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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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 |
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