North Olympic Discovery Marathon and Half Marathon

June 08, 2008

Race Weekend Schedule

Be sure to check out the NODM Kids Marathon Page!  Kids have started their own marathon this spring - tracking 25 miles over a 10 week period.  On June 7th, they will meet at City Pier to run their final 1.2 miles finishing under the same finish line banner as Sunday's athletes. Kids Marathon Page Click Here.

Special 5 year jacket (at no charge) to those marathoners who have done all 5 NODM's - do you see your name?     Details                                                           

     

Come join us in June for what has been called the best boutique marathon in North America. The North Olympic Discovery Marathon and Half-Marathon are run on a unique point-to-point course that incorporates the Olympic Discovery Trail - with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and a five mile finishing stretch along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The race is a USATF sanctioned event that is a Boston Marathon qualifier and will be chip timed. The rails to trails course is a wide, mixed, hard surface trail. Cool June weather next to the ocean can be expected.

See what Coolrunning has to say about NODM!

Latest Updates!

5/3/08 – Plan a training run on your course!

Larry and I just got back from running on the last five miles of your marathon/half marathon course (5K and 10K too – more later...).  It’s truly a spectacular venue.  Where else are you running right next to the shoreline, away from traffic, enjoying the bursting spring vegetation, keeping an eye out for seals, sea lions and possibly a whale and watching eagles fly and hunt all around you?

I would like to encourage everyone who lives near the peninsula to plan a training run on the course.  Get familiar and know what to expect. 

Plan an out and back.  This is pretty easy.  Just park your car at one of the trail access areas and run for as long as you like and turn back toward your car when you’re ready.  If you look at the google map on this site, click here, you will find Parking and Wave icons toward the last half of the course.  Click on these they will describe the areas that I suggest you park and run.  I strongly recommend parking at Siebert Creek and Old Olympic Hwy and running west to the Deer Park Overlook or Morse Creek for the turnaround (total distance 10 miles).  Or for something easy, park at Morse Creek and run west on the prettiest section of the trail. 

Shuttle a point to point.  You’ll need two cars or maybe a bike if you’re solo.  This is ideal for covering as much of the course as possible.   Again, I suggest the Siebert Creek to Morse Creek section.  This section includes the friendly creek beds and will clock you about 5 miles.  Another idea for something mellow is to leave a car at the finish in PA and start your run at Morse Creek.  You will clock about six miles of flat and scenic.  After your run head in to downtown PA for breakfast at one of my favorite spots:  First Street Haven, The Red Lion or the Chestnut Cottage.

For the adventurous:  Clallam Transit (no Sunday Service).  Park your car in downtown Port Angeles and ride the bus toward Sequim.  There are several stops that will leave you within reasonable distance to find the Olympic Discovery Trail and begin running west.  Check out the Clallam Transit routes.  I would depart the bus at O’Brien Road (be careful here because you will need to cross the Highway by foot).  Run North on the Old Olympic Highway for just over a half mile and then turn west on to the Olympic Discovery Trail at Siebert Creek where you have a solid 10 miles to the finish line.  You will cover the toughest part of the course and the prettiest part of the course.  Or ride the bus all the way to the Sequim Transit Center and from here you will have a good 18-20 miles to PA. 

Plan an entire day or weekend in the area.  There is so much to do and see!  Just west of Port Angeles is Salt Creek/Crescent Beach – a spectacular picnic, tidepool and surf area  Stop at my favorite winery, Harbinger,  also on the west side of town.  If you can’t make it over until Memorial Day weekend that’s just fine because we have one of the best music festivals in the Northwest:  The Juan De Fuca Festival - don't miss it or bring your kayak and take part in the Hobuck Hoedown.

Enjoy! 

Michelle 

 

3/02/08

Hi all! Welcome to March. Here are a few updates. Be sure to check back often as there will be some exciting additions soon.

New Course Maps   Check out the Google and Google Earth maps that have recently been updated. We will be working on adding information on the maps over the next couple of weeks. You will be able to click on one of the icons for more information about that course feature.

