5 Loaves 2 Fish 5K Update

I am excited to share that we have arranged for 2007 NCAA DI XC National Champ Josh McDougal to be part of our church's 5K.

The race will be held in lovely Eunice, LA on Valentine's Day 2009. All proceeds go to our local Relay for Life (American Cancer Society). Josh will be sharing his story and describing how faith fits into his life and his running.

For more info go to the race section of our church website.

Marathon Report

It has been a couple of weeks since I ran the Baton Rouge Beach Marathon and I have neglected to report a summary of the day.

The race was wonderfully well organized from packet pick up to start to route to post race fare. This was a relief, because the race's website had seemed really amateurish. I could not have asked for anything else.

The weather was fantastic in my opinion. About 35 at the start, barely hitting 50 at the finish. A little wind, but not worth complaining about.

Biggest crowd was running the half. So I ran the first lap constantly surrounded by people. However at the half the course suddenly was nearly empty. Fortunately I quickly connected with Bob from Cincinatti who was shooting for a similar finish as I was. Bob and I stuck together till about mile 21 or 22. At which point, my son jumped on the course and escorted me home.

It was by far my best home stretch of my three marathons. But I still would not wish them on my worst enemy. But thanks to a strong first lap and company on the second I headed to the finish ahead of my goal pace which took some pressure off.

I crossed the line at 3:54:39. Achieving my goal of breaking 4:00:00 and taking more than 14 minutes off my previous PR.

Which could explain why I plan to back next year!

Recovery was (and is) another story. Four days of agony. Six days before I could run again. Two weeks later I have only run four times and am currently nursing a very tender foot.

But did I mention I broke 4:00:00? No complaints here.

4 Days to Go....

Well really less than four since this day is nearing its close. But other than a 2 mile jog scheduled for Friday morning, I have finished training for my marathon. Now it is just time to wait....

And worry. Worry that because this is my third marathon I have made the mistake of not giving 26.2 miles the respect it will eventually wring from my body. Worry that moving my marathon up four weeks is going to leave me severely underprepared. Worry that instead of a PR I will have a PW (personal worst). Worry that the small crowd is going to make the marathon too gruelling mentally. Worry that....

Yeah, I am a blast to live with this week!

But the waiting will soon be over.