18 DOWN, 32 TO GO…

Maui Marathon, Hawaii
Number of Runners: 8
Elevation: 52’
Time: 4:26:40
Weather: 88 degrees, partly cloudy, hot

Hawaii was the most difficult marathon thus far. The morning started off in a painful sort of way, with a blood draw. We’re conducting an investigative research study to examine the physiological impact of intensive and prolonged endurance activities. I’m happy to make a contribution to this scientific body of knowledge, though giving blood before running a marathon is rough.

But meeting the eight other runners at the starting line was uplifting. They were a solid and dynamic bunch. Even so, there was less celebration at the starting line than usual, as though we all new this was going to be a challenging day. And that it was.

Temperatures warmed quickly, the tropical sun radiating through the clouds, thickening the humid air around us as we ran. Although the course paralleled the water, the road was busy and you needed to remain focused on the traffic ahead. Only with a cautious glace could you take in the beauty of the setting.

The runners hung tough. In the group today were some amazing stories. Two had flown in from California, another from Colorado, one had come all the way from Italy, and this was his first marathon, there was a Fireman in the group who had his three boys along in a support vehicle, and one incredible runner who had flown in from Japan (and that’s only part of the story). He had rearranged his wedding plans to correspond with today’s marathon, exchanging vows on Maui yesterday, and running with us today.

We kept up a steady pace, and by mile 20 it hurt. The pavement was scorching and every step took its toll. I can’t say enough about the strength of the group today. These guys were solid to the core, each holding strong despite the demanding conditions. At mile 21 we came across my friend Chris Lieto, who was in Maui training for the upcoming Hawaii Ironman. Talking with Chris, who was on a training ride, put some life back into me. Chris looked great, and is a top contender this year. It was really cool for him to ride alongside the group for a while, and we’ll all be pulling for him in Kona.

After passing through Lahaina at mile 24, the gravitational pull of the finish line started reeling us in. The excitement and momentum built as we made the final turn and saw the finishing tape stretched out before for us. It had been a hard fought battle, and crossing the line together was an incredibly rewarding feeling.

Waiting at the finish were friends and family members of the group, and a new bride. She was so proud of her husband and his accomplishment that she broke down in tears. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged, and despite my haggard state, I was smiling from cheek-to-cheek. My legs hurt, my feet hurt, my arm where the needle had been stuck throbbed. The upcoming plane ride to Arizona was not going to be fun, but at the moment, that was the last thing on my mind. For now, I felt nothing but joy.

Maui no ka oi (Maui is the best),
Dean

---
Click here for Endurance50 pictures.
Click here for Endurance50 videos.

Comments

[Mike]

Dean

You are brilliant the way you say things! What is it about the finish line that helps us dig down and find that last reserve of energy? I have felt it and so has every runner but I've never heard it described so well: "the gravitational pull of the finish line started reeling us in." Brilliant.

Keep up the great work. On my run this morning I was thinking, Dean hasn't said one thing in his blog recently about hurting or pain or anything! Is this guy human or what? So it's great to read that hot tar and a needle prick in the arm take their toll on you like they do on the rest of us. It makes me able to relate and that just makes you more of an inspiration. (BTW - I did 6 this morning - pain free :-)

Mike

[Lisa Holt]

Dean-

I was planning on doing the SF marathon with you but when I went to register, it was sold out. However, I still went and picked up your book because I am so inspired by what you are doing. I started reading your book and am having a hard time puting it down. I have so many other things that I should be doing, but I am so mesmerized! I finally found someone that has put my own craziness into words and WAY surpassed it. I am over halfway through with your book (reading about your South Pole stint)and have decided to run an ultra within the next year. There is so much power in your words that I feel like I'm running each step with you. Continue on! I still think I might endup showing to one of these runs in another state--gosh, I guess I got the bug.

[cheryl palen]

Congrats on a tough race...flying to Hawaii and jumping over to Maui an endurance event in itself!
Great that you got to chat with Chris!
I have mentioned you on my blog site and linked it to yours for others to tune in!
Best of luck- I will be checking back periodically!

[Nicole Jolie]

Dean,

I read your blog every day; it's my inspiration to get out and complete my insignificant little runs. I'm training for my 27th marathon on December 10th - The LVMarathon.

Knowing you are running to bring awareness to children is tantamount. I was a 'child' runner in the late 70's early 80's and was always told it was 'bad' for me, that I should find a girl sport, or that I'd look like a guy if I kept running.

The principal at the junior high school told me I'd never amount to much in life because I was quitting school in order to find full-time work and the coach of the track team agreed; they also said I was too slow. Later in life, I ended up finishing 27 marathons (some as a rogue runner when I couldn't afford it, shhhh....), Ironman Canada, and 17 other half ironman races as well as working as 'crew' at Western States for Lisa Henson and a few other runners.

I wish I had you as a mentor you when I was running as a little girl! Athletics have always been a priority in my life and I am grateful to be able to run every day. Sometimes women tell me, "you're an inspiration." I can't believe they'd think that of me.

Thank you for giving your life to achieve the best for all; thank you for being so supportive and pure in your love of athletics; thank you for loving all of those you come across and finding that one beautiful thing about a person; and, thank you for coming to this planet to help the rest of us realize what we have and how to appreciate it! You are a beautiful, wonderful and incredible being.
Nicole L Jolie

[Kazuhiko Sakashita, Nagano, Japan]

Dear Dean
I left Hawaii this morning and am writing this on the plane back home, my wife sleeping happily with her head resting on my shoulder and my legs still hurting proudly. It was a great honor to run with you and other magnificent runners. I will forever cherish the memory of my dream-running with you and the hand-in-hand goal with kids, along with the pain of ruptured blisters. Like many of those who shared the "moment of misery" with you, I am always with you whereever you are running!

Kazuhiko Sakashita