Between two marathons, we try to double that amount! We use “crazy marathon math,” which allows the increased intake. We reason that a marathon burns about three thousand calories, and just to get back to where we started marathon one, we need to consume that much. Then we need to carbo load for marathon two!
To say the least, it is a food celebration from the moment we finish marathon one to the start of marathon two. Somehow, the food just seems to disappear, and amazingly, we seem to feel stronger at the end of day two than we do at the beginning. Conserving energy on day one and doing the double carbo load are keys to finishing strong.
The American Discovery Trail Marathon 2009 was one of the most scenic events I have participated in. There was not a cloud in the sky, the air was cool and crisp, and the course was as billed, entirely downhill. Starting at an elevation of 7200 feet at Palmer Lake, the point-to-point course was much like the Prairie Path, soft and forgiving, only it was red in color. (I still have some small red stones in my shoes).
The course followed the flowage of the many rivers and streams from the foothills down to Colorado Springs at 6000 feet elevation. The water in all the streams and rivers looked like it does in a Coors commercial—crystal clear, whether it was six inches or three feet deep. The most scenic portion hooked up with the Santa Fe Trail through the Air Force Academy grounds. Peaceful and quiet, I enjoyed this part of the course the most. I was moving slowly and carefully, yet I felt truly blessed, even though I was alone, far behind the pack. It was the perfect day to set a new record for my slowest time ever! (Technically, using more “crazy marathon math,” it would also be my fastest Colorado marathon at the same time!)
Perhaps moving so slowly was a gift. For miles at a time, it was just me and the majesty of God’s Colorado creation. It was a little disconcerting when a several- hundred-foot-long portion of the trail seemed to have become the desired sunbathing site for a number of baby black snakes, who would slither quickly off the path as I slowly approached. Even though they were small, I don’t like snakes, and doing the stutter step occasionally was not what my injured foot needed! It gave me the heebegeebies for a few moments to say the least.
Although my pace was slower than a sleepy snail, I was still happy to be progressing. Speed and time are all relative to attitude, and as I continued inching along, I was able to catch up to five other participants who were struggling forward, even slower than I was.
By the time I got to the finish line, the volunteers were packing up and going home. A few were graciously waiting for me and three other participants still out on the course.
I have now finished marathons in the top 10 percent and the bottom one percent, and they are all memorable. At the time of this writing, I am recovering nicely and looking forward to seeing you on the path again soon, running happy and hopefully a little faster, but not too fast!
P.S. Mike and Eddy finished fast and safe. Mike, his friends, California Cathy and “Mr. Aurora”, actually got detoured near the finish and ran an extra mile! Two marathons in two days were not enough for Marathon Mike, I guess. (He is the type of friend who always goes the extra mile!) Fast Eddy who never wanted to run the “2fer” and says he will never do another, finished a few minutes before Mike. (We still wonder if he was involved somehow in Mike’s detour).
