Year in Review

2012 was my most ambitious year.  I finished eight marathons, including my first "double" running back to back marathons on Saturday/Sunday.  It would have been nine if the NYC Marathon hadn't been cancelled by hurricane Sandy.

Everywhere you look somebody has a "Best Of 2012" list, so I thought I would do my own.  So, here is my "Best of 2012 Marathons."

Fastest Marathon--I use this term pretty loosely, but my fastest marathon was the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, Michigan that I completed in 4:21:05.

Best Family Trip--This title also goes to Bayshore.  It was a Memorial Day weekend trip, and we stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge.  Awesome place to stay with kids.

Biggest Medal--By far, the Little Rock Marathon.

Best Post Race Party--Little Rock had a great disco themed post race party.

Best Aid Station--They guy at the Salt Lake City Marathon who set up a soft-serve ice cream station.  On a hot day when I wasn't feeling great, this was a nice pick-me-up.

Most Laid Back--Tupelo Marathon.  This was right around the time that tropical storms were hitting the Southeast.  On the webpage before the race, the race director said, "In the event of rain, we will get wet.  In the event of a lot of rain, we will get really wet."  No surprise that the shirt for this race was tie-dyed.

Most Over-Rated--Phoenix Rock and Roll Marathon.  The RNR series races just don't do it for me.

Toughest Conditions--Newport, RI Marathon.  Hilly, very windy, blowing sand, and the second leg of my Double Weekend.

Biggest Disappointment--Obviously, the NYC Marathon being cancelled.

Coolest Thing--Seeing thousands of runners descend on Central Park on race day to run a marathon anyway, most honoring charity commitments and thousands more helping those devastated by the storm.

Most Fun--The Lululemon 1/2 Marathon in Vancouver that I ran with my wife and a bunch of friends from Lincoln.

Biggest Surprise--Returning from the 1/2 Marathon in Vancouver and finding out that we will be having a baby girl in 2013!!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It's not the presents, the candy, or the mistletoe that make this time of year exciting for me.  It's the 2013 marathon calendar and planning the next year of races.

I plan on running 8 marathons again next year.

Louisiana

South Carolina

Virginia**

North Carolina**

Montana

Maryland**

New Jersey**

D.C.

**This schedule includes two "doubles" with back-to-back marathons on Saturday and Sunday

If all goes well I will have 7 left to do in 2014.  Getting close!

Lincoln Marathon Sold Out!

Registration for the Lincoln Marathon opened this week and sold out in record time.  Congratulations to the runners who made it in.  Now you have to train!  See you in May!

#27--Birmingham Marathon

Birmingham, Alabama

February 13, 2011

4:45:01

This race is a pretty well kept secret nationally.  Birmingham is one of the great southern cities, and this marathon has got to be one of the best in the south.  I flew in by myself on Saturday morning.  Packet pick up was a breeze and there was a nice, small expo.  Downtown Birmingham is pretty dead during the weekend, and that was the only drawback to the event.  It was hard to find a place to eat lunch.  The evening made up for it.  The pre-race pasta dinner was the best I have seen.  The dinner was at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, a very cool place to visit.  I especially enjoyed the area dedicated to Dr. James Andrews, one of the legends in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.  The proceeds from the dinner benefited The Bell Center for Early Intervention, a charity for kids with special needs.  A lot of the kids and parents were on hand to serve the dinner and mingle with runners.  Very cool.

Race day was cool and dry.  The course was pretty unremarkable.  I remember running by tons of churches.  If the race organizers could collaborate with the churches and get some of the gospel choirs to perform on the course, I think they would really have something.

I finished in a familiar time of 4:45.  The post-race party was also a highlight.  Kegs of beer and BBQ with a live, southern rock cover band.  Teen-age girls dressed in southern antebellum dresses and hats handed out desserts.  It was a very nice way to cap the weekend.  I caught a late flight home, and if it wasn't for being stuck in O'Hare for 5 or 6 hours on my connecting flight, it would have been almost a perfect weekend.

#26--Maui Oceanfront Marathon

Maui, Hawaii
January 23, 2011

5:19:54

We have had a very mild late fall so far, but with weekend wind chill in the single digits in Lincoln, I found myself dreaming of a warmer place.  If you are going to dream about an escape from the numbing cold, Maui is as good as it gets.

My wife and I were married in Maui in 2004 and we had wanted to get back.  There are few options for winter marathons, so this seemed like a perfect time to go back.  I was not in great shape for this race and my training had been hampered by the cold and snow we were having in Lincoln.

Packet pick up was very small and there was no expo or anything. The race started at 5:30 AM in Wailea with a traditional Hawaiian prayer and dance.  The race was run on the side of a road, sometimes with oncoming traffic.  There were spectacular views of the volcano Haleakala and the ocean (January is prime whale watching season in Hawaii).  It was hot and hilly, but when you are basically running on a volcano, you can't expect any different.

I walked quite a bit during this marathon and even took a shot of rum at mile 19.  The race ends in Old Lahaina, probably my favorite part of the island.  I immediately headed out into the ocean and soaked in the cold, salty Pacific Ocean.  

The course was hard and I was out of shape and jet lagged, but I finished.  I spent the next several days recovering and enjoying this island paradise.  I wish there were more states like Hawaii on my path to 50.

http://www.mauioceanfrontmarathon.com/

Lincoln Marathon

Registration opens next week for the Lincoln Marathon.  Don't miss out!!

http://journalstar.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/marathon/lincoln-marathon-registration-begins-dec/article_9bcbdf99-7cf7-5cbb-b770-4dc9bac599c2.html

#25--Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

Indianapolis, IN

November 6, 2010

4:39:19

With the Huskers getting ready to travel to Indianapolis to compete for the Big 10 Championship, this is a good time to post on my Indiana marathon, the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.

This was supposed to be another family trip marathon, but my son came down with an ear infection right before the trip, so my wife stayed home with him.  I traveled to Indianapolis alone.  It's not easy to get there.  This is one of the reasons why so few Husker fans seem to be traveling for the game this weekend.  It's a little too far to drive, but without any direct flights you spend almost as much time in flight.

I liked everything about this race.  Packet pick up was a breeze.  There was an excellent pre-race pasta dinner.  Race day was cool, calm, and clear.  Indy is famous for it's architecture and monuments (hence the name, Monumental Marathon), and the course highlights many of these.  My favorite thing about the race was the Hoosier trivia along the course, with small hand written signs sharing Indiana history and facts.  This was a very nice touch.

