With the completion of the Red Rock Half Marathon this weekend, that makes 10 long distance races under my belt. While compared to others this number may not be earth shattering, but if you would have asked me or others that knew me and my eating habits before running, I would consider this quite an accomplishment!!!

Most know my story but when I started running in 2006, I weighed 270 pounds and decided to make a life change. Now in my fifth year of hitting the pavement, I thought I’d look back and reflect on where I’ve been:

2006
Las Vegas Marathon – 5:01:24
My first marathon. With the support of my entire family cheering me on and cramps in every muscle I finish with cheers and hugs. Discouraged with the course, I vow not to run the marathon again until they change the route.

2007
Disneyland Half Marathon – 2:29:02
The first trip to the Magic Kingdom has me hooked. Running thru Disneyland, California Adventure and Anaheim Stadium will become a yearly trip for the entire family. To date, the hottest race I’ve run in. Race was nearly black flagged before the start.

Las Vegas Half Marathon – 2:00:46
Course didn’t change and I was starting to like this half marathon thing. After being discouraged by my previous half, I set my current PR that still stands (but hopefully not for long).

2008
Disneyland Half Marathon - 2:10:53
Back again for my second running. Since the Angels were in town, we didn’t get to run thru Anaheim Stadium but the weather was much more suited to running. Now used to running longer distances more often, I quickly shower and then off to the parks with the family.

Las Vegas Half Marathon – 2:18:09
I was really hoping to go under 2 hours but a severely sprained ankle 3 weeks before the race changes my plans drastically. I end up limping to the finish but “finish” is the key word in this sentence. There’s always next year…or is it?

2009
Red Rock Half Marathon – 2:18:00
Wanted to expand my race frequency, I opt for a race right out my back door. While I know the hills will be a challenge, the scenery more than makes up for the burning thighs and breakneck downhills. Will end up being a staple on my race schedule.

Disneyland Half Marathon - 2:02:13
Missing out out a Ragnar Relay team, we’re back to the family’s favorite race. From their perspective, it’s wake up, eat, wait for dad and then go see Mickey. Tried to go under 2 hours again but ran out of gas after trying to make up for lost time with heavy traffic at the start. Will settle for a course PR.

Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon – 4:40:28
Finally!!! Devine Sports out…Competitor Racing in. This move was highly anticipated and didn’t let anybody down. A new course with nearly half of the marathon run on the strip. Cold weather, extreme hunger, cramps and bonking prevented a better time but a 20 minute PR shouldn’t be looked down upon. I considered this race as a tune up for what was to come.

2010
Walt Disney World Marathon – 4:55:18
My most memorable race to date. After encouraging my sister to start running, we met in chilly Florida to run her first marathon. While I was hoping to “help” her finish strong, I was the one who had to battle bursitis while she was the strong one. Still a great running experience and can’t wait to run with her again.

Red Rock Half Marathon – 2:09:36
Another great race. Running in the opposite direction of the previous year, I overcame a lack of training due to injuries to PR the course by over 8 minutes. If you haven’t run this race, I highly recommend it.

RMFR

This past Saturday was the Red Rock Marathon and Half Marathon in Las Vegas and what a great event!!! This demanding course is well worth it for the scenery alone being run in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (just 20 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip) but what makes it a great event is the event organizers – Calico Racing.

I ran this event last year and loved the organization and attention to details and this year exceeded my already high expectations. From packet pickups on both sides of the valley to the constant email updates runners were kept well informed. Since there is no parking at the Canyon itself, buses transport runners from the Red Rock Hotel & Casino to the starting line every 15-20 minutes. It’s a great place to meet new people and I’d like to give a shout out to Hobey from Seattle (in Las Vegas with his wife for their 25th wedding anniversary) and Bobby from Las Vegas (going for his Calico Slam) – my bus mates to and from the race.

With two starting lines – marathoners started at the finish while the half started at the other end – both were well equipped with food, water and bathrooms. Race director, Joyce Forier, personally sees to the start of both races and seemed to be everywhere at once. Around 600 participated in the half marathon (another 100+ ran the marathon) and while the start of the race was a little tight packed, the group was easily separated when the climbs started. The really cool thing about this race is when the marathoners (who start before the half) meet up with the half marathoners. Constant encouragement (both ways) could be heard up and down the line of runners and really gave the race a hometown feel.

