Posts Tagged ‘fundraising’
Bayshore Marathon is in the books
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.
