Marathon Man, advice welcome

[Rickypt]

I have just been accepted to run the 2007 Boston Marathon as part of a charity team.

This will be my first marathon. I was a long-distance runner in high school, but that was a very long time ago. I've been doing lots of cardio at the gym this year just to build up endurance. But now I need to get going with the "how to run a marathon with six months of training" program. From all the websites I've researched, it is doable as long as you focus on increasing your mileage on Sunday runs each week until you can run 22 miles or so.

Anyone here have experience with marathons, and particularly with this six month program? I'm kind of nervous.

[Ghost_Tracker]

I have just been accepted to run the 2007 Boston Marathon as part of a charity team.

This will be my first marathon. I was a long-distance runner in high school, but that was a very long time ago. I've been doing lots of cardio at the gym this year just to build up endurance. But now I need to get going with the "how to run a marathon with six months of training" program. From all the websites I've researched, it is doable as long as you focus on increasing your mileage on Sunday runs each week until you can run 22 miles or so.

Anyone here have experience with marathons, and particularly with this six month program? I'm kind of nervous.

My advice would be, "Find Samantha Power and tell her Tim says 'Hi' and that he thought her book was great." Of course, that's just me. :rolleyes:

Other than that, I would suggest doing lots of hills; except 'ya gotta remember that doing that puts more stress on your knees, hips etc. But running uphill works your leg muscles a little differently; a little more; etc. and helps you build strength and endurance.
And isn't there something called "carbo loading?"

[carrie721]

sorry, i don't have any marathon experience/knowledge, but i wanted to say congrats! that's really cool.

[Rickypt]

Other than that, I would suggest doing lots of hills

That's pretty much a given since I live in San Francisco! :laugh:

[irishgrl]

Good Luck! I applaud your ambition! do you already run up and down hills? where does the route take you?

[Rickypt]

Good Luck! I applaud your ambition! do you already run up and down hills? where does the route take you?

You mean my training route, or the Boston marathon route?

[JazmenFlowers]

get the "Couch to 5K" podcast. it is awesome. even though it's 5K, it will help build your endurance. good luck!!!!

[Rickypt]

get the "Couch to 5K" podcast. it is awesome. even though it's 5K, it will help build your endurance. good luck!!!!

I will do, thanks.:thumbsup:

[Rickypt]

sorry, i don't have any marathon experience/knowledge, but i wanted to say congrats! that's really cool.

Thanks, it's something I've always wanted to do and this is the right opportunity. I feel like I haven't really challenged myself much recently, physically or otherwise.

[carrie721]

Thanks, it's something I've always wanted to do and this is the right opportunity. I feel like I haven't really challenged myself much recently, physically or otherwise.

i know the feeling. for what it's worth, my friend who is a runner said that if you can run a half-marathon, the next 13 miles are all mental. i can't wait to hear about your progress!

[BlackWidow]

Hey Ryan!
You'll do great!!!

[Rickypt]

^ Thanks!

Another thing, I developed asthma as an adult, so I'm a little concerned about how that will impact the run. My asthma is induced by allergies and April will be right in the middle of my bad season.

I figure since I'm not racing or anything, the goal will just be to finish and if I have to walk from time to time, then so be it.

[BlackWidow]

^^^
That's a healthy attitude.
Just..Do your best!!!

[Rickypt]

The course:

http://www.factmonster.com/spot/marathoncourse.html

[BlackWidow]

The course:

http://www.factmonster.com/spot/marathoncourse.html

You will have a blast!:thumbsup:

[skcin]

^ Thanks!

Another thing, I developed asthma as an adult, so I'm a little concerned about how that will impact the run. My asthma is induced by allergies and April will be right in the middle of my bad season.

I figure since I'm not racing or anything, the goal will just be to finish and if I have to walk from time to time, then so be it.

First of all, good for you! :thumbsup:

Secondly, just make sure you have whatever allergy meds you usually take on hand. Of course, you don't want to get doped up on Benadryl :laugh: , but Claritin or something similar might be OK.

To be honest, it may not even be a real issue for you. Boston & San Fran might be worlds apart as far as allergens go. Different weeds, trees, pollen, etc. You'd be surprised what a difference there is in allergy symptoms just a few hours away, let alone across the country.

