Finally the first Mango Escapade in Pohnpei!!! This past Saturday, Micare hosted a 5k fun run/walk to promote health lifestyles on the island. Since it was the first race since I've lived here, I was extra excited. I even decided to prepare a pasta dinner for my fellow runners the night before to get us pumped and energized.
It was a beautiful island morning for a nice run. The run started at Palm Terrace, one of our biggest grocery stores in Kolonia. We joined with the mass of people trying to get registered in complete chaos. According to those around me, this is just how it always is :) But we got registered and received our t-shirts and raffle tickets and were set to go.
As race time approached we even had someone lead us in stretches.
Promptly at 7 am we were lined up on the street for a quick picture to go in the Micare magazine.
And then with a countdown from the racers the gun fired and we took off!
The course was a nice route that took us by my home, through China Town and the local markets, out on the causeway to the airport, and back through the center of town. In my own little world, I got off course at one point and people had to yell at me to come back down the hill and turn. Oops! I guess I got a little extra. I decided that international races add another element of fun. At various times throughout the race I ran with Pohnpeians, Filipinos, a New Zealander, guys in the Navy. Quite the assortment!
At the finish I was elated to find chilled drinking coconuts and the most delicious bananas waiting for me! Oh the great things tropical islands have to offer.
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| Karat banana and Uhp |
Being back in race mode definitely confirmed yet again that I have quite a competitive side. I ran at a faster pace than I have in a while and ended up coming in 1st place for the females. That's a first!
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| Receiving my medal |
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| Fancy! They know how to do it right on this island. |
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Prizes: engraved medal, shopping bag, golf umbrella (essential
for living in one of the wettest places in the world), a
fan to cool down, and a coffee mug. |
It was a very well sponsored race, so they had tons of things to give away. We loaded up on good bananas. One of my running compadres waked away with an avocado plant, which you can see on the left in the picture above. They had t-shirts, mugs, resorts stays for 2, books, and so much more to raffle off. The grand prize was a mountain bike! A rarity in Pohnpei.
While we waited around for all the prizes we enjoyed the mango element of the day: little mango jello shots.
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| Aren't they cute?! |
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My fellow runners: Laurel and Lori. Their first time
to experience a mango escapade! |
I shared the mango fun with all of the kids too! They were quite a hit and a delicious little refreshing treat.
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| One of the most mature 5 year olds I've ever met |
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| Are they not precious?! :) |
I am quite impressed with Pohnpei 5ks so far. Very low entry fees, great after race refreshments and prizes, and wonderful people to enjoy it with. I can't wait for the next one!
