I started 2013 with 3 goals:
- Complete my 50 States Challenge
- Complete my third consecutive Rock Idol
- Reach Sun Status in the Fanatics
I added the goal of completing a full.
What ensued was a frenzy of planning, spreadsheets, travel folders, and logistics. Now halfway through the year, with 11 1/2s and a full under my belt for 2013 and 13 12/s, a full, and a 10K to go, the end is in sight. And with that, a question from a very dear friend has brought my OCD planning and results driven focus to a screeching halt. The question was simple. As I was preparing to depart for Portland, ME for my weekend's race, he simply asked what my plan for the weekend was/what was I going to do in Portland. My answer was a quick, "oh, I'm just going to check off the state." The conversation moved on, but the seed was planted. As I stood in the shower the next morning the question and answer played through my head; and my foolishness dawned on me. When had this become about just checking the box and reaching the goal? The entire thing started so I could EXPERIENCE the wonderful diversity of the states, yet here I was about to travel to one of only a few states I'd never been to and I simply planned to arrive, eat, sleep, run, shower, and leave?
That just wouldn't do. So, with just over 24 hours until my scheduled departure, I began searching and planning. How would I make the most of this trip?
Without even meaning to, I'd already made this trip a bit of a unique journey. I'd originally intended on driving for this one (typically anything under 12 hours I'm up for the drive), but given the ridiculous sale air fares I'd been finding lately I checked to see if I could find something cheap 'just in case'. While it wasn't too bad it wasn't worth not driving. Then as almost an after thought I checked Amtrak fares. I'd taken the train to DC for work plenty, but never for anything beyond that. It turned out that train fare would be slightly less than gas/tolls for the drive; not enough to make the difference on it's own but the thought of simply sleeping for the allotted travel time vs. having to drive made the decision an easy one. This trip was going to be my first journey by train! Beyond that I had 24 hours to determine how to make the most of this trip.
A quick websearch and I'd booked a yoga cruise (something I'd likely never do back home) and a 5 light Lighthouse tour (I'm a big fan of lighthouses and Maine has some awesome ones so this seemed fitting).
I caught the train Friday evening and spent the evening reading before falling asleep.
I made a connection in Boston and settled in for a short train ride to Portland. Somewhere along the way the train got delayed and by the time I arrived, checked into the hotel, and made it back downtown I was already running late for my yoga cruise. I hadn't eatten since the night before and had planned to have time for a leisurely lunch. That turned into grabbing a quick cup of chowder (wasn't that great) and a lobster roll while calling to let them know I was on my way. I ended up eating the lobster roll as I waited on the pier.
Soon enough we were on our way to the Frances to get underway. She was beautiful!
We were told your level of involvement was your decision. We were welcome to jump in and help the crew or simply sit back and enjoy the ride. Having ZERO knowledge of sailing, I opted for the latter - everyone else onboard seemed to know quite a bit about sailing so I decided not to get in the way. As we sailed past Civil War Era forts, other boats, and beautiful shorelines, I couldn't help but relax and enjoy the journey - & be thankful I'd been reminded to.
Soon enough we moored up and began our yoga practice. Our instructor was amazing! I was the absolute LEAST experienced member of the group (and likely the least flexible as well), but I never once felt as though I was in over my head.
I somewhat worried about doing a new workout the day before a race, but quickly pushed that aside and enjoyed the practice. At some point during our practice the Frances got underway and we began our return sail. As we ended our practice with a final "Ommm" the sound of a buoy bell clanging in the background brought me back to the present. It was an incredible experience.
I felt amazing as the Frances sailed back into port.
I DEFINITELY recommend anyone traveling to Portland check out Maine Sailing adventures!
http://mainesailingadventures.net/ Even if you are not interested in yoga, look into some of their offerings!
Once back on shore and determined to fully experience Maine in my journey to race all 50 states, I headed out for a truly Maine dinner....lobster!
While not typically something I would eat pre-race, I wasn't worried about time goals for the event, just experiencing the area, so it was fitting. Returning up the pier from the restaurant, I took time to take in the sights and sounds of Maine
before hailing a cab back to my hotel. A little pre-race prep and it was time to sleep.
Race morning dawned early and as with many events I wondered why I do this to myself as I dressed and headed down to catch the shuttle. It was already toasty and humid and the sun was still well below the horizon, this didn't bode well for race morning. The shuttle dropped us off at the ferry terminal as the sun was rising over the water. I headed to grab my packet.
