18 Mile Long Beach Island Run
I ran the Long Beach Island 18 mile race on Sunday October 7th, 2007. This was my first time running that race — the heat did not make it a very pleasant experience, especially since the race started at 10:30 am. I had to drink lots of extra water throughout the course (which gave me stomach cramps) and I had to slow my pace down a bit. In retrospect I’m glad I was cautious considering the number of people who suffered heat-related illnesses in races throughout the country (like in the Chicago Marathon which was closed early due to the heat).
The course is flat — it begins near the intersection of Joan Road and S. Bay Ave. (south end of Long Beach Island, NJ) and extends 18 miles to the north end of the island, finishing in the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. At the end of Central Avenue, it hooks left on West 4th St., then right onto Broadway, and finally into the park. Jeannie, Matthew and Peter were there to support me. They waited almost three hours for me to get to the finish line. Once I arrived and loosened up a bit, we climbed the steps to the top of the Barnegat Light House (217 steps I believe).
Thanks to all the spectators (mostly residents of Long Beach) who supported us. All the cheering and clapping helped us through the 18 miles and the heat.