Boston Soggython

Boston's On

Gusts of wind up to 50 miles per hour. Torrents of rain from a pounding nor'easter. Temperatures in the mid-thirties. Two inches of standing water at the staging area. Flooding streams. Extreme risk of hypothermia for 26.2 miles. And twenty thousand other runners who have been looking forward to this moment for at least a year--some, for many years--and not a one willing to quit now. It is the 111th running of the Boston Marathon.

Boston's Weather Woes

This is the year the fleet-footed Kenyans will face a homegrown challenge at the Boston Marathon, and it's not from the American runners or the undulations of Heartbreak Hill. It's the New England weather: very wet and very windy. The blustery conditions are sure to make things unpredictable when the world's longest-running annual marathon leaves Hopkinton for the 26.2-mile slog to Boston's Back Bay tomorrow morning.

A massive nor'easter is already dumping heavy rains on the whole region. So, you can bet running in the marathon this year is going to be anything but pleasant. Forecasts call for 3-5 inches of rain, start temperatures in the mid-to-upper 30s and wind gusts blowing in runners' faces at up to 25 mph. Yikes!

The foul weather is certain to dramatically slow the pace for the top runners--just a year after Kenyan Robert Cheruiyot broke the course record in 2 hours, 7 minutes, 14 seconds. Typically, a slower pace will lead to a more tactical--and a more exciting--race amongst the elite athletes. But, the slower pace is less welcome news for the other 20,000 runners, who will be out on the course longer, exposed to the brutal elements. "The interest is to get them out of the elements as quickly as possible," race director Dave McGillivray said between meetings with state and local officials on how to handle the storm. "With hypothermia, you can't take something to make it go away. You have to get into a warmer environment."

McGillivray said organizers will take buses used to drive runners out to the start and station them along the course, to provide shelter and a ride back for dropouts. More shelters are being arranged in schools and other buildings along the route as well.

Pumps have been stationed at low-lying areas in case of flooding. Ponchos will be provided for workers assigned outdoors. Runners were warned in an e-mail blast today to wear appropriate clothing. But really! What is appropriate for weather like that?

Adding to the logistical struggle with this nasty storm is a new starting time--10 AM for the main field, after more than 100 years of noon starts--that was adopted in part because of a few years of afternoon heat. The earlier start also will allow the cities and towns along the route to have their roads back sooner. But, it will mean that the start of the race may be during the worst of the storm.

I have always dreamed of qualifying for Boston (a very distant and remote dream indeed). This year, I guess I should be grateful that I'll be watching from the comfort of my own home instead (the national broadcast will be on the Versus cable network--the same network that covers the Tour de France every summer).

14 Days Until the CMM

Just two weeks from today! The Country Music Marathon is the really big one for me! So today, I did one of my final tough training days before I begin to taper for the race. It was a rainy, cool, and blustery Saturday. I ran a 10K race first thing this morning--the start was rather soggy, but the hardest part of the rain stopped just before the race began. Most of the course retraced the most difficult part of the marathon (miles 12-16 along the banks of the Cumberland River), so it was good to refamiliarize myself with that portion of the race.

After the race, I changed into dry socks and shoes and ran just over ten miles through the Shelby Bottoms Park--one of my favorite places to run in Middle Tennessee.

So, I got in the equivalent of a 16-miler with some tempo pacing (during the 10K race).

I don't know if I could ever feel really confident going into a marathon--I've done enough now to know just how grueling 26.2 can be. But, I am much further along than I thought I could be. So, I am actually starting to get excited.

17 Days Away

What a day! Daisuke (Dice-K) Matsuzaka's Fenway Park debut was upstaged by Felix Hernandez. The Preds brought the greatest show on ice to Nashville as the NHL playoffs got underway--alas, they were just nipped in an exciting double-overtime shoot-em-up by the Sharks.

And I ran my fastest 5-miler ever! That, after logging (or really, slogging) an 18-miler on Monday. Nevertheless, the legs felt great today.

I've got one more long run before my taper begins. I think I may do the Moosic City 10K on Saturday as a speed workout and then aim at getting in an additional ten-twelve miler immediately afterward. The race is conducted along the last and toughest part of the marathon route so it should be good acclimitization.

19 Days Until the CMM

With less than three weeks to go, I feel like I am in great shape to run a half marathon. The trouble is that I have to run a full marathon! Yikes.

I had some good moderate length workouts this past week--a 12 miler and a 9 miler with a couple of 5 milers mixed in. But, because of the busyness of Easter week, I was unable to get in a good long run. So, I saved that for today.

I did great through 10 miles. Then, I started falling apart. Literally. My right ankle. My left knee. My aching back. My wimpy will. Despite all this, I was able to log 18 miles in just about 3 hours at an average pace of just over 10.30 a mile. Now that I'm done, I feel good about it. But, I really wish I had been able to go a little longer and a lot stronger.

Hopefully, I will be able to get in one more long run before the marathon at the end of the month.

Team Hoyt

One of the Boston Marathon's unique traditions will be on haitus this year: the father and son team of Dick and Rick Hoyt.

Dick, 66, and Rick, 44, have competed as a team at Boston 25 times at since 1981, running every edition of the race since then except for 2003. Father Dick pushes son Rick in a special wheelchair from Hopkinton to Boston because Rick is a quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and cannot run himself. Rick, a graduate of Boston University, is unable to compete this year because he is suffering from cellulitis, a common infection of the skin and the soft tissue immediately beneath it. He is scheduled to have surgery to alleviate the condition, but his post-operative recovery will take up to three weeks, putting him out of this year's race.

Over the years, the Hoyts have become symbols of perseverance. Prior to last year's race, Rick said: "Because we stuck with running and did not ever accept 'No, you can't,' we are now educating the world about people with disabilities, making them more aware of the issues that the disabled face every day."

The Hoyts plan to compete in the 2008 edition of the Boston Marathon, race organizers said.

