I was sorry to have missed the very special Maui Marathon. Although, many miles away, a special friend and athlete, Phil McGain was there enjoying the gorgeous scenery and tells the story like many before of his race adventures. His time, an impressive 4 hours 9 minutes, although his goal was to be under 4; he had a smooth start, but couldnt’ find his second bottle of hidden Coke. Towards the end, suffered severe dreaded cramping but of course still finished with a smile.

“I’m feeling good, so I start to pick up the pace just a bit. I hit half marathon in 1 hour 57 minutes, I’m now shooting for a sub 4 hour marathon and if things go well, maybe 3.55. Now at 8.45 pace and going strong. Coming up to Lahaina I had stashed some Coke bottles the day before, so I pick up my first one, I remember exactly where it was, but the second, I spaced on, couldn’t find it, oh well.”

Another entertaining story of the race that captured 2600 participant’s hearts from around the globe on our treasured island. Phil, thanks for the fun and inspiring read. I’m sure the runners that you’ll be helping next month on the Big Island for the IRONMAN, will be thrilled to see you there.. Thanks, Suzie!

Maui Marathon, Septemer 2009
Number 8 in the Bag, can’t believe it’s my 8th marathon. Always go into these crazy races with high expectations, trying to figure out your finish time, getting the right pace at each part of the race. I had a good build up, mostly working on my speed, but did do some long runs, 17, 20, 17, then tapering down to 12 the week before.

It was a 5.30am start from the Kaahumanu shopping center. The usual hot shots were there which I recongnised and had a quick chat, Wild Billy Conner, Arol, Jamie Kemmel leading the leaders on this bike. I was near the front of the line, not sure why because I’m not very fast, but ma y as well be the front of the pack at least for a few seconds.

BANG, right on 5.30, we were off in the dark, heading down, not sure the name of the street, but we quickly get onto the highway leading over to Maalaea, nice pace around 9 minute miles, starting to get sweaty pretty quick, it was going to be a hot one. Half way across the sun was rising over the mighty Haleakala, which was beautiful. Eventually turned left at the lights and headed down hill to Maalaea Harbour. Cruising down this hill was fun, now at around a 8 minute mile pace, which was too much for me, but what the hell, we are going downhill. Continue reading Maui Marathon September 20 2009 Phil McGain Great Finish Another Great Story