26.2 miles run in 4:34:35

$4275.22+ raised in 41+ days.

Thank you all!  

To see pictures, click here.

We went up to Portland on Saturday afternoon, taking the Downeaster train by Amtrak.  It was much more comfortable than the bus, which was doubly appreciated on the way back.  We stayed at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, which featured a "pillow menu" -- the first we'd seen, but Celine was quick to avail herself of it.  

Soon after arriving, I headed over to the University of Southern Maine to pick up my shirt and registration package.  We forgot to take a picture there, but picture us in a line in a school gym, getting a bag of goodies, a long-sleeve shirt, and then walking around a number of booths, but buying nothing.

Did my best to continue the carb load and hydration all day, but fear that I didn't quite do it well enough... more on that later.  We decided against the pasta dinner in favour of a quiet dinner in the hotel restaurant, and my potential last meal before sudden cardiac death was chicken parmesan.  Up to that point, the weather forecast was not promising, between 80-100% chance of rain.  But, that estimate dropped as the day wore on, and there was a pretty big thunderstorm on Saturday night, which left me confident it would be all rained out before race time.  

I slept well, surprisingly, and was up at 5:45 to get ready.  Decided against wearing my fuel belt, as we'd have water and Gatorade along the way, and my mp3 player would fit nicely in my pocket.  My friend Erin picked us up in the morning and it was off to the start line for about 7:30.  After a quick nervous port-a-potty stop, it was time to line up.

After Star-Spangled Banner, we heard the gun, and we were off.  The weather was great, and the scenery was nice along the way, but can’t say I appreciated much of it on the day.   You can go the website to have a look if you’re interested in course details.  Along the way, in addition to the refreshment stops, there were also several Portland folks who had set up their own cheering sections, and some with refreshments.  Most notable character: the lady playing a bagpipe.  After 6 miles, the turn-around point for the half-marathon, the crowd thinned out considerably, and I was jealous of people who were half-way home already.  

Was feeling good at the 1/2 way mark, coming in at 2 hours, 4 minutes.  Figured if I could hold that pace, or even get faster, I'd have a fantastic day.  Unfortunately, that feeling was short lived, as I started to cramp at around mile 15.  Tried to drink as much as I could along the way, but had to take frequent walk breaks to try and relieve the cramps, but they stayed with me, so I just had to keep hobbling through them.  

Despite the cramps, Mile 20 came up faster than I'd expected.  Miles 20 through 26 were not fun, as most had told me, and hills seemed twice as steep.  Never really felt like stopping, but saw my time gradually slowing.   At this point, mile markers were every 2 miles-- a nice psychological ploy to keep me going, as counting down from 6 to 4 to 2 to 0.2 miles was easier to handle.  Was tough to be able to see the finish line around the bay, but be unable to quite push to get there any faster than my legs would take me-- but, I got there.

Celine was there at the finish, and also Kim and Luke, who drove down to see me collapse.  Walked around and ate bananas, oranges, bagels, gatorade, water, and anything else I could find.  Even olives.  

Legs were pretty stiff on Monday and Tuesday, but getting better today.  Been eating and drinking as much as I can the last couple of days.  Pictures are on my facebook (and Celine's) if you'd like to see.

Again, thanks to all of you who donated money to our cause—we are thoroughly overwhelmed with your generosity-- and are so very thankful!  

Love,

Russ and Celine