hill climbs, long distance runs, weeks of high mileage (including two absurb individuals that had totals of 75 & 80 miles), and hill repeats. Now it's time to taper, recover, and get mentally ready.

Way to go gang!

Keepin' up with da Ohana!!!

Wow! Our mainland Ohana sure have been busy even with the late winter storms coming in on the East and the cold, wet conditions in the Northwest! Congratulations! Great job and let us know how those mainland runs are going!!!

The Further Adventures of Stroller Mom & Dad, Gracie, & Ocean

GW Birthday Marathon, Maryland February 17, 2008 - Marathon #68 for Stroller Mom)

Aloha Everyone!It was a great day for a marathon... but what day isn't? Mostly overcast, some wind, but not nearly what it was last year. Temps got up into the lower 50's, but with the clouds and wind, I was glad I opted for tights. Quite a few Maniacs in sight.

I had my sights on hopefully breaking five hours, something I've only done once on this course. Stroller Dad suggested I just PR and get home earlier. So I was most pleased to come closer to his goal for me than mine. Did it in 4:33 by my watch, I'm very pleased with it. This is the run out almost two miles, do three loops, run back in two miles. Huge downhill on the way out, huge uphill on the way back in (after mile marker 25, yikes). Even with that performance, I'm very glad they let us slowpokes start an hour early.

Stroller Dad did an incredible job with the kids. I really missed my marathon partner!

B&A Trail Marathon, Maryland March 2, 2008 - Marathon #69:

We had a stunning day for the B&A Trail Marathon. Other than a jig and jag through a residential area at the start to add a mile and a strange circumnavigation of an empty parking lot at mile 19, it was entirely on an asphalt bike path -- double out and back. The weather was about as perfect as it gets here this time of year, mid 40's and sunny. A bit cold at the start, but sure warmed up nicely.I took the early start again, figuring the GW Birthday marathon was a fluke for me. Wanted to come close to finishing with Stroller Dad. It was exceptionally good for my ego to get out in front and lead the early start pack of about eight people. The regular marathoners and half marathoners appeared to start at the same time, I saw the first one at mile eight, after I hit the turn around at mile seven. That made the path a bit crowded until they all passed me headed out. I was very pleased to hit the turn off point where the marathoners headed straight and the half's peeled off to the left to finish. I checked my watch initially to see if I had managed to not shut it off (as I'd done two marathons ago), I checked it at the half way point and found myself running a much faster first half marathon than I'd ever done before at 2:12. Figured I was on track for under five hours and might possibly hit four and a half if I didn't lose too much in the second half. Entertained fantasies of possibly getting under four and a half and running a PR, but after a winter of sore ankles and a week where we all got the stomach flu...So I decided to just run and not look at my watch again. Somehow I managed to hold onto my "lead", the first marathoner passed me between mile 16 and 17. The first female marathoner passed me after mile 21. Since it was a double out and back, I had two opportunities to flash Stroller Dad, took definite advantage of those (it's how he knows I'm having a good run, among other things). The second one was while he was running his 18th mile, even more meaningful :)So yes, I was extremely delighted to come roaring into the finish at 4:22! My best time ever and I felt pretty darned good. Good enough to double back on the course and run in with Stroller Dad. He was coping with some IT band pain when I caught him, but managed to show a respectable stride for the race photographers and continue running after that. We sailed him on into the finish with smiles.

Post-race food was both plentiful and varied. A friend of mine from high school was the food coordinator and when she came across my entry as they were building bibs the other night, she got in touch with me both to touch base again (we haven't seen her since we left for Hawaii) and to see if there was anything special we wanted. The coffee and hot cider hit the spot, as did the pizza and homemade oatmeal cookies.A special mahalo to my parents for watching the kids. They do a great job and the kids behave so well for them. Grace was just wonderful when we got home -- she started my shower for me and picked out my clothes. Alas, we don't have a photo. The camera was set to video when we handed it off to someone to shoot the picture. We'll guide you to the race photos when they're on line.Sending very happy marathon vibes your way for R2S and Hilo! Wish we were there, of course!

The Red Rabbit migrating from the cold North to sunny Southern Cali

LA Marathon March 2, 2008:

Red Rabbit - Marathon Bib 11192 Snohomish, WA - USA Male Age 56

Start
10K 00:52:45
Half 01:51:31
30K 02:45:55
Finish 04:04:33

Time
Chip Time: 04:04:33
Clock Time: 4:07:30
Pace: 9:19
Congrats RR!!! Not bad for a Maniac who had to go into remission due to the bad north weather! Must've made a few detours to USC & UCLA to visit the cheerleaders! Better than Welsley College???