What Happens in Vegas

Okay, I'll admit it.  I didn't want to talk about my last marathon on December 2nd, the Zappos Rock n' Roll Marathon.  But the truth is like salve to a wound and I am ready to tell my story.

Running is a journey, and in every journey there are high points and low points.

Typically, I end the journey with a huge smile on my face; knowing that I am doing something I love, thinking back on where I have come from and what lies ahead.

This time, I finished with tears in my eyes and pain on my face as I crossed the finish line.

The real pain, besides physical (I became very dehydrated and cramped up for the final 8 miles), was mental.  Starting off, and for the first 13 miles, I was having the strongest race of my career.  Smiling and throwing the Shaka, I thought back through all the training and hard work of the Big Island Run.  I was in excellent shape.

However, high wind conditions and dehydration forced me to slow my pace, and mental state changed as day turned to night.

As I said, the real pain of my final miles was mental, as I watched my Boston QT slip past and realized more importantly that I was not having fun.  "Why," I thought, "am I doing this if it's not fun?"  I nearly dropped out.

I have a goal at each marathon to finish with a smile on my face, and I just didn't feel happy.  I felt tired and achy and ready to go back to the hotel and cry... Not the Vegas finish I was expecting.

Not ready to quit, however, I dug deep and journeyed on.  And I am glad I did.  I crossed just two minutes behind my PR, yes.  I cried, yes.  I called my mom, yes.  And, I also ran stronger than my previous 5 marathons; and... well... I finished.  And I'm glad I did.  

What I want to drive home in the telling of the story, is not "push, push, push; pain is nothing."

Pain is an indicator that something is going wrong.  Our body is hurting.

What I would like to drive home is this:  Sometimes we push past pain simply to get to the other side.  Simply to finish the journey; even if we don't have a smile on our face.  Smiles or tears, the journey is ours to create.
  

And I don't regret finishing.

At the lowest point for me on the Big Island Run, someone said to me, "If it isn't fun, stop doing it."  And suddenly, I was considering quitting.  But, I didn't quit.  I journeyed on (the theme of this year's marathon), and I am so extremely thankful that I did.

In this same way, running has become a continuous journey and an integral part of life for me.

I'm okay with sometimes fighting through pain; I'm okay with ending marathons with tears.  Because as with life, things are not always good or bad, black or white.  There are gray areas.

In true Vegas style, I experienced it all the fuzzy places; pain, pleasure, joy and despair... oh, and then after, gluttony!

Why We Climb

Last week on a visit to Oahu I was lucky enough to receive an invitation for "a hard workout," from a personal trainer friend, Caren.  With the additional information that the workout was a climb to a local peak along an old railway line, I heartily agreed.

Here are Caren and I at the rewarding apex of this hard workout.

I gotta say, anytime someone suggests climbing to the top of a mountain as part of the possible day's activities, I jump on board.

Why do I climb?  Why do I push?  Why do anyone of us challenge ourselves?

The rewards are always worth it.

Feeling Like a Winner

This weekend, I got my groove back.
 

 

(This is Sheryl, not me, but you get the point)

 

After a bit of an emotional and physical lull following my journey around the Big Island, I finally feel back to myself and back to my joy.

 

  

Hawaii helps.  It totally rocks here. 

 

 

 

On Saturday, I ran a local "Miracle Mile" race with Big Island Running Company, and got first in my age division.  It was my first time winning anything (besides raffles) so I admit, I feel proud.

 

I'm a winner... 

 

Why is that so hard to say?  As an endurance athlete, and someone who tackles big goals, I am incredibly hard on myself.  I wonder; why is it so much easier to put myself down, than to build myself up?  Why does it feel so "dirty" to say, "Hey, I'm good at something?"

 

 

Well, the confidence of the race clearly had a positive effect on my psyche (which was feeling bruised from too much television and sugar this past week), because I ran a solid 20 miles this morning in better time than usual; just 3:15.

 

 

I made an amazing banana, orange, almond butter smoothie to recover.

 

Then a quick dip in the clear ocean and the massage of my life from Bonnie at Gifted Hands Massage.