Be sure to sign up or get your friends to sign up for the run soon. At present registration is 40% higher than it was at this time last year. The race filled up prior to race day so be prepared to not get in if you wait too long.

 

1/08/08

Time for those race plans for 08?  If not, start planning. Registration is up and running and is running away right now.
Be sure to send us a note if you have done all 5 previous NODM marathons along with your jacket size. We know that there are a few more of you out there!

Time to start posting to the forum as well! Keep the motivation up and it's a great place to find some answers from our veteran participants as well. Check it often.

More later.

 

12/14/07

Happy Holidays!

We hope this finds you well and running strong! Everything is shaping up for a great 2008 and a great 2008 NODM. We enjoyed seeing many of you at the Seattle Marathon Expo and at the Royal Victoria Marathon Expo. Your encouragement and excitement about our race recharges the juices so we appreciate your stopping by.

In order to keep the quality that you have come to expect from the NODM we will be limiting the number of participants to the same number participating in 2007. As you know we filled up last year and since the race continues to grow we expect to fill earlier this year so get you registration in ASAP.

5 Year Jacket

This year will be number 6. We are doing something really special for anyone who has done all 5 prior NODM Marathons. We will be giving you a special 5 year jacket (at no charge). You need to let us know no later than by the end of January that you will be here in June along with your size so that we can have these jackets made. Just email us with your intentions and size. We are planning on some other recognition for you loyal folks! Keep tuned!!

Confirmed five years to date 1/31/08:

Tom W. (size L, '08 confirmed)

Tom S. (size M, '08 confirmed)

Ron F. (size M, '08 confirmed)

Steve S. (size M, '08 confirmed)

Bob D. (size L, '08 confirmed)

Steve Y. (size L, '08 confirmed)

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2007! Wet, Cold, Wild, but the best one yet!  

Results

   

         

             

            

                        It's a run, aid station 2... duh

Thank you to all of the volunteers, sponsors and participants. The weather didn't co operate as well as we all would have hoped but the smiles on everyone's faces brought all the warmth we needed. See you June 8, 2008!  Registration will open this week.

 

6/04/07

NOTICE:

We are running low on small shirt sizes. If you are registering after June 4 we cannot guarantee small sizes in this years shirt. You may still enter and there may be one available. If not you may receive a larger or smaller size or last year's shirt. Same style just different color.

Be sure and register early next year!

 

6/03/07

One Week to go!!!

Hope you all are ready for a great weekend.  Here are a few last minute reminders.  Please read on!

Registration and Race Expo:

Noon until 7 PM at the Red Lion Hotel in downtown Port Angeles. Please make every effort to get to packet pick-up or make arrangements for a friend to get your packet.  If you cannot make registration we will have your packet at your race start. NO GUARANTEES race morning. Lots will be going on. If you pick up your packet race morning, your shirt and goody bag will be at the finish line.  There will be no day of race registration.

Walkers (Full Marathon only 7AM Start):

Be sure and look at the Walkers Page on the website for instructions.

Walkers will be more a part of the overall excitement at the finish of the race but you will need to be a little more self supported at the start.  The roads will still be open!!  Obey all normal pedestrian road rules and stay on the discovery trail if at all possible. At some points on the course the trail will parallel the road.  Runners will be on the road in places after the regular 9 AM start, but you should stay on the trail for the early start.  Heed and Water will be available after mile 4 and from mile 7 on.

Finally, we will have maps ready at the start if you would like. The course is well marked but there will not be a bike lead out at 7 AM.

 Click Here for a Printable Spectator Hot Spot Sheet and Map

Spectators:   

Be careful. Traffic will be busy in the spectator areas. Pay special attention to how you enter the parking area at the Deer Park Overlook (Mile 20). Do not turn on Buchanan Rd.  Go past Buchanan and Cest Si Bon restaurant and take the Deer Park Overlook exit. 

Please do not use Strait View Drive (Mile 20.5) as a Spectator area.  This is a dangerous intersection and the runners cross the road.

 

4/26/07

New for 2007!

