Tampa, Florida
February 10, 2008
4:14:49
Gasparilla is Tampa's Mardis Gras. It is a weeklong party and pirate festival. There are a series of road races that are part of it, culminating in the marathon. You can read about Gasparilla here if you wish. http://gasparillapiratefest.com/
I did my fellowship in Tampa, so this race was run in my new home town. After getting settled into my fellowship, I decided it was time to take advantage of the South Florida winters and train for and run another marathon.
My wife and I ran this one together again. It was by far her best marathon. She had trained pretty well and could have run much faster. My knee was bothering me some, and I knew that I had another marathon coming up in a few weeks, so I really didn't want to push it. At one point, I urged her to run ahead of me, but she wouldn't. Something to do with for better or worse, sickness and health, slow or fast, I guess.
The highlight of the race was seeing "Team Hoyt." You might have heard of this father and son team. If you have not, please check out their website at http://www.teamhoyt.com/.
All in all, it was a nice race. An added benefit was finishing close to Tampa General Hospital, where I had patients to see after the race. Now that was multi-tasking!
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Monday, October 6, 2014
#13--Brookings Marathon
Brookings, South Dakota
May 12, 2007
4:53:13
This was my last marathon during residency. I was set to graduate in a few months, and was very busy studying for boards, getting my license in Florida, and making plans to move and begin my post-graduate fellowship. I wanted to do one more race before I left, and South Dakota was an easy choice.
Brookings is a very nice college town, and the thing that stood out to me most about this was the volunteers and how proud they were of their town and race. Race conditions were perfect, and the course was nice, mostly running through the campus and the towns many parks.
I had been sick leading up to the race, and didn't run for the last 10 days or so leading up to it. I carried a fanny pack full of cold medicine and inhalers. I'm glad the medical director didn't see me, or he might have taken me off the course.
Needless to say, I didn't run a great race. I finished in just under 5 hours. I went back to the hotel, took an ice bath, and then hopped in my jeep and drove the 4 hours back to Omaha. My wife was waiting for me there with a rake and a bunch of mulch. Welcome home! She was watching WAY too much HGTV then.
Here's a link to the race website.
http://www.brookingsmarathon.com/
May 12, 2007
4:53:13
This was my last marathon during residency. I was set to graduate in a few months, and was very busy studying for boards, getting my license in Florida, and making plans to move and begin my post-graduate fellowship. I wanted to do one more race before I left, and South Dakota was an easy choice.
Brookings is a very nice college town, and the thing that stood out to me most about this was the volunteers and how proud they were of their town and race. Race conditions were perfect, and the course was nice, mostly running through the campus and the towns many parks.
I had been sick leading up to the race, and didn't run for the last 10 days or so leading up to it. I carried a fanny pack full of cold medicine and inhalers. I'm glad the medical director didn't see me, or he might have taken me off the course.
Needless to say, I didn't run a great race. I finished in just under 5 hours. I went back to the hotel, took an ice bath, and then hopped in my jeep and drove the 4 hours back to Omaha. My wife was waiting for me there with a rake and a bunch of mulch. Welcome home! She was watching WAY too much HGTV then.
Here's a link to the race website.
http://www.brookingsmarathon.com/
Sunday, October 5, 2014
#12--Olathe Marathon
Olathe, Kansas
March 31, 2007
4:35:51
While in residency, I was usually able to train for and do one marathon a year. I was now in my last year of residency and had more time to devote to training, so I decided to take advantage of it. The Olathe Marathon fit into my schedule, and was an easy drive from Omaha.
I remember we stayed in downtown Kansas City the weekend of the race. I got up early and drove to Olathe. It was pouring rain, I didn't have a map or a GPS. I got lost trying to find the area where the buses took the runners to the starting line. The start of the race was getting very close. I raced into a gas station to ask for directions. The attendant looked at me like I was crazy. I had enough change in my car to buy a map. I hurriedly figured out where to go and drove as fast as I could. I barely caught the last bus to the starting line.
After that, the race was almost anti-climactic. The course was mostly rural. The clouds parted and conditions were pretty good. I felt pretty good that I was running marathon #12. I was humbled by the guy next to me running #212 or something like that. Now that guy was crazy!
