West Palm Beach, Florida Makes 9 States

I thought I would never write this entry. Really, what can a person say about a marathon where he finishes 50 minutes after his PR? Should I go on some blame game about the stinking heat and humidity? I mean I could. The temperature was about 78 degrees or warmer, but that should account for about 25-30 minutes of delay. Besides, the good folks in Chicago faced a lot worse in October.


















Maybe I'll blame it on the fact that I saw the finish/start line 4 times before finishing the race. Now that is KILLER! Let me explain. In most marathons, we see this "line" twice, once at the begining and then again when we finish. But, that just won't do in West Palm Beach. Nope, in West Palm Beach you see this line at the start, then again at the half, and if that's not enough, again at mile 21, then finally...at the end. You might remember me making note of the effects passing a finish line to continue a race has on the runner's pschy when I wrote about that 20 mile no name race. Well, passing the finish line two times and one of those times is at mile 21 is simply heart wrenching.

There I am at mile 21, after having passed the finish line at 13.1 miles and then heading North through town for a complete butt whipping, looking at that bloody finish line once again. Just think about this for a moment. This time in a race is normally known as the "Wall", the place where all of your glycogen stores are empty and now you're burning fat inefficiently for energy. Your ability to solve simple math problems is seriously compromised, like 22+17=31. The size of the fight in you has been diminished to that of a peanut. If you usually have OCD, you now couldn't care less about stepping on that crack in the sidewalk. And forget smiling for photos. You are just seeking the finish. Then you look up, there it is (surprisingly soon), the finish line. The loud speaker has that ubiquitious voice of the guy calling out the names of the finishers. "Richard Fowler all the way in from Alabama, looking good Richard, gives us a smile as he finishes." The big band playing some cool music, "Celebrate good times, com on". Cow bells ringing relentlessly throughout the corridor and clapping, yelling and cheering. What a great time to be finishing - "I did it, I'm done!" Then, in a rare moment of lucidity, "Wait just a minute, this isn't the finish?" Everyone - and I mean everyone has their back turned to me. "I've been ostracized", I lament. "They're cheering for someone else. Dagnabit, I still have 5.2 miles to go!!" Now THAT will blow your mind.

After my woeful reality at mile 21, I continued on up Flaggler and made my way to the final few miles. Knowing that I would finish soon, I guess there's something redeemable about going by the finish line at 21 miles. This is me trying to stay positive - are you convinced?

When I finally finished I sat just near the bag pick-up right at the end of the finishers' chute. This extremely nice, little lady volunteer helped me so much. She accosted her husband and sent him off to retreive two cans of Coca-Cola, then just minutes later she trotted off to the Ruth's Chris tent and fixed me a little plate of lean steak and salty, shredded potatoes. Ahh, that was great. I got all my protein, carbs and electolytes replaced before I had to go any farther.

There were tents and celebrations happening all around me at the finish. I think the planners did an excellent job with the exhibitors. Even though I was just too pooped to consider visiting any of these vendors, I still much apreciated they're presence. The overall atmosphere was very festive. Florida is just too hard to beat when it comes to partying so, they have a headstart on other marathon locales.

That's just about it. I've covered the most important elements of my experience at West Palm Beach. I do have a few additional comments I can sum up here that may help you choose a marathon for next fall.

The Marthon of the Beaches is the very definition of a flat marathon. I do not remember even the slightest of inclines. I think this would be a fast one if you can get over passing the finish so many times and if you are blessed with cooler temperatures. I understand, however, that you should never expect cool temps in this part of Florida.

Flying into Palm Beach was simply a breeze. It's a fairly small airport and not very busy this time of year. I was a little surprized even when I was leaving because the small number of people does not reflect the reputation Palm Beach has as a resort location. You will have no trouble getting in and out.

No need to rent a car if you choose the right hotel. I stayed at the Hilton Garden Hotel on Worthington Road. This hotel is about a half mile from the Airport and less than a mile from the start line. They even offered a Free shuttle to and from the start. The shuttle bused you to the heart of Palm Beach on the hour or you could call the hotel and have the shuttle pick you up sooner. I guess the only thing I would have liked was to spend some time on the actual beach.

