What was I thinking race weekend.

I don't know how people do an event and then write a summary the same day or a within a few days. I do know I we all have our own strengths, and so I should not judge myself against others. [I need to note that I thought I published this, and apparently I hadn't!. Blaming that on tamoxifen, and being busy with life.]

Last year my running sibling said "hey, let's do this race".
I said "It sounds hilly, are you sure it's not".
"It's not," I heard in response.

I was thinking "okay, you live with some nearby elevation, I don't, but there will probably be some hills".

Then in July I saw an email and race course info that said 4,000 feet of elevation change. I said "WHAT" to my screen and messaged my sibling. She said I was off.

Even as we were driving up to the town, she still said there's no way there's 4,000 feet of elevation change.

I am an optimistic person by nature, but I also am a realist, so I was internally spazzing about this race that had a reallllly long course limit due to the ultras going on at the same time as the half and marathon on Saturday, and the half on Sunday.

Oh, did I neglect to mention that we decided to do a *trail* marathon on Saturday, and a *trail* half marathon on Sunday. I mean, we are both Double Agents/Marathon Maniacs/ Half Fanatics.

The drive there took me longer due to a detour--don't all driving trips take longer than you anticipate?-- and a stop at REI that did NOT have Injinji tall socks. The sales guy didn't really want to help me anyway, since he had to interrupt his conversation for this lady who was just standing patiently waiting her turn to talk to the sales person in the shoe/sock department.  I did get Tanka bites there, and the salt /electrolyte tabs so I guess the stop wasn't a failure after all.

The county roads in this part of Michigan are wide, and each intersection has a X network of wires  overhead leading to a large street light illuminating the intersection. I thought this was really cool, except for all the wire/lines.  I think parts of upper central Wisconsin had lights like that, but it has been a decade since I've been there.

We head to the race start area, even though we know we can't pick up our race packets because of the time. It was nice to see the parking area, and the sand. Someone I know told me that there is sand there, and to have gaiters for it. Thankfully we did!

In town to the grocery store (The Meijer was HUGE), and our hotel was nearby. The hotel was a great location, but spendy for what we received (basic hotel, breakfast we couldn't eat, and no pool). I reminded myself that it was supply/demand/ tourist town type of thing, and right before Labor Day, so ka-ching $$.

We set out our clothing for race day one and got some sleep which was interrupted by the alarm.  Grabbed some hard boiled eggs, and headed out to the start area for packet pick up. While I have done a couple trail races before, I was still nervous. I've not done with this kind of elevation and was not sure of the trails.  While the trail I did before was Woodside in California, with nice wide trails under evergreens (except for the bottle neck start area to thin out the group), this one had single track that was one foot wide, and single track that was wide enough for both feet, and then some nice area for an ATV to maneuver well, and "two track" (the local term--it's double track where I live) that was truck worthy. I was glad we got there early, to get a parking spot in the main parking lot.  We picked up our packets and-wow- what stuff there was in there!  I was expecting bib, shirt, pamphlet, and some local coupons. We got a t shirt, a technical shirt, a technical hoodie (Runner Inside design), coupons for food at the finish, a rootbeer float at the finish area, a sticker for the race,  and coffee mug. My apologies if I'm missing something. That was for EACH race. We were doing Saturday and Sunday, so we go these X 2.

Prerace

I took my Bug Soother bug spray to the race, only sprayed my ankles and half way up my calves, and left it in the car. I was more worried about chiggers and ticks than mosquitoes. BIG mistake. Big. HUGE. I was also anxious, even though I knew this was basically going to be a hike instead of a race race.  Do our own thing, but we'd probably stick together. I didn't want to get run over by the fast folks from the ultra, but wasn't too worried on that. I was more worried about the sand. For an area with many trees, I thought there would be more dirt via composting of leaves over hundreds of years. Instead, there were large swaths of solid sand. Across the double track, and ten feet, ten yards and longer in various spots. Those were all on the flatter sections, so perhaps the sand just washed down the hills and collected there. Rambling, oops. Anyway. Sand, and dirt, roots about every two feet to trip over, and some places where the track was only wide enough for a foot, and worn down to three inches below the rest of the surface.

At the start of each wave/category, Race Director Chris had notes for us, and questions. My concern was getting lost, so I asked about flagging on course. I got some "seriously" comments from those around me, but every RD does something different.  I found out that the flags would be pink for marathoners, and that they were frequently on course if a direction/turn was happening, but further apart if there was no other trail option/ we were on the same trail.

We started out and of course I ran a little bit past the spectators due to the energy of race day. We were thinned out in the little loop at the start, then spread out. First it was three of us together, then we gained a fourth person after a while. We hiked and hiked, stopped for pit stop stuff, got eaten by mosquitoes (they were really bad this day). Then we were on a skinny trail skirting the outside of a long winding up hill that looked like something out of Last of the Mohicans. What a gorgeous day to be outdoo---ouch,  mosquito. There were tree roots on all the trails, so I was worried, since I can trip over a piece of gravel in the grocer's parking lot!

