#8. The Ohana keeps growing and stacking up marathons...on the East Coast!!

Our previous East Coast Ohana consisted mainly of Stroller Mom, Dad, and the kids, now it includes Laura & Jason S. along with Kristine and Justin. The Stroller family has accumulated quite a string of marathons and ultras this year as seen in many of this past year's blogs, along with making many of the Ohana here in HI a bit jealous! Laura S. is on her way to fanagling her way to becoming a Maniac as she recently completed the Weather Channel Atlanta Marathon with much support from Jason (who did the half). Justin was last heard to be busy coaching the women's cross-country team at his former college while Kristine began medical school! We miss all of them alot though it's really great to read all of thier updates, achievements and just general thoughts! Can't wait to see what 2009 brings about!!!

#9. Red Rabbit sets the bar!!! 24 in a year!

One would think moving to a colder climate with a new job, house to refurbish, and a new environment to explore would keep a runner pre-occupied from doing too many races. Well, not if you're a Marathon Maniac...especially if you're the Red Rabbit!!! After moving to Washington state (homefront of the Maniacs) in mid-September 2007, RR went on a tear doing every marathon or ultra that he could possibly include in to his travel itnerary or get to without much hassle! Since moving he's amassed 28 such events, 23 this year to date! He'll have 24 with one last marathon of year event on the 31st of this month, Mary's Last Chance Marathon (put on by the Maniacs)! His events include various ones in the Washington area (Ron Herzog 50k, Pigtails flata$$, 'the light at the end of the tunnel' marathon) as well as those on the southwest (San Deigo RnR marathon, Las Vegas marathon, LA marathon) and east coast (Boston marathon)! He even flew out to Hawai`i for the last Volcano Wilderness Run (marathon) this pastJuly (pictured w/ Mark E.). Check out his full Maniac record!

Good luck RR & TC on the final marathon! Great job to RR as well as everyone else for all your achievements in 2008! Can't wait to see what level of insanity the Red Rabbit reaches in 2009, as well as what the rest of the Ohana will do!

Happy Holidays!!!

To everyone, whether in Hawai`i Nei, on the continental U.S., or abroad, hope your holiday season if filled with much joy and happiness! Much luck and prosperity to you in 2009! Here's the group pic from this past Tuesday's Red & Green/Jingle bell Run! Take care all and see you on the roads and trails! Aloha!

The best of 2008

As the holidays inch ever so closer, we begin to move on to another year! Wow has time just flown by! For the next ten days, we'll feature the top 10 Runners' HI moments in 2008 that occured not only in Hawai`i nei but also with our Mainland Ohana.

#10. Hilo to Volcano 50k...Coming out of the cold!!!
To celebrate Shaka and Ray's bdays, as well as start off 2008 with a neat challenge, a bunch of the gang decided to run this inaugural ultra-marathon event put on by Wayne 'the Big Dog'. Besides the bday boys, others participating included Maniacles, Mark 'da Rock', the WW bros (Wyatt & Wily), TC, and the editor. We were also joined many other ultra-runners that we knew such as David C., Nick K., and Jim W. Our loyal and very patient sag-crew of Jim and Amy, drove the full 50k catering to our needs and keeping our spirits up despite the cold, windy and wet conditions (about 60 degrees C not including the windchill).
Although an 'anonymous' member of the gang suffered a mild case of hypothermia, he also made a new friend from Japan, Hide, who, along with David C., got him to the right people for much needed medical attention. Another of the gang managed to avoid the same predicament, though he had to suffer some slight humility by wearing a woman's, small, purple jacket!
All in all, it was another fun neighbor island running event that the gang will always remember as making 2008 more memorable!

Honolulu Marathon 2008...more results

Just a few other notable mentions I forgot to add in:
Kari Sakauye - 6:47:29 (her very first marathon and road race....ever!!!)
Neil Sakauye - 6:47:35 (ran/paced with his wife the entire distance...that's dedication!!!)
Brenda Yim - 3:58:34 (with a bad shoulder/back/nerve injury!)

Honolulu Marathon 2008, another year in the books

For the second year in a row, those participating in the annual Honolulu Marathon saw the race begin in very wet conditions as heavy rains soaked the island well into the morning. Though the sun did manage be peak through the clouds about 8am, it was a very overcast and challenging race. Despite the economic crunch, two recent cases of doping, and a glitch in last year's timing process, a crowd of approximately 23,000 strong register to run the race.