I ran a steady race, finishing in a familiar time of ~4 hrs and 40 minutes.  Afterwards, I met my sister and brother in law for a steak at St. Elmo's, truly one of the great independent steak houses in the country.  I don't get to see them enough and we had a very nice visit.

The city of Indianapolis reminded me of a mini-Chicago.  I felt the same thing about the marathon.  The Chicago Marathon is the undisputed king of midwest marathons, but I think with a few more years, Indianapolis has the potential to be one of the best marathons in the midwest.

Holiday Season Fun Runs

The Holiday Season is upon us.  So then, is the season of burgeoning waist lines.  One way to minimize the impact of the holiday season on your BMI is to stay active.  The YMCA Turkey Trot last week was a great way to kick off an active, holiday season.

There are a few more races coming up to help you celebrate the season, while staying fit and active.

The Lincoln Track Club annual Holiday run is coming up this weekend and the second annual Country Club Neighborhood Association Holiday Fun Run 5K is later in the month.

http://www.lincolnrun.org/races/holiday

http://www.ccnalinc.org/

#24--New Hampshire Marathon

Bristol, NH

October 2, 2010

4:47:55

This race was run on my 6 year wedding anniversary.  My wife is gracious and understanding enough to accept that trips where I spend 5 hours running are a great way to celebrate our anniversary!

I had never been to New England during the fall, so this did seem like it would be a fun trip.  It certainly was.  We stayed in Bristol, which is a small town 100 miles or so from Manchester.  We found a Bed and Breakfast place that didn't mind us bringing our 9 month old son.  Of course, they stuck us in the coach house out back!

The race was run around Newfound Lake in Bristol.  It is small race with only a few hundred competitors.  It was cool and overcast with intermittent showers.  The course was a beautiful tree lined journey with endless rolling hills.  I was having some foot problems (self diagnosed as 2nd MTP synovitis--a very common foot ailment) that slowed me down, but the race overall was very enjoyable.  

My time was nothing special, but the trip certainly was.  

http://www.nhmarathon.com/

This Performance Enhancing Drug is Legal and Good for You

Lance Armstrong was just the latest in a long line of elite athletes embroiled in controversy over performance enhancing drugs.

This article takes a look at the effects of a safe, cheap, and legal performance enhancing drug.  The drug, of course, is caffeine.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/11/19/165157480/caffeine-gives-endurance-athletes-a-third-and-fourth-wind

Scenes from an Ultramarathon

Great story this morning about two brothers, one who is an ultra-marathoner, and one who struggles to understand why?

http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/11/17/why-run-an-ultramarathon

#23-Famous Idaho Potato Marathon

Boise, ID

May 15, 2010

4:23:43

This was the first marathon trip that the whole family went on.  It would also be the first of many marathons to follow with very little sleep the night before.  Our son was not exactly what you call a good sleeper.

I had always wanted to visit Boise and this seemed like a good time.  A friend from residency was practicing in Boise and he and his family put us up for the weekend.  With all the screaming from Linus, the flight to Boise and the car trip to my friend's house was frankly harder on everybody than the marathon would be.  Once we got settled in it was a very nice and relaxing weekend.

The marathon was a point-to-point route mostly following the Boise River Greenbelt, with the start outside of the city limits and then running into town.  The course was scenic, but I was a little disappointed that the course didn't include more of the city.  Although this was not a trail marathon, per se, it was almost as secluded as one.  Aid stations and support were adequate.  It was very warm by the finish, but most of the course was run in the shade.

I ran a very easy pace and came in under 4 1/2 hours.  There were therapists at the finish that helped runners stretch out.  This helped a lot.  The thing that helped the most, probably, was seeing this face at the finish line.

World Record Set

I am very good luck to have at your race.  I have been on the course for at least 3 world records.  I was at the 1997 Chicago Marathon and the 2008 Berlin Marathon when overall world records were set.  On Sunday in West Virginia I was again part of history.

90 year old Mike Fremont of Cincinnati, Ohio set an age group record, clocking a 6:35:47 in the Marshall Marathon.  Way to go, Mike!

#38--Marshall Marathon

Huntington, West Virginia

November 11, 2012

4:42:12

I signed up for this marathon late to serve as a substitute for the NYC Marathon.  For a 50 Stater, this was a great race and I would recommend it the West Virginia race for any 50 Stater.

Huntington was surprisingly easy to get to, with a flight into Huntington connecting from Charlotte, NC.  I rented a car (no accident this time) and drove to the packet pick up.  It was small and crowded, but went pretty smoothly.  There was a pre-race pasta dinner on site included in the registration fee.  For those who signed up early, they received a Brooks running jacket in addition to the race t-shirt.  For the $55 entry fee, this was the best value I have ever seen.  Most pasta dinners are $10 at a minimum.

The race started promptly at 7AM in front of the football stadium.  It was calm and cool, with temperatures in the 50s most of the race.  It was generally flat and consisted of two loops in and around town.  The highlights were the portions along the Ohio River and those through the city parks and university.  I was battling a GI bug and spent an inordinate amount of time in the porta-potties along the race.  Note to director--there could have been more!  Aid stations were plentiful, but never had any Gels or Gu's or anything.  Thanks to the kid at mile 21 handing out oreo's.  Almost right on cue, John Denver's tribute to West Virginia, "Country Roads" came on my iPod at mile 24 and took me home.  The finish was on the goal line inside the stadium.  You could carry a football the last 100 yards.  I didn't have enough left to do a dance in the end-zone, but I did spike the ball!  The University closed the rec center and allowed runners to use the shower facilities, which was a huge bonus for those of us checked out of hotels and looking to get out of town.

I was very pleased with the Marshall Marathon.  It is a great value, small regional marathon that should appeal to any 50 Stater.

#38 in the books

I traveled to Huntington, West Virginia this weekend and ran the 9th Annual Marshall Marathon.  This was a very nice, regional marathon in a small, university community.  I'll have more on the race as my time becomes official (~4:41 or so).

This town and university are probably best known for the tragic plane crash in 1970 that killed all 75 people aboard, including virtually the entire Marshall University football team, coaches, staff, boosters, and plane crew.