Uncompromised food now further enhances the Race with no compromises! Live Bread Shoppe along with Sunny Farms will be providing the most amazing post race food any race has ever offered. Live Bread Shoppe will provide hand made muffins, breads and of course their famous Marathon Cookies.  Along with these items we will be supplying organic peanut butter, jams, butter and a few other surprises. The fruits supplied by Sunny Farms are of the highest quality and we strive to provide local produce. (For more info click here)

The post race drink selection will offer choices with no refined sugars or chemical additives.

We're runners too. We know how hard each of you works to achieve your goals. The improvement and the importance we are placing on the food you are offered respects the goals we are all trying to achieve.

Along these same lines we want to be responsible stewards of this great environment in which we live. So here's the next new for 2007!

 It’s not easy being green

Our two year goal will be to be a zero environmental impact event. We are trying to incorporate biodegradable trash receptacles, extensive recycling even non petroleum based biodegradable cups on the run!

The NODM will be incurring increased costs to reach this goal. At the same time we would love not to increase our fees. If your organization would like to help us achieve this goal by sponsoring this component of our race please contact Larry at  larry@nodm.com.

 

3/26/07

Couple of new updates for all of you.

Registration continues to soar. Get you friends signed up and you accommodations secured ASAP!

               

It's HEED again! Hammer Nutrition is back providing the energy drink HEED and Hammer Gel. We are proud to offer HEED again this year. We looked at other products and talked to some world class athletes during this past winter and we decided that the best energy product that we could provide to our participants were HEED and Hammer Gel. Take a look at the "About the Run" page for distribution of these products at our aid stations.

A new Walkers Page has been added. Walkers should take a look for special early Full Marathon instructions.

More soon,

Larry

3/07/07

Hi All!  Hope the training is on track and you are excited for this year's race. Here is the latest update.

New Confirmation list is now posted here. Check to see if you are there and things are spelled correctly.

New Check out the forum and post your two cents and check out other's.

Registration is significantly above this time last year. We will be limiting the race to 2000. Tell your friends not to wait to register. Most importantly get your room reservation NOW! Each year everything in Port Angeles fills up and things are happening earlier this year.  Keep well and fit!

Larry

 

1/11/07

If you ran the NODM in 2006 you will be receiving a postcard reminding you to enter early for this years race. As a veteran of the NODM you are entitled to a $5 discount. Just mail in the appropriate amount with your mail in registration or answer yes to the query when you enter online.

12/30/06

Happy Holidays to all of you runners and walkers!

May this season bring peace.

Larry, Michelle and the rest of the NODM family.

Jake at the 2006 Jingle Bell Run (NODM finish line)

9/19/06

Welcome  back! Plans are underway for a bigger and better NODM for 2007. We are pleased to announce that Therapeutic Associates Inc. is once again our title sponsor. The relationship with TAI is proving to be all that we at the NODM hoped it would be. TAI's  very generous support will allow the NODM the opportunity to grow and still continue to provide our participants the best boutique marathon in North America.

Please note, after the difficulties faced in 2006 with getting the results out in a manner which we think you deserve, there will be timing changes for 2007. These changes reflect an almost doubling in timing fees. The entry fees will be going up to compensate for these increased costs. This is your opportunity to register now before the price change!! Go here to register now!!

Keep checking this page for more updates to come on a regular basis,

Larry

 

MARATHON RUNNER IS BACK FROM BOSTON
CONGRATULATIONS TO JANY DENG

Jany_Deng.jpg

Jany Deng, Outreach Coordinator at the Center, is preparing to run in another marathon in the state of Washington in June and, hopefully, in New York City at the end of the year. Bruce Skinner, the former CEO of the Fiesta Bowl who now serves as a consultant to the Rock 'n' Roll marathon in Phoenix, has invited Jany to run in the North Olympic Discovery Marathon in Port Angeles, Washington on June 11th. This marathon incorporates the Olympic Discovery Trail with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains.

GOOD LUCK, JANY!

6/7/06

Marathon weekend is here!!

We spent all afternoon packing the goodie bags for you. A huge crew from the PA Senior Citizens Center whipped them out in 2 ½ hrs.

Big news. We will be having two guest speakers.