How bad is your asthma? If you don't have an Albuterol/Proventil inhaler, you should get one just in case. It's a bronchodilator, and taking 2 puffs about 20-30 minutes before you run should help prevent an asthma attack. If your asthma is really bad, you really should be on a more long term med, like Advair. These meds aren't used for acute asthma exacerbations, you take them long term to prevent attacks from happening.


And where the hell is Sparky? He was training for a triatholon a while back, he might have some good advice.

[Rickypt]

First of all, good for you! :thumbsup:

Secondly, just make sure you have whatever allergy meds you usually take on hand. Of course, you don't want to get doped up on Benadryl :laugh: , but Claritin or something similar might be OK.

To be honest, it may not even be a real issue for you. Boston & San Fran might be worlds apart as far as allergens go. Different weeds, trees, pollen, etc. You'd be surprised what a difference there is in allergy symptoms just a few hours away, let alone across the country.

How bad is your asthma? If you don't have an Albuterol/Proventil inhaler, you should get one just in case. It's a bronchodilator, and taking 2 puffs about 20-30 minutes before you run should help prevent an asthma attack. If your asthma is really bad, you really should be on a more long term med, like Advair. These meds aren't used for acute asthma exacerbations, you take them long term to prevent attacks from happening.


And where the hell is Sparky? He was training for a triatholon a while back, he might have some good advice.

Ha, I can't even move on Benadryl!

Actually, my allergies are worse on the east coast. I'm a mess in DC around April, especially with the damn cherry blossoms. Maybe it's different in Boston. I don't believe I've been there during the spring.

My asthma isn't too bad, and is sporadic. I have albuterol inhaler but rarely use it. I'll make sure I do the puffs before the run, though.

[BlackWidow]

^^
So..how much are you training now???
My friend Ed just did a half iron man here in L.A.

[MacMan]

I've done a bunch of full marathons... and a bunch of half marathons.... Some relays races... and ONE attempt at a sprint or half Ironman... Which I totally sucked at and won't try again :distress:

The best time I had was running the Chicago marathon... That was a rush, not only cause you are running with about 30,000 people... but it was my first full marathon... and it was such a blast to finish it.. I was so high from it... Tired, but extremely happy!

For my first half marathon and the first full marathon - me and a running buddy of mine followed Hal Higdon's training programs which worked out really great.

Here are some links. This is the main Hal Higdon site: http://www.halhigdon.com/#marathon

And this is the 18 week program that I followed: http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm

Good luck!

[Rickypt]

And this is the 18 week program that I followed: http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm

Good luck!

Thanks! That's exactly the program I am following.

Black Widow--right now, I'm just running about 3 miles per day to build endurance. On Sunday, I will run about 5 miles as my first "long run" and starting next week, I will follow the Hal Higdon program.

[BlackWidow]

Thanks! That's exactly the program I am following.

Black Widow--right now, I'm just running about 3 miles per day to build endurance. On Sunday, I will run about 5 miles as my first "long run" and starting next week, I will follow the Hal Higdon program.

That is so cool.
I just quit smoking..so i can start running....:nod:

[MacMan]

Another thing that I did was keep a log or a diary of the days I ran, the miles run, the time it took to run those miles... a bunch of details like time of day... outside temp.. whether it was raining or not.. that sort of thing. It helped you see if any paterns developed like the obvious if you ate well that day, drank enough water and if it effected your run. Plus, later down the road to look back at it was kind of neat.

[BlackWidow]

^^^
Good idea...I would do that...

[Rickypt]

Yes, it's a great idea. I bought a journal the other day and plan to start my log tomorrow.

[Rickypt]

An update:

Last Sunday I ran 13 miles, and I'm on track with my "novice" training. I can't believe when I first started this thread, I was only running about 3 miles at a time and now I'm up to 13. This is the first week I can really visualize finishing the marathon.

And I've raised 2/3rds of my fundraising commitment.

And I want to be a novelist, what do you think.

KIDDING

Anyway....

[BTFLCHLD]

I was only running about 3 miles at a time and now I'm up to 13 Amazing Ryan... great job! :thumbsup: I am excited about April.

[skcin]

An update:

Last Sunday I ran 13 miles, and I'm on track with my "novice" training. I can't believe when I first started this thread, I was only running about 3 miles at a time and now I'm up to 13. This is the first week I can really visualize finishing the marathon.

And I've raised 2/3rds of my fundraising commitment.