There are several moving memorials to the tragedy, including the fountain in front of the student union. Each year at the time and date of the crash, the fountain is turned off and mourners take a moment of silence to remember the victims.

Eight is Enough

With the cancellation of the NYC Marathon, I found myself in need of another fall marathon, on short notice, to round out the year.

I was lucky to find a marathon in Huntington, West Virginia with openings next weekend.  This will be my eighth and final marathon of the year.

Turkey Trot

My favorite race of the year, the YMCA Turkey Trot, is coming up soon.

Register here:
http://heartlandtiming.com/

NYC Marathon

Despite the cancellation of the New York City Marathon, thousands of runners descended upon Central Park Sunday morning and ran 26.2 miles anyway.  Most of the runners had raised money for charity, and felt like they could not let those down who donated to their cause.

The marathon course currently starts in Staten Island and winds through all five burroughs.  With the city still recovering from Sandy, this was simply not possible or advisable.  The original NYC Marathon consisted of 4 laps around Central Park.  A group quickly formed on Facebook and organized a small, self sufficient, NYC Marathon in Central Park and ran the old course.  "Organizers" made sure that this would in no way interfere with recovery efforts or require assistance from the city.  Still more runners found their way to Staten Island and assited in the recovery efforts there, running from house to house.

I took this picture in Central Park, during the official, unofficial 2012 NYC Marathon.

To donate or volunteer, visit http://www.nyrr.org/races-and-events/the-2012-ing-new-york-city-marathon/race-to-recover

NYC Marathon Fallout

Runners react to the last minute decision to cancel the race, and the director of the NYC Marathon faces criticism.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/sports/runners-react-to-the-cancellation-of-the-new-york-city-marathon.html?ref=sports&_r=0

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/03/sports/marathon-starts-to-divide-not-unite-new-york-city.html?pagewanted=all

NYC Marathon Cancelled

As my wife and I were sitting at the Knicks game last night, her phone went wild with text messages and facebook posts asking about the cancellation of the New York City Marathon.  This was the first we had heard of it and were obviously surprised.  As it turns out, it is the only decision that could have been made.  For runners and their families, however, many of whom traveled thousands of miles to get here and spent thousands more dollars to do so, the decision from the NYC mayor's office came a little too late.

Traveling to NYC was really a breeze yesterday.  On time flights and a normal cab ride to mid town.  From the areas I've seen, there is little to remind of the death and destruction that occurred a few short days ago.  The tone at the packet pick up was very odd.  Thousands of runners and volunteers not quite sure what to do and not quite sure that they should be here in the first place.

As we talked to people from the city and surrounding areas, it became clear that although many areas seem to have recovered well, there are still many suffering.  Among those hardest hit are residents of Staten Island, where the race was slated to start.  The mayor promised early in the week that the race would go on and that recovery efforts would not be affected.  As the week progressed, it became obvious that the pace of recovery efforts was slower than expected, and that police, sanitation workers, first responders, etc. would, in fact, have more to do than they could possibly handle.  One gets the sense, too, that the millions of fans who line the streets and cheer for the marathon runners might resent and protest the event instead.  With mounting political pressure and the revelation that the race, instead of uniting and healing the city, had instead divided the city, the mayor's office abruptly cancelled the race.

NYC Marathon To Go On As Scheduled (I Hope)

As anyone watching the news has seen, NYC has been hit hard by Superstorm Sandy.  The NYC Marathon is only a few days away, and despite the destruction the storm has caused, organizers are hoping the race will go off without a hitch.  If the race is cancelled it will be a huge disappointment to the tens of thousands of runners and volunteers who have prepared for the race.  However, this would pale in comparison to the lives of those taken or otherwise affected by this natural disaster.

http://online.wsj.com/article/APfe1cdce8f2d7498181188739f4577255.html

#22--Louisville Marathon

Louisville, KY
April 24, 2010

4:38:25

This was the last marathon I drove to.  My cutoff for a reasonable distance to drive was 10-12 hours.  By now, I had pretty much run every other state within driving distance.  My wife and I were now raising a 3 month old and we both thought it would be best if I did this one solo.  It was a Saturday race.  I got up early Friday morning and hit the road.  I made it to Louisville in time to pick up my packet and hit the expo and pre-race pasta party.  Even though driving isn't physical at all, I am always tired after a long drive so I turned in early.

The course was rather hilly, as I recall, and the weather was pretty warm and muggy for an early spring marathon.  The course went through the parks and neighborhoods of this southern city.  The highlight was definitely running through the famous Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derby is run.  Although we didn't actually get to run on the track, we ran through the grounds and infield.  The course briefly takes a turn into nearby Indiana before returning to finish in downtown Louisville.  

I finished in a now pretty customary ~4:40.  I grabbed my stuff from the hotel and hopped back in my car.  I was tired but wanted to get home and see my family.  I stopped off at a Wendy's to get something to eat.  When I tried to start my car in the parking lot I couldn't find my keys.  I was so tired I must have inadvertently threw them away along with my fast food trash!  I rifled through the trash can inside the restaurant, looking like some kind of lunatic, until I found my keys.  

I hit the road again.  I drove through a spring thunderstorm and was only able to make it to St. Joseph, Missouri before I was just too tired to drive any more.  I found a cheap hotel on the side of the interstate, got a few hours of sleep, and left early the next day.  I was home right after sunrise to meet my son and equally sleep deprived wife.

Final Thoughts on Double Weekend

After flight cancellations and delays, I finally made it home last night.

A few final thoughts from the weekend:

-Running back-to-back marathons is hard.

-Fall in southeast Nebraska is beautiful.  The colors in Lincoln and Omaha now are more spectacular than anything I saw in Connecticut or Rhode Island.

-Airline consolidation has been bad for consumers.  Too few flights, oversold, overworked crews.  I could go on and on.  Fly Southwest whenever you can.

-DON'T get tricked into buying extra insurance at the car rental place, but DO be careful when you are parking your rental car.

-Contrary to the stereotype, people on the east coast are generally very nice.  Direct, but nice.

-Professional sports on the east coast (Red Sox, Yankess, Patriots, Giants) are a HUGE deal.  These fans make even the most passionate Nebraska fan seem downright casual.

-You can do most anything you set your mind to.

-Being away from your family sucks.

-Seeing their smiling faces at the airport is great.