Levi Hensel will be presenting;

“Training and Racing: Fundamental Lessons Learned as Professional Endurance Athlete”

Levi is a professional cross-country skier, and multi-sport endurance athlete with Team XC Oregon(www.xcoregon.org).

Gail Tate PT, OCS will be presenting;

"Your feet always win - do you?" 

I have heard Gail’s talk on the feet. After being an endurance athlete for over 30 years I thought I knew a few things about injuries. I was wrong…. Don’t miss this one.

The presentations will be held in the Heritage Room of the Red Lion at 1 PM and at 2 PM. Seating will be limited and will be on a first come basis.

Marathoners

There will an area in the finish compound for you to vote for the “Most Inspirational” aid station. Please take a moment to vote! Only marathoners since only they see all of the aid stations.

All Participants

You will need to fill out our survey before getting your race packet. Forms will be available at registration. If you want to fill it out ahead of time you can print one by clicking here ((printable survey form).

6/04/06

Course Description

OK here you go. Larry’s personal strategies for running a fast time on the North Olympic Discovery Marathon. (Remember, this advice is free and worth about the same as it costs, nothing). Half marathoners, obviously pay attention to the second half of the description.

Marathon:

Mile 1-4

You start out on a wide flat road next to Carrie Blake Park in Sequim. Turning east after about ¼ mile there will be a gradual uphill to the first aid station. At about 2mi you will be at the high point of the day. Use this section to feel out your legs and establish your race pace. Most of you are experienced enough not to get caught up in the opening race jitters and go out too fast.

Mile 4-16

From here until mile 16 is amazing. The course is a gradual downhill back to the start area. You will run through downtown Sequim and on towards Railroad Bridge Park and the Dungeness River where you cross over a beautiful trestle bridge and onto the Discovery Trail. Here the trail is flat and wide with great footing. Don’t forget to look around at the river, the mountains and the fields during this section from Sequim to Mile 16.  You should be able to cruise this section! Establish a fast pace and enjoy! The only hill is a slight drop and climb at McDonnell Creek, a very pretty area just past the 13 mile mark.

Half Marathon Start

The Half Marathon will start at the Agnew Soccer Fields this year. Below is a detailed description of the route for you Type A’s.  It’s all flat but there is a dogleg with a 180 degree turn after ¾ mi. Seed yourself accurately for your pace. We didn’t like throwing in a dogleg this early but from an overall course design and safety view it made the most sense to the half start design team. After your start, the first 3 miles are flat and fast.   

2006 HALF MARATHON START DESCRIPTION. 

The Half Marathon Start will be at the Agnew Soccer Field on North Barr Road.  Runners  will head South on N. Barr Road.  The runners will follow Barr Rd for approximately ¾ mi. at which point they will dogleg back down Barr heading north and then turn left (West) onto the Olympic Discovery Trail.  From this point, runners are on the Discovery Trail all the way into PA. 

Mile 16-20, Marathon - Mile 3-7 ½ Half Marathon

Take my advice and check out this section ahead of time. You start out with a bang! Sieberts Creek. The creek beds here are steep! BUT SHORT. Be aware that these creek beds are coming. Don’t lose your focus and don’t allow yourself to go anaerobic. You just got through a section where you will be able to get ahead of pace. This is where you can back off. Walk the hills out of Seibert (~mile 16) and Bagley Creek (~mile 20) and dehydrate. This section is rolling, shady and forested. Bears have frequented the course but I wouldn’t be too worried race day.

Mile 20-Finish, Marathon – Mile 7-Finish , Half Marathon

At the Morse Creek overlook you will begin a fast running descent to the Morse Creek Bridge. If this section doesn’t inspire you nothing will. Here you leave the roads. Cross the bridge which is another old RR Trestle over Morse Creek, a real jewel flowing out of the Olympics. There is a < 1/2 mile section of gravel road (footing is still fine) that is fully canopied over with large maple. The trial turns west and runs right along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the finish (one blip more on that in a minute). This section is newly paved asphalt that reminds me of a track surface. Look for the Jamestown tribal canoes out on the water. We frequently see otters, seals and a wide variety of coastal water fowl. There have been whales (both Orca and Grey) off shore here.  Now for the blip. It looks like you are going to cruise right into town. There is an old mill site that the trail has to by pass however. The course takes a <1/2 mile detour away from the water. It’s a bit of a surprise if you aren’t aware that it’s there. The final aid station is immediately across Ennis Creek. You can drive to this parking area to preview the mill site detour.

