Z Adventures Cruise

Just started on the Z Adventures Southern Caribbean Marathon Cruise.  Today was our first marathon of the 6 in 7 days on the islands of the Caribbean.  Such a challenge, especially considering the hot and humid weather.  Today we started in Puerto Rico and ran right from out hotel.  Tonight we will be on the ship and set sail to our next island destination.

Today was the San Juan Harbour Marathon, Puerto Rico. It was tough for me because of the heat, plus I was still very tired from the long flight from Anchorage.  But I finished, almost last.  I felt pretty tired, but it was the short walk back to the hotel that nearly finished me.  I started getting very dizzy and could hardly walk.  Our tour leader Ziyad caught up with me and walked with me, until I suddenly knew I was about to faint.  I decided to lie down on the grass before I fell down!  I kind woman stopped in her car to help and she drove us the rest of the way to the hotel.  I hope this isn't going to be my reaction to all of the races.  A bit of heat exhaustion.

At least there was some wind but I guess it wasn't quite enough to keep me standing! I do wish I could have spent some time in Puerto Rico to really explore an interesting destination.

Along the Old Glenn Hwy Bike Trail

A nice day to actually run outdoors here in Palmer in the middle of winter!

I drove down the road to the Old Glenn Highway and parked, then ran along the bike trail to Palmer and back.  It was a little icy in places but not bad at all.  It was even bare through the two tunnels that can often be full of water, and of course ice in the winter.  This has been a really strange winter with almost no snow at all.  I really do miss the snow and wish I could get in some skiing before winter is over.  But it looks like it's never planning on coming at all this year!

Matanuska River Bridge

Maui Oceanfront Marathon

First marathon of the year.  And what a wonderful one it was.  Such perfect temperature, even though a little warm but with the 4:30 am start it was just right. This is the second time for this marathon.  I had not originally planned to run it.  But since I was here in Hawaii with my sister's family, and it was the same week, I thought - Why Not?  Such a great decision.  I could be tempted to come back for this one every year.  It is so well supported and everyone is so friendly.  Not to mention the beautiful views. I was even almost happy with my time!  Of course I still need to speed up considerably.

Maui Oceanfront Marathon Finish

5 Miles in Honolulu

Another peaceful morning run from my hotel here in Honolulu, along the beach, then around the block and along the beach again.  I guess if I lived in a balmy place like this I would be a much better runner.  How could I ever resist going for a morning run every day in a place like this!  After I ran I took a barefoot stroll along the sand down to the water.  I'll be jumping in for a swim later today.

Waikiki Beach

Diamond Head Climb

I took time today to explore some of my favorite places here on Oahu.  Visited the Byodo-In Buddhist Temple first. It has always been one of my favorite places on earth.

Byodo-In Temple

I did my second workout for the day with a lovely little climb of Diamond Head.  Such an amazing view from the top.  It amazes me to look out over the sprawl of Honolulu compared to the view I remember from back in 1980 when I made my first trip here.  I would love to live in Hawaii but could never deal with the traffic and the crowds of Honolulu.  These islands must have been total paradise before our modern culture moved in and took over.

Diamond Head View

Honolulu Running

What a beautiful morning for a 3 mile run along the beach near my hotel.  Just the perfect temperature in the sunshine before it gets too hot. I love being here with my sister's family and spending time on the beach and in the water.  The water is perfect swimming here right now.  I could get very spoiled here!

Honolulu Run

I'm in Honolulu and have discovered that there is a wonderful trail from my hotel, along the beach then around the block where I can do an amazing morning run. I ran for 5 miles in the sunshine.  What a treat after dealing with the cold and the wind that I left behind in Alaska.

Waikiki Beach