Humpy’s Marathon 2003 in Anchorage Alaska

August 17, 2003. The day had arrived for Humpy’s Classic Marathon!
Yes, this is the race that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin would run the following year (no doubt upon learning of Ray’s adventure.)
Now that the Delaware Chapter of Arthritis Foundation was in transition, I became part of the Joints in Motion “Eastern Pennsylvania” team in Philadelphia.  Needless to say, most of the training was on my own and I only met my teammates a couple times before the trip.

Joints in Motion "Team EPA"

Our team had members participating in the Marathon, Half-Marathon, 5k Run (all sharing same course) and even a hiking trip on a nearby mountain. We proudly wore green Joints in Motion tatoos.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
My alarm ended a sound night’s sleep at 5:30am. After stretching and some push-ups, I headed for our Power Breakfast. The fruit, oatmeal and bran muffins got the day started off well. Then it was back to the room to suit up and apply a JIM temporary tattoo under my right ear. I took a packet of gel, a  granola bar, advil, and tissues. A bus transported us to the start/finish area at Westchester Lagoon near the bay. It was a small event, with about 260 people participating in the marathon, with a similar number doing the half. There was a separate 7am start for marathon walkers. Weather was near perfect with temperature in the upper 50’s and an overcast sky. We’d feel occasional rain sprinkles throughout the race. Almost none of us would see a moose.

Loopy course
I did a one mile warm-up jog and limped to the start line, since one of my knees had been sore for a few weeks. The gun went off at 8am and we headed east on the first of three loops. The sore leg would be a factor, but I maintained an 8 minute/mile pace fairly easily. I wore a cap for the first six miles, and my jacket most of the race. There were few spectators, but the out-and-back loops allowed us to pass the runners (and walkers) of all events on the narrow path. The park was wooded and pretty. Most hills were quite tame. I hydrated at every water station and walked through them for the most part, while sipping Ultima power drink.

Lonely 2nd Half
At the halfway point, I was on pace for a 3:30 time, but I knew I’d slow down. Things got more challenging. We had a couple hills and also were alone with the trail. The half-marathoners were back at the lagoon and the only spectators were occasional people walking along the trail, unaware that a marathon was taking place. The most depressing spot was a water station at mile 16 that was unmanned. This wouldn’t have been too bad except that it also had no water!!! I learned this after I slowed to a walk and opened a granola bar (Chocolate Chunk). I nibbled at the granola anyway and was soon met by a woman on a bike who assured me that there was water at the turnaround coming up at mile 18.2.

Just before hitting the turnaround, I began to see the lead runners headed back toward the finish. I occupied few minutes seeking the perfect tree to utilize for some important business. It was a great morale booster to make the turn and head for home. Within minutes, I greeted some teammates. Each milemarker became huge, as my calves started to stiffen. I yelled encouragement to most of the runners I met, especially anyone with the lime-green “Joints” shirt. By mile 22, I was taking walk breaks at least once per mile, plus at water stations. I glanced at my watch, knowing that I was losing time. As long as I didn’t have major problems, I’d beat my Dublin time, but I was hoping to run under 3:40, so there was little cushion. The last mile saw me walk three times, as I wondered if stamina or stiff legs was the main culprit. Finally seeing the finish line about 400 meters away across the lagoon, I removed my jacket and increased my pace, realizing that there was a chance that I’d be the first J.I.M. athlete to finish.

Triumphant finish!
With only a couple runners crossing the line every minute, names were announced. That’s when your name can’t possibly sound any sweeter. My JIM coordinator Mike was right there to wrap me in a foil blanket and confirm that I was in fact the first Joints finisher. Almost forgot to remove my timing chip. A 3:42:19 official time was more than acceptable, due to my soreness. Mike escorted me to the refreshment area where a local radio reporter had requested an interview. I got the call, being the first finisher. I spoke to him for about 3 minutes while he shoved the microphone into my face. Then I grabbed more Ultima, bananas, bagels and cookies!

Shower and Celebration

Then I limped back to the hotel to join the others at our Celebration Party on the 15th floor at Josephine’s. A nice buffet and DJ kept smiles on our faces as many of the GA and NY chapters took control of the dance floor for a bunch of 70’s music. Ten of us followed that with a hotel shuttle ride to Koot’s for a live band until we were wiped out.

See more pics