This post will include a lot of non-photography stuff, just as a warning. But I still think it’s worth a read!
I went to Miami over the weekend. I’d only had minimal experience in Miami previously - a connecting flight or two and a single trip to Wynwood Walls. However, I registered for the Miami Marathon and decided to run in memory of my friend’s sister. #MilesForNicole started when my friend began running in the wake of her sister’s death, and I encouraged my friends to donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. It’s an amazing organization literally saving lives, as well as supporting survivors.
Making the weekend plans even better, several friends from both Bogota and DC were headed to the race, and one of my best friends (the brilliant mind behind Capitol Maker, for those who have been around for awhile) met me down there to hang out and cheer, but not run.
After a couple days in Naples, we headed to packet pickup at Wynwood Mana. The area is full of street art, and of course, many of the artists are Latin American. I saw lots of work by one of my favorites, Pez.
The race itself was rough. I had a perfect first half - 2:00:26 at the half, exactly on pace for a four hour marathon assuming I could kick in, which I felt like I could do. The corrals were a bit tight and went off slower than expected, but overall, well organized and I know that the Marine Corps Marathon has set a military-like standard in my mind. So, solid organization, everything posted in English and Spanish, even a cool morning! Aid stations were plentiful and all even featured bathrooms! Around mile 14 I started running in the sun and began to feel the impact of heat exhaustion. I started drinking more, but ultimately abandoned my four hour goal to run a much, much slower race and finish. In classic runner fashion, I did puke after I finished, the volunteers tried to get me to a med tent (NO WAY), and I was disappointed.
But only a little. I trained my butt off. I wanted that four hour marathon so bad. But heat exhaustion is heat exhaustion and I’m glad I wasn’t dumb!
How to recover from a rough race? Enjoy Miami!
After soliciting advice on Facebook and just wandering, we ate at Doce Provisions, Muse, Time Out, and Live Love Cafe. Time Out was like a smaller and more well organized Union Market - a food hall we love in DC. I ate amazing corn and a blue crab tostada, Felicia found a giant Cuban sandwich, we both got great coffee.
Overall, a great trip with medicore weather until our final day, a bad race, but home with a thankful heart and recovering slowly from the race!