Through the intermittent rains that often became quite heavy, an obstacle course of water puddles, soaked discarded clothes and trash bags, and various injuries (including a injured foot tendon and several blisters) as well as many 'bonking', the entire Ohana completed the marathon.

Congrats to our former marathon rookies! As Frayed Laces put, you've popped your marathon cherry!

Marge - 4:22:35

Lei - 5:32:04

Alison - 6:16:43

Vera - 5:18:17

Rae - 4:37:54

Noelle - ??

Gene - 5:22:38

All were very ecstatic about finishing and seemed optimisitic about running another marathon (some more than others) in the very near future! Great job all, you all persevered! Now enjoy the moment cause you're now officially marathoners!

Several of the gang also became Marathon Maniacs with the completion of today's race, having completed either the Las Vegas or California International Marathon last weekend:

Frayed Laces - 4:33:21

the Queen (Hilo) - 5:16:53

Jerelyn B. - 5:38:54

Shelley C. - 5:38:29

FL reported has already submitted her app to become part of the 'Insane Asylum', with the other ladies no doubtely doing the same within the week!

For the rest of us it was anther marathon and doing what we've done every year.

Steve P. (Hilo) - 4:04:49

Greg (Hilo) - 5:11:39

DJ (Hilo) - 4:57:21

Betty (Hilo) - 5:54:24

Lee (Hilo) - 5:59:55

Harvey (Hilo) 5:50:34

Bob - 6:12:09

Roy - 5:44:55 (Heather wore him out!)

Maniacles - 4:00:12

Mike P - 5:40:08

Glen - 4:05:37

Roger - 5:13:34

Mark 'da Rock' - 4:03:16

Jeff F. - 3:32:53

'Maverick' Nakasone - 3:46:43

Gio - 4:19:44

Freddy - 3:48:00

Alfredo 'da Man' - 4:59:11

Heather - 5:44:58

Johnny 'Shaka' - 3:27:51

WWI (Wyatt) - 3:54:52

Jay K. - 3:22:45

Timm 'one oversized Menehune' - 4:53:15

Joe - 3:59:17

Matt - 4:53:45

Mike 'Smooth' G. - 3:58:22 (PR!!!)

Habu - 4:32:15

Carole - 3:44:10

Doug T. - 3:57:53

da Cos - 3:30:57

John S. - 6:27:12 (finished despite a bad leg injury!! way to go!)

Reed - 3:44:19

Brenda - ??

Ray - 4:08:08

Wily Coyote/WWII - 5:33:09 (slept in late and got to the start 45 minutes after everyone left!)

Much aloha to Lynda and Anne as they battled the flu and injury, respectively, and could not enjoy in today's fun. Get better soon!

As I cruised through the miles, I thought of the HM's I've done before and the various people I've met (Maniacles & Shaka probably have 10x's this), it was awesome not only seeing the spectacle of so many trudging through the miles but also seeing people I knew from either when I first started (Geoff H., Dr. P., John S.) to those who have recently began running with the Ohana (Mike P., Alison, Gene).

Much mahalos to Maniacles who looked up pretty much everyone's finishing times, and Laura for the photos (my disposable still needs to get developed)!

Congrats all in finishing despite the bad weather and the little 'tweaks' to our running plans that it caused! It's all about the finishing! Now on to 2009 and a new year in running! Have an awesome holiday season all! This Tuesday (12/16) will feature our second annual post-HM barbeque, with the following Tuesday being 'red & green' day along with the Runners' HI Christmas party! See you on the roads and trails!!!

The day(s) before....Honolulu Marathon 2008

As the year winds down and we begin to get into the festive mood of the holidays, runners in Hawai`i also prepare for one of the most anticipated events here, the Honolulu Marathon. This year will be the 36th of it's conception, with many former participants returning especially those from our Ohana. Once again Maniacles has convinced and aided several of our middle distance runners to attempt their first marathon! Good luck and much success to all of our six 'rookie' marathoners, Alison (who turns 26.2 years of age while running her first 26.2-miles), Marge (wife of Mark 'da Rock'), Lei (former short distance runner and triathlete, not in picture), Vera (Marge's training partner, not in picture), Nicole and Rae (both part of the Hilo Bayfront Ohana)!

Last night (Friday, Dec. 12), was the inaugural Runners HI Ohana/Hilo Bayfront Runners/Marathon Maniacs pre-HM dinner at Buca de Beppo at Ward Center. Our very own Maniacles and his lovely wife, Grace, both organized and hosted the event, with Marie K of the Hilo Bayfront Runners provided lei and several door prizes to for the event. Frayed Laces also donating much of the samples she had acquired from various companies that had taken interest in her website. Much Mahalos for all your time and generosity!

