Half Marathon Trail Run in Hawaii

First of all, I convienced two of my friends to do this run with me. One did the 5K Tour Walk and the other did the 10K. We all three arrived at the run and the scenery was just beautiful. We got everything in order by grabbing some gels and water before the race. I wasn't feeling a 100% that day and contiplated if i should do the 10K with my friend but I wanted to see the "bigger" trail so I told myself to get it together and be ready for a 13.2 mile trail run.

The gun goes off and we are off! It hasn't even been a half mile and already we are running straight up, crazy I thought. It got a bit easier and I was crusing along enjoying being out in nature looking at the mountains and ocean. By mile 6 and 7 I was feeling a bit fatigue due to the monster hills we had to run. I began noticing that another runnner and I were going the same pace and when she stopped I would stop and so forth. This went on for about two more miles and finally I asked her what her name was. She replied and from that moment on we agreed to finish togteher. The farthest she had ever run was nine miles and no trails so I knew this would be a chanllenge not only for myself but her as well.

We finally make it to the very top of the mountain which was mile eleven and there was a small drink station which I kept calling them mountain angels because they were deep into the trails with water, gatorade and gels. The "mountain angel" told us we could see the finish line once we got over the mountain. He was correct and my body then wanted to go for it and finish the race. My new friend did not feel the same way and had to walk some and do a light jog. I kept her motivated and told her only to stop and walk only if an emergency and that it would be over soon. She did great and did just that. The finish line could not have come sooner but we finished together as we sprinted across the finish line.

That was the most difficult but beautiful trail run i had ever run in my life. I am so glad I did the 13.2 miles and met someone that helped me and that I could help as well.