Honolulu Marathon - RunMarathon

Started out trying to run 3:15, but just couldn't put it all together. So, I shut it down at about mile 13 and merely tried to find a comfortable pace for the second half. I ran NYC five weeks ago, and I just didn't feel fully recovered yet. I probably did too much training between the events. I couldn't seem to get comfortably into a good pace. Still, my time turned out pretty good, and I can't complain. I think a lot of people had pretty rough days.

It was also extremely humid, with very little wind, and the air quality was somewhat poor as a result. I felt like I managed my salt intake and hydration well, which has always been a challenge for me in every Hawaii marathon I've ever done.

Not much. I did my best on a pretty quick turnaround between stand alone marathons. So, I was pleased with my performance even though it felt like a real grind at times.

I also had a bit of an epiphany towards the end of my run. I was coming down Diamond Head at about mile 24.5 when I saw a young man with Down Syndrome walking up the hill with two supporters. He was only about 8 or 9 miles into his day, and I was almost done. Something about it really struck me, and I just let go of any frustrations or complaints about the race. We're all so lucky to be able to do these things, regardless of how fast or slow we are. That kid is my new hero.

Took a long shower at the finish line (those showers, by the way, are the greatest thing in the world). Then I slogged through the park to get my T-Shirt and change of clothes. Changed my clothes and walked to my top-secret parking location. Got my phone and wallet. Stopped at a gas station and bought a Coke and bag of Doritos. Then, I walked back to the park to watch my wife finish.


Humidity. Incomplete recovery. Complete lack of natural ability.


The event is well run, but I really think that a major marathon in a tropical climate should have more aid stations. I was also kind of bummed that they didn't have any Gatorade at all until almost six miles into the run this year.