28: CMM

Twenty-eight days to go before the Country Music Marathon. In a perfect world I would be almost ready to begin a taper at this point in my training. Alas, this is anything but a perfect world. I am still building milage totals. This week was good--though I really pooped out on my long run. I felt great through the first seven miles. But after that, I really struggled. I was supposed to do eighteen miles. Instead, I quit after just thirteen. Despite that small disappointment, my weekly total was a respectable thirty-six miles and my monthly total was well over a hundred. I am going to keep pushing to see if I can get caught up and actually give this marathon a go.

Run with a View

Although I never was able to squeeze in a long run this past week (I'll just have to try to do that early, early Monday morning), I was able to log a really solid 40-mile week by running morning and evening most days. That's the best week of running I've had since late November. And I got to do it with a most spectacular view (I took this picture while on my Friday morning run).

I'm home now and Spring really has sprung--so, I fully expect to be able to keep up the consistent milage (but, I'll have to do it the ocean and the sailboat, alas).

Running in Paradise, Part 2

Running in paradise is, well, it is just wonderful. Though I've not yet had any long runs--I am saving that for tomorrow--I've run at least twice every day for at least a three-miler each time. It is great. I still don't feel very confident about the marathon--now just five weeks away. But, hey. I do love a challenge.

Running in Paradise

It is amazing what glorious weather can do to jump-start one's running. My first day here in Florida, I was able to run twice--once before church, once after lunch--for a total of seven easy, wonderful miles. This afternoon, my plan is to get in a nice slow ten-miler. Let's just hope that I can keep this up and carry it over into my at-home schedule.

From Brisk to Beach

My weekly long run planned for today was supposed to be between 14 and 16 miles. It was very windy and more than just a little brisk. So finally, I had to give up after just 10. I remain way, way behind on my schedule for the marathon at the end of April. But, the 10 was a really comfortable 10. The really good news though is that I will be in Florida this next week where I hope to be able to reasonably ramp up my training and my milage (while also enjoying the sun, the surf, and the requisite seafood).

Slow Start

I'm nearly recovered from the debilitating flu bug that derailed me for two weeks. Though I am not all the way back, I felt like I really needed to try to get back on track with my training. The Country Music Marathon is just seven weeks away--and I am off to a very slow start.

Before I readjust my expectations for the marathon I want to test myself to see just how far this slow start has set me back. So, I am dusting off the training program.

I was in snowy Washington, DC on Wednesday and Thursday. So, my first workout back was in the hotel fitness center. It was probably just as well. But then yesterday, I logged a nice easy nine-miler. And this morning I added another four-miler.

Thankfully, I felt pretty good afterward--though I could tell that I've lost a lot of conditioning. This is going to be even more of a challenge than a marathon already is!

Never Tired

Getting the flu kinda knocks milage plans, good intentions, and training schedules right out the window. I've been sick for a week--and I still ache and even though I have only just trudged through the hours and days since succumbing to this nasty bug, I am tired all the time. I just have to get back on track soon or there is no way that I am going to be ready for the Country Music Marathon at the end of April. So, I have prescribed a heavy dose of General George Patton for myself. The tough-as-nails 1912 Olympic veteran said, "Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."

On the Road Again

The treadmill weather has been banished, at least for a few days, by brilliant skies, moderate temperatures, and cool breezes. I had a couple of meetings cancel unexpectedly on Wednesday, so I ran twice! What a luxury. And I don't have to leave for the conference I am teaching this weekend until early afternoon, so I was able to take in a nice, long, leisurely run this morning. The fourteen mile jaunt was the longest I have run since the St. Jude Marathon early in December. Needless to say, I took it nice and slow to avoid injury. The tactic apparently worked--and I feel great.

Marathon Rookie

Want to learn how to train for a marathon or half marathon? You need to check out one of my favorite endurance training resources. The Marathon Rookie website is chock-a-block full of great information on nutrition and hydration, training techniques, milage and intensity schedules, cross training, stretching, and injury prevention. It even has a whole section on common rookie mistakes (all of which I have seen veterans commit again and again).

I wouldn't want to do without my piles of old Runner's World magazines. I also have a stack of Jeff Galloway books that I regularly refer to for tidbits of wisdom. And I regularly visit the Nashville Striders website. But, I really love all the helpful tools MarathonRooke.com provides for me--and all in one spot.

Treadmill Weather

Gotta Run

Galloway Training

I won't be able to attend--but, I wish I could. Jeff Galloway's Nashville marathon training program kicks off this weekend. They will have pace groups for all levels of runners and walkers--and participants will be placed with others at the same fitness level.

The kickoff meeting and first run are FREE. This is a great introduction to one of the most do-able and enjoyable programs anywhere.

So, if you are planning on running in the Country Music Marathon or Half Marathon--or any other spring marathon or half, for that matter--why not get going with a host of like-mined, encouraging runners? The kickoff meeting is this Saturday, January 13, 2007 at 8 AM. They'll have a 3 mile run/walk followed by a Q & A session at the Fleet Feet store, 330 Franklin Road, in Brentwood's Kroger shopping center.

Catch As Catch Can

Despite the busy holiday schedule this past week, the balmy weather made it nigh unto impossible to not squeeze in a few good runs. Thankfully, I am not training for anything right now so I am able to simply enjoy my runs--no worries about distance or time or training logs. For the next couple of weeks I will just catch as catch can.

I have not quite decided what I will attempt to do next. I am signed up for the Country Music Marathon in April and I am almost certain I will want to run the RC-Moon Pie 10-Miler in June. I have my eye set on a major triathlon in July--but, I haven't decided if I can really pull off all the training that would be necessary to do that. Meanwhile, I have already started lining up sponsors and course ideas for next fall's Uttermost.

For now though, I am just going to take it easy and enjoy my runs.

I've Got It Bad

Finally, I got in a long run today. The weather was perfect. I got home a little early. So, I quickly threw on some running shoes and took off. After it got dark, I just kept right on going. Ten miles. Man, it felt great.

It was my first really good long run since the marathon. My ankle, which has really been bothering me, held up fine. I really have missed the time to think and pray. I really have missed the major stress relief. I really have missed the road. And it has only been two weeks. I think I've got the run bug. I think I've got it bad!

