Pigtails Flat Ass Marathon

Original plan to take 5:20am ferry to Seattle failed, because instead of pressing snooze button I actually turned off the alarm. Fortunately I was able to drive around Tacoma to get to Ravensdale WA with 20 minutes to spare.

Rain was drizzling all day long but the temperature stayed in mid 40's. The course was flat out-and-back route along Cedar River Trail. Going to turn-around was gradual downhill and coming back was of course gradual uphill, but I could not feel the difference when I ran.

Approximately 120 runners including 50K runners and marathoners were at the start line. I heard a little more than a half were marathoners.

I tried to keep my pace at 8:00/mi. About 5~6 runners happened to be in a group at that pace for the first 6~7 miles. I still felt pretty well as I reached the major turn-around at Mile 13.7. Then there were a lot of hand-wavings and smiles with oncoming runners, so I could know who were behind and how far they were.

After passing water-only self-aid station at Mile 16, legs were getting heavier and my pace was getting a little slower but still at around 8:30/mi. However, I noticed that a small plastic bag with an energy bar and a couple of energy gels slipped away from my pocket.

When I reached the last aid station at Mile 21.5, I needed to replenish myself with some food. There were plenty of choices. Especially I loved the hot chicken noodle soup. In fact, it was the first time that I ate hot soup during marathon run. I was so relaxed and happened to spend about 5 minutes there. After grabbing a few more cookies, I left the last aid station to run just 5 more miles.

I ran 1~2 more miles afterward, Then, I noticed I was running very slowly for some reason. No one was visible in front of me and no one was behind. I just kept that slow pace and enjoyed the gravel trail and the river alongside for the rest of the run finishing my 17th race in 2009.

Finish time: 3 hours 44 minutes 22 seconds. (5th overall in marathon)
It was 8 minutes too late for PR but still my 2nd fastest marathon time.

Seattle Marathon 2009

First attempt for "double" was completed with a success and I got the 4th Maniac star.

Getting up early again to catch a ferry was a hard part after running a marathon one day earlier. As I was stretching and warming up at the start line with a lot of other marathoners, surprisingly I felt very strong.

I decided to start a little bit faster not to be stuck by slow runners in front. When I watched my Garmin at mile 3, I was running 6:30/mi. It was way too fast to keep up with through out the race. What I needed was very consistent pace. I slowed down my pace to the range between 8:10 and 8:20 from that point.

Next 5~6 miles flew very quickly on I-90 section. Lake Washington Blvd section was simply flat and I already ran yesterday for the most of it. I didn't have big problem to keep the pace there, although my legs and knees were getting more and more tired.

On the hill of Madison St (Mile 21), I had to take a short walk break for about 1 min and then ran down the hill to catch up some time. Undulation in Arboretum section slowed me down as I had to face the reality of my body condition.

However, getting out of Arboretum with Space Needle within the sight, I had only 3 miles to finish my double so I pushed myself hard to finish strong.

My finish time: 3 hr 55 min with 1:52 - 2:03 split.

It was one of the big mile stones that I set when I decided to run a full marathon last year. Seeing and chatting with the 2008 marathon maniac of the year, Larry Macon, who ran 105 marathons last year was another big inspiration to continue my running adventures.

Seattle Ghost Marathon 2009

First attempt for double marathon is half way through.

Thanks to the odd ferry timing, I had to arrive at Seward Park 1 hr and 50 min prior to the start time but didn't want to take opportunity for early start because of chilly temperature and wind.

There were many usual suspects at the start line and I ran across many familiar faces on double out-and-back course along Lake Washington Blvd and Seward Park loop, which was used to be the original Seattle Marathon course. Weather was good since we didn't get any rain drop, but wind was the only minor factor for the race.

I didn't want to push myself too hard because I had one more full marathon tomorrow. The support was great. Volunteers in aid stations were very helpful and efficient. Finish line hotdog and chili were definitely a great way to wrap up a race. Hats off to RD Scott Krell and his crew.

My finish time was 3 hours and 47 minutes with 1:48 - 1:59 split. It's not a PR race but I am happy with this time. Some soars on the left side again but no blisters today. I am looking forward to Seattle Marathon tomorrow.

Doppler 50K

First fat ass style trail race was for a fun field trip to doppler tower over Green Mt for 6 hours and 37 minutes. Considering imperfect knee and quad condition, the goal for this race was to avoid DFL and I did it.

It was free, no t-shirt, no medal, no aid, and no whining race, but I got some proud rewards of a couple of black toe nails and a huge blister (Gosh, I gotta drain this). Looking forward to the double marathons coming weekends.

Portland Marathon 2009

Another marathon in the bag.

It was a perfect marathon weather (45~50 deg, overcast). My race strategy almost worked perfectly. I was able to keep 8:00/mi pace until 19mi point with 3:30 pace group, but felt my legs getting heavier afterward. I finished 3:36:42 (PR) with 1:44:41-1:52:01 splits.


