Mount Desert Island 10-15-06

One of the most spectacular views was from a bridge near Somesville beside Somes sound past mile 20. It was the last such beauty we would see for several tough miles.

Bridge to nowhere...but it's pretty!

Classic New England country store

These last five miles were facing traffic, with LOTS of uphills. We were running toward the finish at Southwest Harbor, so I thought we had to go downhill sometime. At mile 21, I figured I could still break 5 hours if I ran 11 min miles the rest of the way. So I pushed the next mile as hard as I could - and hit the 22 sign in 12 minutes! I knew a 10 minute mile (to make up the time) wasn't in the cards...so I gave up the idea of 5. But the only was to the Finish Line was straight ahead...and up Besides, maybe they saved some donuts!

This crew had cheered for their runners all along the course. They adopted everyone who came by as they waited!

When is this hill EVER going to end?

Finally. It ends at a restaurant called "Top of the Hill"

A little bit of a break, headed for the barn.

One more gorgeous view - this of Southwest Harbor.

View from the top of the last hill - 200 yards to go

The tradition continues. Trained by the Professor.

Ron, Ron, and Mike celebrating. Almost 300 marathons represented...

Marathons make you appreciate the simple things. Like a comfortable place to sit down.