Running this route often, there’s NO WAY I could handle the hills out and back and I’m very content running the route one way. With around 1,800 ft. in elevation change, this is definitely not a race to go hunting a PR on but the challenge of the long climbs and fast descents is a running reward in it’s own right. Since I’ve been hampered with injuries all year long, this race was going to just be a fun run for me. With all races, it didn’t end up that way and I bested my time from last year by over 8 minutes – no worse for wear.

Want to talk about food? By far, the best post race feed I’ve ever experienced. Waiting just past the finish line was the Salvation Army serving up eggs, pancakes, pasta and peach cobbler along with cookies, bagels, fruit, etc. I’m not usually hungry after races but there was not way I was going to pass up this feast.

Calico Racing puts on a series of events in and around Las Vegas. While I’ve only run the Red Rock races, I’m certainly going to sign up for more in the future. If you haven’t run a Calico race in Las Vegas yet, you’re missing out on great smaller races from a well organized and dedicated group of racing professionals.

RMFR

This weekend is the Red Rock Marathon and 1/2 Marathon. The route follows the road that loops through the Red Rock Canyon Conversation Area. The 1/2 marathoners run it one way while the marathoners go out and back. This is a great race for one simple reason, the views are absolutely breathtaking and with some snow on the upper peaks, it’s even better. For my race review from last year, click here.

I ran this for the first time last year. The start is five miles from my front door (yes, exactly five miles) and I hit this route regularly during my longer training runs. For those of you fortunate enough to have run these hills before, you know what I’m talking about. I’ve met some really great people on this stretch of pavement. The crew from Team 180 Energy. Erin, Melina, Tanya and Mei Lan taking a time out from their girls weekend. Cruising up and down the hills with fellow “Lober” Troy.

Point is, this weekend will add another great memory to these torturing inclines. With my achilles still not 100%, I’m going to just enjoy the whole experience again. When it comes down to it, isn’t that what running is all about? I’ve always said that if I didn’t enjoy running, I wouldn’t do it. This Saturday, you can bet I’ll be enjoying every painful second!!!

RMFR

I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about the Fargo Fitness Challenge. What started out as an offer to come run the Fargo Marathon May 21/22 has blossomed into a movement to get people active and running.

Yes, Fargo is in North Dakota. No, buffalo still don’t roam free. Yes there is electricity. No, the movie Fargo was not actually filmed in Fargo (go figure). Yes, it’s flat. I mean REALLY flat!!!

It all started in November when my good friend Heidi asked if I’d like to come run in one of the Fargo Marathon events with her. She was a runner back in high school and was quite an elite level at one time until being derailed by back surgery (which has prevented her from running) and taking time to start a family. After 10 years, she was ready to give running (and her back) another shot. With my sister already committed to running, I had to finally stop waffling and sign my name to the dotted line.

So now I was running Fargo (my home town) but spiritually, I really needed more. I’ve really been in a slump lately and I needed to stoke the fires. Heidi and I spoke one Saturday and came up with an idea. What if we tried to inspire others to run/walk with us. Not just runners…but friends, family, neighbors, kids and acquaintances who might need a nudge (or push) to get active and back on the healthy track. There’s nothing better than having others there by your side encouraging, helping and challenging you every step of the way.

So that’s where we are friends. In the first week, we already have over 35 people on our Facebook page and another 11 people confirmed participating in one of the weekend events (5K, 10K, 1/2 Marathon or Full Marathon). My running spirits couldn’t be higher and those that I’ve spoken to are equally inspired. With around 100 days remaining until the event, I’d like to officially challenge you to join us in Fargo, May 21 and May 22. Click the link below to go to our Facebook page and join the movement. Can’t make it to Fargo? Pass this along and help be a part of something I think is going to be pretty great.

The Fargo Fitness Challenge Facebook Page

RMFR

PRESS RELEASE

Off ‘N Running Tours to start training LA Runners in March for the Athens Classic Marathon this Fall to commemorate the original marathon’s 2,500 year anniversary.