#37--Amica Newport Marathon

Newport, RI

October 14, 2012

4:51:07

This was one of the hardest things I have done.  I got a pretty good night's rest, but was still sore and tired at the start.  NOT a good way to start 26.2.  The race started along the coast.  It was very windy, with gusts of 30-40 mph blowing sand everywhere.  Thankfully the course quickly turned into the parks and residential neighborhoods of this beautiful, old, and very wealthy city giving us some break from the winds.  I don't think I have ever run by mansions and castles before.

I settled into a slow, comfortable pace.  My foot was hurting quite a bit.  A runner in front of me collapsed on the side of the road.  He was quickly tended to be several runners, a couple of nurses included.  I pitched in and we were able to determine that he was not in cardiac arrest and did not appear to be in any immediate danger.  Nevertheless, we called for an ambulance and insisted that he go to the ER.  Note--the very first thing to do in these cases is call for an emergency squad.  Also, everybody should take a course in basic life support (BLS).  Anyway, once we made sure he was ok and in the capable hands of EMS personnel, the few of us tending to him resumed our races.  I was energized by the whole experience and actually felt much better afterwards.

Fortunately, the wind was mostly at our backs for the first half.  At the half finish line, those running the full darted out of line and continued on the full course.  This part of the course was confusing and congested, and can be improved, I think.  It is also sort of cruel, watching most of the runners finish and getting on with their day.  Those of us running the full then headed into the more hilly second half of the course.  It was still very windy, but scenic.

I took extended walk breaks through the aid stations but maintained a pretty steady pace most of the race.  I saw several people wearing shirts from the race in Hartford the day before.  One estimate I heard was 70 people or so running the same double I was.  I am clearly not the only crazy person out there.

I finished in under 5 hours.  I really didn't have a goal for the weekend other than to finish both races, but I was pleased that I did both in under 5.  With no place to rest or shower, I hopped back in the rental car, covered in sweat and sand, and began the journey home.  The "journey" is still in progress, less than 24 hours later, with flight cancellations, delays, rental car "incidents" and a visit with the Windsor Locks, CT police department.  (Nothing bad, but I'll keep that one to myself!)

I know I can do a double weekend now.  I learned a lot in the process, and look forward to the challenge again.

I Did It!

I finished my New England Double today, completing the Newport, Rhode Island Marathon.  Conditions were pretty tough, I was very sore, and my time was slowed when I stopped to help tend to a runner who collapsed at mile 7 (he was OK and the ambulance quickly came).

I'll have a full report when I get my official time.

You are Next, Rhode Island!

#36--ING Hartford Marathon

Hartford, CT

October 13, 2012

4:27:52

I successfully completed the first leg of my New England Double, finishing the Hartford Marathon in under 4.5 hours.  I thought I would finish in 5 hours, because I wanted to run very slowly.  I felt great though, and didn't feel at all like I pushed myself too hard.

I arrived early and was able to rest the entire day before the race.  The expo and pre-race pasta dinner were both excellent.  Race day was perfect, with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 50s, with virtually no wind.  The course was generally flat.  The start was in front of the state capitol.  The course  left downtown Hartford and left briefly, returning to downtown along the Connecticut river before heading out into East Hartford and South Windsor.  At mile 17 the runners turned around and headed back downtown to finish underneath the iconic memorial arch outside the capitol.  

I grabbed my finisher's medal and a couple bottles of water and some food before hopping in my rental car and heading to Rhode Island.

REPOST--#1--Chicago Marathon

The Chicago Marathon was this weekend.  This was my first marathon, and still one of the best.  I dusted off this post to re-live the memory.  I never would have imaged I would be running marathons 15 years later.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

October 11, 1998.  4:23:59

My first marathon (& last without body glide!)  I had only been running for a year and a half.  I had done a few local 5Ks and the Bolder Boulder 10K up to this point, but I knew next to nothing about distance running.  I was amazed that people actually could run 26.2 miles.  It seemed almost super human to me at the time.  I researched marathons some more and discovered that if you were in reasonably good shape and had a "base mileage" of 15-20 miles/week, the marathon was within your grasp.  With enough time and training (4 months on average) you can go from running 3-5 miles per day to completing the marathon.

I've always enjoyed testing myself and this seemed like the ultimate test.  I was a second year medical student at the time.  I would often have to run at 5 in the morning or 11 at night, but I don't think I missed a single training run.  The marathon consumed me.  In my limited free time, I read everything I could about running.  I've mentioned Hal Higdon's programs before.  His weekly novice program became my bible.  

Chicago was a great choice for a first marathon.  It's truly one of the great cities of the world, and was cheap and easy for a med student with limited time and money to get to.  I stayed with a friend from college who couldn't understand why the guy who used to go to Leavenworth Cafe every night after the bars closed was now running marathons.

Marathon day was perfect.  Mid 50's, sunny.  Chicago is a flat, fast, well organized and supported race.  My running had always been hampered by IT Band Syndrome, and this race was no different.  I held back for the first half of the race, running very cautiously.  If you've suffered from IT band syndrome, you know that the pain can come on very suddenly, and can bring your run to a screeching halt.  By mile 11, however, the endorphins started to kick in, my pace quickened, and my knee pain melted with the miles.

My time was slow, 4:23:59, but I finished.  That was my only goal.  I was sure I would never run another marathon. 

#21--Philadelphia Marathon

Philadelphia, PA

November 22, 2009

4:17:07

This is still one of my favorite marathons.  I had never been to Philly, so my wife and I left on Thursday and made a long weekend out of it.  We saw the historic sights of Philadelphia, of which there are many, and we ate at several fantastic restaurants.  Oh yeah, there was a race, too.

The race starts by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where the famous "Rocky" statue now resides.  The course takes you through many different parts of town and winds through the expansive Fairmount Park, which is basically Philadelphia's Central Park.  This part was quite hilly, but scenic.

I felt great during most of the race and was hoping to break 4 hours.  This was my third marathon in as many months, and after the hills in Fairmount Park, I just didn't have the legs to carry me to a strong, sub 4 hour finish.  Afterwards we hustled back to the hotel, grabbed our bags and a quick bite to eat, hopped the train to the airport, and flew home that night.  

I generally prefer the large, urban marathons.  Although Philadelphia does not have the reputation of Boston, New York, or Chicago, in my opinion the Philadelphia Marathon is in the same class at the US marathon majors and definitely worth a look.

