Steamtown Marathon 2011-Great Race

Irene dropped me off in the middle of the night, next to Scranton's very own Dunder Mifflin, and quickly took off because a Dwight Schrute lookalike was lurking in the darkness looking to spoil the Steamtown Marathon on the second Sunday of October. Hmmm... What should I do now? I guess there's no turning back on my seventh marathon in 3 years. It also happens to mark my fifth state in my 50 state marathon quest.

Well, there's group of people in shorts/skirts/tights that seem to be walking down this main thorough fare. They must know where the buses are. As I walked along with them, making small talk about the upcoming race, we saw a number of yellow school buses lined up on both sides of the street, and I eventually boarded one of them.

As I bus rocked side to side and rolled with every bump in the road, I cringed each time the bus started to roll downwards. Each downhill meant an uphill run! My worries were occasionally distracted by my seat buddy. She was from Virginia, and it was her third marathon. The excitement of toeing the line and get running was an awesome feeling.

After missing the entrance by a couple of miles, the bus eventually screeched to a halt at the Forest City Regional High School, where we were greeted by a group of cheerleaders. Despite the chilly air, they were very happy and cheerful! One handed me a purple ribbon that said Steamtown Marathon 2011. Another handed me a bottle of water and off we went to stay warm inside the school.

I roamed the halls for a little bit, seeing if I could find any familiar faces. The halls were filled with people just waiting around, stretching, sleeping, and most definitely thankful for the hospitality of this high school. The cafeteria was open with volunteers, ready to stuff your finish line bag into a white plastic garbage bag and write your bid number on it. I was lucky that I did not bring anything extra, as I had my support team waiting for me at the finish!

It was about time to head to the start, but before entering my corral. I remembered that the bus traveled through some streets lined with homes. It would be wise to take a leak in a port-a-potty now. Yes, I might have taken liberties on the Verrazano Narrows Bridge and also at the 59^th Street Bridge, but I am not about to be one with nature on someone's lawn.

The corrals were separated by time, and I eased my way into the 10:00 min pace. The race organizer was happy to see all the runners spoke a few words of encouragement and warnings about the course. We then sang our national anthem. He said a few more words, and a shot started the masses moving forward towards the starting line gate. My mind wandered and I thought about Irene and the kids. I wonder who will run the last 200 yards with me.

Steamtown runs through 14 small rural towns, however running though each one was like being at a tailgate party at the Super bowl. The neighbors cheered us on and were so happy to see us. Music blasted, drinks were being served and food was abundant. As the day went on and got hotter, water hoses splashed the asphalt for temporary cooling. I wish I could have stopped and enjoyed all the partying.

The race eventually came to a set of trails, which was different. It was the first time I ran a race on packed earth and it was a nice change, and the shade the trees offered a pleasant break from the sun that decided to unwelcomely warm this cozy and remote section of the Earth. Damn you Dwight, I know you had something to do with it!

At mile 25, just prior to making a right turn onto North Washington Avenue, a lady yelled out, "Thanks for running Noah!" That snapped me out of the fog that had overcome me as I dealt with the warming temperature. I realized that she had a list of bib numbers and names, and I am thankful that the race director thought of having someone at that part of the course.

After making the last turn of the day, I looked up the hill, and said "Why! Why did they put this hill here?!?" This was not the little hill depicted in the course elevation map. I finally, reached the crest and it was all downhill from there. With each step, I speed up and I saw Irene with the camera in hand and Elijah waving.

"Elijah, do you want to run with me?" He looked scared and shook his head no L, so I ran by to meet up with my other two monkeys. They were locked, loaded and barreled out to the middle of the street. Emily tried to coerce me with a, "Let's race!" Unfortunately, I was not in the position to move any faster than my legs would currently move. Zachary stayed to my right, soaking up the excitement of spectators from the sidelines. As the finish neared, I raised my arms, Zachary did a fist pump, and Emily looked over her right shoulder looking for me to catch her.

This is a preview of our finish in the 2023 New York City Marathon, where I will be running with Irene and all the kids. I am also looking forward to more friends and family joining me on that first
Sunday of November. Mark it in your Calendars. November 5, 2023 10:00 am, The Lam Family will be toeing the line on the Staten Island Side of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge embarking on a 4 hour adventure through the streets of New York City finishing in front of the old Tavern on the Green.

I would have to say this has been my favorite race after the NYC Marathon. For a small town race, it offers the feel of a big city marathon. The neighbors had heartfelt cheering making this race the one to do if you don't make it to New York.

Now getting ready for the off season with P90X2, some Turkey Trots and some Jingle Bell Runs. 2012 is be another great running year!