Old Port Half Marathon (Portland, ME)

Portland Maine is a city that oozes New England charm. It started as a fishing village and the Old Port district still remains a hub of activity for both tourists and locals.  I was excited to see that a half marathon was happening during the last weekend of my vacation.  I was even more excited when I found out that Erin, one of my oldest friends, had also signed up for the race. 

I drove up with my mom on Saturday morning so we could spend the day on the beach with Erin and her family. It had been years since I spent time at their summer cottage, but the childhood memories flooded back as soon as I stepped through the door. It was as if the entire house had been frozen in time while all of us grew up.

We spent a few hours on the beach, soaking up the sun before Erin, Megan, and I went to the city for our race packets. 

I was happy to see that this was not a typical expo. Instead of winding through rows of event promotions, athletic gear, and health food samples, this felt more like an outdoor music festival. A stage was set up at the end of the pier with live bands playing throughout the afternoon. There was also a huge beer tent serving various flavors of Shipyard beer. The blueberry wheat was great.  Clearly, we understand that carb loading is essential before a race and beer can fall into that category, too. 

Stage at Old Port Half Marathon Expo

Erin and I enjoying the expo

On this perfect summer day, the race organizers succeeded in making us almost forget that we would have to run 13.1 miles the next morning. 

That evening, my mom and I stayed with one of her friends in Kennebunk, which is another charming Maine town.  Similar to Portland, the history of this town is closely connected to shipbuilding and fishing industries. Driving through downtown, we passed so many stately mansions that we were told belonged to ship captains.  The seafront was so picturesque and we arrived at the perfect time to watch the sun set. 

Casual beachfront living at its finest

Sun begins to set over Kennebunkport

 

Fantastic Maine evening

New England is filled with so many charming towns to visit throughout the year, but Kennebunkport is such an ideal summer tourist destination. For anyone who wants to soak up the true New England atmosphere, one evening is simply not enough. 

The next morning, we woke up at the crack of dawn (literally) and I'm glad we left extra time because the parking situation in Portland was a little chaotic. It's amazing how just a few thousand people can really clog up the city.  

The starting line could have used at least double the number of portable toilets. I knew I wouldn't have time to wait in line, so I just crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. The line-up process was also a bit unusual because everyone was corralled on a pier. I was late to get in line, so I just ducked under a fence to get a spot at the front of the pack. 

The course took us along Commercial Street, up through some pretty noticeable hills, then back along Commercial Street in the opposite direction.  Around the 5th mile, I knew I would find my mom and her friend cheering me on, so I pushed extra hard to impress them with a good placement. Not only that, I also needed to look good for the inevitable candid photos. The funny thing is that my mom would be proud of me even if I was in last place. I suppose all this effort is to impress myself more than anyone else. 

Running along Commercial Street

The next part of the course took us up another hill, along the parks of Eastern Promenade, and around a lake-type area called Back Cove.  There were some pretty aggressive hairpin turns and I could imagine had huge potential for bottlenecks (fortunately, I made it through before the bulk of the runners). Aside from some strange turns, it really was a beautiful course. 

One thing happened during this race that almost never happens in a half marathon: I was passed (multiple times). It actually rattled my confidence because I was wondering just how slowly I may be running. I realized that my problem was probably going out too fast in the first half. Typical amateur runner mistake. I should have known better. 

The final mile of the race took runners along the famous "graffiti wall", past the old rail tracks (complete with a historic rail car), and back along the water towards the finish line.  By this point, I was just tired of being passed so I pushed myself once again to at least finish with a respectable placement. 

Not realizing I was about to be passed (again)

By this point, I was ready to be finished!

The crowds along the last half-mile of the course were really uplifting.  As I approached the finish line, I was shocked to see the clock reading only 1 hour 22 minutes - a very good time for me. After feeling like I was struggling for much of the last five miles, this was a huge surprise. My mental struggle may have been a symptom of the heat, or maybe just the psychological effects of being passed by at least 4-5 people. 

I picked up my medal and searched for everyone I knew who was there to cheer me on.  There's no better feeling than to finish a race and actually have people around to celebrate the accomplishment.  Of course, it's also nice when they bring things like water, energy bars, and a cold towel to put around my neck!  Talk about celebrity treatment.

Finish line gifts

We all waited for Erin to finish and I had debated whether I should run the last half mile with her.  In the end, I decided to just remain a part of the cheering section. Oddly enough, we were talking afterwards and she also wondered whether I would run the final part of the course with her.  I guess I should have jumped in!

Erin and I after the race

Overall, it was a beautiful weekend in Maine. The race was a lot of fun, the weather was perfect, and I had the honor of a cheering section at the finish line. To be honest, the joy of racing has eluded me over the past year. My finish times (and placements) have suffered with my ankle trouble. But, more than that, running alone just makes everything feel like a business trip than a social event. I am so glad that the two races I decided to run on vacation were enjoyed with friends and family. This has given me renewed enthusiasm for the sport. 

My #1 fan!

As I prepare for my next work trip - this time in Chicago for an undefined amount of time - I am grateful for my time at home and for this short weekend trip to Maine. I loved being able to see good friends and family, while enjoying a sport that I am so passionate about.  Thanks to the Old Port Half Marathon team for a wonderful event!