And I want to be a novelist, what do you think.

KIDDING

Anyway....


Wow, that's great! The running, I mean - I don't know about the novelist aspirations. :cool:

[sasja]

Ryan, congratulations! That is TRULY awesome.

Things like that, running the marathon... or being a novelist.. :D Are all about the DOING like you are, not the talking!

I bow down in awe. WAY of going about achieving a goal.

Sasja

[HomerMcvie]

I think you're gonna make a fantastic novelist! Good luck!:nod: :nod: :nod:

[JazmenFlowers]

Good Luck!

[golden braid]

:thumbsup: Good going, Ryan! I can't imagine running 13 miles and forget 22 miles. Ugh! Keep up the good work.

[gldstwmn]

The course:

http://www.factmonster.com/spot/marathoncourse.html

Just meditate and focus and envision yourself seeing that Citgo sign. Patrick Roy used to meditate on the net getting smaller and smaller before each game. It got him pretty far.
Get good shoes. Hydrate. And do your 6 month training. Congratulations. It's a wonderful thing you're doing, not only for your own sense of accomplisment but for the charity as well.

[carrie721]

An update:

Last Sunday I ran 13 miles, and I'm on track with my "novice" training. I can't believe when I first started this thread, I was only running about 3 miles at a time and now I'm up to 13. This is the first week I can really visualize finishing the marathon.

And I've raised 2/3rds of my fundraising commitment.

you rock. it's such an amazing thing you're doing.

And I want to be a novelist, what do you think.

KIDDING

Anyway....

oh ryan. :laugh: :laugh:

[BlackWidow]

I have just been accepted to run the 2007 Boston Marathon as part of a charity team.

This will be my first marathon. I was a long-distance runner in high school, but that was a very long time ago. I've been doing lots of cardio at the gym this year just to build up endurance. But now I need to get going with the "how to run a marathon with six months of training" program. From all the websites I've researched, it is doable as long as you focus on increasing your mileage on Sunday runs each week until you can run 22 miles or so.

Anyone here have experience with marathons, and particularly with this six month program? I'm kind of nervous.

I am so proud of you! My little baby is growing up now.....:rolleyes: :p :thumbsup:

[BlackWidow]

Just meditate and focus and envision yourself seeing that Citgo sign. Patrick Roy used to meditate on the net getting smaller and smaller before each game. It got him pretty far.
Get good shoes. Hydrate. And do your 6 month training. Congratulations. It's a wonderful thing you're doing, not only for your own sense of accomplisment but for the charity as well.

..good advice, Chris!!!:thumbsup:

[Rickypt]

Thanks for the encouragement and advice! :thumbsup:

[Rickypt]

So, an update. :D

Today I ran 18 miles, the longest run of my training. I was supposed to be up to 20 miles for my long run today but I had a couple of setbacks in recent weeks, including allergies/asthma and a case of justdidn'tf*kingfeellikerunningalongrunisitus one week. ;)

Thankfully, I now begin tapering for the final three weeks. I have enjoyed getting back into shape and challenging myself, but these really long runs are hard and lonely.

Next update will be after I complete the marathon. If you don't hear from me, well, a landslide or a heart attack will have brought me down.

Also, I have raised $3,371 for the American Liver Foundation in honor of my late partner and my ALF team has raised $500,000 so far! Special shout out to my first donor, Niki! :xoxo:

[skcin]

^ Good for you Ryan! :thumbsup:

[Rickypt]

Tomorrow is the Boston marathon. My first marathon ever and it will be during a nor'easter. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/04/14/marathoners_ready_set_shiver?mode=PF

Marathoners: Ready, set, shiver
Authorities brace for weather, mobilize medical help

By Brian MacQuarrie, Globe Staff | April 14, 2007

With a nasty brew of heavy rain, cold, and headwinds forecast for Monday, authorities are scrambling to mitigate the misery of 23,000 runners in what could rank among the worst conditions in the history of the Boston Marathon.

More than 1,200 medical personnel will line the 26.2-mile course, waiting to treat runners for hypothermia or injuries. School buses will be converted to emergency shelters, and communities along the route are considering using public buildings as heated sanctuaries for shivering dropouts.

"It's extremely disappointing," race director Dave McGillivray said of the forecast, which called for heavy rain and easterly winds as high as 20 miles per hour.

