On April 26, a mere 5 days after the running of the Boston Marathon, another marathon was taking place. In Roanoke!
The Blue Ridge Marathon, though not as well known as the Boston Marathon, has distinction all its own: it's known as the hardest marathon in the United States. In 26.2 miles it climbs not one, not two, but three peaks with an overall elevation gain/loss of 7000 feet. Crazy! The first, and tallest peak, Roanoke Mountain, is one I haven't climbed as of yet. I hear there are some good hikes there, though. The second, and second tallest, is Mill Mountain, of the famous Roanoke Star. The third is Peakwood Drive, and inserts a 1607 foot climb and descent between miles 17 and 20.
I met a couple people at the gym who were doing the loop TWICE as an ultra-marathon!
(Later, they told me they completed the first loop and decided that once was enough. I can't blame them. But there were some hearty souls who did complete the ultra.)
Even though I was doing such nonsense last year with a pack on my back, this year I was in enough shape to go downtown and cheer the runners in. No more.
Later in the evening, even though I hadn't actually RUN, I saw no reason why I couldn't enjoy the post marathon festivities. I'd just have to pay an admission fee, since I didn't have a bib number. So on Saturday night, I was experiencing that summery evening concert under the stars that I had been dreaming of last weekend.
The Blue Ridge Marathon, though not as well known as the Boston Marathon, has distinction all its own: it's known as the hardest marathon in the United States. In 26.2 miles it climbs not one, not two, but three peaks with an overall elevation gain/loss of 7000 feet. Crazy! The first, and tallest peak, Roanoke Mountain, is one I haven't climbed as of yet. I hear there are some good hikes there, though. The second, and second tallest, is Mill Mountain, of the famous Roanoke Star. The third is Peakwood Drive, and inserts a 1607 foot climb and descent between miles 17 and 20.
I met a couple people at the gym who were doing the loop TWICE as an ultra-marathon!
(Later, they told me they completed the first loop and decided that once was enough. I can't blame them. But there were some hearty souls who did complete the ultra.)
Even though I was doing such nonsense last year with a pack on my back, this year I was in enough shape to go downtown and cheer the runners in. No more.
Later in the evening, even though I hadn't actually RUN, I saw no reason why I couldn't enjoy the post marathon festivities. I'd just have to pay an admission fee, since I didn't have a bib number. So on Saturday night, I was experiencing that summery evening concert under the stars that I had been dreaming of last weekend.
Ok, so it wasn't exactly a concert under the STARS, since it started at 6:00 pm ( a family friendly event) but it was summery and fun. And speaking of families, check out these three sisters who were there jamming away to G-Love and Special Sauce with their mom.
Oh I wish I had been that cool when I was their age. Who am I kidding? I'm not that cool NOW!
But at least I get to buy beer to enjoy with my live music!
But at least I get to buy beer to enjoy with my live music!
(I spilled a little)
After the concert wrapped up at the ripe old time of 8:00 pm, I wandered around downtown Roanoke, enjoying the other bands that lined the streets and performed in the bars. I also enjoyed a little barbecue with my blues. I am, after all, in the South!
Sunday, April 27, I checked out a bike path along the Roanoke RIver. It was a nice biking path, but since it was Sunday early afternoon, quite crowded. Wearing the clip-in shoes was probably not the smartest thing I've ever done. On the bright side, I got a lot of practice clipping in and clipping out of pedals I haven't used in a year and a half. (No small children were injured as a result of my bike ride!)
After the concert wrapped up at the ripe old time of 8:00 pm, I wandered around downtown Roanoke, enjoying the other bands that lined the streets and performed in the bars. I also enjoyed a little barbecue with my blues. I am, after all, in the South!
Sunday, April 27, I checked out a bike path along the Roanoke RIver. It was a nice biking path, but since it was Sunday early afternoon, quite crowded. Wearing the clip-in shoes was probably not the smartest thing I've ever done. On the bright side, I got a lot of practice clipping in and clipping out of pedals I haven't used in a year and a half. (No small children were injured as a result of my bike ride!)
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