The last mile is flat and fast and is right on the water. You can see and hear the finish!

This truly is a great course! There is variety and beauty. To run a full or half marathon is hard, so expect to be tired at the finish. Be prepared for the hilly section and you can set a PR on this course, a lot have been set here.

Check out the MARATHON COOKIE:

 

 

 

5/31/06

2 quick items....

1. We will be asking you to fill out a simple survey prior to  picking up your race packet.  The information on the survey will help us document the impact our race has on tourism.  The tourism grants we receive each year provide vital funding needed to put on the NODM.  If you are not planning on being at registration or if you want to speed up the process, print out the survey and bring it to registration.  PACKET WILL NOT BE DELIVERED WITHOUT A COMPLETED SURVEY! (printable survey form)

2. We will be providing maps and information in your race packet.  This information includes spectator view points and directions. You can download a pdf of these files by clicking here for the information and here for the map.

5/29/06

The 2006 NODM Medal

5/25/06 

Email is working!

5/23/06

Email!  I have had three phone calls in the last 24 hours from runners who have sent an email and didn't get a reply.  These messages never got to us and we are checking into why, but in the meantime I wanted to give you all a backup.  Call and leave a message on the answering machine (360-417-1301) and we will send you an email reply, or use this email address:

5/18/06

Wow!  Less than one month to go!

You haven’t been getting as many updates as in past years so far but there is a reason. Take a look at the new and improved website, www.nodm.com . There has been a lot of time invested in the site over the past few weeks. We will continue to do some minor formatting and bug working. The bulk of the information should be complete and up to date. Check out the site to review what is going on and answer any lingering questions you might have. Be sure to go to the FAQ’s page. The link is at the top of each page. There is useful information here.

Training Clinic this Saturday.  Our last training clinic will be held this Saturday, May 20th, at Angeles Therapy, 1114 Georgiana St, 9am.  The topic is Foot Biomechanics and Shoe Fitting.   The clinics are free and open to all runners and walkers thanks to our title sponsor Therapeutic Associates.

An email received this week – we love hearing  from you! 

Hi Michelle,

I remembered reading your description a bit ago, so thought I'd reply...

Saturday I ran 22 miles, from  Hollywood Beach out to mile 11 (Agnew) and back. Stashed water along the way so I didn't have to carry anything.

Coming back around the 9 mile post, I could hear a pileated woodpecker hammering away in the trees. A couple of minutes later I saw a coyote hanging out in the trail not very far from me, which took off in a hurry as soon as it heard me coming. A few hundred feet, two deer. Then a couple miles later I see either another coyote, or the same one again. Along the water I saw a couple of Bald eagles. I didn't see any sea otters or seals this time, maybe because the tide was so far out.  Perfect day for a run, sunny but not too hot, not windy either (maybe even a bit of a tail wind coming back). The leaves are incredibly green right now, makes it really nice to run along.

 I thought you may be interested.

 Mark

 

Race Weekend Highlights:

Victory Paddle.  The Jamestown Canoe Club will join you at the finish again this year. Our first place winners will get a “Victory Lap” in the canoe after each awards ceremony. Runner’s World has a contest recognizing the best winners “shag.”   So far they haven’t agreed with our thoughts that this ceremonial award is the best out there.

 

Live Cookies:

Be sure and sample some of the finest and healthiest treats produced!  Sherry and the gang at Live Cookies developed the Hiker especially for last year’s NODM.  Samples available at the Expo and Finish area.

 

Volunteers.  Have your friends and family volunteer during race weekend.  Send an email to larry@nodm.com and we will send you information on where and when.

 

3/30/06

I just got a question about the hills at mile 16 and 20. My suggestion is to check them out beforehand if possible. For all of you near enough to Port Angeles here is a fun way to spend a Saturday and the response I sent to this question.