Post-Marathon Recovery

The almost universal wisdom is that following a marathon, runners should take time off. The formula varies, but regardless of who you read or listen to, there is good consensus that training should not resume for a least a couple of weeks--and even then, at a much reduced pace and intensity.

That is all well and good in theory. But, all this sitting around is driving me crazy! So far, I have been good. But, I am ready to get back out on the roads--even with all this cold weather.

Today, I travel to Dallas to speak and consult with a fine school I've walked with for several years. While I am there, the wonderful White Rock Lake Marathon will be staged. I am going to refrain from running. But, I do intend to stop by the expo to re-light the fires of inspiration and motivation--not that I need a whole, whole lot of either right now.

It's Official

One of the goals I set for myself at the beginning of 2006 was to somehow, someway break 4 hours in a marathon. I did not do it at the Country Music Marathon in May. I did not do it at the Endurance 50 Marathon in September. I did even do it with combined times during the three days of the Uttermost in October. My last chance for the year seemed to have slipped away from me yesterday, especially after I passed the halfway mark in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon well off pace. Besides that, I had actually started to really hurt somewhere after mile 10.

By the 3 hour mark, despite having made up most of my lost time, I was absolutely miserable; everything hurt right down to my hair follicles; I just knew that I could not finish strong. But, lo and behold, I crossed the finish line close to what I thought might be a PR (a personal record). But, because the gun time and the electronic chip time can be separated by as much as four minutes (when you have thousands of runners in a race, they all don't cross the start line at the same time, obviously) I could not be certain of my time until the official race results were released this morning.

Well, the results are in. My time was 3:59.55. I broke 4 hours. Just barely. I slipped under the wire--with 5 whole seconds to spare. Let me tell you, 5 seconds after 4 hours of agony (well admittedly, the first hour or two weren't actually agonizing) and 26.2 miles seems miniscule. But this morning, I am awfully grateful for those 5 seconds!

I am also very thankful for the sponsors who supported the work of St. Jude through this run--as well as for all the amazing people I was able to meet from the St. Jude family. And those remarkable champions for whom I was running and praying--Todd, Josh, Carson, and Mary--I am most particularly grateful for each of you and your impact on my life.

26.2

Well, I did it. I'd forgotten how much a marathon hurts. Man, it is hard. But, I made it. Official times have not yet been released, but I think I am very close to a PR. For now, I am just happy to be home and getting ready for a good home cooked meal.

St. Jude Countdown: 2

I'm in rainy, cold, windy Memphis. Tomorrow, I will pick up my race packet, take a quick trip through the expo, rest, carbo-load, and read. I'll go for a very quick run mid-afternoon just to work out the jitters. And then, early to bed.

I love this marathon and the cause it supports. I have trained for it. I have prayed for it. I am ready for it. I can hardly wait for it!

St. Jude Countdown: 5

I am now down to the last few days before the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis. My training has gone well and now I am in my taper. I am also keeping an eye on weather. We've had spectacular temperatures and glorious weather all through the Thanksgiving holidays. But, it looks as if that is about to change rather dramatically. A cold front starts blowing through tomorrow. By Saturday, we should have clear skies again. But, temperatures could be in the twenties for the start of the race. Yikes! So, I am preparing accordingly.

Of course, the whole reason I do this is to raise awareness and finances for the Memphis hospital that has done more than any other single institution to pioneer new treatments for children's cancer. So, won't you help me support the remarkable ministry of St. Jude to children and families battling cancer? I won't even ask you to run with me! Just donate to the cause and come back to visit my st. jude sponsor site often. Tell others about what I'm trying to do. Learn how my effort to help find cures and save lives is going. Oh yes, and do pray for the final stretch of my training!

Taper Time

My good friend and fellow-elder, John Scherrer, and I ran stride for stride in the Habitrot 5K. As you can see, it was a beautiful morning--albeit, just a little chilly. The run was a perfect start for my training taper. Yesterday, I did an easy 5 miles. This morning, I did another 5, slow and relaxed. Tomorrow, I'll take off entirely. Monday, I'll go just a bit longer--maybe around 10 or 12. Then for the rest of the week, I'll stick with 3-milers until Saturday when I attempt the 26.2 in Memphis.

Habitrot 5K

Early on this beautiful Thanksgiving morning here in Franklin, nearly a thousand runners gathered for the annual Habitrot 5K. It was brisk and breezy at the start--with temperatures right at freezing. But, the sun was shining and there was excitement in the air. I always feel that this race has two very unfair aspects: first, we have to run right past the local Krispy Kreme donut shop and second, three-fourths of the course seems to be uphill. Despite these handicaps, it was a great day for a fun run--and good prep for my training taper this week.

St. Jude Countdown: 10

In just a little over a week, I will run the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis for the third year in a row. So, I am officially beginning my training taper today. I ran my last long, long run yesterday. Conditions were less than ideal--with blustery winds from the NNE, I was buffeted and blown so much that in the end, I had to cut the run a bit short, doing only 19 of the 21 miles I had planned. Nevertheless, I was able to stay on pace. So, I am optimistic. But then, I am always optimistic at this stage of the game.

Despite cutting it short, I am sore today. So, I'll go for a nice easy run to loosen up this afternoon. Then tomorrow morning, I will run in the annual Habitrot 5K--a great fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity and a great first course for our Thanksgiving feast.

One of my goals for this upcoming marathon is to try to break the 4 hour barrier that has bedeviled me ever since the first time I ran 26.2. But, my larger goal is to break the $1K barrier in fundraising for the remarkable work of the St. Jude Children's Hospital. You can help me accomplish the first goal by praying for me. You can help me accomplish the second goal by visiting my st. jude sponsor site and pledging your support.

Uttermost Site

A temporary Uttermost photo slide show has been posted on the web until I can get the permanent website updated. Enjoy.

St. Jude Marathon

I am now down to the last two of weeks of training before the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis. My training is going well. I have just one more long run to do (I'll try to get it in on Monday). And then after the Habitrot 5K on Thanksgiving morning, I will begin my taper. Of course, the whole reason I do this is to raise awareness and finances for the Memphis hospital that has done more than any other single institution to pioneer new treatments for children's cancer. So, won't you help me support the remarkable ministry of St. Jude to children and families battling cancer? I won't even ask you to run with me! Just donate to the cause and come back to visit my st. jude sponsor site often. Tell others about what I'm trying to do. Learn how my effort to help find cures and save lives is going. Oh yes, and do pray for the final stretch of my training!

