This is a race report that I don’t know exactly how to write. It is uncharted territory for me. Usually, the gist of my race reports is this: the race was wonderful; I had a fabulous time; I would recommend this race to everyone. Well, this race was wonderful; I would recommend this race to everyone, but, I most definitely did not have a fabulous time.
The trip started off well. I traveled to Seattle, Washington with my hubby Bill, who did not run the race, and two running friends Nancy and Amy. There, we met my son and daughter-in-law, who live in Oregon, and did some touristy stuff. We visited the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum (which I loved) and went to the top of the Space Needle. We ate at one of Bill’s favorite restaurants and he got his pastrami sandwich fix.
The race, a point-to-point, started about an hour east of Seattle at Hyak in Snoqualmie Pass. Bill drove us to the race start, which meant we didn’t have to ride the shuttle bus, always a plus. It was chilly at the start, so we were glad to be able to sit in our car to wait. You can pick up your race bib the day of the marathon, a nice perk.
We had been getting smoke updates from the race director before the race, which was slightly unsettling. You can see the haze from distant forest fires in the background of this photo. Other than a faint smoky odor at the race start, though, the smoke was really not an issue. We posed for this picture, lined up at the starting line, and were off.
A unique feature of this race is the old railroad tunnel that you run through beginning half a mile into the race. Runners are instructed to wear headlamps or carry a flashlight. The tunnel is almost 2.5 miles long, and it is completely dark inside. I never felt claustrophobic, however. There are hundreds of runners, all wearing lights, going through the tunnel at the same time. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel almost a mile before you reach it, so that gives you a nice point of reference.
I was running with Amy at this point and feeling good. Nancy took off ahead of us at the starting line, and I didn’t see her until the finish. There is a point right after the tunnel where you can drop a bag with your headlamp, long-sleeved shirts, and any other items you want to get rid of. The first aid station is also there. Amy decided to visit the porta-potty at the aid station and I kept going. I knew she would catch up to me eventually.
The race course is entirely on a packed crushed gravel rail trail. It is all a gentle downhill. I have run downhill marathons before, and I find them to be more difficult than flat races. Not this course; it is just enough downhill so you feel like you are having a good day, but not enough to be a quad-shredder. The course is the most beautiful, scenic one I have ever run. There are only several hundred runners in the race; just the perfect size. I was never alone, but it never felt crowded, either.
At about mile four, I began feeling a slight twinge in my hip, which I knew was not a good sign. I have been dealing with a hip injury for over a year. It began last June (2017) when I visited my son and his family in Steamboat Springs, CO. It had been very gradually improving, but I did an 18-mile training run with Nancy three weeks before the race, which caused it to hurt a lot. 10 days before the race, I tried a 13-miler, which was even worse, then six days pre-race I attempted a six-miler, which did not go well either. In between runs, I applied heat, foam-rolled, did my prescribed strengthening exercises, and crossed my fingers.
By mile eight of the race, the pain in my hip was intense, and by mile 11, I could no longer run, so I started walking. I wanted to do a run/walk at this point, but I was afraid of not being able to finish at all, so I tried for a brisk walking pace. Amy caught up to me at mile 16, and we walked together for a brief time, but I soon needed a pit stop, and she kept going.
Bike riding volunteers passed me several times, asking if I was alright. I gave them the thumbs up sign and kept walking. I did not feel too discouraged until about mile 20. By this time, even walking caused my hip to hurt. I couldn’t decide whether it hurt more to walk or run, so I did a little of both. As I could barely lift my left leg, my gait consisted of running with my right leg, and sort of shuffling my left leg along the ground in a rolling motion, then repeating the action over and over and over… It was a slow process.
I finally finished the marathon, collected my shirt, medal and pin, all of which are awesome, and got to sit down. Bill was there, and he got me a little food, but I really wasn’t very hungry. I was in a lot of pain and very glad to be finished. My race time was an hour slower than my previous slowest marathon time.
I am now in the process of visiting medical professionals to try to rehabilitate my hip. My friends Nancy and Amy are great inspirations for me. Nancy is a very good runner, but she battled injuries for years until finally getting a Boston Qualifying time again at this race. Amy had not run a marathon in almost three years due to injuries, and she ran this race much faster than she expected. When I look at them, I can say with confidence, “I will be back.”
I would definitely recommend this race to anyone considering a marathon. I have nothing negative to say about the race. The communication from the race director was good, the amenities were fine, the logistics were easy, the support was fantastic, and the course was spectacular. This was the prettiest, easiest marathon course I have ever run. The tunnel, while not my favorite part of the course, was a novelty that I was glad to have experienced.