It was funny to watch faster runners ahead caught at RR x-ing @ 6mi point for a while, although Amtrak just passed through when I reached there. Anyway, it was much better race in all aspects than last year’s when I had set my PW with limping finish dragging a swollen knee.

Skagit Flats Marathon

Since I knew it was very fast course, I started with 8:00/mi pace and wanted to see how long I could keep up with it.

I got 1:46 for the first half but had to slow down in the second half (1:59) thanks to the heat (only excuse that I can think of). Still fast enough for PR (3:45:16). Shower facility was a nice bonus.

Roots Rock 50K

It was a trail race with 2 laps of 25K loop in Port Gamble.

I had a bad split of 2:32 - 3:07. I needed better race strategy since it’s not a road marathon but a trail ultra.

Rain was pouring all day except a few chances of sun break. Weather for the last 7 mi was worst. Dark forest with pouring rain turned suddenly bright followed by a series of thunders right over the head. Narrow single track trail turned to be a creek. Climbing up against down flowing water made me feel as if I were a salmon swimming upstream. Being passed 3 mi before the finish is not always pleasant. Surprisingly I was still 3rd place male (4th overall) and received an award (with humble record of 5:39) for the first time ever in the race.

Redmond Watershed Preserve Marathon

While all good marathoners were running at Cascade Crest 100 Miler today, I happened to be the 2nd place overall at Redmond Watershed Preserve Marathon.

I almost caught up with the guy in front of me at the final lap, but ran out of gas, and ended up about 50 yd behind.

I got PR time of 3:52:43 today which was not bad at all.

The course had 3 laps of identical trail loop. The trail condition was very good, although there were a lot of short ups and downs throughout the course. I still feel strong and will be ready next Sunday’s Roots Rock 50K in Port Gamble. Oh, I earned one more Maniac star to be in gold level now.

Crescent Forest Run

Crescent Forest trail run in Gig Harbor had 4 laps of beautiful trail loop. This is a good way of running a long range race in summer time in pacific northwest since most of the course was shaded. I ran into a tree after twisting left ankle. Actually I bumped a tree with left knee, but I had more pain in ankle so I didn't even know my knee was bleeding until somebody in aid station told me so.

However, it was overall a fun race with a lot of obstacles to run over. I also love the home-made wooden finisher's medal.

Finish time 4:29:36

20th Century Ultra

First ultra (50 Km) and 11th Maniac race. Pretty solid run for marathon distance and then it turned out to be a survival game. I missed the first and very obvious turn at 7 mi point, and ended up running some extra distance to come back where I was supposed to turn.

I loved the after-race chilli, hotdog, and oh my "BEER"

Finish time 5:21:44

Green River Marathon

Another great race with comfortable weather from Kent to Alki beach. I kept very consistent pace throughout the race. Almost broke 4 hr barrier.

Finish time 4:02:05 ...PR

Call of the Wild Marathon

I like this flat paved trail especially when there is no snow on the path unlike new year's day. I felt strong at the finish line. New PR. Thank you Adrian Call and his crew for awesome arrangement and hospitality.

Finish time 4:07:24

Tacoma City Marathon 2009

Perfect spring weather for a marathon. Well organized event with great support. Course was a little bit challenging but fun to run.

Finish time 4:38:38

Yakima River Canyon Marathon

Harder than anticipated. I paid for lazy March. Amazingly beautiful course with cliff on the left and river on the right in Yakima River Canyon on a sunny day. I should try again next year. I earned 2nd star though.

Finish time 4:25:36

Ghost of Whidbey Marathon

Beautiful but hilly run in opposite direction of "old" Whidbey Marathon course. Lost two times in the first half and then managed to stay on the course.

Finish time 4:30:27

Valentine's Marathon

Slow rolling hills along rural highway.
A little nervous to run next to fast driving cars and trucks.
Official clock was more 10 min off and finish line was confusing.
I didn't like t-shirt with lots of pink hearts.
Another PR run by less than a minute.

Finish time 4:15:14

First Call To Run Marathon

Christmas Marathon originally scheduled on 12/21/2008 was postponed to the following week due to the dangerous snow storm.
Then, it was completed cancelled thanks to the extended severe weather condition.
Rumor was that the registration would be passed over to Valentine Marathon in Feb in Olympia, WA.
It makes sense because it was organized by same organizer at the same course.
Meanwhile, I wanted to run Last Chance Marathon in Bellingham on 12/31/2008, but I was told that the registration was already full.
So, what I came up with was First Call To Run Marathon in Bothell on 1/1/2009.

Fortunately, they had a spot for me.
The course was completely flat on Sammamish River Trail.
About 10~15% of the trail was still coverred by snow but it was not unrunnable.
I got the best record at 4:16:06
Also, this run qualified me for Marathon Maniacs membership.
Although it is a bronze level (one star), it's one of a kind achievement for my new challenge. I will be proudly running with yellow Marathon Maniacs T-shirt in all the following marathons.