Our group of four was passed by the ultra runners in this area. They were very polite, but we still stepped off the trail while they passed. It was fine when it was one or two runners, but when it was twenty in the pack, or ten, it was a mosquito fest, and a time when the clock was still running for us.  By mile 12 my hips were hurting from the pace I was going, and I was getting bitten more frequently, so I just kept walking when the others paused for a pit stop. I could still see them as I wound my way back and forth zig zag up the side of a hill.  As I reached the plateau, I scared up two deer, the only wildlife I saw all day.  The last half of this course had fewer (in my mind) long winding areas, and more constant undulating course layout of going up and then over 'rollers'. If this was a road for a car, it'd have been great for 'hill hopping'!

I took my phone out about the halfway mark. I slowed to take a gel, got some more out of my pack, and figured I'd take the phone out to do a photo and call The Mike to let him know my pace. Thus, this is the ONLY photo I have of the marathon trail.

Pretty much the widest part of the regular trail system,
not counting the occasional bit of double track. 

I couldn't help myself, I started slow running in some areas. I was tired. I needed to pee, but if I stopped I was swarmed by mosquitoes. I just wanted to be done. Oh, wait, look at that, Mile 16; no wonder--I'm hitting the wall. Up and down and up and down and some longer climbs where the trees were much taller and more space between them.

The aid stations were fabulous. All staffed by Scouts and 4Hers. While I had some Huma, GU, and a Sunbutter sandwich on Canyon Bakehouse bread with me, at the aid stations the watermelon and oranges were a welcome break of sugar, vitamins, and fiber, and the carbonation of Coca Cola was great. Except, the HFCS Coke (and Tamoxifen) given me an urgency to pee.  I just kept telling my brain that I really didn't need to stop. The mosquitoes finally lessened and I was able to make a stop without being lunch.

I was glad to have read the the race pamphlet part that it was pretty much downhill in the last mile of the race. Thus, I was perplexed when I kept seeing the "Caution Hill" signs and seeing a steep descent and having to go back up again when my Garmin was getting to 23, 24, 25 miles. I was on top of a hill when my watch was at 25 miles. I was like, "THIS IS IT. IT IS ALMOST OVER" and was SO happy. And then. . . it wasn't. My Garmin has never been off like this before. Sure, a tenth of a mile or so, but not this. I rolled into the last aid station when my watch said 26.2. I even showed the Scout dad --lol.  The leader said that it was a mile or so to the finish.  I continued run/walking along the top of the hill, saw some pink flags, and more pink flags, and was confused. It was a triangle on my side of the road with foot prints to the left/downhill and right/uphill of a boulder.  There were pink flags across the road on the opposite side. I was perplexed. I was there for maybe a minute, if that, and an ultra came up behind me.  He said we had to go to the right. I forget the term he used, but it was a tight lollypop. We went up this short hill with medium steepness, looped around at the top/flat area, and then came back down. From here it was ALL downhill.  The road part was a bit steep for running down in my opinion, but those ultra folks did it so beautifully. It was like watching ballet on a hill!  Then I laughed. There was a bench built into the side of the hill on this steep part!    Once past this steep part with roots here and there, it was on to prairiescape and still a descent. I started running, knowing the finish was near, and hearing the spectators, and honestly, I had a hard time slowing down. I wasnt sure I was going to be able to stop past the finish line!

I can't even get one "floor" on my Garmin for going up and down my stairs at home (12 stairs).
There was a LOT of elevation on this course.
Garmin lied to me this day! 

Oh, the finish was glorious. I was so excited to be finished. The medal is HUGE. I walked around with it tucked in my armpit due to the weight.  I changed my shoes for Oofas and I walked, stretched, and then sat for a caricature and talked with some other racers, and spectators. I think everyone I spoke to was from Michigan, so they were shocked when I said I was not!  I was a bit worried as to where my sister was, but I knew she had people with her.  We had brought the cooler with us, so I had some chocolate milk, my Tanka bites. Then I had to sit, because my body started working the food rather than just going forward.  

Weighing in at 1#8oz 

My sister finished!  Yeah, let's go get some food!  She wanted to go back to the hotel and I said, "oh no, we are going out to eat". She said, "Like this?"  Yes, like this. I am HUNGRY.

We went out to eat at a local place with good food.

gluten free bun toasted. I was hungry. I didn't trust the bread, but I needed my burger. 

Returning to the hotel there was a deer family across the parking lot in the trees. 

DIRTY feet 

I think I'm ready for the night 

Went to sleep so exhausted. The alarm went off in the morning, and I rolled over. I couldn't believe how good I felt. I was surprised!

Then I stood up.
I almost fell over.
The legs that felt fine in the bed, were wicked sore upon standing! 

