Maryland again for the 2nd time. Wait, What? Yep, that just happened over the weekend of September…read more24/25, 2016, with the 3rd annual C&O Canal Towpath marathon and half marathon in Cumberland, Maryland of 2016. It was pretty challenging and rewarding. I had not done a double marathon, aka back to back consecutive days since January 2014 and felt I had been rusty with this thing. Add in Maui marathon a week before and the Barnum Trail marathon in West Virginia the day before, and you just have a recipe for insanity in a bottle. I had done my 50 states marathons already, completed in October 2014, but the lure of completing my goal of 100 career marathons/ultras lured me back to the craziness of running long distance again. C&O Canal Towpath marathon is #88 on my completed list and #6 state completed for the 2nd round, whereas West Virginia was #87 and #5th state - 2nd round. The C&O Canal Towpath marathon and half marathon is a small trail marathon that's put on by the good folks at Altis Endurance Sports. The course is pretty much the same as its other race venues, which is multiple states in multiple days, at least in the September series. While running small marathons with multiple loops isn't really my thing, I chose this one because it was more economical to do back to back consecutive days, while testing your sanity meter. I really need to thank the volunteers and the race director who made this happen in 2016. They are a new race series and hope they will grow with each passing year. For the marathon, it's 6.55 mile loops x 4 times. The half marathon is 2 times. The first two times were alright, but after finishing that set, you start questioning your own sanity, since you're seeing and experiencing the same course for more than you want. The good thing about these loops is that you get to see fellow runners and friends who race with you multiple times. They offer encouragement along the way and that's just amazing and incredible. The C&O Canal Towpath marathon and half marathon was held in the heart of Cumberland, Maryland. The physical address of the start and finish line is 13 Canal Street, Cumberland. The price of entry varied from $75-$100, depending on when you register for it. So if you decide on running this one, half or the marathon, try to sign up early to save some $$$. The course itself features running along the canal itself, running along a bridge that connects the city streets with the Canal, running along a path with houses on the other side, and finally a factory that seems to be leaking a strong fertilizer smell on a Sunday morning. The smell was strong when I was on my first two loops, but it slowly went away when I did my last two. There is 2 aid stations along the course, as well as one at the start/finish line. Same as the Barnum Trail marathon in West Virginia. Weather can be iffy this time of year, but we lucked out, since it was the beginning of fall / autumn there in the mid Atlantic. We got some sun at some parts, but largely it was overcast with cool breeze throughout the day. The overall experience here at day two of this race in Maryland was that of tiredness and being able to push through all the self doubt and negativity that your mind puts out. 26.2 miles is a long way to go, regardless of driving it or running it. At the end of the day, I felt relief that I made that final push when I didn't have nothing else physically and I just wanted to be done. It was nice to see Mike, one of the volunteers at the finish line. He handed me my finisher medal and offered me chocolate milk and a soda at the simple aid station set up. There is no fan fare here, as in other major marathons, just a small race that attracts the more hardcore serious runners across the country and the world. The scenery was better than that of West Virginia, since it varied in 4 distinct parts versus just two in WV. I'd recommend this race, if you are a Marathon Maniac or 50 state marathoner or half marathoner needing to pick up Maryland. Or just someone who just love small race venues. I did enjoy running this one, even though loops aren't my thing. Support local! A+ #Yelpmarathons

Thanks to Michele D for suggesting the idea and to Alicia C for offering to team up with us and…read moretake on the daunting swim portion of the course. Doing a triathlon relay is so not my typical idea of fun, but I had an absolutely amazing time after all! Considering the number of participants in this race, everything was superbly organized and supported by the staff of volunteers. Communications on race logistics, travel details, and scheduling were made readily available and blasted out accordingly. Plus, how could I possibly complain about the amazing outdoor venue of Lake Arrowhead Park and the beautiful weather that we lucked out with? Although it was extremely busy, arriving at the park and finding parking via direction of the volunteer staff was super easy. Similarly, lines were pretty clearly set up for checking in to the race by name. A separate relay team line was in place, and although it took a little bit of asking around, we eventually sorted it all out. Once our race packets were picked up and we got body marked (Team 639, baby!) I wandered off to pick up our timing chip, which was another painless process. I don't even think I exchanged words with the staff handing those out; I just held up my runner's bib and they handed everything I needed over to me. Race starts were impeccably on time - with the swim course starting promptly at 0900, and waves kicking off every two minutes. It makes sense that it was all choreographed with precision, considering many people were actually racing to win, as opposed to our team, which was racing to simply finish. Regardless, the efficiency and accuracy of organization completely impressed me. And finally, the camaraderie exhibited by the race participants and bystanders alike was really heartwarming and motivating. Everyone wants everyone to succeed. This is a sport where there don't seem to be winners or losers; everyone that crosses each event's finish line is greeted with cheers, applause, and cowbells. My arms were tired by the end of just the swim leg of the race from clapping and cheering on random strangers. And I get it - it's hard. A single leg is hard. I can't even begin to imagine how folks manage to do all three! Now -that's- inspiration. So today, I'm sore. I'm still a little tired. But we made it. And y'know what? I'd totally do it again. Who's up for The Three Yelpateers Team #2?

This was my very first triathlon (Sprint distance). Let me just start out by saying that I could…read morenot have picked a better first triathlon to compete in. Not so much in terms of course difficulty (I will get into that) but the location, people and organization all made this day so much better and less terrifying for me. As far as difficulty goes, I will just go ahead and advise that you train on hills and get ready to be crushed by the bike and run. I was most nervous for the open water swim, but this ended up being the easiest portion for me. Overall though such a fun weekend and I am sure I will do this one again - with adequate training.