The beach was about a mile past the downtown area, but I was simply too lazy to find my way to the coast. That leads me to one final, albeit small criticism of this "Marathon of the Beaches", we never really ran along the beach since the race is completely on the intracoastal. I hoped we would spend a little time on Ocean Drive right along the beach, but really I knew better. I bet that could have saved us from passing the start/finish line so many times. But I'm certain the trade off would have included some unwanted hills, inclines or bridges, so I'm keeping my mouth shut on this.

Because I did not rent a car and I didn't want to be out too late the night before, I enjoyed a pasta dinner right in the hotel. Not too bad, although I don't think they could accomodate a large contigent of hungry, short tempered marathoners getting their last meal before execution. So if you plan on going with a group of runners, try a resturant in town for that customary pasta dinner.

Well, I've done it. I've journaled my experience at my 9th marathon on pursuit to 50. This event really tested my resolve. I can't recount how many times I wanted to quit. It even jeopordized my interest in going for a Boston qualify or completing 50 marathons.

I know so many folks who ran "that marathon", the one where they decided not to run another one. I understand these people now. Some of them never completed a single marathon due to an injury they suffered during their first one. Some finished that final marathon and their bodies have not been the same since. And some have walked off the course, completely dejected, exhausted, never having finished and not able to see themselves returning to the fray.

Good gracious! Any one of those could have and should have been me. 2006 Marine Corps Marathon, 2006 Tucson Marathon, 2007 Denver Marathon, 2007 Marathon of the Palm Beaches. These were all miserable experiences where my performance hardly qualifies me as a runner at all. They certainly are not indicative of a future Boston marathoner.

In spite of this, how is it that I enter January with a renewed, invigorated spirit to train hard, run fast and set a PR goal for the fall? I don't know - this running thing just still excites me so much. I guess it's OK that I cannot put my finger on it. I'm just delighted to be so blessed with this ability. The simple notion of locomotion - most of us do it, but not all of us can. I reckon that's something to hold on to. Many of my running buddies run faster than I - those I admire or maybe envy. Some of my running buddies run slower than I - those I appreciate and I know they're getting faster. But we're all runners.

There it is, 9 States down and 41 to go. For the next couple years I will focus solely on qualifying though - so only one marathon a year until I reach Boston. Never, never stop running.

My PR at the Dallas Turkey Trot

A PR is rare these days for me. I think my fastest marathon was only my second marathon back in 2005. Now, two years and 6 marathons later I have not come real close to repeating that. I did have a PR in a 5k this year when I ran the Camper Scamper but, I counted it as disappointment because I probably could have run that faster.

I would not let anything discourage my efforts on Turkey day this year. Previous two 8 mile trots I ran I planned not to run too hard. This year I decided to give it my best effort. That was so much fun. Oh sure, it hurts like heck, those blasted hills work your lungs, but it was well worth it. 64 minutes and some change. I was simply going for the 64 minutes. It is a great feeling when you set out to finish in a time and actually hit it. The funny thing is that there were times during the race when I fooled myself into believing I would come in under 60 minutes. It was mile 3 as I check my Garmin. 7:19 to complete that mile - it must have been all down hill. Reality would soon reemerge as I started making my way up the Houston St. Viaduct. Well, there's always next year, maybe I will finish under 60 minutes then.

20 Miles with Friends

I don't know what the name of this race is. Last year it was called the Texas Stampede. This year I think it's been named the Ascis Texas Twenty. Either way, today was a great day for a race. We started just below the American Airlines Center. Some of my friends were running the 10 mile race but, I ran the 20 mile race. One thing of note is: Most runners are like horses - when they see the finish line they're ready to quit. This race has the ominous reality of having a 20 mile course that is nothing more than 2 loops. Let me tell you passing right by the finish line to start the second loop is such a mind bender.