We knew movement was the best thing for us though, so even though our bodies were saying 'no', our minds were telling us 'do this!'.

Back for more! 

By the time we were walking around at the start of the half, our bodies / legs were feeling much better, but we both knew we were taking today in stride. No  power work for us today.
We were surprised that parts we expected on the half weren't there from the day before, and I was hoping to get a photo of that loooonnnng steep decline today, but that wasn't on the course either. We later learned that a tree fell overnight and blocked the route--I guess adding obstacles isn't a thing :)

Most of the trails were like this, some were narrower with a definite 'gully' of sorts with the path being wide enough for one foot only. 

Strange how basically the same course can vary from day to day. 

The second day we encountered no mosquitoes! It was definitely less humid as well.  

The lovely "Caution Steep Descent" yellow signs. 

When we got to the end of the main part of the course, and moved to do the lollipop up a steep hill, my sister said this was part of the ski lift area.  Even without being someone who skis, I could definitely see the remains of the ski lift. 

Thank goodness that is over!  Longest marathon time and longest half marathon time for me. 

Somehow I wound up with more elevation than was suppose to be on the half course. Perhaps that was due to the redirect of the course from down trees.

When we started I realized I forgot to remove my ring. I am thankful the Camelbak has a closed hook within it and that is where I put the ring. It took several hours before I could put the ring back on. I never use to have this problem. I think there was only one half marathon (Chicago, 2012) where I had a little swelling. I'm putting this back on Tamoxifen again. I started that this Spring and it doesn't matter if I'm doing a 5k on the treadmill, or longer distance like these two days, my hands swell. 

Since the chain sporting store I stopped at didn't have tall Injinji socks in stock, I wore my fun Halloween socks. 

Before leaving the parking lot, we spied this sign. I *know* it is a fat bike, but the sign looks like a pair of binoculars :-)  And now you cannot unsee that, can you? 

The toes were dirtier than the day before! 

Leukotape held!  Thank you. Even with the blister being filled underneath, the tape held. 

It also only came off after soaking the feet in the shower/tub. 

Fanatic Maniac?  Finished one race, ran another, 2019. 

We did some car sightseeing in Manitee and definitely would come back to see the town. This was a gorgeous looking day, and no matter how much I really wanted to get to the Lake, my body was NOT willing to walk that far, especially across sand. 

Bluefish restaurant. DELICIOUS

appetizer 

salad . Thankfully my sister will eat blueberries (yuck). 

steak and potatoes.  It was a little rich, but so good. 

Monday morning we could move a little bit but were quite stiff at the get go. Once we got to walking, we were doing well.  After dropping my sibling off at the airport, I headed out of Michigan. I made my path based upon a billboard for Five Guys :-)   

Five Guys never tasted as good as it did this Monday after a double weekend. It was SO good.  They also loaded up the fries when they heard I did back to back races, and I honestly could not eat all!! 

My driving attire for the legs. Injinji compression toe socks (purple of course), and my Oofos which made massaging the feet a little easier when driving down the road with the forward/back movement. 

I still can't believe I hadn't posted this before now. I got caught up in various things.  This weekend I'm heading to Tulsa for Route 66 Half on Sunday. First time I'll do that race without my running sibling. Instead, The Mike is coming along for a vacation weekend :-)   

Have feet will travel, broken wing

Training was not good this winter. January I had an awful cold and on day four I went to the doctor. She pretty much rolled her eyes at me, but ordered some tests that I had to go to another facility to have done. I went there, they didn't do them. I had to go to the ER to have them done.  I went home to rest and feel like I was dying.  Fever, wicked chest issue. Had to sleep sitting up in the chair because my throat would get irritated. I could only take shallow breaths. Friday afternoon I listened to my voice mail . I didn't even recall my phone ringing. Who was it? That would be my doctor calling Wednesday evening with an apologetic sound in her voice. I had RSV and she said I 'might' need to go to the hospital if I got worse. Gee, thanks lady.  This is a wicked respiratory virus that babies and elderly folks get. I have no idea how I got exposed. I guess that bottle of Purell in the car for use after shopping just didn't cut it! 

I canceled a week of physical therapy for my plantar fasciitis because of the illness.

February had to be better, right? As it happens, it takes several weeks for your body to feel normal after RSV. Then The Mike got ill. Then I got a cold.  I also 'graduated' from physical therapy and was told to continue with stretches at home.  I bought a square foam cushion like we used in PT and also a round disc that we used. When I walk in/out of one of the rooms in the house I have to use these  for an obstacle course.  I use them regularly as well, but it's added bonus for going in/out of that room.

Before I knew it, March was here!  HOW did that happen?  I had a half! I didn't buy race insurance because I had to be in DC anyway and I had trip insurance if I was going to not make the trip.  Guess there is a reason why I hovered over the race insurance button last fall!  

Cool tank tops with racer names.

 I love this idea but I wish my name was on a purple or pink shirt instead of the grey :-)

How excited can a walker be? 

