There were tikki torches lining Poipu Drive, as it was still pretty dark at the race start. We ran as the sun was coming up...beautiful. We ran through the 100 year old eucalyptus trees at the tunnel of trees. I would be thankful for the trees and their shade many times throughout this race. I also loved the energy of all the other runners and spectators. I did some walk/run intervals in these early miles as I have chronically tight calves/achilles that don't warm up until 5 to 7 miles of running. So, I did some leap frogging with a few people. I was hoping to not have to walk early on, but decided to keep a positive attitude about it and found a mantra to keep me focused and positive. It helped me stay positive and gave me a rhythm to keep pushing forward.

After mile 5 my legs loosened up and I only walked the uphills. I power walked up them, and kept my heart rate in the 150s, then I ran downhill and any flats, although there wasn't much flat on this course. This was my plan to keep from getting too hot and as training for my 50 miler in December, which I plan to run with the same strategy.

At mile 11 the half marathoners turned left, while we marathoners turned right. I knew from reading the course description that it was now that things would get tough. There wasn't nearly as much shade, it was getting hotter, and the hills were longer and steeper. After splitting from the half marathoners, I saw the lead men running on their way back to the finish line. They were so focused and awesome! I cheered for them and a few cheered back for me. So much fun! There were some folks sitting outside a nursing home watching and cheering us on. I was so thankful for them and their encouragement and grateful to be able to do what I was doing. I teared up a bit, but kept on smiling.

Then at 13.5 miles, I looked up as someone said good job. I thought, "that guy looks familiar, hey it's Dean Karnazes". I said "HEY, nice job" Hah! I just told the Ultramarathon Man himself "nice job". Oh well, it was all I thought of at the time. It was getting really hot and I was so grateful to the awesome people who brought their hoses out to spray us down. I'd just raise my hands up, say "THANK YOU", and let them soak me. When there wasn't a hose I'd grab a cup of water and pour it over my head. A couple of the later aid stations had bags of ice. I can't remember whose race report I read it in, but thank you to the person I learned to put ice in my bra from... heaven.

As I began to make my way back down the hill towards the ocean, the most incredible views of the ocean were my reward and I couldn't stop grinning. To be running a marathon in Kauai was beyond my wildest dreams just 5 years ago. I encouraged people as I passed them. The last 4 miles were my best. The last 2 miles were HOT HOT HOT. I saw a guy down at the 25 mile marker being loaded into an ambulance and felt so bad for him, being so close and not getting to finish. I sent him good thoughts hoping all would be OK. There were several people who suffered heat exhaustion and dehydration, but no one was seriously hurt, thankfully. Then, I could hear the finish line announcer and music. Minutes later I could see the finish line. I was overjoyed. I thought given the heat and hills this would likely be my slowest marathon, but it wasn't. I felt awesome!

Nothing

Walked around a bit and ate fruit and potato chips. The potato chips and fruit they had waiting at the finish line were the best ever!!!


This was a very well organized race with lots of aid stations and volunteers. The post race refreshments and activities were excellent. There is absolutely nothing they could have done better. I highly recommend this race!