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!
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18 comments:
Congratulations on the marathon finish!!
I can't even imagine how breathtaking that scenery along the course is.
That is so exciting! I envy all of the beautiful scenery you get to soak in when you go out for a run.
wow. just wow.
you ran with DEAN! how cool is that??? and then you had a moment .. with DEAN! .... even cooler!
Its just beautiful! what a great place to run! amazing!
Loved the report! :)
(way to go!) :)
Sounds like a great race! Your "moment" with Dean is too cool! What a great memory to take away from the event.
Congrats!
so jealous of all of it. I want to come out next year and run it with you. Fun Fun Fun.... Way to finish.
So fun! Congrats on your finish.
I'm coming out with Janice next year!
How exciting! My dream is to run a race in Hawaii some day. Some day...
that sounds like such a fun race. i want to race in hawaii someday :) can't wait to read the full report!
Hanging loose with Dean. How cool!
Congrats on the race.
very cool to run with Dean! Congrats on the marathon :)
Love the hula dancers along the course. How cool!
Your pics make it look amazing! Congrats on your first island marathon! I dream of living in Hawaii just for the perfect running weather. And a Hawaii marathon is on my to do list for sure!!!
Wow! Great report and great pitures! I have an aunt who lives in Princeville. Maybe I should pay her a "visit" next year?
Perhaps if I train enough at my home altitude, I could think those hills aren't too bad...right? Some day I just might make it out there for a race. A girl can dream.
How fun! What a great marathon report. I once saw Dean at his movie premiere and I couldn't even shake his hand I was so star-struck! Great job on the maraton!
What an amazing place to run! Congrats on your finish!!! Nice medal, too.
I'm jealous, it sounds like an awesome marathon! Congrats on your finish...glad you had a good time, too!
as a spectator of the event and frequent visitor to kaua'i i can say the race was everything and then some that stacey describes.
way to go, stacey! what an inspiration you are!!!!
love love love kaua'i and the excitement surrounding this inaugural marathon was spectacular.
at the finish line of the race, about 10 minutes after the first 1/2 thoner crossed the line, a rainbow dusted the sky over the ocean along hoonan'i road . SIMPLY MAGICAL!!!
can't wait for next year---shopping for my thon shoes now!--of course, it'll probably be a pair of "locals" (slippahs) 'cuz i doubt i could ever do a thon--half or full!!!
you rock, girl!
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