I finished in just over 4:30. I went back to the hotel where my wife had been watching movies all morning. She said to me, "Hurry up and change. We are going shopping!" Clearly, the novelty of me running marathons had worn off and she had other ideas for our weekend in the KC area. With that, I made myself an ice bath and soaked for 20 minutes. After popping some ibuprofen, I was ready to start what felt like my second marathon of the day.
http://www.olathe.org/sports/marathon/
March 31, 2007
4:35:51
While in residency, I was usually able to train for and do one marathon a year. I was now in my last year of residency and had more time to devote to training, so I decided to take advantage of it. The Olathe Marathon fit into my schedule, and was an easy drive from Omaha.
I remember we stayed in downtown Kansas City the weekend of the race. I got up early and drove to Olathe. It was pouring rain, I didn't have a map or a GPS. I got lost trying to find the area where the buses took the runners to the starting line. The start of the race was getting very close. I raced into a gas station to ask for directions. The attendant looked at me like I was crazy. I had enough change in my car to buy a map. I hurriedly figured out where to go and drove as fast as I could. I barely caught the last bus to the starting line.
After that, the race was almost anti-climactic. The course was mostly rural. The clouds parted and conditions were pretty good. I felt pretty good that I was running marathon #12. I was humbled by the guy next to me running #212 or something like that. Now that guy was crazy!
I finished in just over 4:30. I went back to the hotel where my wife had been watching movies all morning. She said to me, "Hurry up and change. We are going shopping!" Clearly, the novelty of me running marathons had worn off and she had other ideas for our weekend in the KC area. With that, I made myself an ice bath and soaked for 20 minutes. After popping some ibuprofen, I was ready to start what felt like my second marathon of the day.
http://www.olathe.org/sports/marathon/
Saturday, October 4, 2014
#11--Chamber Country Classic
Maryville, MO
June 10, 2006
4:18:35
Once I got to 10 marathons, I started to feel like a "real" runner. I was able to join the 50 States & DC club. I've included a link to the club on this blog.
I was still in residency so I didn't have that much time to train. I learned that I could train for a marathon by doing two or three short runs during the week (3-5 miles each) and a long run on the weekends (start at 6 miles, build to 20 during an 18 wk plan). I found this schedule very manageable. By now my wife realized that marathons weren't just a phase, and that I would be gone for a few hours each weekend. Her understanding has been instrumental.
Missouri was the next border state on my list. Maryville, MO is a short drive from Omaha. I remember we stayed at the vacant dorms on the campus of Northwest Missouri State. $10 for a dorm room the night before the race! Ah, sleeping (or trying to sleep) in those small, plastic covered mattresses brought back some memories.
This was a small race, with two loops around the town. There were some very long hills that were a challenge. The thing I remember most about this race was the fact that it was the first one during which I listened to my iPod. The distraction was nice, particularly on this small, mostly rural marathon. Unfortunately, I got so distracted that I missed a turn at one point. The volunteers tried to correct me, but I couldn't hear them! One nice man got in a car and drove to track me down and set me straight. I didn't get that far off, thanks to his help.
This marathon definitely wasn't Chicago or Boston, but it was a small, friendly race that was easy for me to get to, and very economical. As a resident short on time and money, it was perfect.
June 10, 2006
4:18:35
Once I got to 10 marathons, I started to feel like a "real" runner. I was able to join the 50 States & DC club. I've included a link to the club on this blog.
I was still in residency so I didn't have that much time to train. I learned that I could train for a marathon by doing two or three short runs during the week (3-5 miles each) and a long run on the weekends (start at 6 miles, build to 20 during an 18 wk plan). I found this schedule very manageable. By now my wife realized that marathons weren't just a phase, and that I would be gone for a few hours each weekend. Her understanding has been instrumental.
Missouri was the next border state on my list. Maryville, MO is a short drive from Omaha. I remember we stayed at the vacant dorms on the campus of Northwest Missouri State. $10 for a dorm room the night before the race! Ah, sleeping (or trying to sleep) in those small, plastic covered mattresses brought back some memories.
This was a small race, with two loops around the town. There were some very long hills that were a challenge. The thing I remember most about this race was the fact that it was the first one during which I listened to my iPod. The distraction was nice, particularly on this small, mostly rural marathon. Unfortunately, I got so distracted that I missed a turn at one point. The volunteers tried to correct me, but I couldn't hear them! One nice man got in a car and drove to track me down and set me straight. I didn't get that far off, thanks to his help.
This marathon definitely wasn't Chicago or Boston, but it was a small, friendly race that was easy for me to get to, and very economical. As a resident short on time and money, it was perfect.
Friday, October 3, 2014
#10--Des Moines Marathon
Des Moines, IA
September 18, 2005
4:31:27
It had been over a year since my last marathon, so I was anxious to complete another one. This was the second race that Roxane and I trained for and ran together.
