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Sunday morning's forecast calls for pain.
Mixed in will be periods of euphoria, doubt and determination, developing through the day into a gratifying sense of accomplishment.
About 1,800 runners from around the world are expected to participate in the Maui Marathon's assortment of races Sunday, including some 600 who will tackle the full 26.2-mile marathon from Puunene to Kaanapali. The top marathon runners are expected to cross the finish line in front of Kaanapali Beach Hotel in under three hours. The ones at the opposite end of the line will stagger home hoping to beat the race's eight-hour cutoff. Having hit the "The Wall," these folks' legs will feel heavy as lead and their fuel-starved minds shrouded in fog.
To the non-runner this makes about as much sense as breakdancing on hot coals. Why go through all that? Are a T-shirt and medal worth such suffering? Ask the 600 marathon runners who lace up their shoes Sunday what inspired them to tackle such a trying ordeal and you are likely to get 600 different answers. It could be a cancer diagnosis, a desire for a new challenge or effort to make new friends.
If they are on their game, they have been training seriously for at least six months. They have followed a set plan and done at least three 20-mile runs. Before tapering for two weeks leading up to the marathon, the top runners will have averaged between 70-90 training miles a week, while the rest will have put in about 40.
This build up to the marathon provides one of the biggest payouts to the entire process. When they toe the starting line Sunday, many of the runners will be in the best shape they have been in years, maybe ever. Having a goal has inspired them to tend to their physical well-being, as well as to eat and sleep better. They sport calves of steel and a new confidence. That doesn't mean there won't be butterflies as they wait in the dark for the start. Did I get enough sleep? Did I train hard enough? Am I properly hydrated? Hopefully all that anxiousness is left behind as the start is sounded and they set off into the dark. The time has come to cash in on all their sacrifice and effort.
The marathon begins at Puunene Mill at 5 a.m. The half marathon, 10k and 5k races have staggered starts on Kaanapali Parkway between 5:30 a.m. and 5:55 a.m.
Motorists should note that Sunday morning's traffic report could also call for pain mixed with periods of euphoria, doubt and determination. There will be slowdowns and some road closures, including the length of Front Street. Unless you are planning to cheer the competitors on, or absolutely must drive to the west side, this is a good Sunday to leave the road to the runners.