Honolulu Marathon: Honolulu, Hawaii, December 12, 2021 – Marathon #2
Hawaii. It’s one of those places that always felt like a dream—a “someday” kind of destination. But after my mom passed away and I decided to run a marathon in each state, Hawaii wasn’t just a dream anymore. It became a goal. Eleven weeks after my first marathon, and only about thirteen weeks after my mom passed, I was heading to Hawaii for my second marathon. I was nervous, excited, and unsure of how it would all play out, but I knew this was something I had to do.
I was especially nervous about going alone, so I convinced my daughter to join me. I don’t think it took much convincing. I mean, it’s Hawaii, right? We jumped into the planning, and my daughter, the expert planner she is, made sure everything fell into place. Flights, hotel, a full seven days of exploring the islands—it all came together despite the extra hurdles. Hawaii still had some strict COVID protocols, and since my daughter had already had COVID, she had to take a few extra steps to meet the travel requirements.
The Marathon: A Beautiful, Humid Challenge
The race itself was beautiful, but the weather was something else entirely. It was humid—and not just a little bit. The kind of humidity that made you feel like you were running through a sauna. But despite that, I kept reminding myself that I was in Hawaii—this wasn’t just about finishing a race, it was about soaking in the experience.
There were a lot of hills in this marathon, and the last two miles were almost entirely uphill. Whoever designed this course was not my friend at that moment. I can’t tell you how many times I second-guessed myself, wondering why I’d chosen this as the second race in my marathon journey. But every step was a step closer to the finish, and I wasn’t about to give up.
But I was also carrying something heavier on my mind: the major surgery I was about to have once I got back home. It was going to prevent me from running for at least twelve weeks. That was a lot to think about in the middle of a marathon. The fear of not being able to run anymore, of maybe never feeling like myself again, was right there with me on that course. People had suggested that maybe I shouldn’t run the race, but I pushed through those doubts. I needed this. I needed to prove to myself that I could keep going.
I finished the race, exhausted and emotional, and just when I thought the day couldn’t get any more eventful, my daughter almost got chased down by the police for jumping a barricade to take a picture of me crossing the finish line. She wasn’t the only one—there were others doing the same thing—but it’s definitely a moment I won’t forget! We both had a good laugh about it afterward.
The Adventure Continues: Exploring Hawaii
After the marathon, we weren’t done yet. We took a trip to Maui, hiked to some beautiful waterfalls, visited the stunning black sand beaches, and just soaked in the Hawaiian beauty. It was the perfect way to recover and reflect on everything that had happened. In many ways, this trip was about more than just running a marathon—it was about healing and finding peace in the midst of everything life had thrown at me.
On top of all that, I got to add another chapter to my ever-growing collection of maps. I love maps. I buy one every time I go on a significant trip, and somehow they end up cluttering my apartment, stuffed in corners and shoved under the bed in plastic bins. I’ve tried to organize them a few times, but every time I do, I end up lost in the different topographies and winding roads. It’s my quirky way of holding onto the memories of each journey.
The Power of a Good Morning
As much as the marathon was a physical challenge, it also mirrored a lot of what I’ve been learning in life. The more I run, the more I realize that success in marathons—or in life—doesn’t just come from the effort you put in. It’s about how you approach the challenge. It’s about how you start the day, how you prepare for what’s ahead, and how you handle the obstacles that come your way.
I’ve realized that how your day goes often depends on how you choose to begin it. On the mornings when I wake up late and rush into the day, things tend to feel off. But when I take my time, when I ease into the day with intention, that’s when the magic happens. The same thing happened in this marathon. I wasn’t just running a race. I was learning how to pace myself, how to balance effort with reflection, and how to enjoy the journey—even when it felt like the course was never-ending.
A Huge Sense of Accomplishment
By the end of the trip, I left Hawaii with so much more than a medal and a marathon bib. I left with a sense of accomplishment and peace. I had pushed through my second marathon in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, met challenges head-on, and emerged stronger. And best of all, I’d made memories with my daughter that we’ll both cherish forever.
So, Hawaii, thank you for being everything I dreamed of and more. I’ll carry this race with me, not just in my running journey, but in my heart. It was one of those experiences that truly reminded me that running is more than just physical. It’s about perseverance, it’s about healing, and it’s about taking the time to appreciate the beautiful moments in between the struggles.
Chalk one up for the marathon journey. And for the analog experience of getting lost in maps. 🌴👟🌊