Old Port Half Marathon - 2014 Medal

Summer Vacation

“Welcome back to America”, I thought to myself, as I reached the new automated kiosks at passport control. Along with our customs declarations, a receipt now prints out with the most unflattering photo I have ever seen of myself.  Whose idea was it to take pictures of passengers just as they are disembarking from long, international flights?

The agent didn’t even ask a question when he looked at my list of countries that I had visited since leaving the United States in January. Despite lengthy periods in India, I still managed to log seven countries on this trip (India, Nepal, Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Philippines).

As I stepped into the back seat of my parents’ car, it finally hit me: My American summer vacation has arrived!

The first day at home was filled with my favorite of all the American summertime activities: drum corps! I picked up Kristen and we drove up to the Boston Crusaders rehearsal site to get a first-hand look at the 2014 show. I am constantly in awe at the musical and physical demands that are required of each member and this year’s show takes the athleticism to another level. Several times during rehearsal, we looked at each other and agreed that we could never survive a drum corps tour at our age (and this is coming from two marathoners in great physical shape).

2014 Boston Crusaders in warm-up

After rehearsal ended, we went back to my parents’ house for a BBQ by the pool. We then piled back into the car to watch the show. It was great to see so many people from my drum corps days and to enjoy what may be my only live show of the season. I couldn’t have asked for a better first day back.

2014 Boston Crusaders - In Performance

As the week proceeded, I was mostly just excited to be completely out of the work environment. I can wear anything I want while I eat breakfast. I don’t have to say good morning to ten people and remind them that I still don’t drink coffee. Whenever I sit by the pool, there are no hotel staff members approaching me to ask questions about work while they are in uniform and I am in a swimsuit. And, best of all, I am not forced to choose every meal from a menu and ending up with way more food than I need.

One night, my family got together for a belated birthday celebration and I actually chose to skip all the fancy restaurants in favor of grilling seafood at home. After eating every meal in a restaurant for the past six months, things that make me happiest are basics like fat free salad dressing, meats that are prepared with cooking spray instead of oil, and appetizers that are not all deep-fried.

The evening before 4^th of July, Kristen and I did a 10k race that finished on the center of the field at Patriot Stadium. I hardly ever run at night, so my legs felt heavy and tired before the race even started. I knew that this would not be a personal best for me. The entire race, I was stuck behind the female champion who all spectators all cheered on with great enthusiasm (meanwhile ignoring that I existed).  She was running alongside an older guy with the nastiest, hairiest back I have ever seen. I wanted so badly to pass them, but my legs just wouldn’t cooperate.

pre-race

Race medal

After the race, we stuck around the adjacent outdoor mall and enjoyed some sushi and hibachi in suburban paradise. On the way back home, we drove past the fireworks in Boston. I felt so patriotic.

Fourth of July is always a fun time at my parents’ annual BBQ. It was raining this year, but we still made the most of the day inside. My contribution to the meal was a Pinterest-inspired dessert that would get people talking. “Bears on the beach” was definitely a hit.

Pinterest dessert - bears on the beach

Spending some time with my cousin on 4th of July

The next day was my Dad’s birthday and we celebrated at my brother’s lake house in New Hampshire. We basically just parked his boat at the sand bar and spent the entire afternoon drinking while we were waist-deep in water. If you are ever without a beer can in your hand, someone will inevitably ask: “why aren’t you drinkin’?” The environment is fun, but one visit each summer is enough for me. 

Afternoon at the sand bar

Afternoon on the lake

My all-American summer vacation continued with a baseball game to cheer on the Boston Red Sox with a friend of mine who scored a pair of great tickets. I haven’t been to Fenway Park in well over a decade and I can probably count the number of baseball games I have seen since college on one hand. It was fun to be in such a historic stadium, but damn - those seats are the most uncomfortable things I have ever sat in. If my knee wasn’t banging into the row in front of me, my spine was drilling against the wooden slab of the seatback. Also, the width of each seat can barely accommodate an 8-year-old, let alone a normal-sized adult.

If you ask me, every Red Sox ticket should come with a free yoga session afterwards.

One of the best parts about being at home is seeing all my good friends from the past. I was lucky enough to be around to celebrate the birthday of one of my best friends from high school (a birthday I haven’t celebrated with much more than a Facebook message in the past eight years).  A bunch of us got together for trivia at a nearby seafood restaurant / bar.  We split into groups for the trivia part and, of course, my group won the entire event. (This was little to do with my knowledge and entirely to do with a classmate from college, who can recite facts like an encyclopedia).

Another night, I went out to dinner with an ex from college, who still looks great (and is very much in a committed relationship). I was slightly jealous that I am not the other half of this relationship, but it’s nice to know that my good taste stands the test of time.

Speaking of college (and good taste), I spent one afternoon visiting my alma mater with my mom. The plan was to update my collegiate wardrobe, but the gift shop was not open so we just walked around campus. I have such a deep sense of pride when I think about all of the amazing schools I attended. That said, there is something truly special about Boston College. The architecture is undeniably gorgeous, but beyond that, the overall atmosphere reflects a collaborative learning environment that is both competitive and fun. In my completely biased opinion, BC is the epitome of an all-around aspirational American university.

Boston College, "The Dustbowl"

Burns Library at Boston College

By the end of my second week in Boston, I felt like I had fully reintegrated myself back into American society. And, that’s a good thing because I have been told that my entire summer will be spent in North America this year. The next stop for work will be Chicago, but before that, I get to close my New England vacation with a weekend trip to Maine.