February 2011 Essay

Remnants of Cape Cod


I don’t normally do this. In fact this was the first time I ever did it. Under the circumstances I felt it was ok as a rare treat.
As I woke to the sound of my alarm clock, which, is another rare treat for me as well. I immediately got up and then back down throwing on the cloths I laid out on the floor the night before, like a child getting ready to go play. After the odds and ends of race morning and finally arriving to the race tent I had just enough time to pin my race bib on and grab another cup of coffee they had present. They had Starbucks!!!
So the gun went off and away we went. During the race there were volunteers directing us at each corner as to which way to go and reminders to watch the ice that was all over the roads. It made me think about how we need to see what’s right in front of us. We need to be aware of the moment and deal accordingly. It is far more important however to look up and ahead at the long term goal. The Focus should be long term; you got to be aware of the immediate ice that we all have to deal with. But by focusing on the long term goal and continually moving forward with a positive attitude the ice is nothing more than a harmless puddle. Enough deep thinking back to the race…
So I navigated through the course and managed to avoid the puddles on the road. Surprisingly because I tend to daydream when I run and not pay attention to where I’m going and where I’m stepping sometimes. The course reminded me of the Cape Cod marathon due to the fact that we were running with gorgeous views of the Great South Bay along the route. The sight of the cool, crisp water made me want to go swimming, another favorite endeavor of mine. At about the 6 mile mark I noticed a runner with a blue flame beanie on. This may not seem like anything special but since I was wearing a red flame beanie I found another goal besides finishing. To beat this blue flamed runner! But I put it out of my mind because he was ahead of me already running from a turnaround point.
It just so happened right at the stretch to the finish line, I saw him. Leaving some gas in the tank I picked it up past him. He also picked it up and we ran even for a bit with the finish line in sight. I was expecting a good race to the finish, something I have yet to get so far. But after hearing the, ‘ah’ and seeing the fading shadow of the blue flamed runner disappear from the blacktop in front of me I knew he was done. After clocking in with a time of 1:27.32 I immediately went for my race day treat. To my surprise there was 4 to choose from; Golden, Toasted, Pumpkin, and Oatmeal. It was around 10:30 A.M., breakfast time, but I’m not talking cereal here. After a big quenching gulp of the Blue Point Brewery’s Oatmeal Stout I reflected on the race while talking to some of the runners and Brewer’s around me. I thought about stretching but instead took another sip and just hung out, had beer, looked at the bay, and took the best nap since the Cape Cod Marathon. Between the beautiful scenery and the nap (also the great beer) this was truly a remnant of the whole Cape Cod marathon experience.
-Barton-

January 2011 writing

CAPE COD MARATHON 2010



“I wish that car would just hit me.” This was how I felt at the beginning of the day in the early miles. The mental factor controlling my body was at an all-time low to the point were running was the last thing that I wanted to be doing.
The night prior to the statement above my mom and I drove up around 9:45 P.M. because of me getting anxious and wanted to start the adventure early. As always is the case when it comes to things like these. The drive up was great. My mom and I had some great conversation, never even turning on the radio for a second. I do missTommy and me singing up a storm while driving, when come the next day we can barely speak, but that’s a different story. We missed all the traffic on the bridges and after trying to find a diner or someplace to park the car and crash for the couple hours before the race we finally conceded to park it at the high school where the race was going to start. Apparently we were not the only crazy ones cause there were two other cars there doing the exact same thing…waiting for the start of the race!
I awoke early…as always seeking to explore. I found a dunkin donut truck unoccupied and open but my good conscience helped me not explore the inside for some free food. Eventually my mom woke up and we walked to a 7-11. There we found nothing good so we started to walk back to the school while stopping at a dunkin donuts for some prerace coffee and bagels…so good. Upon arriving back to the school after that long and cold outing we came back to find the dunkin donuts truck giving out free coffee and bagels. Figures.
After receiving my bib number we hightailed it over to the starting line where everyone was awaiting the sound of a gun to start the day’s activities. For me the race goal was just to finish. I was recently coming off an injury and it was just a personal test (each marathon is a goal in itself) as well as a way to get another state under my marathon belt. After the gun went off I waved good bye and started on the path before me. The scenery was amazing. I remember running along the sea shore staring at the beauty of it all. The ocean is so amazing. It always inspires me and makes me think of the creator of it all. It refreshes the soul and spirit. Despite the beauty, it was pretty cold in the morning. I was wearing my winter gear for the fact that the morning was freezing! Then it got hot. I eventually had to throw away my zip up hoodie I was wearing. Which wasn’t a big deal, I kind of planned on it anyways. I wonder where it is right now.
Along the way I talked to a number of runners. One guy I hung with was from a different country. I forget which one but I always love different culture and accents. After that I ran up to two guys that were in conversation and jumped into it. One of the guys was an older gentleman who was the most popular person in Massachusetts apparently. Everyone knew him and running with him actually made me popular. It’s all about who your associates are.
After parting ways with the older gentleman due to my small bladder I was back on my own focusing on the path as well as the scenery in front of me. The race had its ups and downs as all tests of endurance have. I got a little emotional toward the end which is where I always kick it up a notch and run my legs out to the finish. That’s been the theme of every marathon I have run so far, such an awesome feeling.
The aid stations where not the greatest. All they had was water and this weird electrolyte drink (cytolite) which I never tried before until this day. (You’re never supposed to try something new on race day) Besides the expresso love GU’s and the power-bar I had to help me along I found that the crowds at designated cheering stations to be a big source of encouragement. Toward the end I remember all the Scottish…or Irish bagpipe players that gave me a boost of energy by their enthusiastic playing. Their tones of energy streaming into my legs for the last stretch of the race.
4:12:02 was my official finish time. I was really happy to finish after injury and my mental state being the way it was that particular day. After I crossed the line I walked the mile or so to the car to get my cell phone to call my mom. Eventually after not being able to get her on the phone I walked back to the finish line to try and find her. Around and around we go. Finally after finding her we went back to the school to the basement where they were having the post-race party and food. That’s right, after running a marathon they want you to walk down a flight of stairs! At least this time I didn’t have to walk down them backwards due to the pain that sometimes accompanies marathons. I had some of the fruit along with the New England clam chowder. Best Clam Chowder I ever had! Afterwards we went to the bar at the finish line for a victory drink. My metal just so happened to get the attention of an old time runner who insisted on buying me a round of beers. Free beer and lengthy conversations about running, how could I refuse?
Before the drive home I took a siesta while the warmth of the sun hit my blue X-terra relaxing me after a long, cold, hard day. The ride home consisted of the usual; coffee, good conversation and a little bit of traffic. We also stopped at subway…spicy Italian with the works!!! O so good! It was great finally arriving back home after the long, tiring, and all out fun endeavor. My Dad was very proud of my accomplishment and it was great to come home to him, Jameson, and yes even mike. I’m not sure if I will do this marathon again but it was surely a great one to end 2010 with.
-Barton-