The BIG race! Equinox Marathon, Fairbanks Sept. 21, 2014

 Stephen Hafen w/ Ray Hafen before the race start.

Four weeks ago, Stephen ran his first big race.  He was part of 'The Leg Goes' relay team.  The team consisted of Stephen, Kary (Mom), and Andrea Hambach (good friend.)  Stephen loves Legos, so I spent some time coming up with creative names for him to vote on.  As you can see, 'The Leg Goes' won.  Since there are 3 legs in a marathon relay and all of our legs had to 'go,' I thought it was the perfect name.  What do you think?

Stephen had been consistently training for this event.  He would run about 3-4 miles 4 times a week, and then on Saturdays, he would do some longer runs.  One Saturday, he ran/walked 10 miles with Ray.  His part of the relay would require him to run 8.5 miles.  So, the strategy of going farther than 8.5 helped his mental status in the long run (pun intended.)  ;  )

I had run the full Equinox marathon the year before and it was so challenging.  Many hills on dirt trails tested the mental, physical and spiritual stamina.  And, it was only 25°.  Brrrr!  It is a beautiful course and the Fall colors are fabulous, but that didn't warm me up.  I was so grateful to finish that race and decided I wasn't so sure about ever doing it again.  Then, at breakfast the next morning, our friend Andrea asked how the race went and I told her how hard it was and that I wasn't sure about next year.  She asked:  Why don't we make a relay team with you, me and Stephen?  

Stephen was sitting right there and thought it sounded great.  Why not?  So, we made a plan

and followed through.  It was so worth it and it was 20 degrees warmer this year.  

Stephen ran the 1st leg of the marathon with his Dad (who was doing an Ultramarathon of 40 miles.)  This meant that Stephen would never be alone out on the course.  And, Ray was able to maintain a steady, slower pace to help him endure the 31.5 miles he'd have left after leaving Stephen at exchange zone 2.  Exchange zone 2 is where I was waiting for Stephen and Ray.  After watching Stephen cross his finish line and giving him a big hug, I handed him off to Ray's Mom (Granny,) who had come up to visit for Stephen's baptism, which was to be held the following week.  

I was fortunate to get to run my leg of the marathon with Ray too.  It was raining and the trails were muddy.  It was nice to have his encouragement along the way. 

Buddies.  Stephen and McKinley Hafen

McKinley was such a great cheerleader!  She was also lucky to spend some time with her Granny and Mommy while waiting for Stephen.  She got to play in a recreation center and stay warm.  Going out to lunch after the race was fun too.  

Warming up.  The race starts in 5 minutes.  

Hmmmm..?  I wonder who that little boy belongs to.

Ready or not!  

Stephen is keeping his hands tucked in his sleeves.  It was a little chilly at the start.

Gotta stretch those legs so they're ready to go!

Last words of advice from Dad.  

Here they go!

I think I'll whistle while I work 

Can you spot the kilted duo?  Look middle left.  You'll find them.

Time to start climbing right off the bat.  

I think I can, I think I can.

Oh my goodness!!!! Here he comes already!  Way to go Stephen!  Don't you feel great?

I was certainly not expecting him so soon.  He ran an 11 minute pace on winding trails w/some little hills along the way.   I had been waiting in the warm truck with Granny

thinking I had 20 minutes (at least) before they would arrive.  But, I had a feeling I should

get out of the car and just check.  I waved to a friend of mine who was running by on the course

 and he said:

"Stephen and Ray are right behind me."  So, I had to kick into high gear and get ready to take

pictures and then run my leg of the race.  I'm so glad I made it! I was there only 1 minute before Stephen's finish.  I cannot imagine how I would have felt had I missed it. 

 Thank goodness for promptings. 

 Always follow them.  

A young boy full of joy!  

Lean into it!  Come home to Mama and finish this race.

He did it!!!!

Happy cheerleaders.

We stood at the finish area for a while watching for Ray.  So, the kids and I

cheered on many finishers.  The kids would shout:  "Woo hoo!  You can make it, you're

almost there!  Way to go!"

Here He comes.  Hooray for Ray!  40 miles!  Time to pick up the pace and finish this!

Game face all the way.  He gets pretty intense when he's bringing it home to the finish.

Thank goodness he's wearing some shorts under that kilt.  :  )

7 hrs, 45 minutes and 40 miles later, Ray crosses the finish line of the Equinox Ultramarathon in 

Fairbanks, Alaska.

Way to go Ray!

A tender moment with Granny.  Ray's Mom has never seen him finish a race.

This was priceless.  Ray was very emotional and in tears.   Ray had just told his mother that he felt his Dad (Stephen) with him when he needed help along the course.  

Muddy muscles

All is well!