 WOO HOO!  This was going to be an attempt at running some, and walking most, and I knew that. I knew my time wouldn't be great, but that I was getting it done.  I have gained about ten pounds since last spring when my plantar fasciitis took hold. This was essentially a redemption for me, since November's Tulsa run also was still on bad PF foot.

The Route

The snow

Friday's weather was awful and I was so thankful that was Friday and not Saturday!  Rain, sleet, snow--and sooo cooooold.
It brought a smile to my face to walk out of the expo and see people twirling in the light frozen precipitation--it wasn't heavy enough to show up in photos of it falling. On the metro from the airport, there was a couple from Florida heading straight to the expo (I stopped at my hotel first). I am sure they might have been a couple twirling in the snow.  Unless we have to drive in it or shovel it, most enjoy the first flakes of snow.

The pre race dinner

Outback salmon is my go-to for prerace meals. Protein, some carbs, and not heavy in the digestive track for Saturday. Had an issue today for the first time ever!  My salmon wasn't done in the middle.  Sent it back and my meal was comped. Um, OKAY.

Flat Quirky 

The Quirky Gluten Free runner runs with cancer awareness these days. While my sister is a breast cancer survivor (pink) and I am a melanoma cancer survivor (black), I run for my mom and the other 45,000 people each year who will die from pancreatic cancer. 9% survival rate is not good enough. If you know someone who is diagnosed, or needs help, visit www.pancan.org/patientcentral for information on local to you doctors, treatments, so much more, and a listening ear.  If you know someone impacted by melanoma cancer, visit www.melanoma.org  for more information and assistance. There is so much information that needs to be shared--including visiting a dermatologist and oncologist who KNOW melanoma. 

The Blue Mile. 

The most solemn mile on the steepest/toughest and quietest part of the course. What we do does not compare. 
 The course  had some rough streets-one was a really rough street, overly filled mounds of asphalt right next to a nice hole--and beautiful scenery. It was not the same course I had run a few years ago and that was great. It made it new for me. 
Before the race I was feeling bad because I hadn't trained and I couldn't believe I was going to do a half marathon without training. Ten years ago I would have been laughing had you told me that!  Today I know that a half or full or ultra is about training, but also about preparation, mental attitude, perseverance and determination.  People who haven't done a race don't understand, but those who have know that perseverance and determination will get us all past that wall we inevitably encounter!


Just before the race I decided to post on my personal FB page that I was doing this race. I needed some positive vibes on a chilly morning (chilly, but not as cold as Friday was!). I walked over to the start too early, and so there was standing around in between tall buildings where the wind can seem colder.  I had a good first 5K to the race, running and walking, and enjoying the sites. The next part to the 10K was okay time (slowed slightly from the 5k) and I was still feeling good.  Mile 8 my Plantar Fasciitis poked its head out and said "watch it". I concentrated on walking with rolling my foot as I learned in physical therapy. I did that for a couple miles. My foot was feeling better. The tips I learned helped --though I'm wondering how I'll do a half and full back to back this summer! Then when I was just moving along and thinking of some things I hear my name!   I look around and see a friend who came out to see if she could spot me (and she had to walk her dog!).  That was such a pick me up!  The  next few miles to the finish were a run/walk/run/walk mix to carry me through. My time was slower than I was wanting, but it was a finish with no visit to the med tent! 

Thankfully these were moving stairs

After the race, I headed to Five Guys for lunch--and was told that I'd be the 'last bun' because their truck was late. I laughed and said I wasn't getting the bun and they could give it to someone else.  I was so thankful that the escalators at the metro stops were working! 

The City Tap House

The next night I met up with friend at The City Tap House. There are a couple locations within DC. Friend said the beer was good, the food was great, my burger and salad was great and what I needed after a light lunch of fish at the conference.  Conversation and catching up was wonderful.

My conference was fabulous and I learned a lot. Then it was time to head home. Heading west it was interesting to see how the landscape changed. I saw ice on Lake Michigan as my flight came in for arrival.

Connecting flight home was on time, and the clear fields outside of Chicago gave way to the snow covered fields of home. 

Well played Rock 'n' Roll series!  

Me heading to expo : you've done RNR before. You dont need to buy anything. 

Me at expo: OMG this shirt has runner names on it!  (silent shout) I found mine!   I *must* buy! 

Me in checkout line:  Hey, I have been looking for a large bottle opener for traveling,  to open Coca-Cola Mexican glass bottles. (real cane sugar formula)

Dang. Need to buy this new version of the glass too.

All bought... because of that tank!

Well played indeed. 

As I write this, I am mentally prepping for my surgery later today for carpal tunnel.  Apparently this is what is bothering my wrist since the car crash of Nov 2015.  I have a hard time understanding how carpal tunnel is responsible for so much, but this is what the docs tell me. I fear I'll get this part fixed and it'll still be something else. 