After packet pick up, I met up with some fellow Half Fanatics and 50 Staters for pictures and race chatter - we were ALL concerned about the heat.
Soon enough we were in our corrals and then on the streets. I'd walked through Old Port quite a bit the previous day, so running through there was not really 'new', but enjoyable just the same.
Soon enough we were in new territory and I was taking in the sights. At the corner sat a huge anchor...so very Maine...unfortunately, on the anchor sat a homeless man - such a sad reminder of the state of the world today.
Such occurrences during races (this is not uncommon) often leave me reflecting on the good that could be done with the dollars spent on race fees/travel vs. what we get out of the races. There is no right or wrong answer and I'm not one to support socialism, but it is a point to ponder for my running friends and perhaps an individual balance to be found by each and every one of us that may also change along the course of our individual journeys.
The course took us through a somewhat residential area with beautiful older homes -
All the while heating up, making us thankful for the hydration stops along the way -
Before dumping us out on a serious downhill grade -
Then leveling out again with a slight view of the water below to our right.
As we ran along this portion of the course I heard complaints from other runners about the poor course, but I was confused. I was thoroughly enjoying the changing scenery - perhaps they were less focused on the journey and more focused on specific points along the way??
Soon enough we found ourselves running down a path, doing a switchback, and returning to Old Port.
As we went through Old Port I noticed how gorgeous the Customs House was; and wondered how I'd missed it so many times already.
As we passed the ferry terminal and began our journey down the second portion of the course the heat was ridiculously intense, but the views were equally refreshing. Whether viewing the homes, the sailboats, or simply taking in the vistas the beauty of Maine was everywhere.
We soon crossed a set of railroad tracks - and even the crossing sign slightly amused me, though nothing out of the ordinary -
and found ourselves peering out at a gorgeous old railroad bridge over the water. I couldn't help but wonder if the locals appreciated its beauty or found it an old eyesore.
As we passed the railbridge, to our left was an incredibly colorful wall of graphitti - the vivid colors popped off of the stark concrete more as art than vandalism.
The graphitti wall surrounded a water treatment plant and while initially I found the murky water rather disgusting, I also had to take a moment to consider the fact that I would likely never be so close to such a facility for any other reason and appreciate just seeing it.
This section of the course was out and back and offered no shade. The heat was brutal but the views distracting.
I was less than thrilled with the overgrowth in a few areas, but thankfully congestion on the course was not a problem.
As we turned a corner we were again on the waterfront, dotted with colorful kayaks, and a welcome water stop.
We then made our way to the back bay for our final loop. As we came out on the bay and I looked across it seemed a MUCH farther distance than we had remaining.
But I could see runners along the other side so I knew we had to make it all the way around. I spotted tents in the distance and as we approached I was intrigued to see they were not race related at all, but rather a boat building event. I found myself wishing I had time to stop running and check them out (but knew if I stopped I wouldn't want to continue!).
Before long I found myself on the far side of the Back Bay, surprised I'd gotten that far that quickly,
And equally surprised there was NO escape from the blistering sun as the heat radiated off of the marsh.
I truly believe there should have been an extra hydration stop at this point, but it wasn't long before we approached the final side of the Back Bay and a hydration stop at mile 11.
Unfortunately the hydration stop was down to their final cup as I approached. Folks were literally picking up used cups in their desperation to rehydrate. I actually got the last fresh cup - which was worrisome because I am a solid middle of the packer so there were plenty of folks behind me.
The two remaining miles had us retrace our steps past the kayaks (where again cups were running low), the water treatment plant, graphitti wall, railroad bridge, and moored sailboats, before bringing us into the final stretch by the ferry terminal.
There was no sprint to the finish, just a steady run enjoying the views and enduring the heat.
I walked throughout the race whenever I needed to, I had no intent of ending up hospitalized for a medal. And when I crossed the line, I IMMEDIATELY broke pace and walked to cool down.
I did not hang around for the finish line party, as I had bigger plans - my lighthouse tour. So after a quick photo, it was off to the hotel to shower and pack.