I committed to myself that when I passed by that finish for the start of my second loop I would do it with style and never look upon the finish or the festivities going on. That's just what I did. As I made my approach to the pseudo-finish someone in a loud speaker barked, "20 milers right, 10 milers left". So, eyes closed tight I dashed over the mat. I would keep them closed for as long as I could until I risked falling over. The next 10 miles would be a mind game of noting all the places I had passed before - a runner's funky deja vu.

The details of the rest of the run are not real exciting. My entry today is to take special note of a few good friends who waited for me at the real finish. They had run only 10 miles, because they're training for the year is at an end. Two of my buddies, however, did run the 20 miler but they were done more than 30 minutes before me. In any event, there they all were right at the end cheering me on. Run, Don! Go, Don! I could hear every single voice. I did not visibly acknowledge the screams though. I think it was my need to not let them down. They were cheering so I had to look my best and run my fastest. Their cheers could not be in vain, so when I saw them I started taking off faster to the finish. My sprint started a little too early because as I passed them my legs were wearing out. Then when their yelling started I was re-energized to run even harder. I pushed to the line with the voices of my friends encouraging me to finish strong. That was a lot of fun. Even though I'm just training for my last marathon of the year in December, I raced to my finish in this no-name 20 mile event.

So they should have left hours ago but, my friends stayed to watch me finish. And I was not going to let them down. Never, never stop running.

USA Olympic Men's Marathon Trials

Wow, what a day in running.

We had a Trials record set today for the men by Mr. Ryan Hall at 2:09:02. Congrats to him. So here is our team for the 2008 Olympic Marathon: 1. Ryan Hall, 2:09:02; Dathan Ritzenhein, 2:11:06(PR) and Hanson's Brian Sell, 2:11:40.

The American running community also suffered tragedy today at the same event. 28 year old Ryan Shay died today at the Men's Marathon Olympic Trials. He collapsed right near the 5 mile marker and was rushed to the hospital. Ryan was the 2003 USA Marathon Champion and was the the 2003 and 2004 USA half-marathon champion. He was a great American Runner and EAS "Work Horse". We will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his wife, Alicia.

Before we start speculating or nay saying on running and other related health issues let's wait. There has been no official word on Shay's cause of death.

Police Harassment - Highland Park, Texas

I must ask myself one question. Why would the Highland Park police department systematically harass morning runners by threatening to give them a ticket for running in the street rather than the sidewalk? Not to mention that "sidewalk" is counter intuitive to running, thus the term sideWALK. I'll get on to that later.

Really, maybe it's motivated by they genuine desire to ensure we (runners) are safe. Maybe somehow they must take the path of least resistance or effort to protect us. Perhaps they are unable to control automobile traffic on their roads. Let's just deal with this scenario for a minute. The crime rate in this most expensive and exclusive township in the Dallas metroplex is virtually non-existent. Yet Highland Park has a police force incapable of enforcing traffic ordinances on their streets despite the fact that they have very little else to do?? If this is the case, then I understand their need to push us up on the sidewalk where we can risk quite a bit more injury to ourselves. I suspect however, that this is not true. I submit testimony of the countless people I know who have been ticketed for exceeding speed limits there by just over 5 miles per hour. Sometimes the fines equal a hefty, monthly car note.

What's another scenario? We've been told that our morning runs are disturbing the morning commute of the citizens of this fair town. Plain and simple, this is horse hockey. Our morning running group runs as early as 5:30 am (usually 6am) and is always finished not later than 7:00am. And we run on the side of the road facing on-coming traffic and obey all traffic lights. BTW running in the road facing traffic is the ordinance of every other township in North Texas including the City of Dallas. This town is simply rich. In fact, it is the 41st wealthiest city in the United States. The median family in Highland Park, TX earns $200,000 annually. The households are made up of successful lawyers, doctors, independent business owners and CEOs. So, acknowledging the pink elephant, I don't anyone fitting these demographics who are required to be anyplace in a hurry at 6am each day. Could it be that the residents are pressed because their servants and gardeners are late in the morning because we runners are impeding their ability to get to work?

