For my second marathon experience, I signed up for the
Anchorage Marathon. Here we are at the start line with about 3500 runners. Many were in the Team in Training Leukemia Society Purple jerseys. They came from many parts of the "forty-eight" which is how Alaskans refer to the rest of the USA.
Marathoners are a jovial bunch. As we waited, many took photos and danced to the music! |
Along the way, I chated with some of the TNTers to hear their stories of why do a marathon. The most moving one was a young woman from the East Coast who told me that on the summer soltice nearly a decade ago, she got a bone marrow transplant. She realized how precious life is and wanted to do something for a good cause and to celebrate that she was alive and well.
The course took us out of town. Here the route is still paved road but eventually, we did some trail running with hills!
|
Many of us took pictures of the water-food-aid station decked out in a M*A*S*H* 4077 theme. The gal in front of me also had the same idea to take a photo. Can you guess what state she and her running buddy is from?
|
Of course, the sign in the M*A*S*H* unit. Hmmm, where is Toyko? 8-) |
Some of the wonderful volunteer cheerleaders! I'm about 1/2 way done at this point. |
Because the route takes us off the beaten path of Anchorage, the crowd support was limited. There were many associated with the Team in Training. But others were the faithful volunteers. Here we are around mile 20 or so.
I did manage to finish in 6h 25min. No speed records there. But it was just plain fun to participate!
|
|
To the left, a few hours after the marathon in downtown Anchorage next to a popular tourist photo op. And here below is the whole group at Kumagoro in downtown Anchorage for post-marathon sushi dinner! (l to r) Rene, Stacy, Ron, Leonard (also a marathon finisher!) and Harold.
Anchorage Restaurants
Sourdough Mining Company is located at 5200 Juneau St (907) 563-2272. Lots of atmosphere in this place that recreates a mining town. Good food with good portions. Noted for their corn fritters. They did an excellent job on salmon and prime rib! It is across from the touristy but charming Alaska Wild Berry Products Store which is home to the world's largest chocolate waterfall. The youthful, friendly and helpful staff are worth the visit alone especially when they periodically do song and dance numbers.
Sea Galley is located at 4101 Credit Union Dr (off C street) (907) 563-3520. Food was pretty good. We all ordered salmon cooked different ways. In some cases though, it was a tad over cooked.
Kumagoro is located at 533 W 4th Ave (907) 272-9905. The sushi yellowtail and salmon was great. The tuna was okay. The portion for the chicken teriyaki was generous!
|