Outer Banks Marathon

Four months and 433 miles later, not to mention cross training, I headed about as far east as you can go and still be on land in the US. I left Nevada, flew from Salt Lake to Norfolk, VA, rented a car (that's a fun story), and drove south to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This was where I worked last summer and it was fun to be back to see friends and the ocean.

I attended the race expo on Saturday and got my t-shirt and other swag, and a new tattoo for my car. I'll take a picture and post it at some point. I also met up with my friend Shannon who I had worked with this past summer at Great Basin. We checked into our hotel, which was right on the beach and then decided to try out a spaghetti dinner being hosted by a Baptist church on the island. Best decision! It was awesome and the interaction with the other patrons enjoyable.

I got up early Sunday morning and began my pre-race routine and traditions. It was a beautiful day. I parked at the finish and took the shuttle to the start and continued with pre-race routines. At 7:20, the gun went off, and I was off. The first seven miles were through neighborhoods. I really hit my stride and got into my rhythm about mile 6.5/7, which was about the same for my last marathon.

Mile 8 we ran through the Wright Brothers Memorial. Thanks to TriDuo for the pictures. I promise, all you see here, I will be purchasing. The picture below is a little before mile 9, with the monument in the background.
Miles 10 through the very end of 12 were through the Nags Head Woods. It was beautiful, shady, but a little sandy and hilly. I had no problem on the hills. The joys of training in Nevada. I was passing folks like crazy and worried for a bit that my pace was too fast. I got out of the woods, passed the 13.1 mile mark and the current time and I was slightly slower than I wanted to be but felt good.Passing mile 16. Still doing really well, having run the whole thing to this point, and feeling awesome. Fist pump for the camera!

Mile 22 started at the base of a bridge and mile 23 at the crest of the bridge. Everyone and everything talked about the horrors of this bridge. I ran the whole thing, passing people again, just like the hills in the woods. The bridge was really windy too, but again, so grateful for the wind I ran through in Garrison during training.

I never really hit a wall, I could tell my muscles were getting sore, but I was able to run the whole thing and complete goal #1, to finish. This is me crossing the finish line.

I was also able to accomplish goal #2, to run the race in less than 5 hours. Whoop! Six and a half minutes to spare!

I was walking all geriatric for the next two days, very sore, but very happy. After my third marathon, I said never again. Now, I'm looking for number 5! Anyone with me?

23

No, that's not how old I am. It's the number of roommates I have had in the past ten years. I know, it's a lot. It's about the same number of times I've moved in the past ten years as well. I gotta get me a permanent job!

This last summer, after some rearranging, I ended up with roommate #23, Jennie. She is amazing and became a great friend.

This summer, with Jennie, was wonderful. I couldn't have been more lucky. One of the days I was scheduled for the alpine rove and bristlecone talk, Jennie hiked up to be there too.

She makes the most amazing homemade granola! She gave me her recipe and we spent an evening of her teaching and me making. I can't wait to try another batch.

One night this summer, we had SSOSS, or Super Supper of Side Salads.

I'm done and back in Texas for a little bit, and she finishes her season in a couple weeks. Who knows what comes next for either of us. Thankfully, it's a small world in the park service and I'm sure our paths will cross again, if we don't force them too sooner!