Dan Holmes.com

Why is it unseasonably warm every time I run a marathon? One thing is for sure, when I’m scheduled to run 26.2, you can count on a clear, sunny day. It was in the low 70s and sunny last Saturday when I crossed the finish line for my second marathon, this one the Bayshore in Traverse City.

The conditions were perfect, the course was very flat, and I ran strong. My official time was 3:47:16 - nearly 12 minutes faster than my first marathon, which I ran in Nashville in April of 2007. For the record, I finished 411th out of 1,263 runners. I was 72nd out of 145 men aged 40-49.

I was feeling very good through the 18-mile mark, and then I started to tighten up. I gutted out the last 8 miles or so, really slowing my pace. Should I run another marathon, my goal is to run a more even “split” - meaning that my first half (which I ran in 1:48 this time) and second half (which I ran in 1:58) are nearly identical or at least much closer.

Those of you who pledged my run, thank you! I raised nearly $2,000 for Dakoske/Phoenix Treatment Center. The money will go to help pay the cost of drug and alcohol treatment for their patients. Also, for the rest of you, there’s still time to pledge.

If you pledged, you’ll receive a pledge packet in the next few days with details of where to send your check and how your money helps.

I appreciate everyone’s generosity so much. It’s a great cause. I was overwhelmed by the outpuring of donations and also good wishes for my run. I really felt like I was running for a purpose, which helps when you’re logging 26-plus miles. By the way, a funny thing happened on Saturday morning - I missed my ride to the race! My neighbor knocked on my door, but I had biked down to the store to pick up a few carb boosters for the race. When I got back, she was gone, and I didn’t have a ride across town. So, I rode my bike the 3 miles to the start and was there in time for the gun. Phew!

I loved the race and I’m sure I’ll do another marathon in the future. For now, I’m looking forward to some short runs with the Traverse City Track Club, and a marathon relay in August in Crystal Lake. If there’s anyone who wants to run the relay as part of my team, email me. You’ll only have to do a five-miler.

Until next time, keep on running.

In May, on my oldest daughters sixth birthday, I’m running the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City, MI. In an effort to raise awareness of alcohol and drug addiction, I’m asking for pledges to raise enough money to send one person through an addiction treatment center.

Each year, there are more than 20,000 alcohol-induced deaths in the U.S., including more than 12,000 from liver disease. In addition, roughly 50,000 people die each year from their use of illegal drugs. Many of those who suffer the most are people who cannot afford the treatment, spend time incarcerated, and re-offend and relapse later, with devastating results for themselves and their families.

According to the Center for Disease Control and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, professional treatment in rehab centers or medical facilities is one of the best methods for breaking the cycle of addiction. Participants are much more likely to stay sober than those who do not receive this valuable treatment.

Dakoske/Phoenix treatment center in Traverse City, MI, has helped thousands of addicts (alcohol and illicit drugs) get clean since they were established more than 15 years ago. You can learn more about Dakoske/Phoenix at their website.

The average stay in the center is 21 days, with costs of $160 per day. Many of the candidates for this program do not have the means to pay for their treatment. The local, state, and federal governments assist where they can. I’m asking you to help me send one candidate through the treatment center. That cost is $3,360.

Last year, as some of you may recall, I ran the Nashville Marathon and raised more than $1,200 for the fight against Multiple Sclerosis. Please help me reach my goal this year to help battle addiction. Fill out the pledge form for whatever amount you can afford - $1, $5, $20, or more. Your gift is tax-deductible.

You will not be asked to make any payments online today. Your pledge will be recorded, and in June you’ll receive a letter asking you to send your pledged amount to Dakoske/Phoenix treatment center. I’ll also include details of my run and some information on addiction treatment, as I know it’s something we’re all touched by.

If you have any questions about my Run for Recovery, please leave a comment here or leave a comment when filling out the pledge form.