Be sure and check the hills out beforehand. Come over for a weekend training run. Catch the bus (Clallam Transit) from PA. Buses don't run on Sundays. Get off at Kitchen Dick Road (ask the driver) and head North. In less than a mile you will hit the trail. Turn West and you are about 14 mi from the finish. Maybe you'll get to see Michelle's eagles as well!

Larry

Route 30 Saturday Eastbound Schedule Port Angeles to Sequim:

Leave Port Angeles Transit Center Del Guzzi Wal-Mart O'Brien Road Pierson Road Hooker Road 7th & Washington Arrive Sequim Transit Center
7:30 am 7:37 7:41 7:48 7:52 7:55 8:00 8:05 am
8:00 8:07 8:11 8:18 8:22 8:25 8:30 8:35
9:00 9:07 9:11 9:18 9:22 9:25 9:30 9:35
*10:00 10:07 10:11 10:18 10:22 10:25 10:30 10:35
11:00 am 11:07 11:11 11:18 11:22 11:25 11:30 11:35 am
12:00 pm 12:07 12:11 12:18 12:22 12:25 12:30 12:35 pm
1:10 1:17 1:21 1:28 1:32 1:35 1:40 1:45
2:10 2:17 2:21 2:28 2:32 2:35 2:40 2:45
*3:10 3:17 3:21 3:28 3:32 3:35 3:40 3:45
4:10 4:17 4:21 4:28 4:32 4:35 4:40 4:45
5:10 5:17 5:21 5:28 5:32 5:35 5:40 5:45
6:10 6:17 6:21 6:28 6:32 6:35 6:40 6:45
7:10 pm 7:17 7:21 728 7:32 7:35 7:40 7:45 pm

*Meets Jefferson Transit at Sequim Transit Center

3/29/06

I had to take a few minutes to share what I saw while running part of the course today. Sometimes we have been criticized for having a little too much enthusiasm for this marathon, but my show and tell is really why the marathon exists. We are fortunate to live in a spectacular place. We have access to the Olympic Discovery Trail from our house, so I run sections of the marathon course at least every week. I usually run the section near the water. So today I was procrastinating - hardest step is the one out the door. I finally got warmed up around mile 3 and was totally in the zone when I looked out on the water and saw the biggest bald eagle ever perched on a piece of driftwood floating 50 yards from shore. Wow! He was there for a good few minutes and then flew right above me perching on a tree forming an arch over the trail. He was so close, so big, and not bothered by me at all. I was so pumped up and ran to my turnaround spot. On the way back I watched and listened and now there were two eagles flying above the shore. Another woman I passed on the trail said she actually saw three. I can't guarantee they will be there on race day - I can only hope! Now I need to figure out how to work the camera.... Go out and run with nature - Enjoy! Michelle

3/28/06

Hi All,

It's time to talk about the course itself. Instead of my point of view (again) how about Michelle's. She is as familiar with this course as anyone and is a very experienced marathoner in her own right. Sooo... below is Michelle's course advice sent recently to a participant getting ready for the NODM.

There is a very slight upgrade from about .5 to the 1 mile mark. At about mile 2 you reach the first "hill" - really not bad! The next 11 miles are very flat. The first 8.5 miles are on smooth asphalt. At mile 8.5 you enter the Discovery trail. 95 +% of the trail is paved and most of the paved sections offer the option of running on the gravel shoulder. One of the reasons this race exists is due to the excellent overall footing provided by the Discovery Trail. Just after the halfway mark there is the first creek crossing and a bit of a gradual hill climb. Flat again until mile 16 where there is a doozy hill out of a creek bed - Siebert Creek near Old Olympic Highway. I ran this portion today. It is steep but short. I didn't walk it but for an inexperienced runner I might suggest walking it just to avoid going redline. There will be an aid station at this part so it's a good time to get HEED and a gel. The next 1.5 miles are undulating. Then the route is pretty flat again with a little downhill grade. At mile 19 another creek crossing at a very beautiful, shady spot with a gorgeous old trestle bridge. The climb out is again steep but short. At mile 19 however you may not be too spry so the focus here should be "this is the last hill! - it's downhill from here." The last five miles are amazing - a very slight downgrade and the trail is right next to the water. This is the part of the course we are famous for - a flat, fast, beautiful finish! I would recommend factoring into your pace a slower second half although I have had a negative split on the course and I know lots of others have too. To the locals the course is "flat" - if you are familiar with PA you know that we do have hills here so our perception may be a bit off. I can compare the course to Victoria and Boston - it isn't any harder for sure. Go out to the creek beds before the race and check them out. You will see that they are short even though they appear intimidating. We did have some wind our second year, but the conditions the other two years were perfect. The wind typically doesn't hit that time of year until late afternoon. The trail is fairly protected from the wind with the exception of some parts near the water. I would wear shorts and a very lightweight long sleeve shirt. I'm always cold and don't sweat much. We have a clothing drop at the start so you can stay warm until the race begins. Sometimes I wear a short sleeve shirt with a long sleeved Good Will shirt that I strip off after the first few miles. Whew! Probably way more info than you needed! I hope this helps. The course is totally beautiful and the support is amazing for a first time runner. I strongly recommend this event for a first time marathoner! Good luck to you all...