As I buzzed about my room showering and packing, I realized that it would be MUCH more convenient if I didn't have to return to the hotel to retrieve my luggage. A quick call to the tour organizer and I was assured there would be room in the back of the van for my little suitcase - this gave me more time to enjoy the journey through Portland - So off I went! Back in Old Port, I decided to have another lobster roll for lunch, this time foregoing the chowder. As before, it was amazing. Then I was off to meet up with the tour group. Our group consisted of five plus the tourguide, as the others were in pairs, I rode shot gun. Our guide chatted animated about the area, it's lights, and their history as he drove us to our first stop. Though not a lighthouse, he explained this little known beach was a local's favorite. He hopped out and explored Kettle Cove for a bit and I could easily see why.
We loaded back into the van and head to our first light - and one of the most iconic lighthouses in the US, Portland Head Light. Along the way our guide offered up a variety of history on the light as well as the keepers and a variety of shipwrecks nearby. He also continued to engage us with facts regarding lighthouses in general - ranging from trivia regarding their day markers to their light patterns and fog horns. Once at Portland Head he further offered tips on the best vantage points for photographs as well as "must see" locations. We scurried off to explore on our own for a bit with our return time in the backs of our minds. This was by far the most gorgeous classic light, well maintained with keeper's quarters, etc; but while I appreciated seeing it - it wasn't my favorite.
In the distance from the Portland Head Light, we could see the Cape Elizabeth Light. This was the closest we would get to it during our tour, but the guide did take some time to point it out and offer a few facts.
Another light we would view from afar during our tour was actually my favorite on the tour - Ram Island Ledge Lighthouse. We also were only able to view this light from Portland Head Light, but it was fascinating.
Sitting alone in Casco Bay, the lighthouse is actually privately owned - yet is still an active aid to navigation. Built in 1905 I can only imagine the stories this light could tell & envy the owners! As we loaded back into the van and headed to our next stop our guide entertained us with stories of the acquisition of the Ram Island Ledge Light by its current owner, while heading towards Spring Point Ledge Light.
Spring Point Ledge sat out at the end of a rock wall, which I thoroughly enjoyed running, jumping, and skipping along - even in my flipflops! I always loved playing on the rocks along the water growing up, and as I scampered out to the light I was 10 again without a care in the world. My inner tomboy already engaged, I didn't think twice about grabbing the ladder and climbing into the light.
The guide perched at the top of the light cooled my jets a bit when he made me wait for him to ascend the final portion - because he wanted to lecture me about the light. I played along and allowed him to spin his stories of lens and foghorns, but I wasn't a lighthouse rookie...I just wanted to enjoy the view, alas this was part of the journey.
Finally on the ledge and enthralled by the surrounding beauty, I realized my guide had paused long enough to fiend interest in my response to his question - yet I knew he truly thought the answer was beyond this dingbat tourist...staring out at the bay, I piped up my response - much to his surprise.
A bit of satisfaction in my smile at his complete befuddlement, I confessed I grew up on the Eastern Shore and lived on the water most of my life. He instantly lost his regimented tour speak and greeted me with a ESVA hello - turns out he was born and raised about an hour south of me. We chatted for a bit about our roots and I was again off to the rock wall, to enjoy myself while heading back to the van. Just before playing along the rock wall, I took one last look at our first light from the vantage point of this light - the view was truly amazing.
About halfway down the wall I happened to hear a couple semi-arguing and he encouraged her to hurry up and she complained that she could go any faster in flipflops....just as I literally ran and leaped over a huge gap in the rocks to pass them. It was completely not intentional but boy did she get a glare from him and I could feel her glare through the back of my skull! I met back up with my group, all of us fast friends by this point, and we rejoined the guide in the van to head to our last light.
Our final stop was at the Portland Breakwater Light - affectionately called "Bug Light" due to its size. We walked down to the light, but it isn't open to the public,
So we simply enjoyed the views and the history from our guide before loading back into the van.
As our journey wound to a close we found ourselves back in Old Port. Given that I'd brought along my luggage, I had just enough time to enjoy a final meal in Maine before heading to the train station. I followed my ears and found myself at a deck bar/restaurant with live acoustic music overlooking the bay. I opted for single fried oysters and enjoyed every one.
As I walked back up the pier I decided to stop for icecream at a little joint advertising homemade ice cream. While Strawberry is my favorite, I was in Maine....so I added a scoop of blueberry!
It was then off to the train station!
I was only in Maine for 30 hours and I did run my half, check off the state, and get my medal....but I did so enjoy the journey to do so!
"Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it." - Greg Anderson