Last night I prepped food for a bit, froze some prep stuff as well as lasagna and chicken breasts. To improved health and one foot in front of the other.!  

Best Marathon I've run with my worst marathon time

Early this year I signed up for my "A" race of the year, the Detroit Free Press Marathon.  It was a bit of a long process on the computer, as one has to input the passport information. I've wanted to do this race since I've heard of it and decided to add a new state with a portion in another country, would be excellent.   The race, if you are unaware, starts in Detroit and runs a few miles to where runners cross the bridge to Canada, continues to run along the river street in Windsor, and then comes back to Detroit via the tunnel for many more miles in the US.  FUN!

Then the year progressed and my energy levels still weren't up to where they were in the spring of 2012.  Last fall my doc said I was "over training" and then mom died in December and then earlier this year my doc said my she couldn't find anything wrong and that I was just depressed over mom's passing. . . be that as it may, it doesn't explain why I had this last year before she passed, nor does it explain why I'm ccccold all the time (being cold is not a symptom of depression), as well as my legs/muscles feel like I've run ten miles after having just run three. 

One small worry was the passport. We renewed our passports last fall in preparation for The Mike's Tour Divide bike trip.  However, I just got the book, not the card.  When I started to register for this race, The Mike laughed and laughed, and said, "Guess you need the passport card after all". Right. Because I didn't want to run with my passport booklet in a ziploc baggie 'just in case' I had to show it at the border!   The local office said the photo from last year would work just fine, so I sent in my passport only to get it back about six weeks later saying the photo was too old and I needed to get redo the photo and send it back in.  Thankful that I was doing this early enough that there was time still to get the passport sent to me, and that it happened before the gov't shutdown!   

~~~TRAVEL~~~

So here I am with my training so-so and my desire to still run this race and The Mike and I set off after work and get as far as we can stay awake and find a hotel, or rather, try to find a hotel. We completely forgot about those leaf peepers when planning this trip!  

Peeping the leaves

  We had just crossed the time zone line and had to stop.  The third hotel at the interstate offramp had a few room vacancies and we were happy to score one--even one that served breakfast in the morning!   The next morning we were on our way through the sprinkles and rain; I was so thankful the race wasn't that day!  

It seemed like quite a long drive to Detroit due to the almost constant road construction.  As we neared Detroit, we saw these large 'creatures' in the distance. It was only as we got closer we realized it was a  set of bridges. In the meantime, we entertained ourselves with thinking they were creatures from War of the Worlds. This side view at the off ramp doesn't really do it justice. 

Interestate bridge on the way into Detroit. From the distance, 
when all you can see is a round top
and "legs", the bridges look a bit like the space creatures from War of the Worlds

Once into Detroit we had the scenic "ooh, this is nice" mixed with the eye sores.  We arrived at the hotel via navigation in the car. . . I'm sure there was a 'shorter' way to get there, but the navigation system likes to keep us on the interstate for as long as possible. 

Slight view of the Detroit Tigers baseball field from the hotel room
None of us in the group are sports people and didn't realize until that night's 
news that the Detroit Tigers were in the playoffs to make it to the World Series
(They lost to Boston) 

After heading to the Expo to pick up our packets and do some shopping.  I got a race glass and a new pair of CEP sleeves for the calves. . .and a reminder to always take cash to the expo. I saved $5 by paying cash instead of credit.  The sister got some new socks and GU.

Next, we headed back to the hotel, picked up The Mike and using Find Me Gluten Free app, we found Passport Pizza. It's a small place, corner store front with two tables, a couple actual pop machines and then the counter to order your pizzas. We were overwhelmed with toppings to put on the pizza and The Mike had a ton of selections for type of pizza as well.  The gluten free pizza was cooked/served on tins, ensuring it was GF, and the hubby's (gluten) Detroit pizza on thick crust.  Their webpage here.   

Passport Pizza on Woodward Avenue

As we left the pizza place, I realized the street looked slightly familiar. No, it wasn't from being on the street an hour before!  In reading up on Detroit on Wikipedia, I recognized the street/buildings from a photo. It's the last street in Detroit to lose its streetcars(1956). 

Beautiful old theater building on Woodward Avenue. 

Dinner the night before was from the hotel, as we didn't want to venture out with no specific destination.  Salmon with a cream sauce of cream, garlic and spinach.  Hubby had some left over pizza, so he just got dessert of pie and ice cream.

Prepping for the race the evening before,  I had my clothing laid out and  was spazzing about the temperatures. It was going to be colder than I had read when I packed. . .don't let the photo fool you--I had a long sleeve shirt and gloves as well. I decided to wear my new calf sleeves to help against the cold. 

I had packed my skort, tank, bra, long sleeve shirt, shoes, socks, mittens and visor. . .

I neglected to pack:  earband/headband, running knickers, common sense. 

As an inventive measure, I pulled the wide elastic band of my Road ID visor down over my ears to protect them from the chilly wind and ran with "loose hair" until later in the race when the sun and sweat was making it heavy and hot; then I pulled it into the ponytail.