When my hip is better, I am coming for you again, Tunnel Vision Marathon!
I am linking up with Running on Happy and Fairytales and Fitness for their Friday 5, Shank You Very Much for her Dream Team, and Holly from HoHo Runs and Wendy from Taking the Long Way Home for their Weekly Wrap.
Sorry to hear things went South for you Laurie, congrats on finishing the race 😀, I know how you feelt as my right hip does that to me if I walk to far in one day, I hope you recover from this dear.
❤️✌️
BY FOR NOW
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Thank you, Dawn. I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday.
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Your Welcome Laurie, I hope it turns out good dear and it’s nothing major wrong, I’ll be praying for you for good news dear.
❤️✌️
BY FOR NOW
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Congrats on your finish despite having hip problems. That is awesome your friend got a BQ. Sounds like a great race to run!
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It was my favorite course so far. It is making me rethink my (self-imposed) rule to never run the same marathon twice.
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How fun! I love your photos, it looks so nice.
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Ooh that tunnel would most likely freak me out! I am so sorry to hear that you are having hip problems. I have no doubt you will be back. Take care of yourself
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I kind of dreaded the tunnel too, but it really wasn’t bad. I have a doctor’s appointment for Tuesday. Hoping for some good news!
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I don’t know if I could do 2.5 miles in a tunnel. The thought of it makes my heart race
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I was a little bit apprehensive, but it really wasn’t too bad.
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I am sorry to hear about your hip. I hope for a swift recovery. Way to finish even so.
Now I know which marathon I want to be my first 😉
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I would like to go back. It was my favorite marathon course, even with the hip. Thanks for the well-wiahes!
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Oh I’m so sorry; I had a half like that once & I can’t even imagine what it must have felt like to go on for double that distance. 😦
At least the race was well run, unlike my last fiasco! It sounds amazing in fact. Love Snoqualmie; it’s so beautiful there!
Here’s to a quick & full recovery.
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Thank you! I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday.
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Sending some good vibes for tomorrow.
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Oh what a bummer your hip decided to bother you so bad during your race. I commend you for slowing down and getting to the finish line all in one piece. I hope you find a plan to rehab it, and hopefully whatever it is you need to do can get you back out there running very soon.
I do not think I would be able to run through a tunnel that long. It sounds VERY cool, and it is something I probably could have done 5 years ago, but not right now. That is SO NEAT though!
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I do plan to rehab my hip. I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday, and I hope to be back to running soon!
I anticipated being slightly freaked out by the tunnel, but it actually wasn’t bad at all. I understand your apprehension, though.
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Hope your check up gives you a good path to recovery!
Is this the same route as the Jack and Jill Downhill? I remember seeing that tunnel at the start and the description sounds really beautiful.
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I just looked it up – yes, it is the same course. It is a really beautiful run!
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Laurie- I am so sorry you are injured. Rehabbing is so frustrating I think. I am in awe! I grew up just west of there and have ridden that trail on my bike many times. I have never had the courage to do the tunnel. I think it takes so much courage to be a distance runner. I am cyclist not a runner. I know the mental endurance distance events take on a bike. I imagine they must be so much greater on foot. Congratulations on finishing! and conquering the tunnel!
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What a beautiful spot to grow up! I would love to go back and spend more time there. I saw lots of bike riders on the trail and rock climbers, too. The tunnel was really not bad when you are surrounded by 500 other runners – all with lights! 🙂
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Wow. You are tough. Can’t believe you could finish 26 Miles in pain.
Hope you have a speedy recovery.
Did you ever consider a DNF?
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Thank you. I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday. Never considered DNF.
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You are hardcore. Good luck.
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I am so sorry to hear that your hip decided to misbehave during the race. Cudos to you for finishing despite the pain. I’ve only had one DNF and it was mentally worse than any pain I’ve ever had in a race.
I think the tunnel sounds cool and as long as you could see where you were going, I don’t think its a big deal. I love that the race is downhill. I say I’m done with the marathon distance but I would consider running this one!!
I hope you’re back.
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Thank you, Wendy. I have not been able to run in the week since the marathon. I am seeing the doctor on Tuesday. I hope to generate a plan then. I would definitely recommend this marathon. There are 3 versions at 3 different times during the year, and they all sell out – for a good reason!
