RNR AZ Marathon Recap

OK, so as Tash said, I had a great race. I was not sure I could hold the 3:30 pace group, but I held on with them until nature called. At that point I just could not catch up.

A couple of important things really helped me gut it out, and believe me miles 24 and 25 were gutted out. Glory Gensch (www.racecharities.org) is the reason I was out there. I know that I was able to get through some tough miles for her. I think she made an arrangement with the man upstairs for the perfect weather!

Trevor Kott (www.trevorkott.com) also helped me quite a bit. Trevor and Jake are the same age, so it was easy for me to find strength in the fact that Trevor his family and friends have been such an inspiration to Tash and I. No little ones should have to be that sick, ever, period.

I probably kept about 2 minutes off my time because of a guy from Madison that I met before. He recognized me and pulled me through the mile 25. He had a strong steady pace and I was not able to keep with him the last couple minutes.

The course was nice and flat. Bands were there, but didn't do much for me other than give me certain points to fix on getting to. I actually was entertained by all the grade school cheerleaders, they were really having fun, and it made it enjoyable.

The race was well managed with plenty of water and accelerade (yuck). Not too much scenery but a great turnout for both the half and full marathon.

If I get photos from anyone I will post them here. I am glad to hear that Jeromy will be going for his first marathon (I hope) at RNR San Diego.

I ran 2 miles Tuesday, it felt good. I tried 4 miles Wednesday....that sucked. I had to walk on these wobbly legs for a while.

But, with the 50K coming up Feb. 9th I need to make sure I have the miles in. So, today I had a good 10 miles at a 8:40 pace. Will try to do at least 12 tomorrow. Next weekend will be a big weekend for miles 24 on Sat and 10 on Sunday.

I just hope it warms up, to at least 20 degrees!!!

Mad City 1/2 Marathon

Today was an incredible best for me. I ran 13.1 miles at a 7:08 pace. Prior I had only carried that pace 6 miles! Even better, Jeromy came and ran too. It was a great weekend. My body is aching but nothing sleep won't cure. Maybe qualifying for Boston may actually happen one of these days.

So I have officially set a PR for a half marathon 1:33:28. My pie in the sky goal was 1:30, and I am very happy with the result.

Check out the two of us below!

I hope we also were able to make Glory proud today. This was Jeromy's first race in a long time, and a half at that. I really did find a ton of strength as I thought of the fight that she has put up and all their family has been through. She is still the real warrior! Be sure to check out www.racecharities.org if you have not already!

Thank you to all who supported us, especially my bride, Natasha!

RYAN