As arriving runners looked to the skies yesterday, the Boston Athletic Association ratcheted up preparations for the 111th edition of the race, the world's oldest continuous marathon competition. The race has never been canceled because of weather, and Guy Morse, executive director of the BAA, said that only a major snowfall would stop this one.

"We'd only do if it there's a public safety issue." Morse said of a postponement or cancellation of the race, scheduled to start at 10 a.m. in Hopkinton.

The wheelchair race is also scheduled to proceed as scheduled, said BAA spokesman Jack Fleming.

Despite the dreary forecast, marathoners who picked up their numbers yesterday at the Hynes Convention Center seemed stoic about the weather, even excited about the extra challenge.

"If you've lived around here, you've trained in worse weather," said Tom Licciardello, 57, of North Andover, who will be running his 31st consecutive Boston Marathon. "If it's going to be bad, I hope it's really bad, because it will be an epic that you can tell your grandchildren, and it'll get bigger every year."

The National Weather Service predicted yesterday that the worst weather would hammer the region tomorrow night, with heavy rain and winds up to 30 miles per hour. The rain is expected to lighten by late Monday morning, but meteorologists said the storm might not moderate before noon, when the frontrunners are nearing the finish line at Copley Square.

In addition to potentially heavy rain and stiff winds, meteorologist Alan Dunham said marathoners could face temperatures no higher than the low 40s.

McGillivray said the conditions could slow the leaders by two or more minutes and back-of-the-packers by a half-hour.

Although the number of medical personnel will be the same as it has been for recent Boston Marathons, McGillivray said that a fleet of 500 buses, which are normally used to ferry runners and clothing bags back and forth from Hopkinton, will do double-duty this year as dry, heated shelters along the course.

The Red Cross also will be stationed at 25 locations along the route, as usual, and three tents for serious emergencies will be spaced along the hilly course. McGillivray said the BAA will try to provide heaters for many of those posts.

In addition, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency will have up to 100 staff members at its bunker in Framingham, said Peter Judge, the agency spokesman.

"There's no specific template for this," Judge said. "There's concern, obviously, but we feel comfortable about the safety of the runners, as long as they take precaution."

Deveda Mah, a psychologist and marathoner from Edmonton, Alberta , said she was crestfallen when she heard a rumor that the race could be canceled. Mah recently finished chemotherapy and radiation treatment for breast cancer, but she is a long-distance fanatic who has been looking forward to running her second Boston Marathon this year.

Mah said her doctors do not know she is running Monday. "I think I'm OK; I'm feeling better," said Mah, who flashed an ear-to-ear smile as she held her race number, 17398. "At least I have my hair back," she said of the effects of chemotherapy and radiation. "I'm so happy."

Mah said that she is not concerned about the weather, but that she will not take the elements lightly and will dress appropriately.

For marathoners, dressing appropriately will mean layers of noncotton clothing, staying hydrated, and paying strict attention to any symptoms of hypothermia.

If hypothermia develops, runners will discover that they "are going to be physically cold, and they'll be shivering," said Chris Troyanos, medical coordinator for the race. "When the shivering stops, that's an absolute sign that you need to seek medical attention. And by that time, it's very difficult to deal with."

In addition to layers, Troyanos recommended that runners wear a wool or stocking hat to retain some of the body heat that escapes through the head and gloves or mittens. He said he expects 5 to 8 percent of the runners to need treatment.

Dr. John Boyle, a runner and orthopedist from Beverly, advised runners with hypothermic symptoms to "get off the course and get into warm clothing." This will definitely be a problem if it's raining, because you lose body heat much quicker if you're wet."

Troyanos also urged runners "to take some responsibility as far as the decision-making process about whether this is the right thing for them."

Marathoners also need a good exit strategy, Troyanos said, in which they can meet their families and loved ones quickly after the race. Otherwise, standing after the finish in Copley Square, which traditionally is a windy and cold place, will be an invitation for hypothermia.

John Powers and Raja Mishra of the Globe staff and Globe correspondent Amanda Bergeron contributed to this report. Brian MacQuarrie can be reached at [email protected].

[golden braid]

^^ Good luck tomorrow! Those conditions sound dreadful. I hope it turns out to be better than they expect.

[Rickypt]

^^ Good luck tomorrow! Those conditions sound dreadful. I hope it turns out to be better than they expect.

