This was a quick trip. I was there and back in less than 24 hours. It was my first time to Maine.

When I arrived I went straight to packet pickup. It was a simple affair. The hotel I chose was walking distance which was nice. Afterwards I had dinner at Scales, a seafood restaurant that was recommended by the GM at the hotel. Again, walking distance which was lovely…until it started raining 🤣.

I had dinner at the bar. Tuna tartare, crab fritters, rolls, and a margarita…( it was a long week). And then chocolate torte with sour cherries and vanilla custard (like I said, long week). Not the smartest pre race meal, but I just wanted some tasty food. Some people may find it weird to sit by yourself at a restaurant but I adore people watching. People are fascinating. I like to make up stories about their lives and watch the interactions.

After dinner I walked to a CVS for Gatorade and Diet Dr. Pepper before heading back to the hotel. At the hotel I felt something on my leg. I looked down and it was a $&?!ing TICK! I LOATHE ticks. And it’s even worse when you are traveling and don’t have medical supplies to deal with situations like that. Listen, I got it handled because I am a grown ass woman, but it wasn’t fun or pretty. And then my brain went down a worst case scenario path of Lyme disease and other possible ramifications. Ugh. Don’t rest in peace tick. I certainly didn’t rest that night.

Race morning dawned and I headed to the start line, like 15 mins before the race started. I like to live on the edge with travel, I find it thrilling to arrive at an airport gate with minutes to spare. It was a 10 min walk so made it in plenty of time (5 mins 🤣).

Per usual, I hadn’t researched the course and didn’t realize Maine was so hilly! Or at least, Portland is. The race course was also very tight, at one point we hit a gridlock and everyone had to slow to a walk.

It was lovely running along the ocean. Smelly at times, but beautiful. I loved watching all the boats bobbing on the water.

Finally after 12 hills, and one that reminded me of San Francisco (brutal), I got to the finish line. Beautiful sight! This race was pretty slow for me compared to my typical times. The hills and humidity played a part, but to be frank, I just wasn’t feeling it. I was all in my thoughts. However, that is one of my favorite things about running. It allows you to ponder all kinds of things, and no matter what, regardless if I’ve solved anything or not, I feel better when I’m done.

After I finished I walked back to the hotel. The chafing was real. Humidity and heat are brutal on the skin. I thought Maine would be cold, or at least cool, but I was wrong.

Got a quick shower, packed up, and headed to the airport to catch a flight home in time for a wedding.

It was a quick trip, and not my favorite race, but always happy to be one race closer to my goal.

Next up- Montana.