Michelle

A few more notes:

Early bird registration until March 31st - remind your friends to get their entries mailed this week and save $5.00!

Hammer products available at Athletes Choice in downtown Port Angeles for those of you who live on the peninsula. I recommend you give these products a try and train with them.

There are two runs/races left in the Athletes Choice Race Series 06. These are local 10k events on beautiful peninsula courses. Check out their website.

Pasta dinner tickets are going fast. To reserve your spot send a $15.00 check made payable to PAMA to P O Box 431, Port Angeles, WA 98362. Tickets will not be mailed - your name and number of paid tickets will be checked-off at the door.

3/09/06

Good morning! The updates you receive via e-mail is your confirmation. Only the participants registered in in our race will receive the updates via e-mail. Most of the content below is posted on the website if you are interested in sharing any of my ramblings. March is here and it's snowing out. We have been living in the wilds of BC for the winter. Michelle is off to Boston in a few weeks with not as many snow miles under her belt as she would like. But enough about us. Plans for your race are well underway. Here are a few important updates for your consideration.

 

Title Sponsor

The NODM is proud to announce that Therapeutic Associates has joined us as the title sponsor. Remember that without the generosity of the sponsors, races like the NODM cannot happen. Over 40% of the operating budget of this race is provided by sponsors. Therapeutic Associates will bring a wealth of resources to the race - we will continue to update you on this great partnership.

New Energy Drink:

I have been a long time Gatorade fan. But I do like the products I have used from Hammer Nutrition. This company produces Hammer Gel, the energy product we used last year and that I personally used for better than ten years. Hammer Nutrition will be supplying their new energy drink, HEED. Before agreeing to use this new product we needed to use it and give it our stamp of approval. Michelle has used the product this winter while training for Boston. She likes it a lot. There seems to be less aftertaste and she reports it is much easier on her stomach. Therefore, the NODM will be providing HEED at all aid stations. Below is some information about HEED from e-caps (Hammer Nutrition). I was concerned about the sodium content. As far as the sodium content in a sports drink, what you have to keep in mind is that, by and large, the amount of sodium in a drink is somewhat determined by the drink's simple sugar content and the effect of these 1- and 2-chain sugars have on the osmolality of the product. Simple sugars raise the osmolality above normal body fluid parameters (280-303 mOsm) and require more fluids and sodium in order for them to match body fluid osmolality. In other words yes, the sodium in a sport drink, gel, or energy bar does help (to some degree) with fulfilling one's electrolyte requirements. However, it is my belief that the majority of the sodium in a given product is there to match its simple sugar content for the purposes of digestibility.

Another thing to keep in mind is that most of us, from the average American diet, already have a huge reservoir of sodium available in body tissues (a whopping 6-8 thousand milligrams), which the body will certainly use during exercise to satisfy its sodium requirements. In other words, we start exercise we do so with a vast reservoir of sodium already available in the body. We do need to replenish sodium during extended exercise but it has to be in amounts that cooperate with normal body mechanisms, the ones that are in place to monitor and recirculate sodium back into the blood stream via the kidneys. Athletes can run in to just as many problems by oversupplying their bodies with sodium (and this is true with fluids and calories) as they can from under-replenishment.