 

Moral of the weekend; have patience and dark times or bad moods will pass.  As the Black Eyed Peas wisely say:  "To bring in the light, we must first bring in the dark."



It's a Wrap!

Although I am back in Kona after my journey running around the Big Island, the details of my trip are still fresh in my mind and body.  Yesterday, I couldn't help but jog around town in my Halloween costume!  Now that the trip is over, I want to share a more detailed account of the journey:

 

Day 1: Costco Kona to Kawaihae

 

31 miles north on Hwy 19

21 miles from 4- 8 a.m.

Rest Stop in Waikoloa

10 miles more from 3:30-5:20 p.m.

Post run meal:  Pasta with okra, squash and tomato sause, green salad

 



 

This was a definite highlight of the run!  Starting at 4 a.m. in the cool night air was magical, and Waikoloa made such an excellent first stop.  I ate snacks, dipped in the ocean and napped on the beach.  What could be better!!

 

 

My good friend and support for the second half, Sheryl, came and visited and we visited the new baby dolphins at the Hilton.

 

 

At 3:30, I ran the final 10 miles to meet my coach, Thad in Kawaihae.  The run was a bit humid and the road hot, but the mid-run snack of a larabar got me through!  He drove me to his home and we made a killer post run pasta.  Sweet end to a sweet first day!

 

Day 2:  Kawaihae to Waimea

11 miles east on Hwy. 19

3:00-5:00 p.m.

Elevation gain: 2,500 ft.

Post run meal:  Lentil burgers and brown rice with kale and avocado salad

 

 

Yum!  I spent the morning of day 2 recovering from my long mileage the day before, then buckled down for a tough 11 miles up to Waimea-- The road was windy and the shoulder small!  Here is a section of road that I could have done without.  Although running into the agrarian town of Waimea was a treat, and I loved seeing the ranches, cows and beautiful gardens.  My good friend Erin came to support me in this section, checking on me with her car every 2 miles or so.  What a rockstar!

 

 

Day 3:  Waimea to Honoka'a

15.5 miles along Old Mamalohoa Hwy.

9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Post run meal:  Smoothie and grilled veggie sandwich at Simply Natural Cafe

 

 

What a gem of a day.  The run was quiet and calm, hardly any traffic on the old highway!

 

 

I loved running through the wide open fields, cows dotting the landscape.  The run was mostly level and then a large drop into Honoka'a.  My energy was great all morning after a great meal the night before, granola for breakfast and taking Niupure supplement.  The best part of the day was meeting up with friends, coming for the Honoka'a half marathon and visiting the Waipio valley for a nap!

 

 

 

Day 4:  Honoka'a Half Marathon

13.2 miles out to the Waipio overlook and back

Finished in 2 hours 18 minutes

Post run meal:  Taro burger on a giant salad and a cold beer at Simply Natural

 

 

Here are some post race photos of some Big Island Running Co. friends.  Chico placed third, and Ellis placed first.  My time felt slow, but I was happy just to finish strong after a few days of running the island.  Tomato juice at the finish of a hot run was divine!

 

 

And I love taking my shoes off!  Here is a regular running legend on the Big Island, Jon Kunitake and I at the finish.  He organized the Kona Marathon for years and was instrumental in bringing coffee to the Island.

 

The half marathon was followed by a day of rest and relaxation in my hotel in Honoka'a, and by the beach in Waipio with my friend, Chico.  I stretched my feet and legs with a hike down into the valley and back.  I love the barefoot shoes for recovery.

 

 

 

Honoka'a near the overlook to Waipio Valley.

 

 

Day 5:  Honoka'a to Akaka Falls

 

30 miles on Hwy. 19 going south

Ran from 6:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

 

 

Post run meal:  Huge fruit and avocado salad with walnuts at The Woodshop Gallery and Cafe

 

The run from Honoka'a to Akaka was one of my most challenging days with decents and climbs in and out of 4 major gulches.  Of course, the views over the gulches were 100% worth it, and the rewards of a beautiful B & B, The Palms Cliff House Inn were wonderfully rejuvinating!