#20--Columbus Marathon

Columbus, OH

October 18, 2009

4:30:06

With the Huskers traveling to Columbus this weekend to take on THE Ohio State University Buckeyes, I thought it would be a good time to post about the Columbus Marathon I ran a few years ago.

My wife's sister lives in Columbus.  We stayed several days with her and her husband, Dave, who owns a huge demolition company in Columbus.  He has literally helped to tear down and build the city into what it is today.  He took us on an insider's guided tour of the city.  I was surprised by Columbus.  It is much bigger and nicer than I thought.

We stayed in Columbus for a few days leading up to and after the marathon.  Dave has one of the best wine collections I have ever seen anywhere, with a bar and cellar inspired by his favorite place in Belgium.  I know now that this is NOT a great way to prepare for a 26.2 mile run.  Let's just say I have felt better at the start of most marathons than I did for this one.

The race started early in the morning in downtown Columbus.  The day was cool and clear.  The course winds through downtown Columbus and takes you through the expansive OSU campus and many of the monuments and landmarks of this thriving midwestern city.  

I ran this race a month after North Dakota and I was slowed by foot and ankle tendonitis on my left side.  This and the effects of way too much Belgian beer and Napa Valley Pinot made Columbus one of the more difficult races I have done.  Despite these "obstacles" I came in just over 4.5 hrs.

The weekend I was in Columbus, Ohio State was on the road at Purdue, and suffered a rare defeat.  Here's hoping the Buckeyes have a similar fate this weekend when the Huskers visit the famous horseshoe.

Omaha Marathon

The Omaha Marathon was this weekend.  The race has a somewhat checkered past.  It has had trouble with sponsorships before and one year it was cancelled due to an early fall blizzard.  The date and course have changed frequently.

Race organizers seem to be finding their groove, and the Omaha Marathon is settling into a very nice, early fall marathon.  Local residents are lucky to have two very good races now, with Lincoln in the spring and Omaha in the fall.

Read about this year's race and see results here:
http://www.omaha.com/article/20120923/LIVEWELL50/120929934/1713#fewer-hills-no-heartbreak-at-omaha-marathon

Seeing Double

In three weeks I will attempt my first "Double-Marathon," running a marathon in Hartford, CT on Saturday and Newport, RI on Sunday.

In order to train for the rigors of two marathons on consecutive days, I have been doing two long runs on the weekends.  In keeping with my reverse taper philosophy, the week after the Tupelo Marathon I ran 8 miles Saturday and 8 miles Sunday.  Last weekend I ran 12 and 12.  This weekend my training for the Double peaked.  I ran 20 miles Saturday and 20 miles Sunday.   Ouch!

I carbo loaded the night before each run, and made sure to eat good recovery food right away after each run.  I ate whole grain cereal, greek yogurt, and bananas.  I've previously posted on the benefits of wearing compression socks during and after long runs.  I did both.  My legs felt a little fresher during and after the runs, so I think it helped.  I took full doses of Tylenol and Ibuprofen after each run to minimize the soreness and inflammation I felt.  

After doing my double 20 this weekend, I feel very good about the prospects for the New England Double in 3 weeks.

Run to Overcome Depression

Bryan/LGH is sponsoring a road race to raise awareness about depression.  Adam Zetterman was a nurse at the hospital who took his own life after a long battle with depression.

Three time Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton has had her own personal battles with depression, and she will be in Lincoln to support the event.

The race is on September 30 at 12:30 PM at the Lincoln Southwest Highschool Track.

http://journalstar.com/lifestyles/family/three-time-olympian-will-run-to-overcome-depression/article_9de8a784-f9db-5f6e-97a4-4786f71de1e4.html

Buffalo Run

Congratulations to those who ran the Buffalo Run yesterday at Pioneer's Park.  The winning time was 26.48.

See full results here:
http://www.lincolnrun.org/raceresults/2012/buff-12.txt

Which Diet is Best?

Fad diets come and go.  Scientists, doctors, and nutritionists have long argued over which diet is the best.  A recent study compared low carb, low fat, and low glycemic index diets.  In the short term, low carb diets tend to work better.  However, dieters who followed a low glycemic index diet were better at keeping the weight off.

The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly your body turns food to sugar that it can use.  Processed foods and simple carbohydrates have a high glycemic index and cause the familiar "sugar high" and subsequent crash.  Foods with low glycemic indices have more of a slow burn.  Brown rice and whole wheat pastas are examples.

Diet alone is usually not enough.  Not surprisingly, researchers also found that individuals who exercised 60-90 minutes a day were the most successful.

Here is a link to the article abstract and a story about it.

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1199154

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/09/10/160757730/low-and-slow-may-be-the-way-to-go-when-it-comes-to-dieting

Reverse Taper

I am frequently asked how I train for multiple marathons.  It is quite simple, really.  The key is not to overtrain.  Most marathoners are familiar with tapering.  This occurs 3-4 weeks before the race and consists of a gradual decrease in mileage and intensity.  Weekly runs taper from 5 to 4 to 3.  Weekend long runs taper from a peak of 20 to 12 to 8.

With my next challenge 6 weeks from the Tupelo Marathon last weekend, I began what I call a "reverse taper" this week.  My weekday runs start at an easy 2-3 miles and next week will increase to 3 and 4 and then 4 and 5 the week after that.  My long run this weekend is 8.  Next week will be 12, and then 20 after that.  From there, I will begin the familiar process of tapering again.  The "reverse taper" allows my body to recover from the last marathon while getting ready to peak for the next.

#35--Tupelo Marathon

Tupelo, MS
September 2, 2012

4:44:20

I chose this marathon for two reasons.  The race was during a holiday weekend and Tupelo is close to Memphis, which is a direct flight from Omaha.  This allowed me to take the whole family.  The race has a reputation as being a spartan, no-frills event for serious runners.  Coming on the heels of the hyper-commercial Lululemon 1/2 marathon in Vancouver, this was a welcome change.

Travel was uneventful.  We arrived in Tupelo Saturday evening.  Ole Miss and Mississippi State both played home games, so Tupelo was a ghost-town that night.  We had a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant in downtown Tupelo.