Sidewalk running is a joke, but no joke when somebody gets injured. These sidewalks in Highland Park are not evenly paved nor are they level. Since we run in the dark to avoid the Texas heat, we can't see a darn thing on these sidewalks. I know of two runners who have injured themselves from tripping over an obstacle on the sidewalk in HP. And several days during the Texas winter we face freezing conditions on the ground. Many of the HP homeowners somehow feel it is necessary to have GREEN grass throughout the winter and defiantly keep on their sprinkler timers. You know what comes next, a wet sidewalk now becomes an icy one that lies in wait for an unsuspecting, law abiding runner. Side note, I have run in Highland Park for 3 years now and cannot remember a Summer when every lawn was not green. This in the midst of some of our driest seasons in North Texas and still every lawn is green despite the entire Metroplex being under water restrictions. Just pay attention next summer as you go thru this town.

So what is our resolve? I really don't know. We faced this about 18 months ago and changed every route that ran us through that town to get us off their busiest streets. We could lodge a former complaint to the police in the town but, I don't think that really works. I really think this will pass after they earn a couple thousand dollars from writing us citations. It certainly will do us no good to argue with the police officer enforcing some imaginary ordinance that I still have not ever seen. He doesn't care and he's simply following orders or maybe he's going to push his weight around (quite considerable weight, too) for a couple of weeks. We will avoid him and any other HP cop though for the next several weeks until they've had a chance to calm down. Let's face it, this is the most exciting thing that happens in this town, and it makes perfect sense for a bored, under utilized police force to choose such an easy target for sport. The Honorable Mayor would have been good to send about half of the force to Southern California to assist with getting people back in their homes. It really would be a pleasant surprise to learn that the Mayor has done just that. I really doubt it though.

My resolve? No matter what town, no matter how absent minded the laws in that town, never, never stop running.

Great Week to Return to Running

I have had a good week of steady runs. On Monday, just one week after the marathon in Denver, I joined some friends for morning run. It was our regular Monday route. Funny thing is that it rained! I simply laughed at the notion that it would rain on my first day back to running. Considering how much cold rain I ran thru in Denver, coupled with the fact Dallas rarely sees rain. Of course, I went on out with the crew anyway. I started off feeling pretty good. Suddenly, after about 3 miles, my right foot started getting that spooky twinge in the plantar area. "Oh No", I gasped sotto voce, did I start off too fast? Could I possibly be developing Plantar fasciitis in my other foot? That's no good, nope, nope, nope that will never do. I stopped, stretched, walked, and repeated until I felt comfortable enough to get back. I did cut it rather short, only 4.4 miles total (the regular run is about 6 miles).

Walking in the rain again, what a blast.

No worries, Tuesday thru Thursday were fine with no return of the pain in the right foot. I think I just missed a potentially serious injury. I'm still suffering from the itis in my left foot I've had since April. The other foot would have been too much. I probably would have called off my marathon plans for December.

I'm so delighted to be running again.

Denver Marathon - Freakin', Freezin' Rain

What can I say about the Denver Marathon on Sunday, October 14, 2007? A lot of things can be said. Sure there was Gatorade and water every two miles or so and the usual amenities. Bands conspicuously absent, hmmm. Even a water stop at 26 miles…26 miles. I was so strong that I skipped that one. That would prove to be my only strength that day. The rain, the freakin’ freezin’ rain was pouring early on Sunday. We all hoped it would stop soon. In fact, moments before the start, the rain did let up but, we all kept on our plastic bags and Saturn logo ponchos, just in case. Those dang exhibitors, always wanting you to “register to win” a car or something just to get a thin poncho to protect yourself from the freakin’ freezin’ rain. Of course, we swarmed around to fill out the form like Chicago marathoners vying for water.