Des Moines was an easy drive from Omaha. The host hotel was right at the start and finish lines. My greatest memory from the race weekend was the pre race pasta dinner. Dick Beardsley was the featured speaker. He has an amazing personal and professional story. He autographed a copy of his book, "Staying the Course: a Runner's Toughest Race" for me. It is a great read which I highly recommend. Among other things, he told the story of his "Duel in the Sun" with Alberto Salazar at the 1982 Boston Marathon. It was one of if not the the greatest races in long history of Boston.
The late summer/early fall date meant for some unseasonably warm temperatures in Des Moines. The heat got to Roxane a bit at the end of the race and she, very out of character, barked at a volunteer and nearly did the same to a young spectator who was running on the course.
We finished in just over 4 1/2 hours. Roxane did so with very little training, a testament to her athleticism and determination. There's a small picture of us after the race at the bottom of the page.
Des Moines has become a popular regional race. They have moved the date back a few weeks now, so the warm weather can probably be avoided for the most part. The race was well organized and executed, and represented a good value. With this being my 10th marathon, I was able to officially join the 50 States & DC club at Des Moines. I've included a link to the club website on this blog.
With Des Moines, I had run TEN marathons. That seemed like a ton to me then, and I felt like a real marathon runner. I also started to think that maybe running all 50 states wasn't so crazy after all.
September 18, 2005
4:31:27
It had been over a year since my last marathon, so I was anxious to complete another one. This was the second race that Roxane and I trained for and ran together.
Des Moines was an easy drive from Omaha. The host hotel was right at the start and finish lines. My greatest memory from the race weekend was the pre race pasta dinner. Dick Beardsley was the featured speaker. He has an amazing personal and professional story. He autographed a copy of his book, "Staying the Course: a Runner's Toughest Race" for me. It is a great read which I highly recommend. Among other things, he told the story of his "Duel in the Sun" with Alberto Salazar at the 1982 Boston Marathon. It was one of if not the the greatest races in long history of Boston.
The late summer/early fall date meant for some unseasonably warm temperatures in Des Moines. The heat got to Roxane a bit at the end of the race and she, very out of character, barked at a volunteer and nearly did the same to a young spectator who was running on the course.
We finished in just over 4 1/2 hours. Roxane did so with very little training, a testament to her athleticism and determination. There's a small picture of us after the race at the bottom of the page.
Des Moines has become a popular regional race. They have moved the date back a few weeks now, so the warm weather can probably be avoided for the most part. The race was well organized and executed, and represented a good value. With this being my 10th marathon, I was able to officially join the 50 States & DC club at Des Moines. I've included a link to the club website on this blog.
With Des Moines, I had run TEN marathons. That seemed like a ton to me then, and I felt like a real marathon runner. I also started to think that maybe running all 50 states wasn't so crazy after all.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
#9--Country Music Marathon
Nashville, TN
April 24, 2004
4:42:00
As a medical student, I did a rotation at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. I really liked the city and hoped to get back. When I saw an opportunity to run the Country Music Marathon there, I jumped at the chance.
Roxane decided that she would try this whole marathon thing, too, so we trained as a couple. I generally prefer to run and train alone, but of course I couldn't say no, even if I wanted to. Besides, this was something that I wanted to share. If she caught the marathon bug, all the better!
We would do our long runs on the weekend together. We weren't great partners on the road, I found out. She is a much more explosive runner, doing better at short distances, while I did better at longer, slower runs. I don't talk much on a training run. If anybody knows Roxane, enough said. In the end, we worked out our "differences" and completed the 4 mos training program. She was bothered by blisters and poor fitting shoes during much of her training.
The start of the race was delayed by thunder storms. The clouds eventually lifted and the race started. Many of the bands didn't show up or stopped early because of the weather. It was fairly warm and humid by the end, and the course was fairly unremarkable. Roxane did great. At mile 19 or so she was smiling and chatting up the other runners. She said to me, "I feel great. I'm already planning my next one!" "Not so fast....." was my reply. No sooner had we passed mile 20 when she crashed right into the wall. Our pace slowed, but we finished together. Her feet looked like hamburger afterwards, and I am still amazed that she was able to finish. We enjoyed a post race meal of sweet potato pancakes at The Pancake Pantry, a Nashville treasure.
I was very proud of Roxane for training for and finishing the marathon, and I was happy to share something that was such a big part of my life with someone who is the best part of it.
