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Posted by MDI 26.2 committee on October 9, 2006, 11:05 am, in reply to "roadkills 10-9-06" Mile 22 to Mile 23: Islander's (MARATHONERS) tip of the day: Must try this: Your final instructions and other important information is available to you via this link: http://www.mdimarathon.org/event/final_runner_instructions_06.pdf Also please read your very important chip instructions via this link: http://www.mdimarathon.org/event/chip_instructions_06.pdf These instructions will also be in your race packets provided to everyone at registration but please take time to read these important instructions now. Should you have any further questions we'll gladly answer them when we see you. We are happy to announce a partnership with HoWUZit.com who are now producing customizable tech fabric Mount Desert Island Marathon running shirts and tech fabric singlets featuring our host club, THE infamous Crow Athletics logo http://www.crowrunning.com/ Order your official Mount Desert Island Marathon or Crow Athletics tech-fabric shirts today via this link: http://www.howuzit.com/mdimarathon/ Don't forget you can even CUSTOMIZE your MDI Marathon shirt!
Appearing periodically until race day, we're launching a new feature which will include a mile by mile preview of the Mount Desert Island Marathon route and strategies that will help participants successfully navigate the course.
We'll also provide ideas for things to see and do over marathon week and of course, insider tips on great places to eat, drink and have fun while visiting Mt. Desert Island.
We call everything beyond mile 22 the death zone. We borrow this rather threatening and dark term from our friends who seem to like to climb Mt. Everest for fun. You see on that particular mountain and at a certain elevation there is not enough oxygen to really live what we call a civilized existence and mountaineers are actually dying bit by bit as they climb higher and higher. At mile 22 in any marathon although you're not dying (we hope) what you will face is a true personal struggle that unlike the challenges faced on Everest you have a better than reasonable chance at surviving. We like to call marathon running the common person's Mt Everest. From here on it's all about will power and mind over matter. When you pass mile 22 you've got to focus on the advice given previously about taking it one mile at a time. All you should be thinking about is getting to mile 23 or even better try get in the absolute moment and don't even think beyond the stride you're in. We believe the same strength that carries mountain climbers to reach summits exists in us all and marathon running just happens to be a place where you can apply that strength. Passing Hall Quarry Rd on your left you come to a slight down slope and the beautiful waters of Echo Lake come into view. The stretch parallel with the lake is flat. We know this goes contradicts what our course elevation map might lead you to believe. The map is accurate but the readings on it where taken each mile and we connected the dots so to speak, so they don't necessarily show the terrain found in between the mile marks. (we are working on a better profile for future editions) With that we're happy to report that there are flat stretches and even a few downhill breaks in our rather scary looking topo map especially over the final miles Looking across Echo lake the view is spectacular with, Beech and Mansell mountains reflected in the surface of the lake. Now the road pitches moderately up as you approach mile 23. Another great mile is behind you, now its common to start thinking about the finish...READ: don't do it! 24 is all you (should) care about.
Make time to do nothing maybe go to your hotel room and read your final instructions and the other important information contained in your race packets. Maybe even take a nap! You have been preparing for this for months so don't wear yourself out by doing a marathon on Saturday and then attempting to do another with us on Sunday. Make absolutely SURE you have tied your champion chip securely on your shoe lace and do this the night before so you know where it is. You should pin your bib number on the FRONT of the shirt or shorts you that intend to wear as well. If you forget either you won't get timed and won't show up in the final results. YES, we have people that forget to do every year and it's hard to see them crying at the finish line. Also you MUST return your champion chip at the finish to get your finishers medal.
Take time to read this.(be patient it my take a moment to load)
Read our other marathon course previews and tips:
http://www.members.boardhost.com/crowathletics/msg/1156962115.top
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