Rock 'n Roll Seattle Marathon

2 years ago in this marathon (Seafair Marathon), I ran my first-ever full marathon with late start after missing the last shuttle going to the start line. Today's 28th endurance race was my first serious trial for BQ. Although it ended up 12 minutes too late, I shaved off my PR by 4 minutes. It was a perfect marathon weather. The aid stations were great. Free beer after the race was the supremeness.

Green River Marathon

The 14th annual Green River Marathon from Kent to Alki was held on Saturday June 5th. It has been one of the best free low key marathons in Pacific Northwest (based on my limited marathon experience in WA & OR). Also it was my 2nd GRM appearance since last year.

I arrived at the finish line a little before 7am and waited for a ride to the start line. Thanks to fellow maniac Nic Plemel, we arrived at the start line around 8am with 30 min to spare. As I was waiting in potty line, the early starters began to pass the start line (Miles 0 and 4) after running down 2 mi and coming back 2 mi.There were a lot of people around the start line including about 200-ish solo marathoners, 50-ish half marathoners, and 25-ish relay runners.

Start Line

After a short announcement from the race director Steve Barrick, we started off another long run under the sunny sky with fresh early morning excitement. I tried to stay in the front group to avoid congestion with the other runners in narrow trail section at the start. The course started south bound of Interurban Trail in Kent for 2 miles and then turned around back to the start point (Mile 4). I continued to run slightly faster than my avg goal pace (8:00/mi) during the 4 miles out-and-back section in the beginning.

The course continued north bound of Interurban Trail until Mile 11 that entered Port Dent. It was not as scenic as last year's Green River Trail section but at least it was flat. (Due to the sand bags in Green River Trail, this year's course has been modified for the first 11 miles).  However, I did not feel strong enough to keep fast pace (7:40~7:50/mi) for some reasons. I guessed it was one of the days that you don't get the best. So, I slowed down my pace slightly and tried to enjoy the run by itself not thinking about breaking PR.

After going around Port Dent Park passing underneath I-405, the course joined Green River Trail going North until Mile 16. The following route went along SR-99 and side walks of industrial areas until Mile 22 where it met West Seattle Bridge. Along 1/2 mile side walk section under W Seattle Bridge and ramps, finally Harbor Ave appeared indicating you were almost done (about 3 mi to go).

Running through a lot of people on feet, bikes, or roller blades was a fun especially with nice view of downtown Seattle and Alki beach. About 1 mi to go, I began to hear fast foot steps behind me and I felt someone was going to pass me. So, I tried to push myself hard not to be caught. After about 1/2 mi, I could not hear anything behind, but I kept that pace anyway. About 1/4 mi to go, I began to hear even faster foot steps. I started to run super fast as I could see the finish line up ahead. I could feel he was right behind me. Probably 1~2 steps behind. I kept running like Usain Bolt in 100m dash, but he passed me just before the finish line. Darn it~. In a disappointment, he was a relay runner. (He ran last 4 miles only). Anyway, it is always wonderful to get out and have a long run. Finish time is 3:46:23. No PR.