December - Space Coast Runners

December 2008 Page 21FIFI’S #38 IN USA’S #49By...Fiona WrightHumpy’s Marathon, Big Wild Life RunsAnchorage, AlaskaAugust 17, 2008Last month we only printed half of Fifi’s lively story about her Alaskan adventure. We apologize profuselyfor our naughtiness and have re-run her tale in all it’s magnificent splendor.In my 50 States quest I had penciled in Alaska for June, 2009. However, an important upcomingwedding was announced which I thought would conflict. The 50 States Marathon Club was havinga reunion at Humpy’s Marathon in August. My only problem was affording this trip at such short notice.Southwest Airlines don’t go to Alaska so I had to look for a good deal. I could fly Delta out ofMelbourne to Atlanta, then direct from Atlanta to Anchorage for a really low price. I grabbed it,begged for the time off work, and set about finding a place to stay.Even the nastiest roach motels in Anchorage were asking $100/night. After a little research I founda married couple with a beautiful home who were happy to accommodate stray marathon runnerslike myself and a couple from Ohio. The Ohio runners offered to rent a car which saved me a fewmore dollars. The boss gave me the time off and so I was all set for a long weekend in the coldeststate of the union.I flew into Anchorageon Friday evening.There was a 4 hourtime change which felta bit strange. TheOhio couple pickedme up, and after apleasant dinner downtown Anchorage, weheaded to the homewhere we were staying.Our hosts wereout of town for theweekend. Their homewas very beautiful andwe felt privileged to beallowed to stay there.Fifi and pals grin as they close in on big game during their glacier hunt!Saturday we went tothe expo which wasextremely modest.After we picked up ourpackets we attendedan interesting movie