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

No, this isn’t about politics. In fact, I’m about the least political person you’ll ever meet. This is unfortunately about my rash of injuries so far this year and just goes to show, anything can happen at any time. Blessed with an injury free 2009, it’s coming back to me tenfold.

It all started during the Walt Disney World Marathon. While trying to be the “pillar of strength” for my sister in her first marathon, it turned into an intense internal battle with bursitis in my hip. It struck without warning and I hadn’t experienced it since three years earlier when it took a month of rest to fully recover.

Another visitor came calling just two weeks later. My phantom ankle injury came out of nowhere. I couldn’t tell you when or how it happened, but one morning I could barely walk. After applying the R.I.C.E. (Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevate.) rule to this unwelcome visitor for a week, it left as quickly as it appeared.

Now comes the latest in this short but crazy year. My achilles is now as tight as a knot and sore as can be. This one I felt coming and have taken measures to control the pain as much as possible. Thank goodness for Ben Gay Pain Relieving Patches and KT Tape, I’ve been able to work through it.

These are all taking place on the left side of my body. Even though I’ve waiting until one ailment is healing/healed, one injury is compounding the next.

With only a week and a half remaining until the Red Rock Marathon and Half Marathon, I can’t afford another week off. I’ve already canceled my back-to-back halfs and will then concentrate on getting ready for the Fargo Marathon in May.

I’ll sprinkle a prayer for all of you that are injury free in the hope that you stay that way.

RMFR

I’ve been waiting over 4+ years for this to happen. I’d read about. Heard runners talk about it on countless occasions and always felt left out. Never having the experience I couldn’t add anything of substance to their conversations. I didn’t want to be the one to admit it had never happened to me. I thought if you were a “real” runner it would just happen because you were a real runner.

Yes friends, I finally have my first black toenail!!! I was beginning to think that I was immune from this running phenomenon. Maybe I just picked really good shoes and socks all this time. Funny thing is, this didn’t happen until I actually purchased a little larger shoe.

It happened during the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon. That was the race I received the dual blisters of contrasting colors. As the weeks passed, I noticed that a toenail my left foot was a little redder than the others. After the Walt Disney World Marathon it was a lovely purple that I proudly displayed wearing sandals in the Bahamas. Now a couple of weeks later, it has finally faded to black. Now I have to admit that the whole toenail isn’t black. The bottom half has returned to its normal color but I’ve gone to the rule book and it counts.

Have you had your runner’s right of passage?

RMFR

Well my 1 month, self-imposed layoff didn’t go to well. After three weeks off, I couldn’t take it anymore and started running again this morning. The last time the bursitis in my hip flared up, I took a month off and all was good. I didn’t feel my hip after my first week so I think I’ll be OK. I’m also going to start this first training period going back to a shorter, mid-foot stride to take some of the pressure off of my hip, knees and arches. Towards the end of last year, my stride was really long and may have contributed to my injuries at the Walt Disney World Marathon.

I am really excited about something a couple friends and I are going to be doing for the Fargo Marathon. After running my first marathon, I’ve continually been looking for something more from running than just technical tees and medals. The details haven’t been totally worked out yet but I will let you know this week what’s going on. I’m hoping many of you will be able to participate.

RMFR

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

First, let me apologize for not pounding out the posts like usual. Following the Walt Disney World Marathon and a vacation immediately after, I’ve been playing catchup at work and at home. It’s actually been nice being away from the computer for a change.

I’m worn out – physically and mentally. I know I’m not the most active distance runner. Last year I only ran 2 halfs and 1 full marathon (I guess I can throw in the Walt Disney Marathon in January since it was only 35 days after the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon). I’m not a Maniac nor do I consider myself a “seasoned” runner either, but I’m beat.

A couple of warning signs that reared their ugly head:

• Bursitis – During Walt Disney, it popped up in my hip again. Funny thing is, there were no warning signs. I hadn’t felt anything in any of my training runs leading up to the event nor did it bother me in the Las Vegas event. The last time I had to deal with it, I rested for a month and that was that.
• Arches – The one thing that has been nagging me are my arches. Even before the Las Vegas Marathon I was trying to find ways to elevate the discomfort I was feeling. I have custom orthodics but I actually ran Las Vegas in my Sof Sole Custom Insoles. That change didn’t help so I’m hoping rest will.
• Brain Fatigue – As mentioned in a couple of previous posts, I haven’t been totally there upstairs as of late (relating to running). I haven’t been as gung-ho as I usually am. Running hasn’t been as joyful as it usually is and I’m hoping this break will full charge that battery.

With all that said, I know that urges are still there. In fact, the Tuesday following the Walt Disney Marathon, I participated in a 5K on Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island in the Bahamas – yes, my wife and I went on a Disney Cruise following the marathon). Even though my calves were in knots, how many times am I going to get to run an event in the Bahamas? The first mile hurt like hell but the overall run felt really, really good and I’m glad I did it.

So that’s the story and I’m sticking to it. It’s been 2 weeks off so far and I’m probably going to throw in 1-2 more. I’m trying to add a race every year and have a tentative schedule already planned out for this year and I’ll share that soon. Until then, 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

I remember my first marathon four years ago. I had trained for an entire year, lost 65 pounds and hit the wall at 18 miles. I finished with my entire family cheering me on and sat around thinking about how hard I worked and how proud I was to accomplish something big!!!

Last year, my wife surprised me with a great gift. The first part involved entry into the 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon. The second part was that my sister, Kirsten, was going to run with me. She wasn’t officially a runner but I’m sure she had spent some time on the treadmill before this. What was supposed to be a half marathon turned into a full when I selectively listened to my wife and happened to “not hear” the half and just heard marathon. Not one to back out, she dutifully accepted the challenge.

With some advice from me and I’m sure plenty of advice from her husband Jonathan (who had previously completed a marathon), she set a course to get ready for January 10, 2010.

Her first goal was to run a marathon relay at the Fargo Marathon back in May. Her and the Cobber Chicks kicked some arse and she caught the running bug. Not satisfied with only running 6 1/2 miles, her next step in this journey was the Dick Beardsley 1/2 Marathon in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She finished in glorious fashion in just under 2:07 and I couldn’t have been more proud!!!

This has set us up to where we are now…four days away from her first marathon!!! I’ve always tried to encourage people to run. I know what kind of difference it’s made in my life and more specifically my health, and if there’s a way I can get one more person to walk out the door and start running, I’ve done my part. Hopefully she’ll be a runner for life – if I have any say about it!!!

The fact that I actually get to run with her is an honor and I know that when we cross that finish line, there will be tears shed. Kirst, I’m so proud of you and I can’t wait to celebrate your first marathon it just 4 days!!!

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