Double marathon weekend

Yes, Marc completed his double marathon weekend last week. This goal was more important to him than completing a 100 miler.

Aside from being the driver, my participation in his runs was minimal. We drove up to Crater Lake on Friday. I've lived in Oregon for 14 years and have only been to the lake 3 times, of which twice were this summer. The lake was just as beautiful as it was earlier this summer, but what a difference 6 weeks makes. All the snow had melted and the wildflowers were in bloom. We camped at the national park campground at Mazama village. Conveniently, the race had a shuttle pick- up at the campground so all I had to do was make sure Marc woke up at 5 am to catch the shuttle. The little guy and I slept in, broke down camp, stopped at the visitor's center, took two short hikes, and still had enough time to drive to the finish and see Marc come in for his first marathon finish.

On the Castle Crest Wildflower Trail

Sun Notch overlook

Wizard Island view

Phantom ship

First marathon finish!

Glad he didn't need the services of this vehicle!

After Marc recovered in the cold stream and got some watermelon, we started the 2 hour drive to Bend. I've never been along the eastern shore drive. The views are different but just as magnificent!

We arrived in Bend in time to get Marc's race number for Haulin Aspen the next day. Marc wore his race shirt, finisher's medal and maniac hat to the pick-up. Gotta use your bragging rights while you can! Fortunately we were staying at the host hotel, so Marc could conveniently ride the shuttle to the race again. Sunday he was up at 4:30 am to catch the 5:15 am shuttle. The little guy and I decided to forgo seeing Marc at the start/finish and stayed at the hotel for a day of relaxation and hiking. I hung out on the porch overlooking the trees and hills with the sound of the Deschutes river in the background. I had my coffee and a few back issues of Marathon and Beyond, so I was happy. Inside, the little guy had cartoon network (we don't have cable at home) so he was very, very happy. But I was able to pull him away for an hour hike along the river.

a hike right outside our doorstep

Deschutes river

Marc arrived back about an hour before I expected him. Turns out they have an unadvertised early start. Since he was there so early he decided to take it. He started out slow and had a great run. His time was slower than Crater Lake, but he felt great and finished! So now he's a 4 star maniac. Hard to believe he went from saying never again at an ultra last year to completing 8 ultras and 2 marathons this year. I'm proud of him!

the conquering hero

On the drive home the next day we stopped at a few more of Oregon's awesome rivers. We're so fortunate to live in such a beautiful state.

Metolius river

time for a dip in the Santiam river

Our 2008 race schedule is now complete. What's next for either of us remains to be seen.

Happy Trails!