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I’m so sorry to hear about your hip 😦 I have had some hip pain during my last two long runs, and those were only 10 and 11 miles. You are such a trooped for powering through a marathon with that pain. I hope that you get some relief soon!
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Thank you! I have a doctor’s appointment on Tuesday. I hope to get some answers and a plan!
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Sorry to hear about your hip! Hope you recover fast! Congrats on finishing! Was it scary in the tunnel? Was there enough room, it looks narrow? I’m looking forward to running the Tunnel Light on Sept. 16.
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The Tunnel of Light is run on the exact same course that I ran. The course is easily the fastest, prettiest course ever. You should have a great time. The tunnel was not scary at all – there are always other runners with lights on all around you. I never felt crowded in the tunnel. Have fun at the TOL marathon!
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[…] I ran a marathon last week that did not go well. In fact, it was a disaster. You can read about it here. In the wake of failure, it’s good to take a step back, look at what you are doing, and […]
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Congratulations on a such hard earned finish! The course sounds like my ideal route. I love a downhiller and the novelty of running in a long train tunnel would be so cool. I’m very sorry to hear about your hip. My left hip has been cranky off and on for a few years now. The last really bad flare up was from hiking in the Smokies this Spring and it still hasn’t quite calmed down. Although I think it is bursitis or arthritis, I’m very interested to hear what you find out and what they suggest as a plan of action. Fingers crossed you’ll be back on the road very soon! Thanks for linking.
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The course was the easiest one I have ever run. And beautiful, too!
My hip has been cranky for a year. Last summer, before I did the Berlin marathon, I was water running to train, but Berlin didn’t make it hurt more. This summer was a different story. I haven’t been running since the marathon! 😦
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Ah mann. I’m sorry Laurie. I’m sorry timing had to play this game with you. But congratulations of giving it your best, for finishing, and most of all for having this incredible outlook on your experience!! THAT is the sign of a winner right there. You will be back, of course you will. But for now I really hope you have a speedy, healthy recovery. Hips are no joke 😦
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Thank you! I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow. I am hoping for good news!
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That’s great that they have a dropoff for stuff early.
Hope your hip is on the mend soon.
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They actually have 2 dropoffs – one at the start and one right after the tunnel.
Thank you!
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Oh you poor thing, how dreadful. And massive kudos to you for not giving up, I really admire that. I love the look of this marathon, too, though the tunnel looks a bit scary (and what does it do to your running watch??). Hope you feel better soon.
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I would definitely recommend the marathon if you are looking for a fast time. It was the easiest marathon course I ever ran. GPSs do not work in the tunnel. I don’t wear one – I just wear a cheap sports watch – so it was no problem.
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Congratulations on finishing what looks like a fun marathon #dreamteam@_karendennis
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I’m sorry your race didn’t go to plan and that you had to deal with such strong hip pain…it does look like a beautiful course and the running through a tunnel sounds so cool! Hope you are feeling better.
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Thank you! I just found out today that I can do the elliptical with no pain, so I can finally get a “run” in!
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What a total bummer! So sorry for all your frustrations and discomfort. I had a similar (be not as severe) hip issue when I ran Route 66 (Nov. ’16). Actually, I think my pain was more in the groin, but every step with my left foot felt “off” from the second mile until the finish. I passed the 13.1 finish and spent the next five miles debating whether to turn around or not, but eventually warrior’d on and finished. Thankfully, my endurance pulled me along (as did yours), but it was a very frustrating experience on a very fun race course.
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Thank you, Kim! You are a warrior!!! Running a less than great race on a fun course is frustrating, isn’t it?
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Oh wow, you certainly do have a good attitude toward a race that didn’t pan out as you’d expected. I sometimes wonder if I gave up on running marathons too easily after my back injury, but when I get into the later stages of a half sometimes and my sciatic nerve starts complaining, I know I made the right decision.
I hope you get the problem figured out quickly and can get back on the road to recovery soon.
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Thank you. I start PT this week!
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Oh wow Laurie, I’m so sorry. I DNS’d two marathons due to hip pain that would not quit. I’m amazed/impressed you were able to push through that pain as it is no joke. Wishing you speedy and complete healing. You will indeed be back!
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Thank you Marcia! Starting PT this week. 🙂
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[…] was taken at the starting line of a marathon where I really struggled. You can read about it here and here. The first words out of Bill’s mouth at the finish line (he didn’t run the […]
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What a fighter you are! I don’t know how you kept going with all that pain. You still got that medal – you did amazing out there just to get to the finish. My husband did a Half Marathon last weekend and he got to the finish but a lot of pain at the back of his knee. He had an ultrasound done yesterday and doctor says he shouldn’t run for 2 months. He is gutted but I know he will be back with a bang just like I know you will be back to take on this Marathon again.