January 29, 2010, Los Angeles, CA – Off ‘N Running Tours, a company dedicated to helping individuals improve their athletic performance, today announced a marathon training program designed to prepare California runners for the Athens Classic Marathon in October. The company will be training and sending hundreds of runners to Athens this Fall so they can take part in this historical yet challenging event along with thousands of other runners.

“We’ve been getting calls from runners all over Southern California who are excited about and interested in running the Athens race, but are concerned about whether they are ready. The Athens Classic Marathon is widely considered to be a difficult race. Runners will need to train for more than they normally would in order to finish this one and is the reason why we are offering a 33-week training program,” said Cheryl Anker, President & CEO of Off ‘N Running Tours.

The annual Athens Classic combines the past with the present, a past that gave rise to the concept of distance marathon races as we know them today. On October 31, 2010, approximately over 10 thousand runners from all over the world will run this event. They are attracted to the experience of running the world’s first marathon course, as well as the opportunity to see historical sites and experience Greek culture.

Starting in March and lasting for 33 weeks, Off ‘N Running Tours will be preparing hundreds of beginning and intermediate runners for this event through their Athens Marathon Training Program. The group will meet on weekend mornings in West Los Angeles/Beverly Hills. In addition to weekly runs, the program fee includes monthly training schedules, scenic training courses for group runs, along with supplementary articles to keep runners “in the know” about current trends in performance, nutrition and running.

For over 15 years, Off ‘N Running Tours has trained California runners for marathons all over the world, such as the LA Marathon, the New York Marathon, the Chicago Marathon, the BMO Vancouver Marathon, the San Francisco Marathon, the Mardi Gras Marathon and the Honolulu Marathon. In addition to marathon training, the company creates and manages convention races nationwide and guided running tours of California. For the association who wants to offer their convention attendees an energizing activity, the traveler who wants to see the Los Angeles area or the local runner who wants to prepare for their next marathon, Off ‘N Running Tours offers something for everyone.

The cost to participate in the training program is $300 for 33 weeks. To register or for more information, visit http://www.offnrunningtours.com/athens-marathon-training.html.

With a couple of weeks left of my self-induced month long rest, I’ve had time to finalize my race wish list for 2010. Of course, this is subject to change and still needs to by signed off on by my better half. I’m trying to run at least one more race per year and this year has five events on the schedule. Please let me know if you plan on running any of these races. I loved to meet you in person (just like Team Flash in Florida).

Walt Disney World Marathon
Orlando, Florida
January 10
Mission Complete

6 Tunnels Half Marathon or Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon or both?
Henderson, NV/Las Vegas, NV
March 13/March 6

I need to do a little more digging on these races. I ran the Red Rock half last year and it’s great. The course is run on the scenic drive that weaves through Red Rock Canyon and the views alone are worth the $70 entry fee (until 2/21). The inclines are steep and yes your legs will be put to the the test but the organization was great and the medals were a really nice surprise.

The 6 Tunnels half looks really cool and I’ve heard good things about it. It is all the way across the valley (Red Rock is literally 5 minutes from my house) but the course route follow an old railway line that was used in the building of Hoover Dam. It goes thru tunnels cut thru the mountains and there are views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam along the way. It happens to be a day before my wedding anniversary so I need to tread lightly on this one.

Fargo Marathon
Fargo, ND
May 22

Yes, I’ve finally committed and will be going home to run in the city I grew up in. After being lobbied by several friends for several years, my boyz and I will be going back to my roots. This will be another chance to run with my sister and I’m really excited to be running with one of my very good friends from high school who is going to run for the first time since a cervical spine fusion in 2000. They’re shooting for 20,000 runners this year so if you’re looking for a great race around this time, this one’s for you!!! Runner’s World ranked Fargo the 8th in the Top 10 marathons in the U.S. They’re also breaking off the 5K this year a day earlier and are offering participants the Go Far Challenge where you can race both the 5K and either the 10K, half or full marathon and earn a special medal (much like Disney’s Goofy’s Challange). Go Far in 2010!!!

