Half Marathon

The half marathon is my niche, I think. Last October I walked the Portland Marathon, my very first marathon ever ... and probably my last. While I was as proud as punch to finish it (while the clock was still running and there were people at the finish line who hadn't rolled up the welcome mat), I decided that 26.2 miles is a tad bit longer than the human body was made to do with any reason.

By the way, after this picture of Husband and me at the Start line, you won't see him anymore. He's the loyal photographer, chronicling my form receding in the distance.
So after we got home from the Portland Marathon, I told Husband that I wanted to walk a half marathon. I think he was surprised. He'd done fourteen marathons--including walking the entire Portland Marathon with me--by then. I think he thought I'd stop with being proud that I'd done one. But I went online and found the North Olympic Discovery Marathon in Port Angeles, Washington, and said, "Let's go!"
Since we have friends living near Port Angeles, we had a place to stay and wonderful hosts for the weekend. Port Angeles is still cool and pleasant in June, providing perfect walking weather in the 50s and 60s (Fahrenheit, of course).
This half marathon starts out in a rural area with houses, and fields of happily munching cows, and then dives into the forest, taking full advantage of the tree cover to keep travelers cooler and shaded. I don't know who came up with the idea of making this trail, but it was brilliant. Walkers, runners, bikers and horseback riders can enjoy a satisfyingly long pathway that ends up by the seaside.
The volunteers at the aid stations always provide a pick-me-up as they congratulate walkers and runners for "doing great!" and encouraging them to "keep it up!" Our favorite aid station had set up little cafe tables by the path, with tablecloths and roses in vases. On the tables were pretzels or licorice, and the ever-present water or Heed electrolyte drink. There were a lot of kids at that station, some with chef hats on, and that made it even more fun.

We were supposed to vote for our favorite aid station at the end, but we couldn't find the place to vote, and our feet were too tired to go looking very far.
The last three miles or so of the course meandered along the coastline approaching Port Angeles. We could see Canada (Vancouver Island) across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and ahead of us--looking deceptively close--Port Angeles itself, with ferries and ships in harbor.
After having experienced the Portland Marathon, which takes you entirely through city and suburbs, the scenery here was a real treat. And I rather liked the slightly fishy tang to the sea air.
We came across the finish line in 3 hours and 50 minutes. I had hoped to finish in under four hours, so I was a happy (but tired) walker. And now ... well, of course I'll be on the internet looking for our next half marathon. Care to join us?