2012 Seattle Marathon – An Amazing Experience!

Yesterday was an amazing day. I completed by 9^th marathon in 2012 Seattle Marathon with one of my long term, bestest friends ever. It was her first marathon and truly an amazing event. Like any race, it did not come without complication. But in the end, after you cross the finish line it all makes sense.

How we ended up Running the 2012 Seattle Marathon

Jen has been running half marathons for years and frequently expressed how much she “never wanted to run a full marathon.” Then something happened. She lives in NYC and signed up for the 9 + 1 Guaranteed Entry program for the NYC marathon. She did it and that was it.

And of course, I agreed to run with her. Unless an injury stopped me, I’ve never turned down a race. The NYC marathon is one of the largest races on the planet that draws runners from across the globe. It shouldn’t be news to anybody what happened to the NYC 2012 marathon and why it was eventually cancelled. Our 16 weeks of diligent training was in jeopardy of not be put to test on the 26.2 mile course. Bummer!

A quick change of plans and we were all set!

But you know what? There is something really special about a marathon and the commitment to see it through to the finish line. It’s not just about the course and the day of the race, it’s about the momentum and perseverance it takes to get there. The race itself is like the icing on 16 layer cake.

It’s the daily focus around nutrition, fitness, and rest. It’s about juggling a lifestyle that prioritizes all those above other aspects. That being said, it’s no surprise that only .5% of the populations (the 2011 marathon community consisted of just over half a million runners) actually goes through the process.

So with the effort involved and the flexibility of our lifestyles, we decided not to let the NYC Marathon cancelation derail us. We quickly registered, booked flights/hotel to and reached out to our other bestest friend who had just moved back to Seattle. 26.2 was bound to happen for us in 2012!

Getting to the 2012 Seattle Marathon

We arrived Friday night and everything was perfect. Our hotel was amazing (The Homewood Suites on Pike), the expo was easy, and the city is gorgeous! We had amazing meals (Lola and Serious Pie), slept, laughed and really enjoyed our time in the beautiful city with the best of friends.

2012 Seattle Marathon Race Morning

Race day came and we had no rain and just the 38 degree weather to battle. A taxi to the start line, easy bag drop and small lineup at the start – it was a dreamlike/complication free race day experience.

The course is nothing short of breathtaking. The first part is over highway bridges. With the thick fog, it almost felt like we were flying. Many miles are along Lake Washington, which is like a series of snap shots right out of Runners World. It is an out and back portion and unfortunately the back and a fierce headwind that was freezing. The last portion of the marathon trugs up what feels like a country road under a canopy of what can only be described of as Fall. Really out of a story book.

Finishing the 2012 Seattle Marathon

I didn’t set a PR, but I qualified for Boston for the 3^rd time. Which was really more than I could ask for. And this was actually the race that put me back at the start line for the 2014 Boston Marathon. The back half of the marathon was so challenging, most of the pros didn’t even see a negative split. I consider any race I finish the back half faster a success!

The point of the 2012 Seattle Marathon story is this:

1. Marathons are good. Not just for fitness, but a good test of determination.
2. The Seattle Marathon is a well executed, good sized, overall great event.
3. My friend Jen did what she said she never would…meaning anything is possible if you just put your mind to it.

With all that said – do you have interest in joining the elite, small community of marathon runners? I highly suggest you do. Nothing beats the satisfaction of a post finish line party!

*This was originally published on Eat. Drink & be Skinny*