A total of 32 were in attendance, all enjoying the brews, food, camraderie, and conversation. this included six from the Hilo gang (Greg came in a bit late), as well as the Prez & SRLopex from the Maniacs! A Honolulu Marathon trivia contest was done, with very interesting peices of information being given (slowest finishing time for a women's champion was 3hrs, 25 minutes; over 70,000 sponges were used in 2005)! The life of the party was young George as he spread his energy and love to all there, while his dad, Tim, played wine server and spread 'the juice'. All in all it was a great night where all could unwind and enjoy the company of others.

Now on the final day before the big morning, many are doing their final race preparations: putting out their running clothes, pinning on the race bib, tying the race chip to their shoes, getting all their gels and nutrition together...all in anticipation of the day to come. Two of the Ohana will be parading through Waikiki into Hawai`i Kai and back as elves!

Good luck to all in completing the marathon! No matter what time or place you come in, it's all about finishing and lending to the feeling of what it's like to complete a marathon! See ya all at the finish!!!

Who doesn't love fast marathons

Another weekend of marathoning has gone by, with various members of the Ohana participating in three different marathons on the mainland (I'm always astounded on how much we've grown)! More ironically they occurred on the same day (Sunday, 7December 2008) and within two time zones of each other! Here's the results, with hopefully some comments in latter blogs:

Tucson Marathon

Tucson, AZ

Elisa 'the Animal' is back!!! Clocking in at 4:04:32, she had quite a time at this one:

I was on track to break 4 hours until mile 23. I cannot complain about my time though. I was having stomach problems , so I stopped taking gels and advil around mile 14, then my knee started to hurt and at mile 23, the 4 hour pacer passed me and I could not keep up. Owell. Not a bad day though. It was overcast, so it stayed around a cool 65 or 70. I was running in a singlet and little shorts the whole time, but I looked up to see a bit of snow on the mountain tops. The Tucson Marathon.........definately the worst marathon for me so far. I had a friend dropping me off at the busses that take you to the start. We were in line for parking/drop off area for an hour. The race packet said the last bus left from that area going to the start at 0600. At 0557 I jumped out the car and started running for the busses. I ended up being on one of the first ones. The bus driver got lost going to the start. I really didn't think they were going to start the race on time.........I am not sure that all the busses were at the startline when the race started. The elevation profile is very misleading. You would think that it is mostly downhill. It definately did not seem that way to me. Maybe a slight decline (1%), but not downhill. There were not timing clocks at the mile markers. But then again, maybe I should buy a watch. Next up for me is Phoenix R&R.

Here's her full results.

Las Vegas Marathon

Las Vegas, Nevada

What a place to do Boston qualifier, then celebrate doing so! Several of the ladies went to do just that and are currently painting the town wallowing in celebration (so what goes on in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas)! I'm amazed Maniacles was able to get away from the crap tables and line up at the start! Congrats to all the our female members who all more than attained their goals! Here's the results:

Shaka - 3:26:00 BQd!, Maniacles - 3:32:11 BQd!, Frayed Laces - 3:37:40 BQd!!!!, Shelly C- 3:59: 18 BQ!, Red Rabbit - 4:01:55, Greg H - 4:13:17, Marie K. - 5:27:41(one more til a Maniac!), Harvey N. - 6:01:29, and Invincible Bob - 6:07:51...awesome job all!

Here's the results link for all the HI entrants.

California International Marathon (CIM)

Fremont to Sacramento, California

At the last moment, Denise and Dave switched from doing the Vegas trip to running CIM instead (perhaps avoiding the temptations of the Strip). The change gave them some really fast run times as both BQ'd!

DAVID C. 3:21:15

DENISE C. 03:41:26

Full results list here.

Dan T. and a few others participated in the XTERRA Challenge out on Kualoa Ranch today (a trail half-marathon). No results as of yet but will post them along with his race review later. Several of the Ohana did either an easy 10-miler along the P.H. bike path or partipated in the SAM's 5k (as well as a few extra miles). (I took a break from back2back H.U.R.T. loop days to recup and do these posts and race updates.) Hope all had a great weekend! One more week til HM!