April 24, 2004
4:42:00
As a medical student, I did a rotation at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. I really liked the city and hoped to get back. When I saw an opportunity to run the Country Music Marathon there, I jumped at the chance.
Roxane decided that she would try this whole marathon thing, too, so we trained as a couple. I generally prefer to run and train alone, but of course I couldn't say no, even if I wanted to. Besides, this was something that I wanted to share. If she caught the marathon bug, all the better!
We would do our long runs on the weekend together. We weren't great partners on the road, I found out. She is a much more explosive runner, doing better at short distances, while I did better at longer, slower runs. I don't talk much on a training run. If anybody knows Roxane, enough said. In the end, we worked out our "differences" and completed the 4 mos training program. She was bothered by blisters and poor fitting shoes during much of her training.
The start of the race was delayed by thunder storms. The clouds eventually lifted and the race started. Many of the bands didn't show up or stopped early because of the weather. It was fairly warm and humid by the end, and the course was fairly unremarkable. Roxane did great. At mile 19 or so she was smiling and chatting up the other runners. She said to me, "I feel great. I'm already planning my next one!" "Not so fast....." was my reply. No sooner had we passed mile 20 when she crashed right into the wall. Our pace slowed, but we finished together. Her feet looked like hamburger afterwards, and I am still amazed that she was able to finish. We enjoyed a post race meal of sweet potato pancakes at The Pancake Pantry, a Nashville treasure.
I was very proud of Roxane for training for and finishing the marathon, and I was happy to share something that was such a big part of my life with someone who is the best part of it.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
#8--Lincoln Marathon
Lincoln, NE
May 4, 2003
4:21:54
I found it very difficult to train during my intern year. There are now work hour regulations that limit the hours that residents can work, but these hadn't gone into effect yet. 100 hr work weeks were fairly common on surgery rotations. Needless to say, my fitness had to take a back seat to patient care.
Things slowed down some in the spring and I was able to resume training. By now my peers knew that I ran marathons, and a couple of fellow residents, Dave and A.J., were interested in training with me. They were both good athletes, but novice distance runners. I really enjoyed "coaching" them and sharing what I had learned. We had hectic schedules, but were able to get together for long runs on Sundays. I had never really run with a group before, so it was a nice change of pace.
Race day was rainy and cool. I didn't know it at the time of course, but at one point I ran right by the house I live in now. Lincoln is a great 1/2 marathon, but the crowds and enthusiasm fall off quite a bit once the half is over. My friends and I ran together until the last couple miles. Dave got this unbelievable burst and pretty much sprinted the last three miles or so. No wall for him. He was hooked and has gone on to do more marathons and has even done at least one ultra. A.J. told me to go ahead and kick the last few hundred yards without him. Well, with about 5 yards to go he came screaming past me, not leaving me enough time to catch up. I had been suckered. There is a very funny picture with two slow pudgy guys leaning across the finish line. I can't find it but will post it if I do. A.J. bested me by one second.
It was nice to finish a race in my home state. The most rewarding thing, however, was running with Dave and A.J. and helping them reach their goal. I hope I've inspired others along the way.
May 4, 2003
4:21:54
I found it very difficult to train during my intern year. There are now work hour regulations that limit the hours that residents can work, but these hadn't gone into effect yet. 100 hr work weeks were fairly common on surgery rotations. Needless to say, my fitness had to take a back seat to patient care.
Things slowed down some in the spring and I was able to resume training. By now my peers knew that I ran marathons, and a couple of fellow residents, Dave and A.J., were interested in training with me. They were both good athletes, but novice distance runners. I really enjoyed "coaching" them and sharing what I had learned. We had hectic schedules, but were able to get together for long runs on Sundays. I had never really run with a group before, so it was a nice change of pace.
Race day was rainy and cool. I didn't know it at the time of course, but at one point I ran right by the house I live in now. Lincoln is a great 1/2 marathon, but the crowds and enthusiasm fall off quite a bit once the half is over. My friends and I ran together until the last couple miles. Dave got this unbelievable burst and pretty much sprinted the last three miles or so. No wall for him. He was hooked and has gone on to do more marathons and has even done at least one ultra. A.J. told me to go ahead and kick the last few hundred yards without him. Well, with about 5 yards to go he came screaming past me, not leaving me enough time to catch up. I had been suckered. There is a very funny picture with two slow pudgy guys leaning across the finish line. I can't find it but will post it if I do. A.J. bested me by one second.
It was nice to finish a race in my home state. The most rewarding thing, however, was running with Dave and A.J. and helping them reach their goal. I hope I've inspired others along the way.
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