I missed the packet pickup Saturday because of our arrival time, but the race director allows early pickups on race day.  As the race started at 5AM, this meant a really early start to the day Sunday.  The 5AM start was great.  I usually run at that time anyway, and this allowed us to at least mitigate the heat and humidity that was sure to follow.  Temperatures were already in the high 70s at 5AM.  The course is described as "rolling hills" which means you are either running up or down a hill the entire way.  Thankfully it was pretty overcast most of the morning with a gentle breeze that kept the heat index in the 80s (still hot for a marathon, though).

I felt pretty good and ran the first half in about 2:12.  During the second half the hills, heat, and humidity began to take their toll.  My pace slowed considerably and I finished in just under 4:45.  Not great, but I wasn't expecting much better.

The course was run mostly along the highways in the Tupelo countryside.  The scenery wasn't spectacular, but not bad either.  The start and finish was in a furniture warehouse parking lot.  BBQ pulled pork, baked beans, potato salad, water, powerade, and beer awaited the finishers.  The medals and t-shirt were both very unique.

All in all, it was a good race. With the 5AM start time, I was able to go back to the hotel and rest and get cleaned up before the noon checkout time.  Afterwards we briefly toured Elvis's birthplace, about the only thing to see in Tupelo. 

Now I set my sights on my first "double," back-to-back marathons on a Saturday/Sunday in the fall.

#35 in the books

The medal from the Tupelo Marathon reads, "Trample the weak and hurdle the dead." I didn't do either but I did survive the heat, humidity, and hills of Tupelo, Mississippi to complete my 35th marathon yesterday. Full report to follow this week.

2012 Paralympic Games

London is once again the epicenter for the international sporting community, this time hosting the 2012 Paralympic Games.  South African Oscar Pistorious has brought attention to the sport, but there are many other amazing athletes whose stories are just as inspiring.

http://www.london2012.com/paralympics/sports/

And You Think a Marathon in Every State is Crazy?

Robert O'Connor of Sarasota, Florida is in a very exclusive club.  He is one of less than 400 runners to complete a marathon on every continent in the world.  Read his story here:

http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20120818/ARTICLE/120819632

Go Big Red!

Today marks the start of the college football season in Lincoln.  The Cornhuskers look to extend their nation leading streak of victories in season openers.  I'll miss the game, however, as I travel to Tupelo, Mississippi for the Tupelo Marathon.

Buffalo Run

The 36th annual Buffalo Run is only 2 weeks away.  The 5 mile race put on my the Lincoln Track Club is run through Lincoln's Pioneers Park.

Here is the link for race information and registration:
http://www.lincolnrun.org/races/buffalo

#19--Bismarck Marathon

Bismarck, ND

September 19, 2009

4:11:27

This was an early fall marathon.  I really wanted to do Fargo, but Bismarck fit better into my schedule.  It was a Saturday marathon, which I really like.  Saturday marathons keep Sunday open to rest or travel, and I never have to miss any work on Monday.  In this case, I was able to fly up on Friday after work, run on Saturday, catch a late flight home, and have a day at home to rest before going back to work. 

This was a small marathon in a small town.  There was no expo.  Packet pick up was at the mall.  I asked the volunteers at the packet pick up where I could get some pasta the night before.  I remember having a very nice, cheap pasta dinner at the one local Italian place.

The race was fairly unremarkable.  The day was sunny with perfect temperatures.  A lot of the race was run on county roads outside town.  The roads were not closed to car traffic.  This was very annoying.  Not only did you have to watch out for cars and breath exhaust, but it forced you to run on the very side of the road, which over a long course puts you at risk for foot, ankle, knee, and hip issues.  I was on a sub 4 hr pace until the last 9 miles.  My pace slowed by about a minute per mile.  By the end of the race, the front of my foot and ankle was very sore, and I actually ran with a limp the last mile or so.

I finished the race in 4:11:27.  I was a little disappointed in my time, but as always, just glad to finish.  I cleaned up at the hotel, took the shuttle to the airport, and just made my flight home.

My foot hurt for several days.  It was in the area of the navicular bone.  Navicular stress fractures are very bad, so I was worried.  I ended up having an MRI of my foot later that week to evaluate it.  I was relieved that the scan was negative. It ended up just being tendonitis.

After a brief rest, training resumed for the next marathon.  Kind of the story of my life!

An Early Fall

Ask any runner and he or she will probably tell you that fall is their favorite time of year to run.  Well, for the last week or so we have seen unseasonably cool weather that reminds one of those crisp, cool fall mornings that runners love.

Despite being on call this weekend, I have been able to sneak away for a 6 mile run yesterday afternoon and a 4 mile jog with my oldest son in the baby jogger.  What a great way to start the day!

I am tapering for the next marathon in Tupelo, Mississippi.  The half marathon last weekend in Vancouver was a great warm up for the fall marathon season.

Carbo Load Like a Kenyan

Nice story on the typical Kenyan paleo diet.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/08/12/158568459/on-the-road-to-olympic-gold-kenyan-marathoners-fuel-up-on-carbs

Olympic Upset

Ugandan marathoner Stephen Kiprotich entered the Men's Marathon in the London Olympics as a relative unknown.  He outran a loaded field to win the gold medal in the final day of the 2012 olympics.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-33747_162-57491623/stephen-kiprotich-wins-mens-olympic-marathon-ugandas-first-medal-of-london-games/

Half the Distance, All the Fun

This weekend I ran the inaugural SeaWheeze Lululemon 1/2 Marathon in Vancouver, British Columbia.  The half is an unusual distance for me.  This was only the third half marathon that I have run.

The race was put on by Lululemon, a company that makes high end (over-priced) mostly women's athletic gear.  The retailer is based in Vancouver and the race was meant to highlight their products.  The expo wasn't so much an expo as a Black Friday of sorts where the company debuted a bunch of their new stuff.  It was an absolute mad house.  It was far too commercial for my taste.  Nobody seemed to care about the actual race.  The important thing was to look good, I guess.

The actual race was very good.  There were a little more than 7,000 runners.  I was one of about 1,000 men running the race.  I have full marathon coming up in a few weeks, so I needed to do my long 20 mile run this weekend.  Before the race, I went for an easy 7 mile jog and met the rest of my travel party at the starting line.  The course took you through various parts of Vancouver, which is an absolutely gorgeous city.  I wanted to run in under 2 hours and met my goal, clocking a 1:56:26.  The half is a great summer race to judge your training, fitness, and pace for the fall marathon season.  I am right on track.

