Outer Banks, NC
Up at 5am, left the house at 6am, for the 7:30 start of the OBX marathon. The race is a point to point run. There were about 1000 marathon runners.
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| emergency contact: Mike Elwell (that should never happen again) |
The race starts off at 7:30. I did not have my camera with me, but I wish I did. The first 1/2 of the race is all run through neighborhoods, and you are never more than 500 yards from crowd support. Plenty of people out supporting the runners, offering an array of food and beverages. I really enjoyed my mimosa at mile #7.
The scenery was gorgeous. You don't run by the ocean, but you do run along the sound (the other side of the island) so plenty of beautiful water shots. I started in the back, and stayed in the back. Just taking my time, enjoying the views, listening to some podcasts. At mile 8, we run by the monument at the Wright Brothers' National Park. That was awesome.
Problem I had though was that I brought the wrong shoes with me. I grabbed a pair of Converse high tops that I own. Great ankle support, but not so great on the bottom of my feet. Around mile 10, we start doing some trail running, and it just killed my feet. I finished the 1/2 point at 3 hours and 3 minutes (my slowest time ever to get to that point). I knew at this point I was in for a long second half.
Having said all that though, I still enjoyed the second half of the race. Most of it is run along a highway, but there are times where you go off of that back into neighborhoods. They had a cycling team down there that had cyclists covering several miles (15-22). They would just go back and forth and make sure runners were ok.
And a nice surprise at mile 20 when Mike, Jane, Sarah, and Alex pulled up. Mike got out, handed me a beer, and walked with me for about 1/2 a mile (I walked most of the last half of the race, feet were killing me). It was great to have a little company. Something I never have during a marathon
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| Mile 20, six to go |
Sarah and Alex had made some signs, and were waiting a little further up.
Mike and the girls met me at mile 26 with another beer. It was nice carrying that for the last .2.
Below, I am coming down the stretch. I joked that I was so far ahead of everyone, the crowds weren't even there yet. Jane was at the finish with her camera.
I need to get Miller Lite to sponsor me.
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| Myself, Mike, Sarah, Alex |
I come in just under 7 hours. It was a blast. A terrible race time, but a fantastic race experience. The race ends in Manteo, NC. It is a cute little town that has all kinds of restaurants and shops, so a perfect place to end the marathon. Apparently, this race is highly recommended for people who want to attempt their first marathon. I couldn't agree more. More importantly though, it was so great to have a cheering section. I couldn't be more thankful for Mike, Jane, Sarah and Alex, and for taking time out of their Sunday to come cheer me on. Forever grateful.
Race Swag:
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| Finisher medal |
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| Finisher Visor |
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| Nathan wearing the tech race tee |
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| back of the race tee |
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