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Oh, your poor hubby. 2 months of not running. I started physical therapy this week, and the therapist thinks I should be able to start running again (only 1 mile) next week.
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[…] My biggest runfession this month is, of course, my disaster marathon. I won’t dredge up all of the awful details, but for those of you who haven’t read about it, you can find the awful details here. […]
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I live on the opposite side of the sound from Seattle! That is a beautiful area to run a race in and how awesome you got to run through the tunnel. #DreamTeam
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I would love to explore the Puget Sound area someday. It WAS a beautiful place to run a race.
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[…] I wrote earlier about a trip my hubby Bill and I took to Colorado and Oregon to visit two of our sons and their families. You can read about that trip here. We were home less than two weeks before we again boarded a plane for the West Coast so I could run a marathon in Washington state, about 30 miles east of Seattle. You can read about that disastrous marathon here. […]
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[…] I head out on my walk this morning (I am walking, rather than running these days. You can read why here), I see children everywhere, in the parks, in backyards, at the community pools. Two children were […]
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[…] to an injury I sustained training for the Tunnel Vision marathon. You can read about it here and here. I have this to say about that: running is way better than not […]
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Laurie, so sorry about the injury. I know is emotionally challenging as well. What is the diagnosis/cause?
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Thanks, Pam. Piriformis syndrome and inflamed hamstring tendon. Ugh!
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UGH. That sounds hideous and painful. Glad to see you are doing PT for it! hugs girl.
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[…] and perfect? I have been feeling even more “less than perfect” than usual, due to a running injury that has me […]
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[…] She asked me how I am doing, how I am handling my injury. I told her that I don’t want my latest marathon to be my last marathon. Even though immediately following the race, I said “No more!“, […]
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Thanks for sharing your story with this race. It’s encouraging to hear how other runners have fought their way through challenging circumstances. We’ve all had those races. I’m so impressed that you battled through until the end of the marathon.
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Thank you Kelsey. You are right – we all have had those races. They are not fun, but they make us better runners and better people.
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[…] a patient person. I was talking to my middle son on the phone the other day. He was present at the recent marathon that did me in. He saw me hobbling around Seattle. I told him I was starting to run again – […]
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[…] well. I ran 5.6 miles, slowly, but with very little pain. This is the longest I have run since the disaster marathon almost six weeks […]
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Speedy recovery vibes girl!! That race and course looks absolutely beautiful. I need to make it up that way for a race soon. I hope your next race is a better one!!
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The Washington state marathon was the prettiest, easiest course I have ever run. They actually do races there several times each year on the same course. I would love to go back and have a re-do.
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[…] relaxing time. I gave myself permission not to run by reasoning that the time off would give my hip injury time to […]
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[…] morning, yes, really running! Actually, it was more of a run/walk, but progress is being made. My hip injury is healing. I am not running far, nor am I running fast, but last month at this time, I was not […]
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[…] this morning with my hubby, a good run. My time was under 10 minutes/mile, getting closer to my pre-injury […]
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[…] coming back from the injury that had me sidelined in late August and most of September. Between the marathon on August 19, and the week shown above, beginning September 24, my total running miles were 2.75, […]
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[…] of a long run yesterday. My stamina must improve before the Marine Corps Marathon, but, since my hip injury, I have to be very careful how I go about increasing it. I want to practice walking quickly since I […]
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[…] I have been dealing with a hip injury for over a year. I was getting much better, until I did the Tunnel Vision Marathon in August when the injury flared up again. After the marathon, I was not running at all, which is […]
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[…] continue running, so I began to alternate walking and running intervals. This is how I finished my previous marathon in August, my slowest one […]
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[…] been concentrating on running and only on running. Here is a little backstory. In August I ran a marathon in Washington state with two friends. The marathon was beautiful and the course a gentle downhill, […]
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[…] injury reoccurred, unfortunately, in August while doing a long run for the Tunnel Vision marathon. I have been trying to rehab it ever since, with uneven results. Despite physical therapy, a […]
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Use this marathon experience and learn from it – while the outcome is not what you anticipated or wanted, you did the best you could on that day. The more you listen to your body (giving it proper rest and recovery and not running through pain/discomfort/injury), the longer you will be able to enjoy the sport of running.
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Thank you for the very good advice!
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