We All Float Down Here

At the in-laws' house for Christmas, and Kate, The Cheat and I are all relaxing with her folks and just enjoying the holidays. Was very excited to run a route that goes past several landmarks from Stephen King's It. I was going to do this one yesterday but we had a busy day planned and I ran out of time. Today though? No problem.

I set out from Brewer and crossed the bridge over the Penobscot River and into Bangor. A bathroom break was desperately needed, so after I crossed the bridge I immediately went to a riverfront park and the only porta-pottie there was out of toilet paper. Drat. 

Ran on a scenic walkway along the river, but my eyes were diverted to the ugly casino ahead of me. I'm not a big fan of casinos, especially this one, so I had no problems with stinking up their bathrooms. Reached the building, went around back to the hotel and found a bathroom near the lobby. I feel bad for whoever needs to use it next. 

Started the run again and went past the Paul Bunyan statue, which came to life in It and attacked Rich. This statue in real life used to look out over the river, but now the aforementioned casino is blocking his view. Perhaps he'll come to life for real someday and use his axe to clear the view again. That would be nice.

From there, I ran up a side street until I hit West Broadway, and ran up that and past Stephen King's house. The gate was open, but no cars were in the driveway. I hope my favorite author has a great Christmas, whether he's here or elsewhere.

Next up was the Standpipe a few blocks over, another famous It landmark. Like the last time I was here, I ran up to it and tagged it before I moved on. I guess it's now a tradition. 

Took a bit of a detour from It and over to 11/22/63, where I ran down Kossuth Street, where the Denning family lived (and many were murdered). It's a quiet, somewhat run down street that doesn't appear to be anything special, so I didn't hesitate to move on.

From here, I cut across a wooded section to another road next to the Barrens, where a large part of It took place. The Kenduskeag was still flowing pretty fast so any ice was limited to stagnant sections near the sides. 

Crossed over the Kenduskeag and meandered through some neighborhoods until I reached Center Street and took that downtown. Here I ran past the Bangor Public Library, where Mike worked in It. After that, I made my way home, stopping at the bridge to watch large, clover-shaped chunks of ice float down the Penobscot. Good run, and a fine way to spend Christmas Eve. 

Ran 11.0 miles @ 7:49/mile pace. 

Paved roads. 

Very hilly. 

Upper teens to lower 20s, sunny. 

Saucony Kinvara 3, long tights, windbreaker, long sleeved shirt, beanie, gloves.