Lance Says Thanks

Check out the following e-mail thread between Lance Armstrong and his publicity rep at Nike (it was posted this past week on Lance's site after he finished the NYC Marathon):

From: Lance Armstrong
To: Scott M. (Nike)
Sent: Nov 5, 2006 2:48 PM
Subject: Idea
What do you say we buy a full-page ad & say thanks to all the NYCers for coming out and supporting? I couldn't have done it without them.

From: Scott M. (Nike)
To: Lance Armstrong
Sent: Nov 5, 2006 3:18 PM
Subject: Re: Idea
Checking on it. What would you want to say?

From: Lance Armstrong
To: Scott M. (Nike)
Sent: Nov 5, 2006 3:22 PM
Subject: Re: Re: Idea
Was thinking that we should thank the city for being so supportive of ALL the runners. For a big city to show that is unreal. It would be the only reason I would come back. They were AMAZING.

From: Scott M. (Nike)
To: Lance Armstrong
Sent: Nov 5, 2006 3:29 PM
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Idea
I think we can do it. I'll let you know for sure. BTW, how do you feel?

From: Lance Armstrong
To: Scott M. (Nike)
Sent: Nov 5, 2006 3:32 PM
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Idea
I'm dead. Hardest physical thing I've ever done. Try your best to make this happen. No way I would have crossed the finish line without the cheering. I owe them.

He Did It

Dean Karnazes finished his quest to run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Along the way, he inspired a lot of people. Including me.

ING NYC Marathon

Lance

Lance Armstrong, the seven-time Tour de France champion, accomplished his goal of finishing a marathon in New York City today. But, it cost him dearly. "I think I bit off more than I could chew," he said. "I thought the marathon would be easier." Though he finished in an impressive 2:59.36 in the ING New York Marathon, he admitted that the race "the hardest physical thing I have ever done." It was, he said, even more grueling than his worst days on the Alp d'Huez.

The 35-year-old Armstrong averaged less than 7 minute miles throughout the race until mile 21 when he fell off the pace briefly. Of course, it didn't hurt that he was paced for most of the race by former marathon champions Alberto Salazar and Joan Benoit Samuelson.

Memo to self: the next time I want to negative split the 26.2, bring along a couple of ringers.

Oh yeah, it wasn't Armstrong who actually won the race. That honor went to Brazilian Marilson Gomes dos Santos in the men's race and defending champion Jelena Prokopcuka in the women's race--but, judging from the crowd reaction, most of the crowd along the way cared more about the fact that Lance came in nearly an hour later.

ING NYC Marathon

Tomorrow morning, New York City will come alive with one of the greatest spectacals in sports: the ING New York City Marathon. More than 40,000 runners will be winding through all of the city's five boroughs--beginning on Staten Island, across the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, winding through Brooklyn and Queens before crossing over into the Bronx, and finally finishing in Manhattan's magnificent Central Park.

Just One More

Just one more day. Just one more marathon. Dean Karnazes has nearly completed his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. Yesterday, he ran in Philly. Today, he ran in Jersey. Tomorrow, is it. He'll run with 40,000 other marathoners--including celeb first-timer, Lance Armstrong--in the ING New York City Marathon. It will be a grand stage for his grand finale. Afterward, there will be a finish party from 12:00-4:00 PM at the North Face retail store. Located at 2101 Broadway at 73rd, the store is just around the corner from the NYC Marathon finish in Central Park.

St. Jude Marathon

I am now down to the last couple of weeks of preparation before I run the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis. Once again, I will be running for a very special cause. I will be raising funds for essential cancer research. If you'd like to make a pledge, you can do so online at my st. jude sponsor site. With the diagnosis of my dear friends Todd Burleson and Wes King with cancer during the past two years and the continuing battle against the dread disease by two of my students here in Franklin and three of my correspondence students in New York and Texas, I am more committed to this cause and this work than ever before. My goal is to raise $1000 for St. Jude Children's Hospital this year. Won't you help?

The reason I picked St. Jude as the focus of my fundraising efforts is actually very simple to explain: this nationally renowned children's charity hospital is one of the most remarkable and effective medical research institutions anywhere in the world. St. Jude has treated children from across the United States and from more than 70 foreign countries. And yet ability to pay is never an issue because St. Jude is the only pediatric research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. Not one penny! Not ever! Zip! Zilch! Nada!

The treatment of children and the onging research at St. Jude includes work in bone marrow transplantation, chemotherapy, the biochemistry of normal and cancerous cells, radiation treatment, blood diseases, resistance to therapy, viruses, hereditary diseases, infectious diseases, and psychological effects of catastrophic illnesses. Vital work, indeed. And again, always made available to families regardless of their financial means.

Obviously, this kind of care is very expensive. Won't you help me support the remarkable ministry of St. Jude to children and families battling cancer? Please donate now and come back to visit my st. jude sponsor site often. Tell others about what I'm trying to do. Learn how my effort to help find cures and save lives is going. Oh yes, and do pray for my training!

Team Nashville Half

On Saturday, I am planning to run the Team Nashville Half Marathon. Besides a couple of 5K races the next couple of weekends, it will be my final tune-up for the St. Jude Marathon in Memphis the first week of December. My training has only been sporadic since the end of the Uttermost due to an outbreak of busyness. Nevertheless, I am very much looking forward to the challenge. I've still got some time to get in a few really good long runs, so I am not to the panic stage just yet.

45 Down, 5 to Go

Just 5 more days. Just 5 more marathons. Dean Karnazes has nearly completed his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. Yesterday, he ran the Kiawah Island Marathon in South Carolina. Today, he ran the Triple Lakes Trail Marathon in North Carolina. Tomorrow, he'll be in Maryland before making his way to Deleware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Then, for the grand finale, Karnazes will run with 40,000 other marathoners--including celeb first-timer, Lance Armstrong, in the ING New York City Marathon.

