Saturday, October 15, 2011

Hartford 5K recap

What a beautiful morning to run. I was pretty overwhelmed with the crowds, but it was a great electric atmosphere.

This morning I met up with friends from JaneDoeNoMore - a great little charity I met during the IBM Centennial celebration.   They were looking for runners, and while none came, I stepped up and took a shot.  Part of the deal was to find sponsors to sponsor me in the race - I cannot say thanks enough to the people who supported me.  They are all great people supporting a cause bigger than me.

Leon Borden
John and Nikki Gairing
Kathy (and Richie) Gairing
Will and Tracey Gairing
Ellie Gitter aka Gillette
Kelly Gitter
Ed Lovely
Erin Murphy
Bill Sweeny
Phyllis Waddell


Ok for the recap.  I ran in 29:14   While I had some breathing issues, I am real happy to finish after not really running for the last few weeks. I am still somewhat awestruck by the fans ringing the cowbells and high fiving us as we ran by. I can just imagine what the 1/2 will be like next yr. 

I can just imagine what my niece Kelly Gitter will be going through tomorrow in San Francisco - I am sure it will be a scene.  I am praying from the other coast and cant wait to hear about it after the race.

Couple of other mentions -
  • find a reason to run (or whatever)   it will spur you on.
  • Looking forward to my next race in a couple of weeks - 10/30  where I will do better with 2 weeks of running, and less PT
  • While not a big fan of LMFAO's Party Rock Anthem, before a race it certainly pumped me up.   I will have to add it to prerace warmups. 
  • Next time - maybe some workout thoughts and some inspirations. 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

It all starts here

Wow, I never would have thought I would have gotten this far.  Tonight I went to my first real race check in event.   Six months ago I was just another couch potato, but then so many things happened, all things that I hope to talk about at some point. 

  • My friend Tony entered a bet, and while he didn't win, he and I both won
  • My amazing niece challenged herself, and then me in a way I never expected
  • The daily inspiration from my wife and son
  • I met some wonderful charities which started me running not just for me, but for others 
  • and a life long journey began tonight. 
Tonight  -- October 13, 2011 I decided that I will run in the 2013 Walt Disney World marathon as part of team in training.   While I know that I have 15 months ahead of me, I know there are many miles between my 3 that I will run in the Hartford Marathon 5K and the 26.2 that I will run in my happiest place on earth.  

Through all of this, not only do I expect to talk about my, and my friends and family journey, but also the discoveries I find along the way.