Empire, Mighigan, 41 degrees, intermittent hail. One of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The inaugural Sleeping Bear Marathon featured an out-and-back course along the scenic drive overlooking Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, which I will be climbing this afternoon with my fiance, Diana, who has been an amazing tour guide all weekend. I ran with the pace cyclist from start to finish, and we very much enjoyed ourselves. My time of 2:45:42 bests my previous PR (March 2012 LR Marathon) by over 6 minutes. Of course, it being the inaugural race, I now hold the course record (at least for a year)! As I lay in the Empire B&B eating chex mix and drinking a Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat, I am relaxed and perfectly content. A good morning, and a great afternoon to come. Wesley | 