A few months ago, my sister suggested a "girl's trip" for the two of us. We decided that we'd make it a marathon destination and started researching the options. I had no idea there were so many popular events - and the whole marathon destination concept appears to have really blossomed. After considering dates, events and flights - we chose our city. Alex ended up with the slightly shorter stick with our choice of Miami - a mere 3 hour flight for me and a considerably longer one for her with a three hour time difference.
Being relatively new to running compared to many people I know - including my marathon running sister - I was very excited about this event. And working toward an event like this did require some discipline and training - which is slightly more challenging on the 13 mile long and very hilly island of St. Thomas. Most mornings found me running the Charlotte Amalie waterfront - a very "ground hog day" experience - passing many of the same police officers directing traffic, local tourist guides and people heading off to work. My longer runs over 10 miles provided me with route challenges looking for slightly flatter terrain and some semblance of a sidewalk or shoulder. As a result - I would also have to run a route a couple of times - adding to my already "spot the crazy running white girl" notoriety. Ah.. those nutty Canadians...
Alex and I arrived late Thursday January 22 - staying at a hotel close to the race start line. We had a couple of days to enjoy Miami before the race without too much walking and very early nights. The morning of the race - we got up at 4:15 and made our way to the Biscayne Boulevard where 15,000 other people were looking far too energetic. All I could think was - how long was the queue for the women's restroom?
After standing around for about 15 minutes waiting for the start, we were off...very slowly. The route immediately took us over our first bridge - the MacArthur Causeway which was immediately opposite where all the brightly lit cruise ships were tied up. It was pretty spectacular. At one point on this bridge, we ran by some music speakers playing the "Love Boat" theme music.
The route took us over to South Beach - up the coast - then back across a series of smaller bridges and through downtown. There were people cheering, a few school bands, crazy costumes and all kinds of hilarious signs - of which my favourite was "Run Like You Have Stolen Something" - which had me laughing so hard my stomach started to hurt. Note to self - no laughing when you run.
As I approached mile 12 - the course separated the slightly wimpier half marathon runners from the hard-core marathoners. I was feeling great but couldn't even begin to fathom this was the half way point for Alex.
I finished the race under two hours, smiling and excited. It's a funny thing - both watching a race and being involved. Over the years, I have been out to cheer Alex on as she endured long miles and certain physical pains. There is an emotional component to being involved - whether it's from the sideline or crossing it. And watching Alex finish her third marathon - well under 4 hours and her personal best - was not only exciting but had me screaming from the stands with tears running down my face.
So - needless to say, we are already planning our next running trip. So far it looks like I will be the one flying much further west - and in the meantime, I will be the token "running girl' in St. Thomas.
Being relatively new to running compared to many people I know - including my marathon running sister - I was very excited about this event. And working toward an event like this did require some discipline and training - which is slightly more challenging on the 13 mile long and very hilly island of St. Thomas. Most mornings found me running the Charlotte Amalie waterfront - a very "ground hog day" experience - passing many of the same police officers directing traffic, local tourist guides and people heading off to work. My longer runs over 10 miles provided me with route challenges looking for slightly flatter terrain and some semblance of a sidewalk or shoulder. As a result - I would also have to run a route a couple of times - adding to my already "spot the crazy running white girl" notoriety. Ah.. those nutty Canadians...
Alex and I arrived late Thursday January 22 - staying at a hotel close to the race start line. We had a couple of days to enjoy Miami before the race without too much walking and very early nights. The morning of the race - we got up at 4:15 and made our way to the Biscayne Boulevard where 15,000 other people were looking far too energetic. All I could think was - how long was the queue for the women's restroom?
After standing around for about 15 minutes waiting for the start, we were off...very slowly. The route immediately took us over our first bridge - the MacArthur Causeway which was immediately opposite where all the brightly lit cruise ships were tied up. It was pretty spectacular. At one point on this bridge, we ran by some music speakers playing the "Love Boat" theme music.
The route took us over to South Beach - up the coast - then back across a series of smaller bridges and through downtown. There were people cheering, a few school bands, crazy costumes and all kinds of hilarious signs - of which my favourite was "Run Like You Have Stolen Something" - which had me laughing so hard my stomach started to hurt. Note to self - no laughing when you run.
As I approached mile 12 - the course separated the slightly wimpier half marathon runners from the hard-core marathoners. I was feeling great but couldn't even begin to fathom this was the half way point for Alex.
I finished the race under two hours, smiling and excited. It's a funny thing - both watching a race and being involved. Over the years, I have been out to cheer Alex on as she endured long miles and certain physical pains. There is an emotional component to being involved - whether it's from the sideline or crossing it. And watching Alex finish her third marathon - well under 4 hours and her personal best - was not only exciting but had me screaming from the stands with tears running down my face.
So - needless to say, we are already planning our next running trip. So far it looks like I will be the one flying much further west - and in the meantime, I will be the token "running girl' in St. Thomas.
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