Sunflower Marathon

 

The Sunflower Marathon and Relay May 9, 2015. I highly recommend it! It is in the Methow Valley between Mazama and Twisp, and it is such a beautiful area! I've done this race before, when the course was just over 21 miles. Now it is almost 27 miles (my GPS said 27.1 miles).

I planned this race as a trainer for my upcoming longer distances races. I tried out a new drink before the race, Tailwind. It is an electrolyte replacement and carbohydrate powder that you mix with water. It tasted fine--a little salty. It didn't upset my tummy. My friend, Sarah, has been using it for a few months and loves it.

I pushed hard on the first half. I know that's not the proper way to run a marathon but I wasn't trying to win it, or set a personal PR. I wanted to wear myself out a little and then keep running. It made for a rough second half but I caught up with my friend and we ran (walked uphill) the last 6 miles together. Thank goodness for Sarah! I probably would have walked a lot more without her by my side.

It was pretty warm out. Actually, I am trying to say that it was hot, but I don't want it to sound like I am complaining! I wore my running vest with 4 Gu packs, water, some Nuun, Cliff Shot Blocks, and a ham and cheese sandwich. It didn't feel like it was enough fuel. I felt like I was running on low, so I took 2 Hammer Gel packs at aid stations. Since the Tailwind worked fine before the race, I think I'll take it with me on my next run.

I am going to let my pictures and video below show you how lovely the course was.

The starting line, in a field, as the sun rises over the mountains.

Suspension bridge over the Methow River. It bounced around as we ran across.

 Running on an old dirt road in the valley with the sun sprinkling through the tall trees.

In the hills somewhere between Winthrop and Twisp.

I could hear "The hills are alive with the sound of music" ringing through my ears . . .

Methow Trails puts on this race (and the Cutthroat Classic). They do a fantastic job. There were burritos at the finish line for all of the runners, and a live band. It is very family friendly with people picnicking in the field after the race.

Me and Sarah at the finish line!!

At the finish line with Kelley and Kimberlee from The Masonjars relay team. I ran leg 1 and 2 for the team. My daughter and husband were supposed to run those legs but they stayed home because my daughter had performances in her school play Friday and Saturday nights.

The trail was dry and dusty. Combine that with sweaty toes and this is what I got.

I drove to the Methow Valley Friday afternoon. There was still snow on the side of the road at the top of the pass.

 

At the top of Rainy Pass.

Also at Rainy Pass. The large area of snow on the right is the road to the PCT trail head. It's also the start of the Cutthroat Classic race.

 

I stayed at our friend's place. They have an apartment above their garage and they are so welcoming.

 

I was greeted by this creature at my friend's house. The valley is full of deer.

 

I picked up my race packet Friday night and enjoyed a prerace lasagna dinner. I headed right back home Saturday afternoon after the race to catch my daughter's final performance in her school play!

Driving home on the North Cascades Hwy. I think it is so beautiful.