Beach2Beacon

Ran the Beach to Beacon on Saturday. My 9th year.

The Beach to Beacon is a 10K race started by Joan Benoit Samuelson 10 years ago. It traces the running route she trained on when she was a kid growing up in Cape Elizabeth. Starting at Crescent Beach, it winds through Cape Elizabeth, with the finish line at the lighthouse at Fort Williams. Probably one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

I started running primarily so I could participate in the race. At the race's inception, I was a "non-runner" living in Cape Elizabeth. I decided that I wanted to run at least one race in my life, so about 4 months before the race's second year, I started running.

Actually, I started walking fast, mixing in 30-60 seconds of running - or as much as my winded lungs could handle. Oh, it was painful. The worst part was that by the time I could finally run 6 miles on the treadmill, I decided to try my fate on the open road. My first "road run" I almost passed out! Running outside if VERY different than the predictable pace of a treadmill. Hills, wind, sun, humidity - they all affect you when running outdoors.

My first race I was convinced I was going to come in last. I hardly slept a wink. I was so nervous that I ran a 7 minute mile for the first leg of the race - classic beginner's mistake. Go out too hard, cramp up, and experience a painful finish. But at least I didn't finish last! Not even close. I actually finished in under an hour. And I've been getting a little better each year - not much - but gradual improvement.

And now I am experienced! Nine Beach to Beacons, 3 half marathons and thousands of training runs under my belt. And I have my routines to ensure race-day success. Whole wheat pasta and lentils for lunch, lots of protein at breakfast and carbs at dinner the week before the race. And down the water! Smart Water with electrolytes is my choice. An hour and a half massage with Andrea at Akari the day before the race, sushi the night before, and again, lots of water the morning of the race. No breakfast, lots of stretching, and I can be assured I will have a good run.

And what relief when the Beach to Beacon is over. Another successful race under my belt. But I can only savor for an instant - just long enough to enjoy my rewards - a garlic bagel topped with smoked salmon, capers, red onion and tomato from Mister Bagel followed by a nap at the beach - two of my most favorite post run rituals!

The feeling of accomplishment is fleeting though. Because the morning after I must put in 9 miles to begin training for the half marathon in early October. No rest for the weary...or a Type A personality.