42 Down, 8 to Go

Tomorrow, Dean Karnazes will run in the Marine Corps Marathon. It will be leg number 43 in his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. Yesterday, in Atlanta's torrential rain storms, he took a nasty fall. But, he hopped right up, bloody, bruised, and wet to the bone and completed yet another 26.2 miles in 4:08. Amazing! Simply amazing!

41 Down, 9 to Go

Dean Karnazes is on the verge of accomplishing something rather spectacular. For the past 41 days, he has run a marathon every single day in his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. Yesterday, he was in Louisville. Today, he was in Atlanta. Tomorrow, he'll be in Largo, Florida before making his way to Washington, DC for the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday. Then, it will be just one week and six more marathons up and down the East Coast before the grand finale, as Karnazes runs side by side with Lance Armstrong in the granddaddy of them all, the ING New York City Marathon.

Chicago Marathon Heroes

This morning, the 29th LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon saw 40,000 amateur athletes and weekend warriors, undeterred by cold, blustery weather, attempted something quite remarkable: the feat of running 26.2 miles. The news reports will likely focus on the elite runners (Robert Cheruiyot, winner of this year's Boston Marathon, held off fellow Kenyan Daniel Njenga to win in 2 hours, 7 minutes, 35 seconds while Ethiopia's Berhane Adere won the women's race in 2 hours, 20 minutes, 42 seconds for her first marathon victory, followed by Russia's Galina Bogomolova and Romania's Constantina Tomescu-Dita, who led the first 21 miles).

But for me, the real drama of the race takes place long after the elite runners have concluded their press conferences and returned to the comfort of their hotels, as moms and dads and next door neighbors, aunts and uncles and home room teachers, friends and acquaintances and cancer survivors do the inconceivable. Today they finally did it. They finished--having dedicated themselves to this over the long haul by investing untold hours of training over the course of the previous several months.

They are the ones who inspire me. They encourage me. They push me onward with their courage and tenacity. They are the real heroes today.

Oh yeah, and Dean Karnazes was there in the Windy City too. He ran his 36th marathon in 36 days. And he did it with a sub-3:30 time. Wow.

E-50, Day 35

After a lovely week in New England, Dean Karnazes has returned to the Midwest in preparation for the big Chicago Marathon tomorrow. Amazingly, he has run a marathon a day--every day--for more than a month. But, even more amazing is the fact that he has run each one in a different state. He has already been to Alaska and Hawaii. He has run up and down the West Coast from the Pacific Northwest to the Southwestern Desert. He has run along the Gulf Coast and into the Deep South. He has run across the Great Plains and along Route 66. He even got to take in the glorious fall leaves in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Yesterday, he ran through pouring rain in Cleveland. Today he runs in the breezy cold of Grand Rapids. Then after he tackles the Windy City tomorrow, he will head to Mineapolis, Green Bay, and Bloomington before turning to the East Coast. He only has two weeks to go in his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. It is more than a little difficult to fathom.

To the Uttermost

To the Uttermost

Mission Accomplished

The first annual running of the Uttermost was a roaring success. We did it. Every mile, every day, every event. I'll be posting photos and final tallies on our fundraising totals this next week right here--so, stay tuned. Right now though, I am going to rest--at least for a little while!

Final Prep for the Uttermost

How do you prepare for a three-day endurance event like the uttermost? When all the training is done; when all the logistics have been covered; when all the courses have been reviewed; what else is there? Well, plenty. There is the serious hydrating. Then there is the carbo-loading. And of course, there is the requisite kit and swag packing.

All the books say, "rest, keep off your feet, rest, hydrate, rest, plan, and rest." So, despite having several meetings that I have had to attend today, I am trying my best to heed that wise counsel.

Truth be told, I have no idea if I can actually do what I have mapped out to do. But, I'll never know until I try. To be sure, we'll soon see.

Halfway There

Dean Karnazes is halfway there. It was twenty-five days ago that he began his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Today, he ran in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Yesterday, he was in Dallas, Texas. The day before, he was in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The day before that, he was in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Tomorrow, he will be in Huntsville, Alabama. After that, he heads north and east to New England for a week before taking another swing through the Midwest and the South.

Somehow, he just keeps going and going. He has yet to show signs of weariness—despite a lingering head cold that has plagued him since the second week. Amazingly, he is averaging around 9-minute miles. He is like a human metronome! But even more impressive, is how he has inspired others to tackle challenges they never thought they would or could. I know that I probably would not have attempted the Uttermost if it were not for the example of Dean Karnazes.

Three Days; One Goal

It starts tomorrow. 175 miles, 100 students, 12 stages, 9 sponsors, 7 ministries, 4 disciplines, 3 days, 1 goal. The uttermost. Together, we can make a difference. Won't you help us? Listen to our radio spot and then, pledge your support at our website. Our kids will never be the same. You will never be the same. Our world will never be the same--from here to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Just 2 More Days!

Make a difference. Have an impact. Use your influence, your gifts, and your opportunities. That's what I tell my students almost every day. With such heady imperatives, it is important that I steer those idealistic young men and women in the right direction when it comes to practical application. I can't just encourage them to change the world and then leave it at that. I need to give them some sense of how. I need to let them see that they don't have to wait until they're grown before they can excercise their influence for good.

That is why I launched the Uttermost. We are just two days away from a titanic effort to run and cycle 175 miles, raising funds for some of the most vital missions organizations in the world today--providing medical care for the poorest of the urban poor, raising up the next generation of leaders in benighted refugee camps and slums, educating young minds in war-torn Iraq, and digging fresh water wells in AIDS-ravaged communities in Africa.

So far we have raised just over $14,000. That is wonderful. My goal however is to top $20,000. We have two more days to get there. Will you help?

Won't you take time to listen to a brief audio message describing what the Uttermost is all about? Or, visit the websites of each of the ministries to which we are commited. And then, pledge your support--won't you?

Our kids will never be the same. You will never be the same. Our world will never be the same--from here to the uttermost parts of the earth.

Endurance 50 in Alaska

Golf with Tiger? A marathon with Dean?