~~~~RACE START~~~~

One of the things that surprised about Detroit was how many old buildings are just left in ruin.. . and a moment to remember the urban flight that afflicted so many large cities.  One of the first large buildings you see in downtown from the airport is an abandoned grand building 10, 11 stories tall, the abandoned Amtrak building.

Start of the race. So dark, so cold. brrr. 

38º at the start of the race!  Race Course Map  There wasn't much wind which was nice, but I had been reading weather reports of 45º for the start.  Sigh.  I didn't want to buy anything the day before at the expo to wear for 26.2 miles for the first time either.  

****FYI: Running when you're really cold and your body is trying to keep you warm and expel energy for your race is not good!**** 

just in case you needed the obvious stated!  

There we were at the start line with thousands of our closest running friends. We could see runners still arriving via the "People Mover" system.  The race information said that once the last corral of people left, no one else would be allowed to start late.  The environment started really PUMPING for us and the crew put on Eminem's song Lose Yourself!   Really got the blood pumping.  There was a count down "clock" for each corral as well. . .by clock I mean a large screen that would be at home in a movie theater, with digital count down for each specific corral.  

Then we were OFF and moving down the course.   I was feeling good and didn't start run/walking until the aid station in Canada to refill my bottles.  

As we neared the start of the border crossing we had to run in a bit of a circle up the roadway to the  checkpoint windows and then wind our way on the long bridge approach. As we passed through the checkpoint windows/gates that looked like individual toll booth stations there, leaning against one, was SANTA CLAUS!  He smiled, chuckled and waved when I yelled, "HI SANTA" while other people looked at me like I was nuts. . . later, when I mentioned this to my sister, she said, 'He DID look just like Santa and if he didn't want people to compare him, he shouldn't have been wearing a RED suit'.   The race course entertainment, Santa did have a long sleeve red shirt, I don't recall his pants color.   

Climbing the on ramp to the Ambassador Bridge, mile 2

Getting closer to the border crossing. There were scores of US border patrol at this point watching all racers and using the car speakers to inform us our race numbers had to be exposed, or else we would be pulled aside and searched. . .  

The bridge, the posts on either end say 'Ambassador Bridge'.

The bridge was still open for traffic. Semi drivers were honking at us (okay, many of us were doing the standard "arm honk" to encourage them). While we ran on one half of the bridge, there were"two lanes" open on the other side; however, only one lane was actually used by traffic with the second lane as a buffer between cars and racers. Felt bad for traffic, as the tunnel was closed until 10am and the bridge was one way traffic for them, but it was VERY safe running.

As we came down into Canada, the Border patrol there was a 180º from the US patrol, they were on their loud speaker welcoming us to Canada, high five-ing runners and mentioning that we got beer and donuts on the course because , 'hey, it's Canada' and "if you twist your ankle, no worries, you'll be covered under Canada healthcare, you'll just miss the race sitting in the medical office all day".  The sister heard a different message, but agreed, they were a HOOT, eh!

By the time we reached Canada, we were at mile 4.  We ran under the bridge approach and past an old cemetery where we turned to run along the river.   

Along the riverfront in Canada

Feeling good along the way, not much wind at this section, the riverside, miles 5/6.  

Heading into the  'underwater mile' zone  

Mile 7 to 8 I was a bit freaked out here and did a bit more 'turbo running' than I should have so early in the marathon.  As I was approaching the passport clearance area for us, there was a runner with a basic walking jacket on in beige and he had his hands clasped behind his back as if he was out for a stroll. I peaked behind me as I ran and he did have a number partially showing. I thought the border agent who was there might stop him. I was glancing between her and this runner guy and back and forth. I don't know if they did or not, but can say, "that's not normal runner behavior".  

As we entered the tunnel I was amazed at how HOT it was! I stripped off the long-sleeve shirt so it wouldn't get soaked and I concentrated on busting on through the underwater mile area.  I didn't even stop at the border crossing area, I had my cell phone out and just snapped a picture as I walked past.  I was still freaked out by the runner guy I saw on the Canada side.  My underwater mile was my fastest mile in a LONG time.  Seriously, even though it's downhill for the first part, I went through the tunnel at about 81/2 minutes/mile pace, something I rarely can accomplish!  I just wanted out of there and to be away from that creepy guy.  

Last actual race photo. . . the dividing line in the middle of the tunnel

Coming up out of the tunnel is hard mentally because you just keep climbing slowly and then you are turning and still cannot see any daylight.  I have no recollection of seeing a photographer there, but the photos on the website show there was one. 

