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Last weekend Mike and I ran our second marathon, in northern California, near Susanville. Pics. This one was a “Trail Marathon,” on an old, abandoned rail-road line that had had the tracks removed. Trail Marathons make for a slower time, but they involve lot less pain in the joints!

We spent the weekend leading up the marathon (October 12th) at our friends’ family cabin. The cabin was built in the 1920’s, pre-depression era and has been in his family since then. Our friend, Seth, has spent time at the cabin every summer of his life. It is surrounded by mountain lakes and forest service and sits at the edge of Silver Lake. The two days before the race we huddled around the fire, played games, and ate lots of yummy food. What perfect rest and preparation from running 26.2 miles.

I have to be honest, running this marathon was harder than I expected. I mean, I know that marathons are hard, but I had sort of forgotten just HOW hard. Yep, the last five miles were brutal, but thankfully, we ran together once again, so encouragement was always at hand whenever either of us needed it. Even though we ran a few minutes slower than our last marathon, I know I gave it all I had (considering I threw up a couple hours after we finished–I did so last time too…)

So far, no marathons planned for 2009, but we do have our eye on a couple of ½ marathons, one in Vancouver and one in Seattle. I think the goal at this point is to decrease the endurance a bit and hopefully increase the speed. Should be a good challenge. All this to say, while I cannot say I necessarily “felt God’s pleasure” (Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire) the whole race, I am immensely grateful for a body that can run and beautiful places to run in.

-Danae.