Endurance 50 in Memphis

Running in the rain with Dean Karnazes in Memphis! A lifetime memory!

Phedippidations Half

In preparation for my 3-day, 175-mile Uttermost challenge later this week in the Shelby River Bottoms, I participated in the First Annual Phedippidations World Wide Half Marathon Challenge yesterday. Along with 557 runners from 23 nations around the globe, the virtual race was organized by Steve "Runner," the host of the Phedippidations podcast. The show is just about the only web-broadcast that I faithfully listen to every week. I was able to maintain a brisk 9-minute per mile pace throughout and finished at 1:58.20. Obviously, I will not be running at anything like that pace for the Uttermost. But, it was fun to see that all my distance work could be translated into a PR.

The Uttermost and the E50

In just a few more days, I will be testing the limits of both my training and my endurance as I attempt to run and cycle 175 miles in 3 days during the Uttermost. But, that effort almost pales in comparison to what Dean Karnazes is doing.

On Wednesday, he ran 26.2 miles among the palms in 4 hours and 35 minutes on the island of Maui--it was his 18th marathon in 18 days in 18 states. Yesterday, he ran another marathon near Phoenix among the cactus in 4 hours and 45 minutes. And today, he ran near Las Vegas--a scorching pace of 4 hours and 8 minutes. He has now topped 500 miles in just 20 days in his Endurance 50 quest. And he is not even halfway to the end! Amazing.

It makes the Uttermost almost seem like small potatoes. But, only almost.

Uttermost at the Shelby Bottoms

The 3-day, 175-mile Uttermost will be staged in the beautiful Shelby Park and the Shelby River Bottoms Greenway. This past Saturday, I had a chance to run a 15K race there. It was the fourth time I'd had that opportunity--twice in the final miles of the Country Music Marathon and twice during the Tom King Half. This time though, almost the entire race was along the Greenway and so I was able to appreciate it far more than I could any of those previous times. It is such a beautiful pathway alongside the Cumberland River adjacent to downtown Nashville. I am now so looking forward to spending three full days there--right in the heart of the city but simultaneously tucked away in God's glorious creation.

On and On and On

Pushed along by 9,000 other runners, Dean Karnazes clocked his fastest 26.2 mile run yet. His 3 hour 44 minute time on Sunday at the Portland marathon marked his fifteenth marathon in fifteen days! Right after the race though, he had to zip straight to the airport where he caught a flight to Anchorage, Alaska. So then yesterday, under the threat of snow and sleet, he ran through the foothils of the Chugach Mountains. Strategically slowing his pace to an almost mortal 4 hours and 32 minutes, he was apparently saving his strength for today and the seventeenth leg of his Endurance 50 quest in San Francisco--where he ran the marathon in 4 hours and 8 minutes. Next stop: Maui, Hawaii.

A Message from Amy

Eat, sleep, breathe, repeat. That seems to be what I'm doing with the Uttermost now that it's October. It's not that I'm expressly busy with the planning and coordinating at this point so much as wracking my brain to figure out who else I can tell, where else I can post a flyer, what other creative things I can come up with to get people to GIVE MONEY! Especially on-line. I was so excited about getting an on-line giving feature up on the UTTERMOSTrace.com website, and you know how many people have donated...TWO! Come on folks! I love y'all with all my heart, but we can do better than this.

This week begins mega planning for me on the financial end of things. I'm in charge of keeping track of the financial donations that come in from around the country to help support organizations such as Blood:Water Mission and African Leadership, digging fresh wells and nurturing both the physical and spiritual needs of our indigenous brethren in Africa. Money to keep Mercy Children’s Clinic a thriving and vital part of our community, enabling them to give medical attention to a wide variety of children with varying needs and means. And then there's Servant Group International--what better way to bring the peace of the gospel to the Middle East, minister to our persecuted brethren, and raise up the next generation of Iraqi politicians, business men, and spiritual leaders than from within the country itself. I want desperately to be so busy this month that it takes me weeks to calculate how much money we've raised for these great missions groups!

These are exciting times. These ministries are doing exciting things. Won't you join us in encouraging them in their Kingdom calling?

Uttermost Training

Today was a major benchmark training day for my upcoming Uttermost 3-day run-bike effort. First thing this morning, I ran in the Shelby Bottoms 15K--which was wonderful because that is precisely where the Uttermost will be held so it was like a test run. Then this afternoon, I got in a good 5-mile walk-run with my family. My plan was to run in the Franklin Night Run 5K--but, I have work to do so I will have to pass on that.

My illness a couple of weeks ago really threw me behind on my training. But, given that, I am feeling pretty good about where I am with my conditioning.

I'll throw myself into one more hard week of training and then really taper off for the big October 12-14 event.

If you have not yet visited the Uttermost website, by all means, stop by to read about each of the missions organizations we hope to benefit, and then pledge your support!

14 Down, 36 to Go

Dean Karnazes ran had his largest group of runners meet him to pace the fourteenth leg of his Endurance 50 quest. Next stop: Portland, Oregon.

Lucky 13

For his thirteenth marathon in thirteen days, Dean Karnazes ran the 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 16 minutes. It was a little slower than usual--but, not because of a slowing pace. It seems that a restaurant along the way attracted his attentions--it was called "Lucky 13"--and he just had to stop for a photo-op. And so goes his Endurance 50 quest. Next stop: Bellview, Washington.

Uttermost: 15

In just 15 days, I will be undertaking a tough three-day challenge in an effort not only to raise thousands of dollars for vital missionary organizations but to also inspire my students to make a difference in their world right here and now. Together we will attempt a half-marathon, a 5K, and a 2 mile walk each day in addition to a 30-mile cycling course along the Cumberland River adjacent to downtown Nashville.

You can help us make this event a great success. Please visit our Uttermost website, read about each of the organizations we hope to benefit, and then pledge your support today!

12 Down, 38 to Go

In Billings, Montana today, Dean Karnazes ran 26.2 miles in less than 4 hours. It was an amazing feat considering the fact that he has now run 12 marathons in 12 days in 12 states in his remarkable Endurance 50 quest. It was the fifth time he dipped beneath the 4 hour threshold. My goal is to do that just once in my life! He's done it five times in less than two weeks! Next stop: Boise, Idaho.

