That being said, my achievement was small compared to others. So I think a recap of the day from "E's eyes" is in order. First I want to say--this erg marathon is NOT easy. It sucks all the energy out of you and when you're done you can barely stand up. It's painful (especially the day after). Keep that in mind when reading on.
Last year we had 14 people but this year there were lots of conflicts. Hopefully, next year we'll pick a weekend where more people can participate. Nonetheless, there were some great results and I know that all of us went home with a sense of satisfaction (and soreness).
Here's the things that stick in my mind that made the difference:
Jim Harrison drove up from Tucson with his son Calvin--who became our super helper. Calvin got the movies started, shut garage doors and practically saved me from the super bonk by bringing me a Gatorade from the cooler full of energy drinks they brought. Jim was the first to finish in 3 hours 3 minutes 29 seconds. He is also the leader of our virtual C2 roster to date. Was great to have both Jim and Calvin there.
First time Outlaw erg marathoner, Laura Erhart, was the last to arrive but one of the early finishers. An amazing time of 3 hours 6 minutes and 48 seconds. Certainly an inspiration and an awesome row. I expect she will be in the C2 C.R.A.S.H B sprint event in Boston and finishing up at the top. Her family, friends and even her coach, Dan Duxbury showed up to root her on. Her daughter and 3 Tempe Jr. Crew rowers passed out ice cold wash towels to all of us. That chilly towel on my neck was a temporary distraction from the fact that my legs were like concrete. Thank you!
Then there was Rebecca Clark . A month ago, I was pretty sure she wouldn't be able to attempt the Marathon as she was still battling constant chronic fatigue from a case of Mono and/or Epstein Barr. She mentioned before we started that she may opt out at the half marathon mark. She completed the entire marathon AND improved her time from the year before. Ordinary people would not have made the attempt--but that's what I like about Rebecca--she's not an ordinary person. She's extraordinary!
Art Reimanis had e-mailed me before the event that he didn't expect to do well as he was getting over a respiratory illness. He said he was going to try and do it in 3 hours and 20 minutes or better. Well he chose the later and ended up with a time of 3 hours and 10 minutes, 12 seconds. He's been at the last three erg marathons and is always a consistent performer. Another fine marathon for him.
I remember Kathy Moum telling Ted Paxton last year that she was going to get the exact same time as she always does. Well Ted wasn't there this year--so maybe not saying it allowed her to put in her best marathon time--improving by almost 6 minutes from the previous year. She seem's to get better as she gets older (I have more to say about that... so keep reading).
I first got caught up in rowing with a beginning rowing course taught by "Okie" or Joe "Okie" O'Connor. He's in charge of Tempe Town Lake rowing and everything boating on Tempe Town Lake. Needless to say, many of us admire how much enthusiasm he's fostered about rowing on Tempe Town Lake (TTL) and all the great events coming to TTL because of him. We also admire his super overall athetic abilities. That being said, I'm glad he was there. He's done the event "virtually" in the past, but hopefully he now feels like all of us-- that there is comfort in toughing it out together. He finished behind Jim Harrison by only 2 minutes and in all honesty I think he may have helped us all get a better time than we thought we could just by being present.
Then there is Kat Soderberg. This was Kat's first marathon. Here is where I get back on the subject of age. I don't know how old Kat is... I just know she looks younger than she is. She doesn't know it--but I want to be HER when I'm her age. Kat did the marathon in 3 hours 44 minutes and 6 seconds. Only a couple of minutes slower than my first marathon last year. I do know she is likely more than 10 years older than me and I bet you she will have an even better time next year. So awesome Kat. While still on the subject of age--Laura, Kathy & Kat are all older than me--but they keep rowing better and faster. That's what's so great about this sport-it makes me look forward to getting older!
Great job Erg Marathoners. I hope to see you all again NEXT year!
Here's a few photos (Click for bigger less fuzzy view). I'll post more as I get them from other people. I didn't have my photographer (spouse) there until the very end, however, I know there were lots of camera shots from others.
The Outlaw Erg Marathoners from left to right (If you're reading my blog you already know I'm the short one in the front). Jim Harrison, Art Reimanis, Kathy Moum, Rebecca Clark, Kat Soderberg, Laura Erhart & Okie O'Connor.
Calvin--our "Superboy". Thank you Calvin! Come back and erg next year.
Jim has his system down. Hmmmm, I think the fan made him go faster. I better get one of those for next year.
Kathy and Rebecca establishing their plan to get through another marathon.
I think I'm looking at the erg monitor and thinking "Will I ever finish...) Meanwhile, Laura, (with fan club) is looking at her monitor like "I can't believe I'm going this fast..." Ok, I'm not sure what she was thinking--but she was WICKED fast.
