The Firths

This Saturday I ran the Grand Island Trail Marathon and loved every mile of the course. Ranked amoung Runners World Magazines "Top Ten Marathons to Run in 2008," the race follows the perimeter of an island of cliffs, sandy beaches and lush forrests. Though only a half mile from the mainland its primitive charm makes Grand Island feel like it is miles from civilization. Visitors are not permitted to bring vehicles. Roads and trails are barely maintained. Unlike most marathons where you can rely on aid stations for water, energy snacks, first aid and porta-potties, this marathon requires that you pack your own water, gu, and hope for the best.

We drove into Munising, Michigan, just off of Pictured Rocks National Park, on Friday night for race registration. I recieved my race number, free patagonia t-shirt and checked out the course map, talking to a few locals about trail conditions. It had rained heavily on Friday night and so the trail was horribly muddy, especially after being churned up by 100s of runners. Luckily the storm subsided and by start time there were blue skies.

At 4:30 am my alarm clock went off. I ate a small stack of Brady's goodluck pancakes, filled up my camelback, packed in a few energy gels, and half awake I stumbled to the car to catch the 5:30 ferry shuttle.

It'S still pitch black outside when we board the Grand Island Ferry. Looking at the tight-calved runners outfitted in high performance gear, I get a little intimidated. It's then that I realize that I'm wearing 2 different socks- one cushioned running sock and one worn out junkie sock. Also the night before I had realized I left my watch at home so I had scrambled to find any place in this tiny town that sold watches. The only place people could seem to point me to was Family Dollar, where my choice of watches was between $1 Dora the Explorer or Spiderman. So much for looking tough.

If you've every been present at the start of a race, you know it's a wierd place to be. Everyone has their own pre-race rituals, often based on superstition and most everyones including waiting in line for the jon. I gave Brady and Liam, my good luck charms, a kiss and began to follow the pack.

My goal is to run the first 13 miles very conservatively and finish the second half of the race faster than the first. For nearly 10 miles I team up with a few seasoned runners that help me keep a consistent pace. Stacey, a mom of three, has 18 marathons under her belt and looks about 15 years younger than her age. She gives me advice on how to balance being an awesome mom and a runner. Sharon an oncology nurse, who just 2 weeks previously had completed a 100k (60 miler,)is an running nutrition expert and shares a few tips given to her by dieticians. Time flies.

Most of the trail is along the high cliffs but the hardest portion is running through the sand. I seem to get no where so I decide to tread lightly and makeup elsewhere. Several miles of the race are ran on the beach in a few different segments. Although it was invigorating to see the waves splash around you, I tried to run slowly as to prevent my legs from getting tired. During these segments I put on my ipod to drown out any whining thoughts.

While I'm running Liam and Brady are getting ready to meet me on the shore at mile 16 with extra dry shoes and Gu if needed. Seeing them gives me the motivation to pick up the pace and an incentive to get to the end. Right after I see them on the beach the trail climbs up 300 foot cliffs. I'm still thinking about how happy I am to see my boys that I don't even notice the climb.

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Around mile 18, the trail widens out, and straightens out, and I see more runners. I get a second wind and pick up the pace. I pass a few and take advantage of my new found energy. I had ran cautiously thus far worrying I would overdo it, but decided that at this point I was feeling great and it wasn't likely that I would "hit the wall." This is when things get really fun.

Miles 20-26th were my fastest of the race. I do not get passed for the next 6 miles. I start looking at my watch and figuring out how many minutes are between me and the finish. I still feel good and wonder if maybe I should've tried harder earlier. At this point, with tired legs, it becomes very hard to run fast because of the roots, rocks and mud. Many people slip or fall and I can only hope I'm not next. I make a goal to pass the skinny, long-legged girl in a sports bra ahead of me. She looks like a "real runner" and for some reason, to me passing her feels like a victory. Looking for the finishline up ahead I expect alot of fanfare, bright colors, and noise. While I don't see much of that I do hear a crowd and see Brady and Liam smiling at me. I sprint to the end, and a girl at the finsh line asks me for my timing chip. In exchange she prints out a paper that says:

WOMENS MARATHON OVERALL 9TH PLACE

AGE GROUP CATEGORY 2ND PLACE

I feel like I've cheated the system. I'm not terribly tired and I only really trained 3-4 days a week for 2.5 months. I pick up a nifty handblown glass medal, eat a few bananas, get a 15 minute wonder massage, get on the ferry and head for the beach.