All this being said, a serving of HEED (2 scoops in 16-24 ounces of water) contains 124 mg of sodium chloride (salt). For some athletes (lighter weight ones) that will be plenty on an hourly basis. For others, it will be a good amount to start with, with the idea that additional electrolytes (Endurolytes) can and should be consumed as needed.

Gel

We will be providing Hammer Gel at selected aid stations again this year. Preliminary plans put gels at the 10, 13, 16 and 20 mile aid stations. A final decision on which aid stations will provide the Hammer Gel will be provided in a later update. As always, if you depend on gels CARRY YOUR OWN SUPPLY just in case. There have always been plenty but be safe.

Saturday, June 10 Pasta Dinner:

The Son's of Italy annual Lasagna Dinner will be held again this year. If you did not sign up online SEND A NOTE NOW followed by a check to PAMA, PO Box 431, Port Angeles WA 98362 for $15 per ticket. This dinner is well worthwhile, the local restaurants will be busy!!!. Last year this was a real hit and sold out very quickly. The tickets go on sell to the general public on April 30 so you have the opportunity to get yours before they are gone. 

Kids!

Don't forget to start training for the Kids Marathon!!!

All for now, keep training and enjoy the miles ahead. Next time I'll detail some things about the course, especially to you first time NODM runners. Bye for now, Larry

1/31/06

Saturday June 10 Pasta Dinner

Be on the look out for a message about the Son's of Italy annual Lasagna Dinner. Last year this was a real hit and sold out very quickly. We are also in the process of working with Peninsula College to have a special guest speaker. Stay tuned and again sign up early for this interesting talk.

Half Marathon Start

We will be changing the start somewhat this year. The venue will be in the same location as before, the Agnew Soccer fields and will be less congested for the increase in registration we expect to see this year.

Expos

Thank you to all of our past participants who stopped by the NODM expo booths at Victoria, Seattle and Phoenix. It's always fun to see familiar faces and to talk about your past NODM experiences. It is also very rewarding to know how many participants will be returning each year.

Kids!

Don't forget to start training for the Kids Marathon!!!

All for now, keep training and enjoy the miles ahead,

Larry

1/01/06

Happy New Year to all of you veteran and new sign ups to the North Olympic Discovery Marathon!

As those of you who have done our race before know I will be posting periodic updates on the website and then e-mailing these postings to you. The receipt of the e-mail is a confirmation of your registration and hopefully will provide you with useful information.

The 2006 NODM is shaping up to be as great as every other year. The enthusiasm of our former participants keeps us inspired. Michelle and I have provided an expo booth at the Royal Victoria Marathon and the Seattle Marathon so far this year. (We will be in Phoenix this month.) Lots of our veterans come up and provide us with all kinds of inspiration. We love to talk about the race and we love hearing your suggestions.

2006 Shirts

The shirts for 2006 have been ordered. These are the nicest yet. We have made sure the sizing is correct. These will be a standard unisex sizing and when we evaluated our prototypes they fit very well. These shirts are a tech, long sleeve shirt with a 3/4 zip. Very nice!

These shirts are custom made and have been ordered so again this year we will be limiting our participation numbers. Sign up early.

I'll be writing soon. If you have concerns or questions fill free to write. We have worked over the website so I hope most any information you may need will be posted there. Check out the new FAQ's especially. There are also lots of new pictures from the 2005 NODM.

Keep training and stay healthy.

Larry

9/16/05

At last!

I'm back at it. It's been an exciting summer for the Little family but now it's time to get back on task and get ready for the 4th North Olympic Discovery Marathon. I'm more deeply involved in the running community than ever and this is one excuse that I am using for being behind in getting things together for 2006. I'm now the head coach for the Port Angeles Boy's and Girl's Cross Country teams. 40 + new teenagers in my life is quite an adjustment.

I'm in the process of updating the website, so if you see any mistakes let me know! Online registration is not up yet but soon. You can download a form and mail it in however.

All for now but more later,

Larry