Although I didn't make it to the post-race brunch, those who did said it was the best they had ever seen at a race, with crispy waffles, quiche, and fresh fruit.

My wife ran the race, too.  She loved it and is seen in this picture which appears on the company website (pink shirt, hands up!)

Greatest Olympian?

With Michael Phelps now owning the record for most career medals of any Olympic athlete, there is a debate about who is the greatest Olympian of all time.  For me, the greatest Olympian might be Emil Zatopek.  In 1952, the Czech distance runner won gold medals in the 5000 meters, 10000 meters, and the Marathon.  The favorite marathon runners set a blistering pace, sure that the Czech middle distance runner would fade.   Zatopek, who had never trained for or run the marathon before, asked the leaders if the pace was too fast.  When the leader replied that the pace was too slow,  Zatopek charged ahead and never looked back, winning his third gold medal of the '52 games.  The historic triple was an olympic first, and one that is likely to never be repeated.

Running Tips

Common Mistakes and Successful Remedies
Running injuries can usually be traced to a few common pitfalls—muscle imbalances/weakness, over-training, poor form, and inappropriate footwear. Training errors are also to blame—repetitive course, repetitive speed, repetitive distance, letting others set the pace, letting others set the distance, and lazy nutrition and hydration practices.
Successful training "do's" include following your training schedule, building up your miles gradually, focusing on pacing for your event, listening to your body, hydrating and eating for performance, getting the right shoes, and stretching. Strength training is also important to incorporate in your weekly routine. All of these "do's" will keep you running pain-free and improve your performance.


Going the Distance:
-Run with a friend or a running group to keep you motivated as your distance increases. Most important for the summer months, fuel up with electrolytes every 45 to 75 minutes of continuous running to help keep your body going.

-As you build mileage, remember that you're now burning more calories than you were early in your training. Keep your caloric intake up by eating snacks throughout the day, and plan your evening meals wisely.

-Don't underestimate the heat! Protect your skin with waterproof sunblock, and wear light-colored clothes and a hat to keep you cool. Avoid the midday hours when the sun is at its highest and the temperature is warmest. Run either early in the morning or early in the evening to avoid the heat and UV exposure.

-Make sure to warm up your muscles by starting your runs with a very gentle jog or some walking. You're more likely to get injured without a proper warm-up. After you run, stretch your major leg muscles: hamstrings, quads, hip flexors, and calves.

Source: New York Road Runner's weekly email, Hospital for Special Surgery

A Nation in Motion

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has created a website where patient's share their individual stories about how orthopaedic care has impacted their lives.

The website is called, "A Nation in Motion."  I've included a link.  Take a look at some of the amazing stories.  You might have your own story to tell.

http://anationinmotion.org/

Cornhusker State Games

The Cornhusker State Games starts this weekend.  Good luck to those competing, and thank you in advance to the spectators and volunteers that make this such a great event.

http://www.cornhuskerstategames.com/

Bayshore Marathon

A little bit late with this photo from the Bayshore Marathon, Memorial Day wknd.

The Power of Habit

If you live in Lincoln, you know that a portion of South Street was closed for about 10 months.  During this time, I had to take a detour to and from work each day.  It took an extra 5 minutes each way.  I figured that over a 10 month period, I spent almost 2000 extra minutes in traffic.  South Street was opened last week, and you would think that it would be easy to settle back into the more direct route.  It is shorter, faster, and more convenient. 

I was surprised to find myself taking the detour route out of habit on several occasions.  Why, when a simpler, better route is available, do I still want to take a detour that I hate?

The answer is the power of habit.  Our challenge is to use this power to avoid doing things that are harmful, like smoking and over-eating and to do more of the things that will make us healthy and happy, like eating right and exercising.

I am listening to two audiobooks on the power of habit now, and you should see these themes in future posts.

Beat the Heat

We have been seeing extreme temperatures lately with heat index topping 100.  The heat does not mean you have to stop running.  I actually really enjoy running in the heat and working up a good sweat because, to paraphrase Dr. George Sheehan, "sweat cleanses places a shower can never reach."

One must be smart about summer running, however.  I've posted links to a Mayo Clinic article on heat stroke, and some helpful tips from Jeff Galloway of Runner's World related to summer running.

http://www.active.com/running/Articles/20_Tips_to_Stay_Cool_on_a_Summer_Run.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/heat-stroke/DS01025

Re-post: San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

I just returned from a weeklong orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery meeting in San Diego, CA.  The weather was fantastic, as always, and I was able to run every day I was there.  I've taken some time off to recover from the spring marathon season, but now must start to train for a late summer 1/2 marathon and the fall marathon season.  While in San Diego I ran 3, 4.5, 6, 9, and 12 miles on consecutive days.  

It brought back some fond memories of my third marathon (and still second fastest), the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.

Here is the post from that race:

June 4, 2000.  3:27:55

After the Dallas White Rock Marathon, I just wasn't sure that my knees would hold up for another marathon.  I took several weeks off to rest.  I worked on some strength training (an area most runners, myself included, neglect) and did some biking.  My passion was now running, however, and I couldn't wait to get back on the roads.  I competed in more weekend road races, and even managed to place in my division a few times, winning a watch in the Mike Doucy Stars of Texas 10K.  It remains one of my proudest possessions!

I wasn't doing any speed work per se, but the road races were even better.  I was in "marathon shape," already, and just kept getting faster.  A friend of mine in Dallas mentioned that he was going to be running the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in June.  The RnR series were relatively new at the time, and the idea of being supported by 30 some bands on the course was appealing in the days before iPods were common or even allowed at races.  I had an old college friend in SD whom I had not seen in a long time.  I'd never been there, so it seemed like a great excuse to go.

The trip was great.  I went to the Zoo and Sea World, and my friend took me sailing the day before the race.  Race day was hot for San Diego, and the course was hilly in places.  There were nowhere near 30 bands as advertised, but the entertainment was fun.  I ran a very strong race from beginning to end, running the second half faster than the first.  Training all year in the Texas heat and running all of those road races had really paid dividends.  I felt like I had plenty of gas left in the tank at the end of the race.  Also, I had no pain anywhere in my body!  I looked down at my watch--3 hrs, 27 minutes, 55 seconds.  In just my 3rd marathon, I had cut nearly an hour off of my debut time.  I was starting to feel like a real marathoner!  