Running With The Devil Half Marathon
Boulder City, NV
June 26

I almost ran this one last year but I think I was a little beat up. This is one of those “what are you thinking” races. The event ranges in distances from 5K to 50 miles but the kicker is the starting times. Each distance is planned to start so you’ll be racing during the hottest part of the day. This is June by the way and it’s the desert – you put two and two together and you’ll understand the race name. The marathon starts at 10 a.m. and the half starts at noon. The one good thing about this race is you don’t have to worry about getting up at 3 a.m. to make it to the corrals. Heck, you might even have a chance for a nap before the gun sounds.

Disneyland Half Marathon
Anaheim, CA
September 5 (Labor Day Weekend)

This will be my fourth year running this race and I can’t imagine not having this race on my schedule. This is the fifth year the race is being held (can’t believe I didn’t know about the first one) and they will be offering a special 5th year medal. This race will also complete my Coast to Coast Challenge – running Disney World and Disneyland in the same calendar year. The Angels won’t be in town again this year so that should mean the route will take us thru Anaheim Stadium again. It’s a crazy adrenaline rush and I’ve been know to walk that section just to spend a little more time in there.

Ragnar Relay
Valley of Fire to Las Vegas, NV
October 22-23

This is going to depend on two things and two things only. First, how is my body feeling and second, can I find a team this year. I was so excited that Ragnar came to Vegas last year. Since my fist expo when I picked up one of their brochures, I wanted to run this race. So last year, I thought I had a team all lined up and ready to go when it all just seemed to fade away. This year, I’m going to be looking high and low for a team. Whether I know you or not it won’t matter – just give me a holler and I’m there.

Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon
Las Vegas, NV
December 5

I plan to bookend my marathons this year. Last year’s inaugural Rock-n-Roll “rocked” and I expect more of the same next year. With over 23,000 participants last year, I’m fully expecting this race to boom in the next couple of years into one of the nations bigger marathons. The organization was top notch, running up and down the strip is crazy and the course is well thought out. Even though I struggled last year I still thought the whole experience was one of my favorite of the year.

So that’s it (for now). After looking over this list after I typed it, I realized that I could be doing 7-8 race this year. That’s double what I’ve ever run before so we’ll see how it goes. I can guarantee that Fargo, Disneyland and Las Vegas are in stone – the others will fall into place.

RMFR

Yes, it’s been well over a week since the Walt Disney World Marathon but it’s been a busy week (or should I say a laid back week away from computers)!!! I’m proud to report that my lil sis kicked a little tail and completed her first marathon with ease. While I’d love to say I coasted alongside her that would be lie. After tackling two marathons within 36 days, my body gave out around 15 miles and bursitis in my hip decided to pay me a visit. While I was able to hide it for awhile, I had to slow things down near the end and cost us a little quicker finish. Overall we made it home under 5 hours and Kirsten looked great. I’m sure you’ve read many reviews over the past week but here are a couple of my thoughts:

• Cold, cold, cold, cold. Although we were spared the rain that pelted the half marathoners the previous day, it was around 27º around start time. Yes, this was Florida!!! Luckily I brought enough clothes to wear multiple layers and used some spare socks over my gloves. Yes, this was Florida. The early water stops were ice rinks. Thankfully many volunteers were out warning runners or our day could have ended a lot earlier. Yes, this was Florida.
• Before the race, I got to meet Team Flash. After reading their site for so long it seems like I’ve known them forever. Great to hook up with you guys!!!
• We got to the corrals way too late. By the time we reached the starting area (much farther from the gathering area than we thought) we couldn’t get up my sisters corral (F) and just settled into the first one we could get into. This made things way more difficult than they should have been. It took all our effort in the first 10 miles just getting around the slower traffic.
• I was really disappointed that more of the race wasn’t run in the parks. I thought that they could have done a better job that would have afforded runners more time in a unique setting instead of the roads leading to and from the parks.
• I didn’t count but there sure seemed like a lot of on and off ramps.
• I’m not sure of the exact number of runners but it was well over 20,000. There were a lot of times where the roads narrowed and it seemed like the runners were really squeezed at some points.
• This is a review from the back of the pack. My sister and I both agreed that if we were able to get in the right corral and avoid the crowds, we probably would have had a little different view of the race.
• There’s nothing like family. With both our families and my parents cheering us on, it was great having the support (even if they were freezing). From the spectator side, they found it difficult to get around and see the race. There were tons of spectators and with limited viewing points available, it made for really crowded for families with young ones to get around

After reading this, the review of the race sounds pretty negative. While I would probably not run this race again, it wasn’t horrible. They saving grace was running Kirsten’s first marathon with her and our families cheering us on.