A November Review

The Ohana has been at it again, especially our mainland kin, who've been adding on those 26.2 fun miles like clockwork! For the O`ahu gang, we're all looking forward to this year's Honolulu Marathon on Sunday, Dec. 14th, as it'll be the first for Marge, Alison, & Lei! All three have put in so much training and time in preparing for this! Hoping they'll not only do well but also enjoy the whole experience!

This weekend a couple of mainland US marathons will be run on Sunday. Several of the the Ohana will be congregating in the 9th island, Las Vegas, to run the Las Vegas marathon this coming Sunday (Dec. 7th). Good luck to Marie and Greg (Hilo Ohana), Invincible Bob (our newest Hawaiian Maniac #1167, who joined in early November), Evelyn, Maniacles, Shaka, and Red Rabbit as they add another notch on the ol' running belt while resisting the tempation to hit the casinos during the marathon! Much luck and success especially to Frayed Laces she seeks to (more likely will) BQ! Denise & Dave C. will be heading to sunny and cool Sacramento, California to run the CIM (California International Marathon) in hopes to also do the same (BQ)! Wow these marathoners know how to pick the quick getaways! Good luck to Elisa 'the Animal' as she takes on the Tucson marathon!

Here's a quick review of this past November:

Ron Herzog 50k Trail Run

Masonic Park, Granite Falls, WA.

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008

While attending to some business in Washington

(state), Mark 'da Rock' extended his stay and hung out with Red Rabbit over the weekend. To pass the time, they spent their Saturday morning running a 50k trail run. Here's a clip from Mark's email about the conditions:

Aloha Ohana and my beautiful wife,
All is well in Tacoma. I am freezing my butt off. The highs during the day are in the 50s and the lows are in the 30s. I am pretty sure I enjoy the Hawaii weather better. I had breakfast with Gary Sunday morning after I arrived here in Washington. I will link-up with him on Friday, the race starts at 0800 on Saturday and am looking forward to seeing Margie and the girls Sunday afternoon.
I will see you all with stories on Tuesday. Good luck to everyone running the half (Val Nolasco half marathon).
Margie, I know you will do great.

Despite cold, rainy conditions and being taunted by some Maniac named 'Pigtails' both persevered and got home to warm home cooking by Sue!

Mark got in at a cruising 5:10 with Red Rabbit bouncing in at 5:39! Reports are that there were some cursing by the latter about how cold it was!

Val Nolasco Half-Marathon

Race #5 of the Marathon Readiness Series

Kapi`olani Park, Waikiki, Hawai`i

Sunday , Nov. 9, 2008

Here's Maniacles comments (wasn't there, running up on the trails):

Nice cool morning but with quite a head wind. Over a thousand participants. AG awards to Tom, Carole, Shelly, Joe A and Jeff N. Here are the results.

For those who know him, it was nice to have Wayne Joseph, aka Big Dog, out there joining us for the race. For those who don't know Wayne, he is the race director for the Big Island Marathon and now defunct Kilauea Wilderness Runs.

Outer Banks Marathon

Kitty Hawk to Manteo, North Carolina

Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008

Stroller Mom & Dad were thought to be on a winter hiatus...not!!!

Had a great run, the numbers don't quite do it justice. First of all, a picture perfect day. Warmer than last year, just enough of a breeze to keep it from getting too hot. Not a cloud in the sky. Very friendly runners, lots of first timers.This is one of the very few times I've started a marathon not quite sure I'd be able to finish. I've been on drugs that are just wiping me out (never mind that the reason for the drugs is also taking its toll) and the first few miles of this race I really wasn't sure I'd make all 26. However, Dan did his level best to cheer me on, Dad was out on the course around mile nine with Chase to cheer us on, some kind soul gave me a cup of coffee at mile 15 and after that things went much better. And yes, since he pulled me through the early miles, I got him through the final miles.Number 26 for Dan, a great one to be his marathon marathon. We kissed at every mile marker, made the day for a few spectators. The theme this year was Pirates and the medal was a treasure map of the course. We've got a break before the next one -- North Central Trail the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Here's the results.

"The Red Rabbit Thanksgiving Triple' - All over WA

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday - Nov 28-30, 2008

Yes this triple 'threat' is not a real event but the races are! Talk about burning off those Thanksgiving day calories! Red Rabbit's been living it up in the bliss of Marathon Maniac Central! Guess he and Sue don't believe in Black Friday!