11 Down, 39 to Go

After three marathons over three days in high altitudes, Dean Karnazes came back down to earth a bit today as he ran 26.2 miles in Fargo, North Dakota. He ran it in a brisk 4 hours and 16 minutes. Alas, his head cold is still plaguing his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states--but he remains focused, determined, and strong. Next stop: Billings, Montana.

17 Days Until the Uttermost

Yes, you read that right. Three days. 175 miles. And yes, I am going to attempt to do all of it. With the students of Franklin Classical School and Artios Academy, I will be running (about 70 miles of the total), walking (about 10 miles), and cycling (the remaining 95 miles) in an effort to raise support for some of the most remarkable missions organizations I know of--including Servant Group International, African Leadership, Blood: Water Mission, and Mercy Children's Clinic.

Won't you help us attain our goal? Visit our Uttermost website, read about our mission, and pledge your support today!

10 Down, 40 to Go

And, again! How does he do it? Dean Karnazes ran the 26.2 miles of Black Hills trails in the Deadwood Marathon in 3 hours and 53 minutes. His Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states remains on pace--a very fast pace. Next stop: Fargo, North Dakota.

9 Down, 41 to Go

He did it again. Dean Karnazes broke 4 hours for the second day in a row--with a raging head cold, in high altitude, following 8 straight days of 26.2 mile runs. Quite simply: amazing. He is starting to make his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states look almost easy. Next stop: Deadwood, South Dakota.

8 Down, 42 to Go

Dean Karnazes claims that he is a "slow runner." Yeah, right! Today he joined 2,200 other runners at the Boulder Backroads Marathon. He ran the 26.2 miles in three hours and 46 minutes. That is very nearly a Boston Marathon qualifying speed! That is in the top 10% of all marathons run in the world! And he did it in the thin Colorado air--at 5,500 feet above sea level. But, here is the kicker: Karnazes has been running a marathon a day, every day, each one in a different state for more than a week now! And to top it all off, he is doing so while fighting off the effects of a raging head cold! The guy is unbelievable. A great deal can happen during the course of the next 42 days, but it looks as if his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states is actually doable. Next stop: Casper, Wyoming.

7 Down, 43 to Go

Today, Dean Karnazes faced his first real test in his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. Last night, he came down with a raging head cold and hardly slept a wink. Nevertheless, he was able to drag himself to the start line right on time--at 7 AM. And then he promptly covered 26.2 miles in 4 hours 15 minutes--with 21 other runners, including two first time marathoners. Next stop: Boulder, Colorado.

6 Down, 44 to Go

Yesterday in Des Moines, weather was nearly perfect for running--68 degrees and partly cloudy. Inspired, the 35 runners who joined Dean Karnazes--including 5 first-time marathoners--kept up an amazing pace for all 26.2 miles of the Des Moines Marathon course. They crossed the finish line together in 4 hours and 6 minutes.

At mile 10 the course does a lap around the famous Drake University track, and standing there to meet the runners were the Drake University Mascot and fifty elementary school students from a nearby school. The kids ran the lap around the track with Karnazes and the other runners, cheering and high-fiving all along the way. It would have been impossible to know simply by looking that this was the sixth marathon in six days in the Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. Next stop: Lincoln, Nebraska.

Nike+iPod

Nike reported Wednesday that in the 10 weeks since its iPod Sport Kit debuted, runners have logged more than 1 million miles on the nikeplus.com web site. 230 of those miles were mine.

5 Down, 45 to Go

The weather today in Wichita was cold and blustery, but Dean Karnazes remained undeterred in his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. Today, he ran the 26.2 mile course of the Wichita Marathon. And, as always, Karnazes maintained an astonishingly consistent pace, coming in at 4 hours and 23 minutes. So far, he has run marathons in Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Kansas. Next stop: Des Moines for the Iowa leg of this epic adventure.

4 Down, 46 to Go

Relieved to be out of the Gulf Coast heat and humidity, Dean Karnazes ran his fourth marathon in as many days. Today, the 26.2 mile trek was along the course of the Little Rock Marathon. Once again, Karnazes kept up a blistering pace, coming in at 4 hours and 14 minutes. Mike Huckabee, Arkansas' governor and a recent convert to marathon running, joined Karnazes who now has 46 marathons to go in his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. Next stop: Wichita.

3 Down, 47 to Go

After running in the rain Memphis yesterday, Dean Karnazes ran 26.2 miles in blessedly cool, clear weather along the Mississippi Gulf coast at Waveland in 4 hours and 30 minutes. He has 47 marathons to go in his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. Next stop: Little Rock.

2 Down, 48 to Go

It was raining in Memphis yesterday morning as 18 runners lined up with Dean Karnazes in his quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. I have to confess, I got caught up in the excitement of the moment. With the Endurance 50, we had the opportunity to do something historic. Plus, I wanted to have the opportunity to tell Karnazes about the Uttermost project we were going to undertake the next week. So, despite lingering Bronchitis, I ran. We were soon drenched, but altogether delighted. One runner dropped out at about 5 miles due to the blistering pace of just over 8 minute miles. Four of the 18 dropped out at the half-way point (me included). The rest finished with Karnazes at about 4 hours and19 minutes (they must have slowed down a great deal during the second half, thank goodness). I have to say, it was one of the most fun things I have ever been a part of--I just wish I could have done the whole thing.

1 Down, 49 to Go

After reaffirming his wedding vows with his wife at the start line of the Lewis and Clark Marathon in St. Louis, Dean Karnazes ran the 26.2 miles in 3 hours 51 minutes. He maintained a pace of just under nine-minutes a mile! He has 1,282 miles and 49 marathons to go in his Endurance 50 quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. Next stop: Memphis.

Marathon Countdown: 1

Today Dean Karnazes begins his quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in all 50 states. He plans to run those 1,310 miles over the course of the next six weeks at about a 10-minute per mile pace. Yes, you read that right: 50 in 50 in 50. No breaks. No short cuts. 26.2 miles every single day for more than a month and a half.