I passed through a car path corral area as I exited the tunnel area. . .as I did, I notice the US Border agents talking to someone and (sorry, but she was) a blond woman trying to take a camera shot. The US Border kept saying NO, NO, NO. and the lady kept trying to take the picture until one agent started walking towards her and then she took off running.  Interesting race!     As I came up out of the tunnel area and into the street there were corrals holding back spectators from the runners and I heard my name announced. That was really AWESOME!  Hubby said he missed me here and I said I was scanning the gates for him, but never saw him either.

Next up was "Mexicantown" and it was sweet and nice to run through here. The wind seemed to be picking up some, but there were actually people out in their front yards cheering us on, as well as "no parking, Marathon Sunday" signs in both English and Spanish. There was a gorgeous old church there with multiple out buildings and it looked a bit in disrepair, but still gorgeous bones in the building.

About Mile 11 I stopped for the loo, which I haven't done since my second race, but I had to stop this time. Only three people ahead of me for the one portajohn and this guy comes up behind me and asks how long I've been waiting, because he doesn't want to lose much time in the race, but he has waited four minutes before. All I can think is, "really, cause I don't care how long I have to wait, I am not going on until I can use it".   I am FREEZING at this point and the skin exposed on the thighs is not happy with me, not pins/needles sensation, but just the realization that they are wicked cold, and realize that standing still, stretching is NOT helping me in the 'keep the body well' category.

We run along the course, make some turns and come to Corktown, which apparently is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Detroit and named for the Irish from County Cork (which I assumed when I was running past, but did confirm with that fabulous Wikipedia!) .  Lots of great signs along the course/bridge overpass area here, including the first of several "Smile if you're not wearing underwear" posters I saw in the race.  Obviously made by a spectator 'cause we all know the term is 'commando', right?  Then we had a long open /straight path for a few miles where the roadway opened up from being a two lane neighborhood street to a boulevard like course. Along this straight away from mile 14 to 16 or so we passed an amazing high school band/flag corps out there wearing mostly black uniforms and doing some "get down" moves while sounding their trumpets and trombones. Quite impressive and the dance/flag folks were great too. Really helped pep me up!   

Just before the turn past mile 16 was suppose to be a GU station. . .but, alas, as usual, all the GU was gone. I was really wanting it, as one of my GUs dropped from my waist band and I had repacked the band at the hotel and forgotten to put in the Cytomax gels.  The track runners did have bananas, so I took one of those for in a bit. 

We turned onto an awesome road that reminded me of the movie Home Alone and American Beauty scenes of the streets with wide streets, large old and tasteful/elegant homes.  It was interesting and sad to note that there would be four or ten fabulous houses with the next one being something that looked like it hadn't been touched in twenty or more years, and it was repeated.  This was the "Indian Village" neighborhood of Detroit. I didn't know what it was before running there, but afterwards found out it is one of the older neighborhoods and had homes owned by Ford, etc. 'back in the day'.  My running was still going so so here and I was run/walking and feeling good. The citizens came out with beer and polka music. An elderly man sat on a whimsically painted straight back chair cheering us on. Another man was out there with a squeaker horn? I'm not sure what they horn in his hand is called, but I said, 'You look like a Marx Brother' and he honked at me :-)   A few houses down a resident pointed to me and said, "you look like a beer person, come on over" and I said, "Gluten free" to which she replied, "we have Whiskey!"  oooh, I was sooo tempted, but didn't want to chance it with ten miles to go!  

Turning the corner and running into mile 18 we passed more gorgeous homes, There was one I wished knew the address of, it would have taken up a whole block in my city with the fence, distance to the garden shed, large house, etc.  Beautiful architecture here. . . As I ran down the street more residents were out, one had Jelly Beans and pretzels, another had (thankfully) M & Ms which I had to run back for (they're GF) and enjoyed with my banana for fuel treat.  

Up to this point my time was pretty decent for me.  Sadly, I started to drain here. Mile 19 and I was losing energy and pep. I didn't know how I was going to finish, but, by golly, I was going to do so!   We crossed MacArthur Bridge and headed onto the Belle Isle in the Detroit River. Gorgeous place, but my mind was trying to figure out how far we had to run on the island (it's only two miles, but one thing I should NOT do when running is try to do math!).

As I headed down the last stretch on the island there was a poor sole sitting on the side waiting for the medics to come, not sure what happened but I had reason to be thankful that wasn't me and I realized that the ankle/calf I hurt a few weeks prior to the race stumbling on a tree root wasn't hurting me. (maybe the compression sleeves were helping in that regard?).  This gave me a bit more pep in my stride, as did the family giving out Jolly Ranchers as I neared the bridge to exit the island.  

At mile 23 those around me and I realized they were starting to scale back the course. They had us running on the sidewalk for a bit, but I ran on the street unless cars were coming.  Mile 23 1/2 we ran along the river front and I was freezing as the wind came whipping across the waters and hitting my bare arms. I had tossed the long sleeve shirt at mile 14 as it was wet and I didn't want it tied around my waist, flapping and annoying me.  At this point I was screaming at myself for being a dummy and getting rid of it.  Ah well, someone can find the shirt and aim to do the Des Moines Red Flannel Run :-)   Even a course worker remarked "aren't you cold?"  