Thanks...me too. I'm quite nervous and have to go out and buy all new clothes. And the marathon keeps sending emails about how to avoid hypothermia. But then the emails end with things like "have a great time"! :rolleyes:

[carrie721]

omg ryan, that is crazy! good luck to you - i'll be thinking of you. :nod:

[BTFLCHLD]

ryan...please post your progress link here so we can all keep tabs on you.

I recd the link via email but I am unable to locate the email. :(

run ryan run :thumbsup:

[Rickypt]

ryan...please post your progress link here so we can all keep tabs on you.

I recd the link via email but I am unable to locate the email. :(

run ryan run :thumbsup:

:xoxo: :xoxo: :xoxo:

www.baa.org

Bib number 19755

Apparently the website will change tomorrow morning and will be obvious how to track. I start at 10:30ish am EST.

[BlackWidow]

:xoxo: :xoxo: :xoxo:

www.baa.org

Bib number 19755

Apparently the website will change tomorrow morning and will be obvious how to track. I start at 10:30ish am EST.

Good luck, baby!!:nod:

[AliceLover]

The weather is so horrendous out right now. I am just outside of Boston and we are literally smack dab in the middle of a noreaster. The power of this wind and rain is unbelievable. And they still haven't canceled it. Good Luck Ryan!!!

[BTFLCHLD]

http://www.baa.org/2007/cf/Public/TrackingIndividual.cfm

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/ryan.jpg">

50 MPG winds :shocked:

[BTFLCHLD]

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/ryan3.jpg">

baby is kicking ass!

run ryan run :thumbsup:

[BTFLCHLD]

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/ryan4.jpg">

WOW! :]

[BTFLCHLD]

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/ryan5.jpg">

I am one proud momma! :thumbsup: :laugh:

Go Ryan Baby Go!!! <img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/cheerleader3.gif">

[BTFLCHLD]

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/ryan6.jpg">

Only 5k to go! That Ryan is amazing!! :]

[mikeschmike]

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c292/mikeschmike/20070416121709990001.jpg

Nice to see the rain didn't get Ryan's spirits down.

Just kidding of course. Way to go!:nod:

[skcin]

Well, even though he's not my baby & I'm not his mama, I'm really really excited for him. Go Ryan! :thumbsup:

[BTFLCHLD]

:p paula :laugh:

I haven't recd an update...I hope everything is OK. <img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/42.gif">

[skcin]

^ I'm sure it is. Of course, he is without a doubt freezing his ass off. :( It's brutally cold here, windy & freezing rain - I'm sure Boston's just as bad.

[BTFLCHLD]

I need not have worried...he did it!
Paula, I can not imagine running in those conditions.

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/ryan8.jpg">

[BTFLCHLD]

<img src="http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a152/BTFLCHLD/WTG.gif">

[carrie721]

ryan rocks!

[skcin]

ryan rocks!

^ He really does.

[Rickypt]

Wow, wow, wow....what an amazing experience. I can't believe I missed breaking 5 hours by 8 seconds. I even sprinted at the end to try breaking five!

But so happy and so exhausted. Would like to post about the experience. I even had Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks moments along the way. But this will wait until tomorrow because I can barely move!

[BTFLCHLD]

aww Ryan...get some rest! Thanks for checking in :D

[skcin]

Congratulations Ryan! :blob1:

[strandinthewind]

I suggest a massage!

And, congrats!!!!!!!

Do you have any pics of you in the race?

[JazmenFlowers]

that's my boy! good for you! :blob2:

[Rickypt]

Do you have any pics of you in the race?

Yes! ...and just learning of the Virginia Tech shooting. Feels weird to celebrate my own thing today.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/RickyPT/Ryanboston-1.jpg

[strandinthewind]

HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can do the Stairmaster for 45 minutes and then ride the bike or run on the treadmill for 20 -30 minutes - but I am unsure I could do 22 miles :eek:

[MacMan]

You can do a marathon if you set your mind to it and train... I've done a number of them... It's been about 4 years since my last one and I still can't believe I actually did that much running.... It's hard, but gratifying....

Congratulations on finishing!! Those conditions must have been a major test on you... You could probably do any marathon anywhere now if you managed this one!!

[strandinthewind]

I am pretty sure I could do it. I have a very high endurance. Maybe one day!

