6 Days!

Can I just say how much I love the St. George Marathon! I am flying out on Wednesday night and I am soooooo excited!

This is the Veyo hill at mile 7 of the marathon. It really is incredible to see all those runners on the road.

I love this part of the course, the sun hits those mountains in Snow Canyon just right.

I am feeling really positive about this upcoming race. Apparently there is a 7% rule. Runners from Hawaii run 7% faster when they travel to the mainland. I like that rule!

Many of you asked how I carried the honey with me on my run. I put about a tablespoon of honey in a sandwich baggie, tied a knot in the end and when I needed it, bit it open and sucked it out. Simple. I must say, the honey goes down much easier than Gu. And I don't feel icky. Used it again this morning on my 8 mile run. Again with great results! AND it's cheaper than buying the little packets! ( :

Oliver Shagnasty's

I tried something new on my long run yesterday! Oliver Shagnasty's (I had to laugh at the name) Kauai Natural Raw Honey. And It Was Awesome! Sure beats GU!! I didn't get those icky throw-up hicups! And I had the energy that I needed. I am sold. (I tried to order HoneyStingers, and shipping to Hawaii was 3 times the amount I would've spent on the packets...so I made my own!) Worked like a charm too! I had a great 15 mile run. It was a beautiful morning. I ran the main highway and down to Anini beach. I love running Anini! It is so beautiful, the road is right next to the ocean most of the way, and there are bathrooms/water at the half way point. Can't beat that! I am ready for St. George...12 days!

The Race Report

I always like to think about the race for a couple of days before I actually sit down to write my race report....This was my first "island" marathon. And boy, did it exceed my expectations. It was full of the aloha spirit!

It was a relatively small race, only about 1800 entrants, including Dean Karnazes. The starting line was great, there was a lot of energy, music, and of course, tiki torches. The race started at 6:00 am sharp! The start was lined with tiki torches and conch shell blowers dressed in the traditional Hawaiian attire. The gun went off and then they blew the conch shells, it was so cool! "The blowing of the conch shell" is an ancient Hawaiian ritual. It is supposed to give thanks, bring people together in harmony and receive blessings. When they are blown strongly, the sound can be heard for miles. It is common for the conch shell blower to blow the shell once in four directions to symbolize the four elements of the universe; blowing the shell to the East greets the sunrise; to the West honors the setting sun; to the North pays respect to the stars; and to the South pays respect to the forefathers. I love Hawaiian traditions!

It was a perfect day for a run, there was great cloud coverage and it rained for a lot of the race, which I was so grateful for! The first of MANY hills came fairly early in the race. They weren't kidding when they said it was a hilly course!

At about mile 14-15 I saw Dean, my new best friend, hehehe, he was on his 20-21st mile, it was just him and me running toward each other....and we "shaka'd" (hang loose sign) each other. Ya, it was the highlight, I was a little star struck, but I can say, I ran with Dean Karnazes! And come to find out, my friend's husband went to high school with him...who knew?

The start line

Along the course

There were hula dancers at several different spots on the course

The day was great, I did not get a PR, but I finished the race and I had a great time doing it. I met a lot of nice people and I was really impressed with the organization/preparation for the race. Jeff Sacchini and his staff did an excellent job! The course was absolutely beautiful! How could it not be, it's Kauai!

Aloha!

Look Who It Is....

Dean Karnazes!!

Dean is the host of the Kauai marathon and he was at the expo this afternoon signing posters. Of course, I had to take a photo op.

I was impressed with the expo...it was very small, but we got great stuff! A Kauai Marathon tote bag, an aluminum water bottle, another tote bag, and a great race shirt.

I am excited to race in the morning. My goals for this one are very simple:

*Have fun

*Finish

I am not putting time restraints on myself, I am not sure what to expect with the humidity/weather. We drove part of the course today, and it is definitely a hilly course!

I'm off to the races~wish me luck!