Maui Oceanfront Marathon or MOM

I'm not sure if it was the 13 min PR or running in paradise but, Maui Oceanfront Marathon (MOM) is one of my favorite races. The whales at mile 14 pretty much solidified that. 

The cool thing about MOM are all the different running options and the fluidity of your registration and ease of changing events. Big thumbs up to the race director. He provides;

Point to point:

Early start marathon (4:30am)

Marathon (5:30)

15k

Out and back:

Half, 10k, 5k (some time, not 5:30, but I didn't look because I didn't really care)

Two days of packet pick up, one in each of the populated areas in Maui so that made it super easy to get. Nothing fancy but, you're on Maui, why do you want to waste time indoors at an Expo? I was in and out in 10 minutes AND I got to meet the race director, Les Wright (@runtahoerunmaui). If, for no other reason, sign up for this race for his emails, he's hilarious. I'm sure it's because it's a smaller race but, as far as race emails go, A+. 

 Festivities started at about 5:15 with a Hawaiian blessing which was dang cool. And I'm even pretty certain he wasn't just speaking jibberish. They played the conch, I got goosebumps and then we were off. They do have headlamps for sale, I didn't need one. The street is pretty well lit and enough people around you have them so you probably don't. AND! I got to meet some runner tweeps. @ericasara and @runrjr, they came to get married and decided to run too, too cute!

I've read comments (on active.com) from ppl who were complaining they didn't feel safe on the course, couldn't have been further from the truth, felt safe and comfortable the entire time (kind of a lie, I got pretty uncomfortable at mile 18 but can't blame the course for that). The road isn't closed and you run on the shoulder but traffic is courteous, plenty of cops and just tuck in behind someone bigger if you're really scared. Was super cool to see the moon reflecting off the ocean and to hear waves crash before the sun came up and ride started going back out. 

The aid stations were great, I knew it was a small marathon so brought a fuel belt for peace of mind but really, besides carrying my gu and Energy bits, wouldn't have needed it. I can't believe how spunky our volunteers were at 6am! They do not offer any energy gel but do have clif(?) bars and other assorted goodies. Water and Ultima to drink. 

It's pretty flat until about mile 11 then you hit some pretty aggressive hills through 16. That being said, I was more worried about them then I needed to be. Plus it's prime whale watching area so you're distracted. After 16 it's pretty flat until mile 25 where there's a slight uphill for maybe .5 miles then downhill and flat to the finish. The toughest part for me were the last 8, flat and direct sun. Plus there was no breeze. Make sure you wear sunscreen! Or run really fast so you don't have to bake like I did, lol!

I finally got to see whales at about mile 14, an awesome breech. Which is good because, unlike Pacific Whale Foundation, I don't think MOM offers refunds if I don't see a whale. 

The medals are solid, the art is way cool and they're heavy duty. Can't wait to get my race poster framed. I got my race pics THE NEXT DAY! That's amazing. I attached one, don't have a manatee (sea cow, get it?) I'm buying them. 

I think people who complain about this race are people who probably aren't happy about much. You're running. In paradise. What could you possibly be unhappy about?

This race came at the end of a two week trip in HI so yeah, maybe I shouldn't have eaten the Costco size bag of chocolate coconut covered macadamia nuts or snorkeled the day before the race, who knows. It's a great excuse to get to maui and run. Highly recommended. 

Was shootings for 3:59:59 and ran a 4:00:57. A 13 min pr so for sure bummed there's not a three in the front but still happy! 

Ran hard and safe for #megsmiles

You get a license plate holder!!!

Hawaiian Blessing at start

Me and my training buddy at the finish.

 

 Post race photo op, I'm about as salty as the Ocean here.

   

My professional race pic, don't worry, I'm buying it. 

Front

                            

Back. Isn't it cute? The Island with our race route on it! 

                                  My splits, I forgot to stop my garmin. Stupid last four miles. 

The Art of Gu

GU. There is nothing like it. Well there is something like it but in case anyone reads this and judges me for the content, I can't mention it. That being said, Gu tastes better. That, that, being said, the consistency of GU is like nothing else you've ever put in your mouth. I promise.

 Let's back the GU train up, GU is something used while running long distances, be it training runs or a race. In a marathon I take one about every 45 minutes. It is a tiny little 100 calorie pack that is full of carbs and sugar to try and replenish your body on the go. They make so much sense to me now, I don't know how I raced before them. GU is my favorite energy gel out there, I just like their flavors the best and have had the best luck with how my body reacts to it. 

When started training for my first marathon, I'd never heard of having to replenish my body with carbs and electrolytes through gu. That is what gatorade and water are for. My how times have changed! My training buddy at the time (and still is, I'll get to that) is my running bff, Beth. No seriously, her name is also Beth (she blogs HERE). I love running with her because people are like, Go Beth, wait, Go Beth and Beth! Beth squared. And ever since then, we've been Beth squared. Back to the point. She brought along a hammer gel one day for me to try. Brownie. It was definitely brownie, I still have a brownie stain on my favorite purple running shorts.... We were just heading into mile 5 and she handed me a packet, told me to rip off the top and eat what was inside. Ever the trusting friend, I did as I was told. And then I threw up. The closest thing I can compare gu to is, well, you know when you go to the dentist and they have to make a mold of your mouth and they put that putty in there and your eyes water because your gag reflexes are going and you think you're suffocating but then remember you can also breathe through your nose? Yeah, that's gu. Except it tastes better. The first couple GU's were tough. I thought I'd try the chocolaty flavors because that is what I like to eat but I find the fruity ones easier to swallow. Literally. Now I just rip it open, squirt it all in my mouth and swallow it in a big gu lump with a swig of water. Problem solved. 

The other half of Beth Squared is running Fargo Marathon in May but since I didn't sign up with her, said I'd still train with her. What can I say? I love to run. Next weekend there is an MDRA 10 mile race that we plan on doing together, then tacking on another 4 so she can get her 14 in. I needed some GU so ran (not literally but sometimes it is literally) to my favorite running store TC Running Company. OK, the reason I like this store the best is that, the people who operate the store are actual runners. More than being runners, they're just nice people. Plus it's close to my house. The GU's are right by the front counter and it was like a tractor beam, I saw PEANUT BUTTER! MY FAVORITE OF ALL TIME, of anything. Guy behind the counter said no go, do not try it. So, I didn't.  He did point me towards the Apple Cinnamon Hammer Gel though and I can't wait to try it. Well, can't wait in a, I NEED to take a gu so I may as well try this new flavor, sort of way.

My favorite flavors are Lemon Sublime, Mandarin Orange, and Espresso Love. And I have a feeling I'm going to like Island Nectar.  

What kind of refueling tools do you guys use? I'd love to hear your tips or tricks!