[BlackWidow]

Wow, wow, wow....what an amazing experience. I can't believe I missed breaking 5 hours by 8 seconds. I even sprinted at the end to try breaking five!

But so happy and so exhausted. Would like to post about the experience. I even had Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks moments along the way. But this will wait until tomorrow because I can barely move!

So proud of you!!!! :blob1: :blob1: :blob1:

[BTFLCHLD]

Thanks for the pic Ryan! Dang you look good! :thumbsup:

[golden braid]

Congratulations, Ryan! That's a great picture of you too. :blob2:

[JazmenFlowers]

Yes! ...and just learning of the Virginia Tech shooting. Feels weird to celebrate my own thing today.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/RickyPT/Ryanboston-1.jpg
my hero!!!

[catinthedark]

wow, ryan. i totally bow down. congratulations. you must feel great.

i'm a runner, but i am NOT a distance runner. i really, really admire people who take on this kind of challenge. way to go. :)

[BlackWidow]

Yes! ...and just learning of the Virginia Tech shooting. Feels weird to celebrate my own thing today.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/RickyPT/Ryanboston-1.jpg

You rock, baby!!!:thumbsup:

[SuzeQuze]

HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can do the Stairmaster for 45 minutes and then ride the bike or run on the treadmill for 20 -30 minutes - but I am unsure I could do 22 miles :eek:

It's 26.2 miles! :eek: My roommate ran it twice and said never again.

Congratulations Ryan!!! Can I still contribute to the cause?

[Rickypt]

It's 26.2 miles! :eek: My roommate ran it twice and said never again.

Congratulations Ryan!!! Can I still contribute to the cause?

Yes, thank you! I'll PM you the link. :xoxo:

Yeah, I thought about correcting Strand....I wish it had only been 22 miles! Maybe I would be able to walk today!

Thanks for the congratulations, everyone! And special thanks to Niki for tracking me and all the encouragement. She was my first donor and supporter! :xoxo:

MacMan is right. It's all about the training. You just increase the long run every week so that you can prepare your body for that kind of distance. I did hit the "wall" at mile 23 or so and it was hell trying to finish. But you just do it because there's no way you can get that far without finishing.

[Rickypt]

Here's an email I sent to family and friends that describes the experience a little bit.

Hey everyone,

I thought of calling this update "How Could I Miss Beating Five Hours By Eight Measly Seconds?"

As many of you already know, I finished the Boston Marathon in 5 hours and 8 seconds. Fortunately, breaking 5 hours was never a goal of mine (in fact was not something I thought I'd even come close to doing). Although I did sprint like mad at the end when I saw that it was a possibility. Which was insane, given that I was cramping, but it was a bit of a crowd-pleaser since everyone else was walking or limping to the finish at that point.

Anyway, it's impossible to describe the experience in an email. I was really having the time of my life for the first 17 miles. Then came the hills and they really took it out of me. At mile 23, I started having severe cramps in both legs and thought I would have to drop out. I decided that I would just walk/limp to the finish line, but the crowd (mainly drunk college students at this point) was screaming my name and something took over that allowed me to start running again.

The best part of the marathon was the crowd. There were people all along the route cheering us on. Lots of kids giving high-fives and handing out oranges and water. One Boston College student ran with me for a block screaming "no one can take this away from you". Then he ran back to his keg. I love events like this-when people who ordinarily would never have anything to do with one another come together for a common experience.

I also wanted to let you know that I learned quite a bit about the work of the American Liver Foundation at the team dinner. The ALF is funding a variety of interesting research projects, including several focused on the type of cancer that Gil died from. The keynote speaker was a mother of a 5 year old who has a rare liver disease. Obviously, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

So, the end of this story. Over $3,700 raised and a marathon completed. And I'm finding myself researching courses of other marathons, so maybe I have a crazy new hobby!

Thank you again for all of the support, donations, and encouragement. It was a great way to honor Gil's memory and I'm glad you were all a part of it!

[BlackWidow]

^^^^ Woo-Hoo!!!

[sara1998]

Here's an email I sent to family and friends that describes the experience a little bit.

Hey everyone,

I thought of calling this update "How Could I Miss Beating Five Hours By Eight Measly Seconds?"

