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.Mile 21 to Mile 22:
The long stretch of road that is now in front of you could do one of two things, cause you to melt in a puddle (think lawn sprinklers and wicked witches) or make you find another gear. ( think L'Alpe Du Huez) [ ledgendary Tour de France climb ] We recommend finding the later, shift gears, dig deep and move forward. Again what is before you might look like Mt Everest but it's an illusion of sorts because as you can see so far ahead even a slight gradient looks like K2. Runners have confirmed to us that their splits (time) between 21 and 22 were faster than they thought they'd be. So our advice, just put your head down and run. This is no place to get fussy. Be prepared for the mental battle you will face and you will fare far better. Many first time or novice marathoners think its easy for the experienced among us, we're here to tell you it's not any easier for a veteran runner. We all suffer in these miles so don't for a second think that the discomfort you are feeling is somehow reserved exclusively for you. The mountains in the distance are where you are generally headed but rest assured you don't have to go up and over them.(even we, wouldn't do THAT to you!) this mile can also be breezy find another runner and take turns leading to knock the wind down. Think about working together. Good job that's mile 22 in the books, now start working on getting yourself to 23. Oh, by the way tell your support crews to cheer you on along this stretch, a single encouraging word can have a profound effect, and make sure they pull over to the opposite side of the road from where you are running.
Islander's tip of the day:
Walk to Bar Island by taking Bridge Street toward the ocean It intersects with West Street (Rt 3) in Bar Harbor. You can ONLY walk to Bar Island at low tide. We strongly recommend you find out when low tide is on the day you want to go: http://www.maineharbors.com/octbar06.htm
Should you stay out there to long or not follow the wisdom of a tide calendar guess what, the tide will come in (as it always does) and you'll be stuck on Bar Island (there are no Bar's either) for 6+ hours. Finally, don't get all heroic and start reciting the famous quote, "neither hell nor high water" and think you can swim back or something. The water temp is in the low 50s and drowning or hypothermia is definitely not a good thing.
Must try this:
Visit the Wendall Gilley Museum http://www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/
located at Mile 26 at Herrick Rd in Southwest Harbor. Founded in 1981, the Wendell Gilley Museum of Bird Carving is the major showcase for the work of world-renowned bird carver Wendell Gilley, a Southwest Harbor native who was one of the two or three recognized pioneers of this indigenous American art form.
Read our other marathon course previews and tips:
http://www.members.boardhost.com/crowathletics/msg/1156962115.top
