Shipyard Maine Coast Half Marathon

Back in the fall I signed up for my 5th marathon, the Maine Coast Marathon, as well as the half marathon, in the same weekend. After months of slacking on training (I only did two back to back long runs, I was supposed to do them every other week), I wasn’t sure I was up for the 39.3 challenge. My goal for the weekend was to run the half marathon on Saturday conservatively to save energy for the next day, have fun, and to feel good. I wanted to finish the half and then evaluate for Sunday. I didn’t tell many people I was running both races because my head was full of doubts that I could run both back to back.

Friday rolled around and it was time for Jordan and I to drive to Kennebunk, Maine. I had never been to Maine was was super excited to check out the Maine Coast. (Turns out, I love Maine.)

We stayed right in Kennebunk, a short drive to the coast and to the marathon start/finish area. The half began in Biddeford at the University of New England campus, about a 20 minute drive from our motel.  A few of my good friends were running the half marathon, so it was loads of fun to hang out in Maine with them.

The day turned out to be much warmer than expected. Thankfully I opted for the ARE tank top! The sun was beating down during the entire race.

I took it slow and enjoyed the scenic views, making sure to walk the hills (there weren’t that many), and to drink at each water station to stay properly hydrated. My goal was to finish feeling strong because I’d have to run double the distance the following day. One thing was for sure, the views during the half marathon were incredible!

Despite the warm temperature, I felt great the whole race. My legs felt fresh. I was feeling good! I finished the half in 2:25:04, just over an 11 minute mile. Okay. I felt good and decided to at least start the marathon the next day.

Jordan got to take his road bike out and ride some of the course–he found me near the end to cheer me on! The medal we got was awesome-a mermaid with a bottle opener.

Even though it was a hot race and not everyone hit their goals, we still had fun out there.

The race provided runners with 1 slice of pizza and two Shipyard beers! It was kind of early when we finished, so we didn’t have our beers, but we had plans to visit some Maine breweries later on.

After we showered, we drove to Portland. We first stopped at Bissell Brothers, followed by Allagash Brewing.

Free beer tasting, anyone? They were so good!

Portland was such a cool town. We loved it! I can’t wait to go back and explore more.

So, Day 1 of Maine Coast Marathon weekend was complete. Next up: the full marathon! Stay tuned…