After having to take a few weeks off from running due to injury I began PT and eased my way back into training for the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, Michigan. Unfortunately there were just a few weeks left before the race once I could run again so I was not as trained as I would like to have been. But my leg was feeling great and I was pretty sure I would be able to finish so made the final preparations and hopped on a plane with David and the long weekend was underway.
I chose this marathon for the scenic “flat” course (the race advertises itself as flat, it’s not flat, maybe flat compared to the rest of the area but there are hills!) but also because David’s college friends are in the area. Marathons are for the runners, not the spectators and I’m so lucky that David doesn’t seem to mind spectating and even seems to enjoy it at times, but by doing this specific race, this holiday weekend wasn’t just about me. We are fortunate that our friends have a home in the area and welcomed us in with open arms, excellent company, and Vitamin water.
We arrived the evening before the race and enjoyed a delicious homemade pasta dinner and beautiful sunset (at 9:15 PM!!!). That is a late sunset for these east coasters. Was hard to force myself to go to bed with it still being quite light outside but I knew I had an early morning ahead so after some logistical planning hit the sack for hopefully a good night’s sleep.
4:45 AM. Alarm goes off. I had gotten my stuff together the night before so get dressed, eat some food, and head to the race start. After getting through some traffic David dropped me off and it was then hurry up and wait. But I didn’t have to wait too long. It was chilly out, 38 degrees but actually didn’t feel too bad with a light sweatshirt and shorts. The worst part was walking through the wet grass for the bag check. Cold, wet shoes are never fun. But by the time I used the bathroom, checked my bag, walked to the start, met one of my favorite running podcasters (Ali Feller from Ali on the Run), used the bathroom again, it was almost time to start.
Lots of anticipation at the start. The sun was shining, the air was cool, and you could feel the nervous energy. Chatter all around me, people bouncing in place to keep warm, race strategies being discussed. When 5th place Boston Marathoner (among other many achievements) Emma Bates blew the air horn signaling the start of the race I took a deep breath and reminded myself not to go out too hard. It was a challenge not to do that since this race isn’t as big as some of the others. Plenty of room to take off without having to weave around other runners. I as typical went out faster than I planned and tried to pull it back but didn’t pull it back enough and I definitely paid for it the last third of the race or so. I don’t have a great race recap like previous races, mostly because this was an out and back course without many turns so the miles just blended together. So some moments that stood out:
- The first view of the water
- Seeing David at mile 6ish
- The gorgeous homes we ran past
- The man carrying the American flag the entire race
- The rolling hills
- Reaching the turnaround point
- The lack of calf cramps at mile 18!!! (that’s typically around when they begin for me)
- The cool breeze coming off the water (without it it would have been very warm)
- Realizing I wasn’t going to make my A goal so backing it down a bit
- Seeing David and friends at mile 20ish (with vitamin water but no banana)
- The last few miles were so long and hard but realizing I could PR
- Entering the track for the finish
- Seeing David and friends as soon as I entered the track
- The song Walls beginning playing as I entered the track
- The noise of the spectators at the finish
- Kicking it hard to the finish
- Earning a 2 minute and 1 second PR
- The pain in my legs and hips as soon as I stopped
- Hobbling through the finish to the bag check
- The delicious ice cream (mint chocolate chip)
- Seeing David and friend
- Trying to change my shoes (cramps in the bottoms of both feet) and then hobble to the car (which at that point seemed just as far away as the distance I had just run)
Overall this wasn’t quite the race I wanted but I knew it wouldn’t be with missing so much training time. I was quite sore after (more than usual) because of the missed runs but by the end of the day I was feeling much better other than unusual pain around my left knee. Which isn’t the leg that was injured. It was very achy and walking downhill and down steps was not pleasant, but it didn’t keep me from enjoying the rest of the weekend. That evening after satisfying my “runger” at a local joint another friend came into town to join the fun. We spent the evening just shooting the shit, enjoying each other’s company, and taking in the spectacular views by a fire.
The next day was spent seeing the area, visiting different towns, and enjoying our last day together. The trip culminated with a delicious taco dinner, hanging out at the house with some drinks, and of course another beautiful late sunset.
I love seeing new places on foot and this race was no doubt beautiful. A truly memorable race as part of a memorable course and just a small part in a memorable weekend. Having friends there made the race more special and getting to spend time with friends we don’t often see was priceless.