Knowing we only had 2.2 miles left helped some and I continued my run/walk method to get me to the finish line.  As we closed in on mile 25 I had to stop at a light. Just disgusted with myself that I was still out on the course at this point, but I didn't lose much more than maybe thirty seconds waiting for the light. Ohh, wait, I should say I lost a few minutes there, wink, wink.  

Then the last bit came on. I came upon mile 26, had to turn the corner and run to the finish line. As I came up the hill near just before the turn the spectators were inching out farther and farther into the roadway. I looked a guy right in the face and said, "I'm NOT moving over" and he scooted the three feet back to the curb.  

My Super Girl (with cape) finish photo for the family.

Runner finish area: OMG this was the BEST finish area/goodie line I've ever seen (Sorry Trekman!)  The sack I'm holding above has goods in it. I got a couple of chocolate milk (Yes, they had chocolate milk at this late in the race/finish area), a HUGE container of Hummus, as well as a couple smaller containers, a couple bags of "Food Should Taste Good"  chips, individual bags of carrots and sliced apples, mini Larabars and a few other things as well. This bag was seriously YUM for a gluten free runner!  

FINISHED:  Time, not happy with it, but since my body was off this year,  I was cold, running on a bad ankle/calf, and my knee just started hurting a bit towards the end, I was satisfied to take the time and getting out there and doing it!   It was my slowest time for my fourth marathon.  However, I felt the race itself was AWESOME. The other three marathons I've done were all Rock n Roll ones and this one had such a different vibe and was great. 

I loved the course, the spectators, the city, the architecture, the views, and even the spectator dude at the end who I had to tell to get out of my way on the course. Memories of the race! 

The old Detroit Free Press building.  

Alice in Wonderland chairs we spied as we walked back to the hotel.
In the background , to the right and behind of the pink chair,
one can barely spy the tops of giant cheese board pieces, about a foot tall each.

Special room key

The glory

Phew, that's a LOT of steps! 

After cleaning up, stretching some and snacking on those apples and chips, I decide I'm hungry and wanted food. The Mike said, 'Be sure to get something before 4pm" and Sis and I were like, 'why'.  Oh, right, the football game at the stadium nearby a few short blocks away!  We got the directions for Five Guys burgers in Greektown, and we managed to get inside just before the neighborhood is swarmed.  With our food in hand we head back to the hotel feeling like salmon swimming up stream for our lives. Lion fans are walking on the sidewalks so we take to walking on the street, after all, it's not like the cars are going to be able to go anywhere with all those pedestrians!  

The fabulous dinner/snack.

I laughed at the thought we were going to Five Guys.  I had never been there until Sis was coming back through North Dakota with me this June (from dropping The Mike off in Banff for his bike ride/race).  Then I had it at the airport in June in DC, and then again here.  So wonderful to have a burger and fries!  The fries are the only fried thing in the restaurant and they use peanut oil as well.  

Red race entry shirt, it has the course outline on the back. The shirt is very cozy and soft as well. It is now one of my favorite shirts (behind the Park to Park shirts--which, if you're interested from reading about that even in Runners World, in 2014 it will be a half marathon only).  The blue is my finisher shirt, the first "finisher" shirt I have managed to buy. Most events they're sold out by the time I finish. . . Strangely, in my mind, people were buying this shirt at the expo.  My glass is near the ribbon of the medal. The medal itself I thought was nicely done, it's heavy, and the ribbon is USA flag/maple leaf design.  

My Detroit goods.

We took sis to the airport to grab her flight, headed back to the hotel to pack up and relax before heading out early the next morning. 

We stopped for lunch in Battle Creek because I told hubby I was starving and going to take the next town exit, but he found a place for us in Battle Creek, MI.  

The entrance sign you see, once you've driven the few miles off the
interstate on Sojourner Truth roadway

It was so very nice to be able to order at a restaurant and have someone there understand Celiac/gluten free and have experience with it.Arcadia Ale Brew Pub in Battle Creek, MI. Menu  Our waitress hadn't worked there long and wasn't sure of all the things on the menu, but her child is celiac and so she understood the requirements!  She got the bartender, who was able to help me with the menu as her boyfriend is Celiac!  Great attention and we got there just before the lunch crowd, so perfect timing for additional attention from the staff.  

Gluten free tomato stew
Very tasty 

The Mike had a chili type soup that sounded fabulous, but they put some of the ale in the recipe. 

Brisket with mashed potatoes and broccoli.  (Gluten Free)

The Mike's "Cuban" sandwich, not gluten free.

While waiting for the food to be served we had a nice time watching the bottling/capping process in the brewery through the windows separating restaurant from processing rooms. 

Great adventure in Michigan, but afterwards on the loooong drive home, I had to question why I didn't just fly into Detroit!