The North Face Endurance 50 will include some of the most famous marathon routes all across the US. Today for example, he runs the Lewis & Clark Marathon in St. Louis. Tomorrow, he will be here in Tennessee to run the St. Jude Memphis Marathon in Memphis. Then on Tuesday, he’ll be in Mississippi for the Mississippi Coast Marathon. Wednesday brings him to Arkansas for the Little Rock Marathon. Next, he’ll be in Kansas for the Wichita Marathon. Then it is to Iowa for the Des Moines Marathon on Friday. On Saturday, he will be in Omaha, Nebraska for the Lincoln Marathon. Then on Sunday, he runs the Boulder Backroads Marathon in Colorado. During the six weeks that follow he will criss-cross the entire country in a tour bus running a full marathon every day in such races as the LaSalle Bank Marathon in Chicago, the Boston Marathon, and then ending in New York City on November with the ING New York Marathon.

There will be health and fitness expos in each city following the runs where the volunteer pacers (ordinary folks like me who will run with Karnazes to keep him on his target time of 10-minute miles) can revel in their small role in this rather grand accomplishment. You can visit the Endurance 50 home page to follow Karnazes' progress. But, be forewarned: you just might be tempted to lace up your old trainers and make good on your far-too-long-postponed resolution to get out there and start getting in shape.

Marathon Countdown: 2

After a week of fitful rest and noxious medicine, I am better. I'm still a little woozy and wheezy. If I have attempted almost anything at all during the day, by evening I am worn to a frazzle. And of course, I have not run in a week.

So, if it were not obvious before, I am not going to be able to run the Endurance 50 Marathon in Memphis on Monday, alas.

Oh well. Que sera, sera. I am going to go to Memphis this afternoon anyway. I will volunteer at the race, visit some friends, eat some good barbeque, and get myself ready for the upcoming Uttermost (the website for that event is almost ready to debut).

I still have most of my conditioning, so I don't think it will be too difficult to get myself ready for that--though I am more concerned about the bike portions than I was prior to this little setback.

Marathon Countdown: 5

Well, I didn't feel any better this morning when I awoke. So, in desperation I did what I only do when I am really, really desperate: I actually went to the doctor! Come to find out, I have pneumonia. Thankfully, the doc loaded me up with antibiotics, inhalers, and cortisone treatments and said that if I am really good the next couple of days I can go ahead and try to make the Memphis trip. He didn't promise me that I'd be able to run next Monday. But, he gave me permission to try if I am feeling up to it. So, I am trying my best to rest. We'll see how quickly I can bounce back.

Marathon Countdown: 6

A couple of days have passed. My cold--or whatever it is--isn't any better. I've not run at all. And I'm starting to feel pretty frustrated. But, I still have plenty of time to get over this--and my marathon taper is probably a lot more restful than anything I would have allowed myself otherwise. So, I am still trying to look on the bright side.

Marathon Countdown: 8

Just eight days to go before I am supposed to run with Dean Karnazes and the North Face team at the Endurance 50 Memphis marathon. Alas, I am sick, sick, sick. I just read in the latest Runner's World that the end of intense training and the beginning of a taper often results in a suppressed immune system--and inevitably, sickness. So, I am doing my best to drink plenty of fluids, rest well, and take lots and lots of Vitamin C. Hopefully, I will still be able to go. I have so been looking forward to this one.

Dosing Up

I had a good final week of hard training--I'm now starting my taper for the Endurance 50 Marathon in Memphis on September 18. The week began with the Franklin Classic 5K. And then it continued through 40-miles of workouts culminating yesterday with a brutal hill taining run that was supposed to be a 15-miler but wound up being just a 10-miler when I realized I was bonking big time. Last night, starting with what I thought was an allergy attack--but which has since proven to be a full-fledged cold--I realized the bonking was due to the fact that I was getting sick. So today, I am dosing up with Vitamin C, lots of fluids, and plenty of fruit. Unfortunately, I'll have to miss the I-Run-For-The-Party-5K later tonight--I'm just not going to risk getting any worse. It was to be the last of my speed work before the final taper in preparation for the big race a week from Monday.

Franklin Classic 5K

I thought I was going to miss it. Then, at the last minute, I was able to get back into town from St. Louis. I was weary, but I made my way to the square in downtown Franklin for what has always been just about my favorite race. The Franklin Classic 5K and 10K is a great community event benefiting the Mercy Children's Clinic. Thousands of runners, spectators, and vendors turn out for this annual celebration. Because of the crowds, we mid-packers rarely have a chance for a really good race pace--there are lots of kids and strollers and walkers and dawdlers--but it really doesn't matter. The race and the crowds create such a wonderful atmosphere.

So, bright and early on this coolish Labor Day, I lined up with the throng to run the 5K (I would have rather run the 10K in ordinary circumstances, but having just gotten back into town I thought discretion might be the better part of valor). I had a blast. I saw lots of friends, students, parishoners, and of course, fellow runners. The new race route was soooo much better than the previous few years. And, for the first time in recent memory, the heat had abated nicely.

So, this favorite race actually got better in my estimation. Can't ask for anything more perfect for the beginning of a family Labor Day celebration. Oh yeah, and my time was OK too.

What's On

The new HEM project, Funnel Cloud, is not due to be released until next Tuesday. But, somehow iTunes made a mistake for a few hours this morning and posted the files. I snatched them up immediately. It is a wonderful collection of thoughtful tunes, provocative lyrics, and richly layered arrangements. If you were to cross Aaron Copeland's Appalachian Spring and Cowboy Junkies' Trinity Sessions with Allison Kraus and Union Station's Live and Mozart's Woodwind Concertos you'd come close to describing HEM's lush chamber folk stylings. After just two listens, Funnel Cloud may actually be as good as their last project, Eveningland, was. And that is very, very good indeed. At any rate, that's what I'm listening to on my iPod as I run this weekend in St. Louis.

I'm on my way to a solid 50 mile week again--if I can get up and out the hotel door early enough tomorrow morning. I'll try to run a good 15 miles before breakfast in and around Maryville University and St. Luke's Hospital.