2008 Marathon Readiness Series
In previous years the Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club (MPRRC) has been the main supporting group in hosting the annual (Honolulu) Marathon Readiness Series that many of us enjoy participating in. Though some take it seriously (racing the entire series for AG placing), perhaps the key thing many of all agree on is that it's a great way to not only get mileage and gauge progress, but also (re)connect with others in the running community. I truthfully testify that if not for the series, I would not have gotten to where I am now since this was how I met Maniacles, Shaka, Da Man, and the (legendary) Red Rabbit. I also learned about Runners' HI through the various packet pickups locations done at most of the running stores.
There was a major change however this year. Due to financial hardships and the lack of needed volunteers and support, MPRRC was forced to release the organization of the series to 808 Race, also known as Boca Hawaii. The first major change was the price increase ($25/event or $115 for the series). Though many loyal to MPRRC have decided to pass on the series, there has been a steady showing in the amount of participants taking part (MPRRC members were given a discount of $100 for the series). The series is a set of five races with each subsequent one increasing the mileage by 5km (3 miles). So far two of the races have taken place.
BLUE HAWAII Norman Tamanaha 15k
Sunday, November 17th - Kapiolani Park
The inaugural race for the new event organizer went off with a few bumps. The race start was moved up about 200m and there was some questioning to where to do packet pickup. However after the run began things really settled and many were very pleased with how it went. There were adequate amounts of aide stations each manned with a good amount of volunteers. That at the Kahala Aloha gas station (midpoint of the run) offered gels. The finish area was well stocked with refreshments with results posted in a timely manner.
Congrats to Ironmen Dave L. and Nick K., Carole, Jason F. and TC for AG placing, here are the results.
RUNNER'S HI 20k
Sunday, September 7th- Kalaeloa
Wow, now we had our own signature race!!! As always this was a multiple loop run, with many thinking that it would be the normal route from White Sands Beach but....surprise, surprise due to not being able to clear the event with the military (the original route ran near the military housing area), 808 Race had to change the course during the final week before the event day! Many arrived at the start to a VERY dark area, only a single spotlight was available to enable the crew to pass out timing chips and do last minute packet pickups and signups.
The course proved to be quite cool due to an earlier start time of 5:30am, though as it got warmer and humid as the day progressed. Some reported a slight problem remembering what lap they were on and getting bored seeing the same scenery for three loops.
Overall though, most had alot of fun with the new course as they were able to see others (such as the front leaders and those in back) giving each other added support in cheering each other on. Aide stations were very well placed with gels being generously given out (there were a few reports of hording).
Congrats again to Jason F., TC, Mike P., Carole, da Coz, IronNick, and Dave C. for AG placing, and all who took part. You can view the results here. Acknowledgement should also go out to Smooth G who did the Hickam Half Marathon the day before along with da Coz (results here)!
The Starn O'Toole Marcus & Fisher 25k (that's a long name) will be held next SATURDAY in Kailua. Should be interesting as not only is the race on a day earlier but the course winds through much of the Kailua residential areas!
38th Annual Maui Marathon
Sunday, September 13th - Kahului to Kaanapali
-- Much Mahalos to Brother Shaka for taking and supplying all of the pics!!--
For the past couple of years (forgot how many) Maniacles, Shaka, and Da Man have been mainstays for this race. Five years ago these three and Millertime shanghai'd me over to do this one and have been going every year since. The one thing that I've noticed is that it's ALWAYS been dry and NEVER has it rained. Last year proved to be a total fluke with cool temps and the trades helping things since once again the heat and humidity that has seemingly been synonymous with this race since the changing from February to September came about.
Brother Mark, Frayed Laces, and I did a first and took the Super 
Ferry over. Though it did cut some expenses, we all had some motion sickness (though FL did catch up on alot of her beauty sleep). Invincible Bob got over earlier that morning...think he said he wanted to catch a few waves at Jaws or Hookipa, with WWII/WilyCoyote having arrived Friday to do the Maui Tacos 5K with Denise, Dave, and Gianni C.! Congrats to the family for all placing in the 5k and participating in the Front Street Mile! Maniacles, Heather, and Shaka came in next.
In meeting up at the 'expo' (more like just a packet pickup with a few travelling vendors), we hooked up with a few of our Hilo Ohana...Steve P. and Harvey N.! We got to meet with the legendary Bart Yasso!Mark and I headed back to Kahului to pickup and stay with Da Man and WWI, hitting a snag in our planned pre-race dinner...Auntie Pasto's was closed for renovations!!! AHHHH!! Luckily we were able to bump into Cowboy Bill Connor who suggested a great local spot across the street from our hotel (at the starting area)! Mahalos!
Race morning was quite cool, though many could sense the upcoming day to come with the humidty setting in by 5am. As the sun rose about 30 minutes into the race, the VOG (volcanic fumes) also began to lift giving way to the warmth of the sun...this proved to be a major factor later in the race. Shaka, Mark, Steve, and I stuck together for the earlier miles of the race. FL, Maniacles, and WWI were the next loose group with Heather, Harvey, WWII, and Da Man following. The Invincible one just relaxed and enjoyed the day a good solid pace.
As we hit the hills around mile 9, I took off closely followed by Shaka. Though we never ran side by side for this race, knowing that we were in close proximity helped us push on in the upcoming miles. Mahalos for keeping me going Shaka!
By mile 18 (about 730am), the heat of the sun began taking its toll. Many began slowing down and began feeling miserable. There were a few thoughts of either walking or calling it quits. However there would be none of that...all continued on and finished with various feelings being felt.
Congrats to all the Maui gang for notching another one on the ol' 
marathon belts! Got to meet many Marathon Maniacs as well as see our ol' buddy McLovin'! Perhaps the most noteworthy finishers were FL, Steve P. and Mike H. (of Kona). Steve BQ'd (again) running along with Mark E. overcoming both blockades of half-marathon walkers and an obnoxious female runner who refused to let them pass her (think she had some sort of male competitive complex going there)! FL despite feeling the BONK! 
and being hounded by yet another obnoxious runner (this being a male...think you got another admirer FL!) continued on and took an AG 3rd! Despite feeling remorse for not fulfilling her overall goal, this was her first marathon being healthy and injury free. Moreover this was her first time experiencing the heat and humid conditions that the Maui Marathon is (in) famous for. Mike H. ran with a humangous blister on his foot that we left us all with mouths agap when we saw it after!
and being hounded by yet another obnoxious runner (this being a male...think you got another admirer FL!) continued on and took an AG 3rd! Despite feeling remorse for not fulfilling her overall goal, this was her first marathon being healthy and injury free. Moreover this was her first time experiencing the heat and humid conditions that the Maui Marathon is (in) famous for. Mike H. ran with a humangous blister on his foot that we left us all with mouths agap when we saw it after!
Here are the results: 1-100, 101-200, 201-300, 301-400, 401-500, 501-600, 601-700, 701-808While many are currently doing the Maui Owee, we all had a great time and shared many stories/experiences. Ah, the beauty of weekend island getaways...errr, races!
Good luck and much aloha to Stroller Mom & Dad at the AF Marathon, and the Red Rabbit at the Lake Chelan Marathon this weekend! Up next for those on O`ahu will be the Kailua 25k then the HBL Honolulu Century Ride next weekend! Many of the Ohana have already signed up for one if not both events. For two of the Ohana the quest begins for the H.U.R.T Peacock Flats (trail) 54-miler in October, which many say is one of the harder trails in the state.
Great job too all on the past events! Hope to see you all on the roads or trails soon!
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