Great Aloha Run/Walk #8

I did not want to do the Great Aloha Run this year. Actually, it's something I'm not crazy about doing at anytime for several reasons. I don't like getting up at 3:30 to fight the traffic to get to the Aloha Stadium to catch the shuttle bus into Honolulu. I don't like standing in the long lines leading to the often gross porta potties. I don't like being tired.

I usually gripe, groan and grumble in the days leading up to one of the largest sporting events in Hawaii. This year, there were about 24,000 people taking part in this annual President's Day event which began in 1985. The route covers 8.15 miles from Aloha Tower to Aloha Stadium which always feels like 26.2 miles to me. Art just smiles (laughs) through it all.

In his sneaky (caring) mind he feels it's the only way I'll force myself to keep fit.

I prepared carefully:

1. Toilet paper in plastic bags in case they run out
2. Three cookies for energy and to coat my stomach when I take an ibuprofen pill midway
3. IDs
4. hats
5. solar umbrella
6. We both wore our lucky shirts.

I got up at 3:00 along with Art. We had breakfast, used the bathroom (which is very important) and were out the door by 4:45. The traffic was bumper to bumper.

We arrived at Aloha Stadium at 5:05 and then went through this endless, snaking line to the shuttle bus which would take us into Honolulu. I added this extra mile to my total miles for today.

The bus dropped us off in Honolulu at about 5:30 near the Aloha Tower.

Since the race would start at 7:00 there was a rather long wait time. I decided to sit part of the time.

While waiting, we met someone who had come all the way from British Columbia. I was impressed.

The area became very crowded, but we had a good spot at the fence line so we could watch the Army soldiers and Marines march through in formation.

When the Star Spangled Banner played, they all went to attention and saluted. It was quite moving.

At 7:00 they began running. Wow! I wondered if they'd be running to the finish.

The sun started to come up and we all moved toward the Start line. I loved seeing all the costumes people were wearing.

And we were off!

The energy of the crowd was palpable.

Art, who would love to run the course again if his doctor would let him was like a stallion about to buck loose. I had to warn him that I couldn't keep up with his longer legs.

Would you believe this fellow on the left was actually walking backwards... and beating us? I walked faster after that.

Along the way, Art stopped to get a rose for me from a radio station fellow who was passing a few out. He said, "Happy Valentines Day."

It started to rain so it was good to be able to walk under the highway viaduct.

There were lots of water stations along the way to keep us hydrated.

I'm always afraid I won't be able to complete the walk so I have my brother on stand by to pick me up just in case.

However, seeing the Mile 4 marker was encouraging and gave me hope.

After a few slight hills, we reached Mile 7! I couldn't believe it! The end was in sight and I was still on my feet even though my thighs were feeling pretty stiff.

And then there it was! The Aloha Stadium!

I was so relieved I wanted to sprint to the finish line.

I'm happy to say our times actually improved this year.

How can that be?

2014: 2:35:55
2015: 2:35:24
2016: 2:29:05


I was euphoric!

This is the line to collect all the after-race goodies: bananas, water, Red Bull, cookies, snacks, etc.


When we came home mom put the rose in a vase for me and every time I look at it I have to smile.

On the other hand, Art is very happy he'll get two t-shirts out of this deal. I don't wear t-shirts much so he gets mine.

I'm so happy now I'm willing to do this again. I know I'll feel like this for the next few days, but come next year, I'll be griping, groaning and grumbling all over again.