I celebrated that afternoon by eating fish tacos on Pacific Beach (PB for those who live there).  I had always heard people talking about qualifying for the Boston Marathon.  I began to wonder, what would that take?

NYC 2012!!

Great News!  I just found out that I received a sponsor's invitation to run in the 2012 ING New York City Marathon.

Summer Plans

I pretty much took last week off to recover from the Bayshore Marathon.  It was my fourth marathon in as many months and my legs needed a break.  I'm taking the summer off from marathons and will focus on strength training, flexibility, speed, and weight loss.  I'll once again be doing boot camps at Good Life Fitness.  The results, I hope, will fuel the fall marathons.  I am signed up for four marathons in the fall, including my first "double" with a Saturday marathon in Hartford, CT and a Sunday marathon in Newport, RI

Bayshore Marathon, cont.

Here is a short video showing a portion of the marathon course.  Very picturesque.

#18--Madison Marathon

Madison, WI

May 24, 2009

3:58:25

The very first race I ever ran was the Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day in 1996.  Since then, Memorial Day weekend for me has usually included some type of road race.  The weekend of 2009 was no exception.  This was the weekend I ran the Madison Marathon in Madison Wisconsin.

My wife and I drove up and spent the weekend with our two dogs.  Although I had interviewed for residency there many years ago, this was my first real trip to Mad-Town.  The weekend was great.

The course carried you through the many different neighborhoods of this midwestern city, including, of course, the lakes and University.  I ran a strong race and finished under 4 hours.  In true Wisconsin style, runners at the finish area were offered string cheese, chocolate milk, and Miller Lite.  To top it off, the marathon co-incided with one of the world's largest bratwurst festivals.  I'm not sure if I added or subtracted to my overall life expectancy that day.

Although the marathon and mini-vacation that weekend were memorable, the best part was when we returned to Lincoln.  My wife, who had been trying to get pregnant for a while, informed me that we would soon be expecting our first child.  Our lives would never be the same!

#34--Bayshore Marathon

Traverse City, Michigan
May 26, 2012
4:21:05

This was my last spring marathon of 2012, and probably the best of the four I've done in 2012. I had planned to run it last year and even had a hotel and airfare booked, only to have to cancel these plans when I missed registration. Advice--it is probably best to actually sign up for a race before making travel arrangements.

Traverse City is a popular tourist destination in Northern Michigan. It was pretty easy to get to with a short connecting flight from Chicago. Bayshore is a small marathon limited to a couple thousand runners. The course is a simple out and back along the shores of the East Grand Traverse Bay. It was mostly flat with a few rolling hills. Weather was perfect--calm, overcast, and cool.

I felt really good during the race, holding a steady 10 minute per mile pace. I ran the second half a minute faster than the first, which is a rarity for me. I've been doing "boot camp" again for a couple weeks, and I credit that for my improved strength and ability to maintain pace over 26 miles.

If you are looking for a small destination marathon in a beautiful part of the country, look no further than Bayshore. Hurry though, this small race fills up fast when registration opens in December.

#34 in the books

I just finished #34 and will now cross off Michigan from the map. I ran the Bayshore Marathon in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan, registering a time of 4:21:05. Now it's time for a nap with my 7 month old, who apparently gets so nervous the night before a race that he can't/won't sleep!

Lincoln Marathon-Team Thatcher

Some of you might have heard of Team Thatcher and seen runners wearing the yellow jerseys in support of the team and cause at this weekends Lincoln 1/2 and full marathon. Thatcher is a little boy who has struggled with various medical issues his whole life.  He receives extensive therapy and is now able to walk with a walker.  His parents are raising money to help make the elementary school playground that he will eventually attend more accessible and functional.

Here is a link to an inspirational video.  Everybody who crossed the finish line Sunday was a winner, but none probably brought more tears of joy than this little boy and his parents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUplcrIGsm4

Born to Run?

Many anthropologists believe humans were "born to run."  New research helps explain the "runner's high" in evolutionary terms.  An interesting read.....

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/05/07/151936266/wired-to-run-runners-high-may-have-been-evolutionary-advantage

Congratulations, Runners!

Congratulations to the thousands of runners who completed the Lincoln 1/2 and full marathon yesterday.  I provided orthopaedic coverage at the medical tent and saw first hand the look of anguish on many faces.  Congratulations as well to the organizers for putting on another fine race.  As somebody who has run over 30 different marathons, I have a broad perspective.  It is gratifying to see the Lincoln 1/2 and full marathon solidify it's place as the premier race in the state, with a growing regional and national reputation, too.

Ben Davis coming to Lincoln

In a previous post I profiled Ben Davis.  He is coming to Lincoln and will be the featured speaker at the Expo on Saturday.

Welcome to Nebraska, Ben.

http://bendoeslife.tumblr.com/


http://www.omaha.com/article/20120502/LIVEWELL02/705029931#lose-120-lbs-encourage-lincoln-marathoners

#17--Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

April 26, 2009

4:50:45

I ran this race three years ago today.  The annual race to benefit the Memorial of the OKC bombing is this weekend, so it seemed appropriate to write about the race.  It was memorable.

OKC is a 10 hour or so drive from Lincoln.  My wife and I drove down on Friday.  She was going to run the half, and I was running the full.  We got there a day early, so I was able to spend a lot of time at the expo.  I listened to the talk that the medical directors gave.  I learned a lot about "Marathon Medicine" from them.  The guy said that pretzels are the best thing you can eat on a marathon.  The course must have had millions of pretzels at his instruction.  To this day, whenever I see someone offering pretzels on a course I am sure to grab some and heed his advice.

The race is all about the OKC Memorial.  We took a lot of time to walk around and take it all in.  It is a beautiful, but haunting memorial.  I highly recommend going.  I will post some pictures I took with my phone.  The picture of the American Elm Tree is blurry.  This tree was right next to the federal building, and somehow withstood the blast that rocked so many city blocks.  It is a symbol of strength to all who visit.

The race begins at the Memorial, and starts with one second of silence for each of the 168 victims of the bombing.  After that, many teary eyed runners begin the trek through the streets of OKC.  The day was hot and windy, and my IT band was killing me.  I finished in just over 4:50.  My wife ran a good half and went back to the hotel and checked us out.  I took a quick shower in the gym, and we hopped back into the car and drove back to Lincoln, humbled and honored to have participated in such a great American race.