Day 7
Marathon in Newport, OR
Daily Miles - 26.2 Running/Walking - no riding today
Cumulative Miles - 508.7 (riding miles only)
Marathon Time -  6 Hours 19 Minutes
Average Mile Pace - 14 Minutes 28 Seconds

 It definitely wasn't the fastest of my marathon times, but it wasn't the slowest either.  I was only concerned with finishing considering the circumstances.  The cutoff time to finish was 7 hours.  My time was 6 hours and 19 minutes.  Not bad from my perspective.

 There were a total of 507 entries.  395 actually finished.  I placed 390th.  I was really back at the end of the pack.  It was so much fun walking the second half with some people that were struggling.  I heard some great stories and shared encouragement where I could.  I wasn't really struggling.  I was more protecting myself since I have to hop on my bicycle again tomorrow.

 State of Oregon marathon...check that box.  I have now completed marathons in 21 states.

 The morning started early at about 5:30am.  The marathon started at 7:00am.  It was almost perfect weather.  Based on the consensus opinion from the locals, today was about as good as it gets in Newport.  Sunny, cool, no wind.  All good.

 A few pictures from the starting area at the mouth of Yaquina Bay.  The bridge will be taking me out of Newport tomorrow.  The other view is looking out toward the Pacific Ocean.  We spent the entire 26.2 miles following the Yaquina Bay and River.


I was bib number 6.  Those low numbers are usually given to elite runners.  That's not me!  It just so happened that I was the 6th person to register for the marathon since I planned this whole adventure so long ago.


We ran through the marine front shipping and fishing area.  One of the local shore fisherman started running with me.  It was great.  He was in his full fishing gear, boots and all.  He was pushing me since I was going at a slow pace.  Pretty cool locals.
The locals here really appreciate the participants.  They support this event since a big chunk of the proceeds go to help the local student's sports.

I stopped a few times along the way to chat with the supporters and volunteers along the route.  We talked about the tides on the river, the annual marathon event, and all about the Newport area.  I probably could have gotten under 6 hours if I kept going, but it was worth every extra minute. 


I checked on the weather toward the end of the marathon.  61 degrees and sunny.  Not much to complain about.


Oh how I was waiting for this sign.  There were 25 previous signs (obviously), but this one meant there was only 0.2 miles to go.   And it truly was all downhill from there!
A long time waiting but there was the finish line.




 Great day!  I am so happy and blessed to have made it here on time and healthy enough to participate.  I am a little sore, but a good night's rest and I will be back on the bicycle tomorrow.

Comments

  1. Brendon DeWittJune 2, 2018 at 7:44 PM

    Thanks everyone for all the comments. They are awesome and I enjoy reading them. Please keep them coming. Great encouragement to keep me going.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SEJune 2, 2018 at 8:47 PM

    Kudos BD! Marathon mission accomplished on your Pacific Coast 2018 Adventure! The journey is enhanced with meeting and taking time out to converse with folks & locals you meet along your path.
    "The most important reason for going from one place to another is to see what's in between, and they took great pleasure in doing just that." Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth.

    BD, your words and reflections of each day...most affirmatively convey the great pleasures you are experiencing. Bike ON!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJune 2, 2018 at 10:43 PM

    This is so cool that we can share this experience/journey with you. Tomorrow , on to Florence and if I remember right some sand dunes. Get a good nights rest. He is looking over you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJune 3, 2018 at 3:58 AM

    Brendon, your an out right terror! I surely couldn’t even keep up with your exploits. You biking and marthoning. This makes me tired with both words in one sentence. Love your having fun and smiling knowing Joe is up in heaven cheering you on. Those sore muscles will go away but the stories and adventure will live in a lifetime of memories. Stay safe and focused on the journey, wishing you the best and prayers in God.

    ReplyDelete
  5. TetonJune 3, 2018 at 4:05 AM

    Marathons in 21 states... 508.7 riding miles (so far), you are an Elite Athlete...When I grow up, I want to be just like you.. Amazing Doc.. Love hearing about the folks you are meeting along the way, makes the lonely part of riding a bit better for you. Beautiful country and places you are seeing as you ride from border to border, and no dogs today.. :)
    Hope you got a good nights sleep/rest, now get moving/pedaling this morning. You have another great day ahead of you. Something to help with your ride today (as I remember reading about songs in your head) Chris Cross: Ride like the wind to be free again, well I got such a long way to go, to make it to the border of Mexico... finish this... hehehee..

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJune 3, 2018 at 2:26 PM

    Brendon...awesome job. You are such a BA. Finally sent the link to my e-mail, since I was having trouble logging on from my phone. So forgive my tardy note. Loving your pictures and the memories you are sharing. God bless you brother and keep up the great job. BTW, saw your post about the dog chasing and biting you. When I was a paperboy delivering papers on my bike on a 3.5 mile route, I had a dog that chased me and bit me. My precious NC grandmother's advice was that they did not like snuff and red pepper. Well I bought some from the local country store and mixed a batch in a cup and used that. Stopped him in his tracks and he did not chase me for a good 3 weeks. Well he started again, so ......hmmm.....given the Open Source here, believe I should save the rest of the story for one of our rides on the C&O when you get back. Hey take care. YBiC Randy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJune 3, 2018 at 2:27 PM

      Guess I am using Julie's Google Account....so forgive the mix


      Delete
  7. Will AxtellJune 4, 2018 at 8:12 AM

    Congrats pal! I can't imagine running a marathon on a one day taper...

    ReplyDelete

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