Maui Marathon October 13,14 2018

Packet Pick Up - October 13, 2018

Packet pick up was in the morning at the Westin Maui. We parked at Whalers Village. The mall was similar to Ala Moana, open, inviting, & overpriced. Westin Maui Hotel was adjacent to the mall. The expo was packed. With little volunteers, it took a long time to get the packet, pick up our shirts, & buy stuff. While waiting, I struck up a conversation with a Maui resident who has done the marathon before. I asked him what obstacles will I face? He mentioned the sun, which I kind of knew while scouting the route the last two days, but he said the head wind is bad and swirls. Great advice, I thought. Michelle bought me gels, so I was prepped.

October 14, 2018

Marathon Day. I woke up at 2:00am and got ready. I ate two cliff bars and drank my coffee. I woke up Michelle and Jared woke up at the same time at 3:15am. We took the 1 hour drive from Paki Maui Hotel in Lahaina to Kahalui. Michelle dropped me off in an industrial area by the Kahalui Walmart. There were maybe about 500 doing the marathon. I was wondering why so many people had head lamps. It was pitch dark with the exception of some high powered lights. The MC was saying some inspirational stuff like, "enjoy the journey today, you trained so hard", "this is your moment". Mayor Arakawa advised everyone to stay safe and don't overdo it.  Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom sang the National Anthem and Hawaii Pono'i. The crowd was somber and lacked energy. I get it, showing up at this industrial place near Walmart at 5am is not spectacular. 

The race started on time and we were off. I noticed right away that it was pitch black no street lights. Footing was a little problem because I couldn't see where I was stepping. The only light was oncoming cars heading towards us at 50 mph. It was coned off so that was good. There was a cool breeze which was a good sign. I will see when the sun comes up what I would have to deal with. No one cheering, no lights, just the sound of cars and footsteps of runners. I can't remember what mile it was, but we turned left on Honoapiilani Hwy and started heading towards the ups and downs. I thought there was only one hill, it was more like 3 or 4 hills which wasn't too bad for me, but it was a surprise, even though I drove on this road about 5 times the previous days. 

The sun came out in full force at mile 13. By mile 17, I started to slow down which affected my pace. I still kept a 10:15 min pace even with the water breaks and felt that I could PR. But that dream was still a dream as my pace slowed down at mile 17. I started going slower and the heat got to me. No shade on Honoapiilani Hwy and it took its toll, mile after mile my pace slowed and I started walking/running. I was dying! It was really hot. The group I was running with was struggling too. They were walking/running and we kept on passing each other for about 5 miles. Eventually we got to the bypass which offered some trees and I even got a spark of energy. However, that was short lived as Honoapiilani Hwy. got back to its unshaded highway which was a bitch. I managed to walk/run a 13 minute mile near the end. I thought to myself, I need a boost. 

I was almost done, this guy in a mustang convertible said, "run! you are almost done". So like Forest Gump, I was running. As I neared the finish I waived high to Shell, Mary, and Jared as the announcer called my name. Finishing a marathon is such a great feeling. It is one of the most humbling experiences in a person's life. I think everyone has to do it once just to feel that accomplishment. I finished at 5:02:28. Out of my 11 marathons, this ranks 5th, not too shabby.