 

 

 

 

Day 6:  Akaka Falls to Hilo

11 miles on Hwy. 19 traveling south

Ran from 12:00- 1:50 p.m.

Post run meal:  Veggie breakfast burrito at Surf Break Cafe

 

 This day started with a leisurely breakfast of granola, fruit and a muffin at Palms Cliff House Inn, a quick soak in the hot-tub and an easy decent into Hilo with my friend Ellis.  It was great to run with a friend, and Hilo offers so much for post run indulgences for the senses-- great galleries, cafes, and shops, and a stellar farmers market!

 

 

 

 

Hawaii offers such a bounty of amazing fresh produce and locally produced foods; I loaded up on greens, fruit (especially bananas!), carrots, tomatoes, beans and peas for the second half of my journey.  I love the sights and smells of the market too; Hilo is home to some excellent Thai, Vietnamese and traditional Hawaiian foods.  Yum!

 

Dinner that night was brown rice, stir fry, beans, and dairy free ice cream for dessert with my generous hosts Roxanne and Terry.  The shorter day allowed for rest and relaxation, and I slept great, full from the day!

 

Day 7:  Hilo to Volcano

28.5 miles on Hwy 11. traveling south

Ran from 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.; 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Elevation gain: 4,000 ft.

Post run meal:  Rice, yellow lentil daal, green salad

 

This day was not only gorgeous and lush, it was a special treat because it was shared with a couple Hilo runners; Colby and Mike.  The morning started at the market, and some leisurely chat with the gang before we embarked.

 

 

It was a long day; but thankfully I had loaded up with oatmeal and a green smoothie in the morning!  (tequilla was from the night before, I promise!)

 

 

The light drizzle and cooler temperatures made for a nice run as well; and a welcome break from the heat of the past week from Kona.  I took a break at noon for an almond butter and honey sandwich, tea and stretching.

 

 

Running into Volcano was a joy!  The scenery was magical and reminded me of Humboldt County in California-- a wet rainforest with the comforts of a cozy lodge at the end of the road!

 

 

The next day was another day off to enjoy the scenery and geologic wonders of Volcano.  We visited the active caldera at night, ate breakfast at the Kilauea Restaurant and did a short hike over the lava fields in Volcano.  All and all; a perfect rejuvination day!

 

Of course, with Halloween coming up, things got a little spooky!

 

 

 

Day 8:  Volcano to Pahala

25 miles southwest on Hwy. 11

Ran from 6:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Postrun meal:  Veggie and avocado wrap and veggie soup at Hana Hou Restaurant

 

 

Running out of Volcano couldn't have been more enjoyable.  The sky was clear and beautiful and the scenery was dotted with dry forest over lava fields, followed by lush macademia nut plantations.

Here, I am running about 5 miles south of Volcano and you can see the caldera's fumes plumeting behind me in a mushroom cloud. Spectacular!

 

 

Fortunately, the road was quiet, the shoulder was wide, and it didn't get too hot as I started in such high elevation.  Sheryl was a wonderful support, stopping every couple miles in case I needed water or food.  We were lucky enough to encounter a couple Nene right off the side of the road!

 

 

 

The run ended with a great lunch at South Point, and a rest at Punalulu State Beach.

 

Day 9:  Pahala to Na'alehu

12.5 miles along Hwy. 11

Ran from 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

Post run meal:  Malasadas and coffee (don't tell!!) at Punalulu Bake Shop

 

 

This was a tough day (although I didn't know it when I struck at from our place in Pahala at 6 a.m.)!  My legs had clearly not recovered from the heat and downhill pounding from the day before, and I struggled to make it the first 12 miles into Na'alehu.  It was a hot and humid morning and the final climb into the town took everything that I had.  I knew right then, that I wouldn't be able to make it the final 12.5 miles into Ocean View as planned.

 

 

Fortunately the views at South Point were stunning and enough to distract my negative mind and bring it to the present beauty of the Hawaii Island.

