Ok...slower than expected...true, but a way different marathon than I was expecting.

This was 14 out and backs.  I was thinking since it was a flat course I'd be fine...but it was August, in ME. The weather got hot and muggy and I really didn't give myself a lot of recovery time from the last marathon (oh and I had to sleep in the car because it was raining the night before and not interested in setting up a tent in the rain).  You'd think the 14 laps would be a little mind numbing, but there was a clever system with rubber bands to keep your count straight.  But more importantly, and by design of the course, you are among a highly social and good spirited group of people running both directions on the road.

The social aspect really threw me though it makes perfect sense.  This was race was part of a 7 day series running one marathon in seven states in seven days.  The majority of the folks weren't running for a PR, they were running to be with their other crazy friends also doing this and enjoying the run.  My ambitions of pushing for a PR ended early as I realized it was way more fun to interact with the folks coming and going.

The other really creative and amazing piece of this run was the aide station.  Just one, but stocked with every imaginable kind of treat you'd want, and some that would leave you puzzled that folks would want.  But on top of all that, was a short order cook who would make you something to order, ready for you when you got back from your next lap.  Oh...and the banana smoothies made fresh were worth the few moments it took for them to make.

I'd highly recommend running a series with the Mainly Marathons group, but just be prepared that it is a social event with a high turn out for the group meals (breakfast/dinners) as well as an expectation that you'll be making friends while you run.