Mount Marathon

So you may ask what is Mount Marathon and why am I doing it?  It's a pretty big deal up here in Alaska.  I couldn't be more excited to push myself and do this!

Looking down on Seward from the top

According to folklore, the tradition of the Mount Marathon Race began when two sourdoughs argued about the possibility of climbing and descending the mountain in less than an hour. “Impossible” one said. To settle the argument, and the resulting wager, a race was held, with the loser to furnish drinks for the crowd. At the same time, enterprising merchants put up a suit of clothes and other attractions for the winner and proposed the race take place on a holiday – why not the 4th of July? The optimistic sourdough lost his bet. The winning racer took one hour and two minutes.
Official records disclose that the Mount Marathon Race® actually began as an organized run in 1915 and has since become a regular part of the Independence Day celebration in Seward. Over the years, this home town historic event has drawn increased participation and resulted in new milestones. 54 women finished the first-ever women’s race in 1985, juniors began logging their age-group records in 1994, and 2005 heralded the beginning of the “staggered start” for the adult races. The popular Mini Marathon race starts them out young – toddling just a few feet to victory!
Race day is always July 4.

Straight up

 So....how did I get myself into this situation?  I was scrolling through facebook a while back and I saw a post by Advanced Physical Therapy that said they had 2 spots in the race.  So you just had to like and comment or something easy like that for a chance to win.  At first I scrolled right past it.  Then I said "why not".  Several weeks later I get a message that I got a spot.  CRAZY!  This race is extremely difficult to get into.  You have to qualify by being under a certain time in the race the year before or win a lottery system.

I always thought it would be cool to do this race one day, but I hadn't even thought of signing up.  I even forgot that I had done the facebook thing.  Once I found out I was in though I got really excited for some reason.  Why does it excite me to go out and exert myself like this?  Because I can!  Things like this make me thankful that I can do this type of stuff, or at least attempt it.  When I see someone who doesn't have the ability that I have I feel guilty when I take an elevator, drive instead of riding my bike, etc.  I try to keep that in mind when I'm feeling particularly lazy.

Well, that's the story.  I officially begin training May 1.  I'm excited.  Time to start climbing.

Looking forward to anyone who'll be in Seward for the 4th watching or participating.  Let me know who's coming!

Update...obviously I'm always late on getting my posts out when i want to so now it's mid may and I've already started training.  I've been out a few times with Cindy the great! Pictures below of course.  Todd has gone with me once on an off day for him and of course the dogs are always game for a good workout.  I'm enjoying pushing myself in a new way.