RMFR

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

This quote by Walt Disney is truly fitting for first time marathon runners this weekend at the Walt Disney World Marathon. That’s why we chose it for our race shirts. Not only will my sister and I be wearing these shirts during the race, our entire family will be cheering us on in them on Sunday. If you’re there, give Kirsten a big Runner’s Gang Sign salute!!!

RMFR

Well, we’re officially 6 days away from the Walt Disney World Marathon. With the Holidays and my recent running rut, it’s really snuck up on me. While training has been going well, it’s just kind of been there. It’s funny looking back. During the weeks leading up to the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon, all I could do was think and write about that race. Now here we are under a week away and this is basically the first post on this race. Well, ignored no more!!! Let’s get to it!!!

This race has been on the schedule now for more than a year. What started out as a gift from my wife, turned into something WAY more. Accompanying me in this race will be my sister Kirsten – her first marathon!!! It was supposed to have been a half marathon but there was no way I was flying across the country just for a half marathon. The die was cast and the challenged was accepted. My sister would be training and running in her first marathon.

After running the Disneyland Half Marathon now the last three years, I can’t wait to run an entire marathon with Disney. From the overall organization (minus the Expos), the excitement and the Disney atmosphere – this is going to a fun race no matter what happens.

They boast that the course has no more than 100 feet elevation change and with Orlando sitting at 98 feet above sea level, it should be fast (I hope). The only things I’m really concerned about is the humidity, crowds of runners squeezing thru tight sections and being strong supporting my sister. The course winds throughout all four parks with sections on roads surrounding the resort. They’ve also put together some race videos that take you along sections of the course as well as a Google Earth 3D tour (although I can’t get the plugin to work).

The best part about this weekend is that it has become a family event. Not only will my family be joining me, but my sisters entire family as well as my parents will be cheering us on!!! Everybody came out to Las Vegas to support me in my first marathon four years ago and it’s only fitting we all regroup and do the same thing for my lil sis!!!

I’ll be heading out Wednesday and won’t be back to Las Vegas the following Thursday (the wife and I are throwing in a long belated honeymoon – almost 12 years later). No worries about the website though, I’ll have posts scheduled for you all while I’m away.

Mickey…here we come!!!

RMFR

Where the Party Meets the Pavement. That’s the claim offered by US Road Sports & Entertainment Group and their series of 8 half marathons spread across the U.S. On Sunday, January 10, 2010, the 13.1 Marathon® Series will launch their latest half marathon in Los Angeles.

For one week only, you have the opportunity to win free entry to this inaugural event. Simply comment on this post and remember to enter your first and last name and an email I can reach you at. On Christmas Eve no less, we’ll choose someone at random and that person will receive a comp registration code!!!

I’m seriously disappointed I won’t be able to run in this event (I’ll be at the Walt Disney World Marathon) as the Santa Monica area is one of my favorite places.

(from press release)
13.1® Los Angeles will bring a fun and unforgettable race experience to one of Los Angeles’ most popular training grounds. Beginning and ending amidst ocean views along the Santa Monica Bay, the course will head South through iconic Venice Beach before heading East to Culver City, and returning to finish on hip Main Street in Downtown Venice. (click here for course map)

Both first-timer friendly and perfect for marathoners in training, 13.1® Los Angeles will offer a scenic and festive run along a closed course with fully supported aid stations, live entertainment, and medals for all finishers. This themed race celebrating the best of Los Angeles encourages participants and spectators to wear costumes and enjoy a race “Where the Party Meets the Pavement”.

If you don’t win the free entry, don’t worry, registration is open and priced at $70 thru January 3rd, it’s not going to break your wallet.

Bring on the comments runners and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.