Teanaway Marathon

It was a bit of a last minute decision to run the Teanaway Marathon last weekend. But I ran in the Teanaway area in April for the Starlight Overnight and loved it, so I had to go back for more. It was about an hour and 45 minute drive over the Cascade Mountains to the east side for the race. I'm not a morning person and I don't see the early daylight very often, so it was pretty cool to experience the sun coming over the hills when I started driving. 

Race director giving instructions before the start of the race.

The race started on a gravel road along the Teanaway River. The course then turned on to a dirt road and started heading uphill. Eventually, the course turned again on to a single track trail. There were 2 aid stations. The first one was about 2 miles in and the second was at almost 8 miles.



Dirt road, not much shade.

The trail lead through trees. It was definitely cooler in the trees.

The course was 2 laps. There were half-marathoners doing one lap, and us marathoners doing 2. It was a beautiful sunny day. (I think they get a lot of beautiful sunny days on the east side of the mountains.) But then it got hot. When I finished my first lap, I questioned whether it would be smart to head out on the second lap. I heard that many marathoners dropped down to the half-marathon after finishing the first lap. My stubborn self had set out to do a marathon and, by golly, I was going to do it! On my second lap, the field of runners had thinned out a lot. I ran alone for almost the whole lap. I felt so exposed to the sun. I was worried that I would get delirious and go off the course, never to be found again. I ran from tree shade to tree shade and walked while I was in the shade. I was never so happy to see the volunteers still at the second aid station. I had gone about 20 miles and had 6 more to go. I gulped down water and poured it over my head. I ate potato chips and chatted with the guys for a while. To tell you the truth, I was afraid to leave that aid station. I wondered, can I do another 6 miles alone? What will happen to me if I pass out? But, off I went, still running from tree shade to tree shade. When I finally started heading downhill to the river, I figured I would make it.  

These videos were taken on the first lap while I was still feeling great and enjoying myself.

I was so happy to see these volunteers at the aid station. They don't know it but I felt like they were rescuing me.

After the race, I drove home. Well, almost home. I detoured to Alki Beach and walked into the water to ice my legs and hips. It felt pretty good to cool down!

Despite the high temperature, I loved this race and would really like to get over to Teanaway to run again.

View from my "ice bath."