 

 

After the struggle of the final miles into Na'alehu, I should of taken this cow's advise and had plants; but my exhaustion led me to devour 2 huge creamy malasada's (Hawaiin doughnuts).  No way was I going to run any more after that!  Some puppy love always helps bring spirits up!!

 

 

A night of serious rejuvination in Ocean View with our host, Roberta really helped rejuvinate my mind and body.  We had a wonderful meal of quinoa, avocado, green salad, and roasted sweet potatoes with okra.  All my favorites!  Night was quiet and cool in Roberta's open air "biker haven" shed.  I slept like a log, and felt ready to make up some lost miles the next day!

 

 

Day 10:  Na'alehu to Captain Cook

35 miles along Hwy.11 traveling north

Ran from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a couple long breaks

Post run meal:  Pasta with mushrooms, green salad with radish

 

 

This day started on a beautiful side road from Na'alehu to South Point Road, overlooking South Point through quaint B & B's and homesteads.  My energy was good, my legs felt revived and I felt ready to the longest mileage day of the trip.

 

It helped that I had such an amazing rest in Ocean View the night before.  Here is my host Roberta and I with her dog Koa.  Such a sweet haven!

 

 

 

From the gorgeous views of South Point, I traveled north for miles upon miles through lava fields and scrub coastal forests.  My energy was good until around mile 25 or so, when I was struck with some heat and stomach issues.  Fortunately, a quick stop at the last true fishing village in Hawaii, Milloli'i to cool down in the tide-pools helped revive me for a final push nearly to Captain Cook. 

 

 

I planned on pushing all the way into town to our hosts home around 5:30 or 6 p.m., but the road to Captain Cook turned windy and narrow, and with the sun setting, it was simply too dangerous to continue to run. 

 

 

 

Even in my bright yellow safety vest, commuters seemed to be oblivious to my presence, and dodging into lavarock the side of the highway was too exhausting.  So, after a tiring afternoon, I was rewarded with an amazing rest at my friend's B &B in construction.  Ahh, South Kona sunsets!

 

 

We ate and chatted about the day, celebrating the closing of a long day, and I pooped out early, looking forward to resting and catching up on lost miles the next day instead of pushing all the way to Kona.  Thank you to my hosts Holly and Brian!

 

Day 11:  Captain Cook

8 miles north along Hwy 11

Ran from 11:15- 12:30

Post run meal:  Quinoa and blackbean burrito, cucumber salad, ginger beer

 

I planned on making it back to Kona this day, but after missing some miles in the previous days and recovering from my 35 miler the day before, I took it easy with a 8 mile run to make up missed miles.

 

 

The traffic on this section of windy road is really too fast, and even in between commuter hours, I had to be very vigilent about oncoming vehicles.

 

 

The run sped by, and I was so happy to finish feeling so good; knowing that my energy would be left for the following day's journey into Kona!!

 

Day 12:  Captain Cook to Kona

22 miles along Old Mamalohoa Hwy.

Ran from 8:10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Post run meal:  Bloody Mary, garden burger with avocado and green salad at Bongo Bens

 

From the moment I started running towards Kona on my final day of my journey, I couldn't quite believe that I would make it, or that the trip would end in a few short hours.  I had a light breakfast of granola with banana and rice milk and hit the road.  My friend, Ellis met me after about 6 miles in the town of Kealakekua, and we ran the upper road back to the Costco in Kona.

 

 

Here are Ellis and I at the intersection of Hino Lani and the Queen K for the finish!  I am simply on cloud nine!

 

 

 

Sheryl was such an amazing support and cheerleader throughout the trip.  We were both nearly in tears here.

 

 

I thought I would want a nap, but turns out I really wanted to celebrate.  Here are a group of friends and I enjoying post run refreshment.  (No, these are not all for me)

 

 

The sun set after an amazing day on the Big Island and celebrating with friends.  The Big Island run may be over, but I can't stop moving!  The next day, I dressed up in a costume and ran into town from my apartment.  My legs are feeling strong, and my commitment to preserving Hawaiin lands even stronger.  Mahalo to everyone's continued support of PATH and Hawaii Conservation Alliance.