Wishbone Ultra on Friday (11/28): 4:28:30

Ghost of Seattle Marathon on Saturday (11/29): 4:30:44

Seattle Marathon on Sunday (11/30): 4:06:32

North Central Trail Marathon

Sparks, Maryland (Baltimore County)

Friday, Nov. 28, 2008

Stroller Mom & Dad bookended November with 'marathon-dates'...awe love & distance running!

Aloha from the East,

We had yet another spectacular day for a marathon. Cool temps, but not so cold our feet were frozen at the start. The North Central Trail Marathon is a wonderful, scenic race. Twenty three miles of it are an out and back on a rails-to-trails path that was left hard-pack, vice asphalt. Very gentle on the body parts. Temps in the mid 30's to start, upper 40's to finish, a very light WNW wind, lots of sunshine (they were calling for rain up until about three days ago!).

Dan and I did yet another date marathon, he claimed he didn't have the training for anything faster. I don't believe him, though I know he's still having problems with his plantar fasciitis. Gun and chip time we made it in under five hours. Given our respective training, we were happy with that.Much to our kids' delight, we celebrated at one of our favorite sushi places (the one we went to with you Johnny). Short stuff up next. I'm coaching elementary school girls for a program called Girls On the Run, our Fall 5K is this coming Saturday, then a metric marathon on Sunday. This after a fun Turkey Trot (over 2500 runners!) on Thanksgiving.

Hope all the other marathoners had a great weekend!

Saved the best for last!!! Laura and Jason S. having settled in on the East Coast have begun their marathon adventures! Here's Laura's account:

The Weather Channel Atlanta Marathon

Atlanta, Georgia

Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008

Jason and I decided to have a less than traditional Thanksgiving this year. On Wednesday, we went up to Atlanta for the Weather Channel Marathon and Half Marathon. The main attraction is really the Half, which attracted over 15,000 runners who wanted to "earn their turkey" that day. Jason ran the half, (with very little training) and his chip time was 1:53 and change. I was VERY proud of him.I ran the marathon as planned. I was extremely nervous going into it due to a hip flexor/groin/not really sure what it was injury.

This marathon is known for being a small race for "purists." A little over 1000 runners, no bells or whistles, or huge prize money, or even crowd support for that matter (heck, it's Thanksgiving), and LOTS of hills. The course is 90% the Olympic Marathon course from '96. Plus the it closes after 5 hours. I really didn't know if I could finish in 5 hours with this injury, lack of hill training, etc. but of course, I did NOT want to back out and switch to the 1/2. -- All I can say is a combination of Ibuprofen and Biofreeze can do AMAZING things!

We began at the Olympic rings at Turner Field. It was cold at the start. . . maybe about 30 degrees. I was shocked to see I was the lightest dressed -- wearing shorts, a short sleeve shirt and a garbage bag. Everyone else seemed to have tights, gloves, ear warmers. I ditched my garbage bag at the 1st aid station, but it did take about 3 miles for me to be able feel my feet again. By the time we finished, the temps were in the 60s.

As I was saying, Ibprofen and Biofreeze can do amazing things. I didn't even feel my injury. Due to my new lighter weight racing shoes, and the cold, I ran the first 10 miles extremely fast. I was on pace for a 4 hour marathon for quite some time. Oh, and the HILLS!!! There were at least 4 the size of diamond head plus about a million smaller hills. Mile 20- 25 is basically one big hill. Anyhow, by mile 19 I realized that even if I walked the last 7 miles I would still meet my goal of finishing in the 5 hour time limit. I decided not to push too hard and just enjoy those last miles. I ran-walked them. Ran when I felt like running and walked when I felt like walking. Jason was waiting for me at mile 22 or so and he ran with me a little way and then said he would see me at the finish. I really enjoyed those miles knowing that after all that worrying, I was going to do this. Mile 26, you run up a slight hill and at the crest, I saw the Olympic Rings waiting for me. What an inspiration! As I crossed the finish line (4:30:33), the announcer said my name. He pronouced it "Laura Shaltzy." I'm loopy after the run, right? I laughed really HARD just as the camera flashed! That'll be a cheesy picture.

Well, if you're still reading this. . . I missed you all. Especially seeing everyone after the race. Running a Marathon on Thanksgiving, I often thought "I am thankful I have the ability to run!" I know you all agree! Happy Holidays! ~Laura

Great job by all who participated in all of the events this past month! Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving...btw, thanks for being the best Ohana! As we hit the home stretch in December, many are putting in the last few miles for one last marathon or two! Be sure to make the time to spend the holidays with family and friends and stay safe! Aloha!!!