Tuesday, December 16, 2008

2008 Honolulu Marathon

2008 HONOLULU MARATHON

I can't believe I did it and I really can't believe its over. Many "Mahalos" to everyone for your support to the cause I ran for this year. There are a lot of people affected by Leukemia & Lymphoma and thanks again for showing your support. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Team in Training has raised over $900 million since its inception to fighting blood cancers and we won't give up until a cure is found.

This is my 2nd marathon and I improved my time by over 2 hours. I walked the first marathon in Dublin and I am looking forward to the marathon again next year. The hardest part of the marathon wasn't the running, it was the weather. It stayed dry until the gun shot at 5AM and the rain came pouring down. I ran the 1st 10K slow and I expected to pick up the pace, but it never happened. I was running with blisters for pretty much the whole race. I have about 4-6 blisters on each foot and I am very proud of my time given the circumstances.

On that note, I would like to say a special thanks to Buffy Whiteman who is a part of the Team in Training team and ran with me between miles 24-26 (up Diamond head). If it wasn't for her words of encouragement and pace, I would not have crossed the finish line under 5 hours.

I didn't expect to get emotional, but there I was crying at the finish line and crying again when I saw Buffy at the tents.

Some people say, "I can't do that or that's impossible". I know with the support of my family, friends and the community that anything is possible. That is why I have signed up for the 2009 Honolulu Triathlon.

Well, since the marathon I have eaten Carls Jr., Zippy's, Taco Bell, Fried Chicken from Safeway. Ha! I deserve it! :)

Love you all and thanks for everything!

My Official Split Times
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The Finish Line (from the day before)
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3AM - Day of Marathon - Preparation
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Ready to go
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After the Marathon
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First Meal
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Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

2 comments:

Jamie said...

omg max you are amazing!

alongcamepoli said...

and look how long those toe hairs are! you really didn't cut any of your hair off! lol. congrats, congrats, and many congrats again to your big finish!!! :D