Eight thousand of us were on hand this day. The Air Force jet fly over was called off due to the poor weather conditions. Was this some indication of what the day would look like? After the National Anthem we went off to the start line. For some unnatural reason I climbed over the barricade to jump into the 3:30 crowd. Funny, I know. But, I was not wanting to make the same mistake I made in San Diego or at Marine Corps, (lining up too far back and fighting through waves of folks holding hands, etc). We started right in front of the State Capital building, adjacent to Civic Center Park. Great venue for a race start and finish. Anyway, as soon as the race started it began to rain again. WTH? That would be the last time there was no rain. Let’s not forget the temperature made it up to only 36 degrees that day. I don’t remember ever been so cold. I was chilled to the bone. By mile14 I remember not being able to even feel my arms. From the shoulders down people, I was completely numb. This would have been an exciting sensation if it had not been for the additional 12.2 miles I had to finish and the freakin’, freezin’ rain.

Enough on my misery, let’s talk more about the race. The route was actually very scenic. It wound through the entire city and passed by the Governor’s Mansion, Coors Field (Where the Colorado Rockies whisked their way into the World Series – on Monday the news was remarkably absent of any marathon day events because the Rockies took over the imagination of every sports fan), and the bizarre Arts Museum. See photo, this place has been known to cause vertigo in some visitors. We ran through City Park, Cheeseman Park, and Washington Park before we headed to the finish back at the Capital building.

Because of the rain I bet there was positively no bands to speak of. Imagine that, me and 8000 other people can run in the freakin’ freezin’ rain but a few bands coward at the notion of getting wet for the benefit of our entertainment. I do faintly remembering one house where there was music playing through some cheap speakers in an open doorway. I chuckled at the conscientious attitude of the Denver spectators. They were not out in full force, but they were all very friendly and supportive. It is what I’ve grown to enjoy. Chicago and New York are notoriously too crowded with fans and Tucson is simply deficient supporters whatsoever. Denver on the other hand, is just right. I imagine there would have been more, conditions permitting.

Don’t think that I have forgotten to mention that Denver is literally a mile high. For us sea level runners this is a pretty big deal. Somehow though, the freakin’, freezin’ rain overshadowed the altitude. Sure, I noticed the insufficient levels of oxygen circulating in my thighs and my lungs burned a bit after mile 18 but, it was no real big deal. I was surprised actually. I thought for certain I’d throw-up by mile 6 but, I was OK.

On the Thursday before the marathon I was in Denver and wow it was so pretty. Warm but not hot, sunny but not too bright. It was perfect.

Fridays are usually perfect for visiting marathon expos and Denver’s was no exception. The web site boasted of the over 100 vendors to expect at the expo. I’d say they were short by 50 as the ball room was pretty small in comparison to a Dallas, Marine Corps or Chicago expo. Somebody could have made a mint on selling those tyvek jackets and pants. What a missed opportunity.

I was blessed to stay with real good friends I’ve known for nearly two decades so I did not have the worries of hotel accommodations or even menus at some quaint, Italian restaurant. Another friend in Denver took me around every place I needed or wanted to go. Therefore, I did not bother with renting a car or concern myself with any transportation issues. Sorry, I have no advice on that. The official hotel was the Adams Mark though, so I’m sure it wasn’t the lowest cost place in town.

This year the Denver Marathon welcomed the disappointed and disenchanted participants of the Chicago Marathon that unceremoniously ended the previous Sunday. Interestingly enough, I met one of these at the Expo on Friday. She didn’t seem too worse for the wear, though I don’t know if she ever finished Denver. Just think about it, one week earlier these poor slobs ran the hottest marathon ever, then the very next week they face the opposite extreme. They just can’t catch a break.

Overall, a great experience. I would certainly recommend this one if you’re a fan of medium sized, fast marathons. It was not hilly at all, I remember two, mild inclines. The finishing 352 yards was a kool, downhill sweep to the tape. On my way to 50 marathons, one in each state – no, I’m not a member of any 50 in 50 club. This was a slightly ignominious marathon completion for me but, 8 down and 42 to go. Never, never, stop running.