As many of you already know, I finished the Boston Marathon in 5 hours and 8 seconds. Fortunately, breaking 5 hours was never a goal of mine (in fact was not something I thought I'd even come close to doing). Although I did sprint like mad at the end when I saw that it was a possibility. Which was insane, given that I was cramping, but it was a bit of a crowd-pleaser since everyone else was walking or limping to the finish at that point.

Anyway, it's impossible to describe the experience in an email. I was really having the time of my life for the first 17 miles. Then came the hills and they really took it out of me. At mile 23, I started having severe cramps in both legs and thought I would have to drop out. I decided that I would just walk/limp to the finish line, but the crowd (mainly drunk college students at this point) was screaming my name and something took over that allowed me to start running again.

The best part of the marathon was the crowd. There were people all along the route cheering us on. Lots of kids giving high-fives and handing out oranges and water. One Boston College student ran with me for a block screaming "no one can take this away from you". Then he ran back to his keg. I love events like this-when people who ordinarily would never have anything to do with one another come together for a common experience.

I also wanted to let you know that I learned quite a bit about the work of the American Liver Foundation at the team dinner. The ALF is funding a variety of interesting research projects, including several focused on the type of cancer that Gil died from. The keynote speaker was a mother of a 5 year old who has a rare liver disease. Obviously, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

So, the end of this story. Over $3,700 raised and a marathon completed. And I'm finding myself researching courses of other marathons, so maybe I have a crazy new hobby!

Thank you again for all of the support, donations, and encouragement. It was a great way to honor Gil's memory and I'm glad you were all a part of it!

This put tears in my eyes. You are quite the man, and I have a lot of respect for you.
Way to honor Gil's memory. Congratulations.

[BlackWidow]

This put tears in my eyes. You are quite the man, and I have a lot of respect for you.
Way to honor Gil's memory. Congratulations.

Ryan is a class act!:nod:

[strandinthewind]

. . . Yeah, I thought about correcting Strand . . . .

She's the only one allowed :p

Seriously, congrats and what a great way to raise money!

[Rickypt]

The official pics are coming in. Here is the finish. I can't get a bigger version until I buy it.


http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/RickyPT/finish.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/RickyPT/finish2.jpg

[JazmenFlowers]

^^^
awww! that's awesome. :blob1:

[Rickypt]

One last story: the Petty/Stevie connection. Right before "Heartbreak Hill" (a long hill at mile 20.5--total killer), there was a radio station booth blasting music to get us pumped. Right before I started HB Hill, they started playing "American Girl". This is one of my favorite Petty songs and of course brought back great memories of watching Stevie singing backup last year and banging on her tambo.

After that song was "The Rising", one of my favorite Springsteen songs.

Once I cleared the hill, I decided to put a Stevie song in my mind to help me keep the rhythm. I chose "Fall From Grace". The rocking version, not the boring Vegas one, and she hit the notes in my mind. ;)

I kept playing that one over and over for about 30 minutes....it really helped a lot!

[The Tower]

Ryan,

You are such a kind, amazing and inspirational person. I am really proud of you. Congratulations on conquering this challenging feat!!

Love and :xoxo: ,
Chris

[Rickypt]

^^ Thank you, Chris

And I didn't want to bump up the thread, but I had to post a pic of the beautiful cake my coworkers just surprised me with to celebrate the marathon.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/RickyPT/RyansCake003.jpg

[golden braid]

^^ That's awesome. Congrats. Are you going to run in another marathon now?

[BlackWidow]

^^ Thank you, Chris

And I didn't want to bump up the thread, but I had to post a pic of the beautiful cake my coworkers just surprised me with to celebrate the marathon.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/RickyPT/RyansCake003.jpg

How cool is that!!!???
Are you coming to L.A. soon??

[Rickypt]

^^ That's awesome. Congrats. Are you going to run in another marathon now?

Yes, New York 2008.

[Rickypt]

How cool is that!!!???
Are you coming to L.A. soon??

Hoping to come this summer for a little vacation! Wanted to go see Jaz, but will be out of town. :(

[strandinthewind]

^^ Thank you, Chris

And I didn't want to bump up the thread, but I had to post a pic of the beautiful cake my coworkers just surprised me with to celebrate the marathon.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c122/RickyPT/RyansCake003.jpg

As if you could be sweeter :shrug:

Seriously, that is great to be recognized like that!!!!

[BlackWidow]

Hoping to come this summer for a little vacation! Wanted to go see Jaz, but will be out of town. :(

Do let me know.