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!!!