Sixteen Seconds!

Completed my 6th marathon here in Chicago Sunday, October 22 and almost nailed my predict time right on. Was gunning for 5:15 and chip time was 5:15:16. It was the first marathon that I deliberately ran slow. Did a run/walk training thing this summer and did the 5 min run 1 minute walk on Sunday. Goal was 12 min pace and right at 12:01. It was an interesting summer training and I had more fun than one old man should have had during the marathon. Was all over the course, flirting with girls, grabbing spirit beads from one group then handing them off to little kids with their parents who didn't have any beads. Was chilly around 35-38 degrees, wind gusts and high humidity but it didn't matter at all. I was alive and moving. I was shocked at the big crowd of spectators despite the nasty weather.

I just have to quit smoking and see what I could do with my running with clear lungs and a clear conscience. I've cut corners with my training but really haven't gotten by with anything. I have to run under 4 hours to qualify for the Boston Marathon. At this point, I've done all the marathons I want to do for fun. The next one has to be a fast one, which is another level of fun. I have to find the guts to do my hardest training ever....STOP SMOKING!

I committed to the run/walk program this year because I had heard so much about it and some people love it. I did it, but mentally I just couldn't adapt. Once I get in the zone with running, I just have to keep running to feel good about myself.

Different strokes for different folks. Not original, but it holds true.

"All We Are Is Dust In The Wind"
Later
Sam