Honolulu is the first of many marathons for me. I have a goal of running a marathon in every state. We all have to start somewhere - So I started with a marathon on my home turf. I signed up for Honolulu unfortunately after the awesome Kama'aina $1.00 per mile deal. Which, I won't miss for the following years for myself and my husband. Way cheaper.

Let me start out by saying that if you plan on running the marathon - Not doing the walk portion - please train! This may seem obvious, but I just think training is so important and doing it properly can ensure success for a long time coming. So train! Secondly - participate in the marathon readiness races leading up to the marathon to help you train. I personally find I am easily motivated by a race and constantly having one to do keeps me really going. Plus it is always more fun to race then to just go out and do your own training runs. I think so anyways!

Let's start with the expo. The expo is actually why I can not give this marathon 5 stars. For such a large marathon - I would imagine the expo to be bigger. Also I understand that a lot of Japanese run this marathon - but that doesn't mean the whole expo has to be Japanese focused. (I am exaggerating a bit, I get that). I just found myself disappointed in the expo. However - that being said picking up your bib was very well organized and that is a plus in my book.

On the day of the race - parking is terrible for those driving in. Lucky for me my husband dropped me off near the start and he went on the hunt for parking. The shuttle the Honolulu marathon puts on though is brilliant.

As the start time neared the excitement was clearly in the air! One of the best things about this marathon was the fireworks at the beginning. It is so awesome to have that be your beginning to the incredible journey any marathon brings - and each one I'm certain brings it's own unique journey. It was also quite nifty to be running with fireworks going off in the background.

The course is mostly flat with the exception of Diamond Head. Twice. First go around not so bad. Second go around - cruel and unusual punishment so close to the end of the 26.2 mile journey!

Biggest shout out and the best thing about this marathon (Any, really) is the volunteers! Everyone was well organized and aid stations were constantly working well so that they always had Gatorade and water for all the participants. They were cheering everyone on, high fiving and saying encouraging words. Without the volunteers - none of this is possible. I tried to thank as many of them as I could throughout the race. Remember to thank the volunteers and show them respect!

I thought the little things they did during the course made a big difference. Of course like mentioned, aid stations with water and Gatorade were well organized and marked and always ready for the next runner to come in. The gel packs at certain aid stations is a great addition. Although I didn't personally use them as I carried with me what I needed - I know numerous people did and appreciated it! The biggest little thing that made a big difference: Sponges! I had never been so relieved to see a sponge in my life - and multiple times throughout the race - I was in heaven! These ice cold sponges were amazing to rub all over your arms, legs, face, squeeze on top of your head, stick down your shirt, whatever - just to keep you cool. It was certainly a hot and humid day for the race yesterday! The occasional misting was also awesome, but not as heavenly as those sponges!

After finishing I did find getting to the finishers tent to pick up my shirt and medal a bit confusing - but that could simply have been the fact that I was also searching for my husband and not paying attention to the signs. Though, even when we met up the signs didn't do a lot of good. Malasadas at the end of the marathon - perfect! I've never had a malasada taste so good!

All in all - this is a good marathon. My first of many and I loved every minute of it (except the last 7 or so miles, those were mind over matter moments)! A marathon is not just endurance it involves having incredible strength to push through those tough times and miles. I will always be a long distance runner. I'm sure I'll have numerous more Honolulu marathons under my belt before we know it, if nothing else I'm coming back for another Honolulu Marathon to get redemption on my first, not so awesome showing!

My finish time.... 5:47:06