RUN DAISY RUN: My Quest to 50 +1, 14 Down 36 More to Go (Maine)

My Quest to 50 + 1 (PR)

14 Down 36 More to Go

Maine (Mount Desert Island Half) 13.1 Miles

October 18, 2015

This weekend I completed my 14^th state on my quest to 50 and my 22^nd Half Marathon. I visited Bar Harbor, Maine this weekend and so far one of my favorite states that I have visited. My race itself wasn’t so great due to fighting a cold all week and my immune system wacky but this trip was so worth it. The town of Bar Harbor was super cute and I got to visit Acadia National Park which was on my bucket list of National Parks to visit and it was absolutely breathtaking. I also got to meet some really cool people with Operation Jack for Autism and Sam. I will try and keep pics to a minimum in this blog but everything was so pretty have to share a little of it all.

A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE RACE

It was an 8 hour drive to Bar Harbor, Maine from my home and I’m so glad for my best friend Enrique to make the drive. We arrived in Maine late afternoon Thursday night and in time to watch the sunset by the water which was a beauty and then of course we had to have some Lobster or how they say in New England Lobstah. The next day on Friday despite the rain and my cold we still decided to stick to the plan and visit Acadia National Park. We couldn’t do one of the hikes but we were able to do one that was still beautiful.

Sunset at Bar Harbor

LOBSTER ROLL

CADILLAC MOUNTAIN

Lunch by Jordan's Pond

Jordan's Pond in Acadia National Park

Trail around the Pond

Top of Cadillac Mountain

DAY BEFORE THE RACE

On Saturday the day before the race we drove the course which started about 13 miles

from town, the course was quite hilly and the way the race was set up we had to run on the side of the road with traffic still flowing in some parts which was a bit crazy and a first for me. Since we still had some time before dinner we decided to go back to Acadia Park and visit to places Thunder hole and Sand Beach which was also beautiful and worth the trip.

Thunder Hole at Acadia

Sand Beach

PASTA PARTY NIGHT BEFORE

Saturday evening we had plans to attend a pasta party and I got to meet Sam who I raised money for his charity Operation Jack for Autism, such a cool guy and super nice. He even gave us a little painting to everyone who raised money as a token of his appreciation which was really awesome. The painting was even more special because it was painted by adults who have special needs. I also got to meet the rest of the folks who were also part of Operation Jack and also ran the race.

Dinner with Sam and Operation Jack for Autism Folks

RACE DAY

Race day is finally here, Woke up still feeling a bit sick and the temps were really cold 31 degrees with wind gust at 18mph. I’ve ran in colder weather than this before in freezing temps but guess since I was still fighting a cold it wasn’t as fun. I actually went into the race feeling I would have a good race just pace myself but at the start of the race my toes felt like they were frozen, I ran the first couple of miles and warmed up but toes still felt good, at mile 3 I felt dizzy and hot and thought I was going to faint, this was a first for me during a race and the fact that it was so early on in the race was a bit scary. I took ammonia inhaler, not sure what it’s called exactly but it’s a little stick you pop and take a whiff and then I took a power gel which has electrolytes, walked a bit until I felt ok and continued my race. I definitely took it easy though, no racing for me so I ran when I felt good and walk a bit when I felt bad.

My friend Farah was also running this race with no training at all but this was her birthday race so she came out.

Overall the road trip/weekend was fun with Enrique and Farah. Maine was so beautiful and Acadia National Park is a must see if you ever go visit. Race itself wasn’t my best and was a bit tough may have to go back for revenge haha and I got to meet some cool people.