Maine Marathon: Portland, Maine, October 1, 2023 – Marathon #31
As I head out for the second of 11 marathons in a row, I’m still feeling a bit fatigued from last week. With the Chicago Marathon coming up next week, I’m doing my best to get some rest, though sleep has been elusive lately.
My flight into Maine was smooth, and I was excited to have some time to explore Portland on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday. While waiting at the Baltimore airport for my connection, I had a unique experience. I started hearing loud clapping and cheers from another gate nearby and decided to check it out. It turned out to be the arrival of an Honor Flight from Long Island, with veterans on their way to Washington, D.C. As each veteran stepped off the plane, they were greeted with applause. The entire terminal cleared for them—it was such a moving experience, and the first time I had ever witnessed it. I have such deep respect for our past and current service members.
When I arrived in Portland, my rental car—a red Mustang, just like the ones I had in Buffalo and Fort Worth—was waiting for me, and my motel was right off the Atlantic Ocean. I could tell it was going to be a relaxing weekend.
On Friday evening, I went for a run along the coastline and through Fort Williams State Park. I snapped some beautiful pictures of the ocean and a few lighthouses. Afterward, I asked around for a good seafood spot and was directed to Ken’s Place. I ordered clam chowder and a lobster dinner. The waitress asked if I wanted one or two lobsters, and I confidently said two. Well, she wasn’t kidding when she said they serve the entire lobster in Maine—the eyes and all! But I have to say, Maine truly lived up to its reputation for amazing seafood.
On Saturday, I woke up early, worked for a bit in my room, and then headed to pick up my bib for the race. I decided to explore Freeport, Peaks Island, and the old wharf area in downtown Portland. The city felt incredibly peaceful and serene. I told my friends, “If I ever fall in love again, I’d want to visit Maine with that person.”
Marathon Day – I couldn’t have asked for better weather. It started off a little cooler, but by race time, the temperature rose to 76 degrees. The crowd participation was fantastic throughout the entire race, and I even spotted a famous retired hockey player running the marathon as well. Along the course, I made some new friends and took plenty of pictures. My finish time was 5:03, which isn’t my best, but it’s still a solid result.
After the race, I headed back to the airport to fly home and prepare for Chicago. I leave on Thursday!
I can’t forget to share what happened at the Chicago airport as we were waiting to board the plane back to Kansas City. Just as it seemed we were about to board, a message flashed across the screen saying our gate was taking a break. I’d never seen that before! Then, I noticed a group of Southwest employees walking in and out of the jetway several times. I thought the plane was empty, but next thing I knew, about 40 passengers began coming off the plane, one by one, in wheelchairs. Each sweatshirt they wore said “Chicago Marathon Wheelchair Racers.” I stood there, filled with gratitude and appreciation for everything I have and the opportunities I get, even on the tough days. The sacrifice these athletes make is intense, and as someone who faces challenges on race day, I couldn’t help but feel humbled.