I Was Selfish!
First of all,
There was bad news and there was good news.
The bad news? I am no longer a member of the “almost marathon” club. I am an actual marathon runner. I completed the Las Vegas Marathon in December 7th in 6 hours 4 minutes and 22 seconds.
Preparation
I decided a while ago to be selfish for this competition. I was going to look out for me this time. I did not contact the usual podcasts. I didn’t make the usual announcements. I was in this one for me. I didn’t want to hex it.
I was almost superstitious about it. I wore different socks, different shorts, different shirt and a different hat. I wore a Chicago shirt that I trained in for both of my marathons! After all, I couldn’t let Chicago totally defeat me.
My best friend in the entire world, Tom, went with me to Las Vegas. I’ve known Tom since Junior High School. We got a package travel plan a while before the travel dates. Tom had talked to his family and explained our plans to them. They decided to drive up from Phoenix and support the cause. We had Tom’s Mom Peggy, Dad Don, Brother Don, Nancy (Don’s wife) and the kids, Julia and Mitch. What a support team I ended up with.
The first night, Tom and I went to the expo as soon as we had the rental car. That would save us time for later. I got the bib, the paper chip and the goody bag. I did buy 3 Powerbars, 5 Hammer gels, “26.2” gizmo socks, a pair of sunglasses, a hat and a coffee mug. I guess that I had confidence this time around
The Great Las Vegas Santa Run!
We agreed as a group to participate in the 2008 Las Vegas Great Santa Run. It is an annual Las Vegas charity event that set the Guiness Book world record in 2007 (since defeated). 6 of us participated in the 5K. Don and Tom ran with Mitch and Julia. Their time was 45:30. Nancy and I walked it in 55:44. Of course, all of us were wearing Santa suits! It was a fun way to spend the morning. Afterward, we all went to the MGM Grand and had an excellent buffet.
The Quiet Before The Storm!
Soon after that, I went into solitude mode. I went back to the room and started preparing for the event. I guess that everyone has their own routine. I know that I have mine. I took out my lists and my equipment and got to work. As the race was to start at 6:05 AM the next morning, I got to bed at about 8:30 PM. I set the alarm clock for 4:00 AM.
I guess that I slept the night before fairly well. I did not think that I did. Tom said that he came in at around 9:15 PM. I heard him come in, but do not remember much after that. I woke at about 3:50 AM. I waited a few minutes but turned off the alarm before it went off.
I turned on one light. I started the coffee pot. I went through my morning ablutions and got dressed. Tom and I were out the door by 4:45 AM. We went to Don’s room and he opened the door. He had been waiting for us in the dark. We started the drive to the start line.
Ever been to Las Vegas? The Las Vegas Strip is slow at the best of times. It was nigh on impossible to approach the Mandalay Bay on that day. Don drove as close as he could get. It was a trial. I finally got out about 2 long blocks from the start line. I moved in and joined the gathering runners within a few hundred feet from the start. When the announcement booth started up it was 5:35 AM.
Time passed slowly. It was a cool morning, but almost perfect for a long race. I was dressed minimally. It was cool but I knew that after the start I would get warm soon enough.
The Marathon
The wheelchairs started at 5:55 AM.
They moved us up to the starting line after that start. Before I was ready, they started the race. To my right, the skies suddenly lit up with fireworks! We began to run and our way was lit with that barrage of explosions. It was a spectacular way to start. As we ran down the famous Las Vegas Strip, many of the casinos put greetings on their marquees as we passed them. Very cool!
The beginning of the race had throngs of spectators lining the strip. I did bring the cell phone this time. After following the rules at Chicago, I decided to always run with a cell phone, legal or not. It makes no sense not to have one.
I carried 3 Hammer nutrition gels (they were in my hat). I ingested them every 30 minutes. I had 2 banana Powerbars for run time after that and I also had Hammer Perpetuem mixed up and ready. I was also using Hammer Endurolyte capsules. I took 2 every 30 minutes until toward the end.
I did take the Flip Ultra video, but did not use it during the run. I did take some videos before the event started. I did not take my iPod nano or the nike+ system for this run. I wanted to experience it!
As I said, I was selfish this time around. I was in this one for me. I treated it as a long run (practice). I talked to other runners, but didn’t take names. Wearing a “Chicago” shirt, I either talked to others or they talked to me. Happened several times! There are some strong opinions regarding the Chicago Marathon!
Before the half-marathon runners and the marathon runners separated, near the downtown area, the run-through chapel was situated. Several couples either were married or renewed their vows. Of course, wedding cake was offered to all of the runners. (Nope, I didn’t take any…)
The two races split just before the downtown area. Volunteers directed the half-marathoners to the left and the marathoners to the right. Of course, the runners took up the call! “Half-crazy to the left! Fully crazy to the right!” was heard many a time. This is it, I thought to myself. Now I am committed (or should that have been committable?)
The most interesting part of this long run was the strip and the downtown area. There is nothing in the world like running North on the Las Vegas strip. Casino after casino. Very cool.
After that, streets all seemed to look the same. There were long sections of many-laned streets with high brick walls. There weren’t many spectators on the street but there were quite a few that were observing us from over the walls!
There was a clock at every mile. Most miles either had water or Gatorade. Some had both. It was easy to track progress and pace.
I passed the 13.1 mile chip reader at 2:44:53. I figured I would have a 6 hour finish. Undaunted, feeling very good, I trudged on. The batteries gave out on my Garmin 205 soon after the half-way point.
Concentration and the Run
I used many mantras as I ran. They were based on 26.2 miles. The first 10 were the legs – Easy. The second 10 was the brain – Somewhat tougher.
I used two mantras in miles 10 to 20. One was simply, “Breathe,” as I timed my run to a pace. The other was the remaining miles in the set.
The final 6.2 were broken up as follows:
20 to 21 – My Doctor, Nathan Persoff (he started me running).
21 to 22 – A Podcast that supported me in this endeavor.
23 to 24 – A fellow runner that has inspired me.
24 to 25 – Very special friends and supporters.
25 to 26 – Family, work and close friends.
26 to 26.2 – Tom Martin, who was coach, friend, fan and major supporter!
I repeated the names over and over as I placed one foot in front of the other!
At times, I thought that the large casinos would never come into view, but slowly, they did. When I finally saw the Mandalay Bay (starting and stopping point), it became my focus as it got closer and closer.
The Finish!
I never really doubted the finish on this race. I sure felt a lot better when I was at the casino. As I ran by the parking complex, Tom was at a door! He greeted me when he recognized me! I was very glad to see him! Instead of saying that, though, I asked how far it was to the finish. He told me it was a half-mile!
Half a mile! I am doing this one! I suddenly felt great! Tom was taking pictures and cheering me on. I kept going. I glanced over to the doorway again and there were Tom’s parents. They were waving and cheering me on!
Tom said that the others were at the 26 mile mark. I moved on! I saw the others and threw my arms into the air! Mitch ran up and started to run alongside. Julia soon joined us. I turned the corner and saw the chute! I couldn’t help it as my eyes teared up and I got emotional.
I ran up to a lady runner. I told her that we need to cross the finish line and I expected her to beat this Grey-haired guy. She smiled, touched my shoulder, and told me that we should go for it. “Lead on,” I said, “Lead on!”
We took off. I took the glove off my right hand and tucked it in my belt. I grabbed my hat off my head, held it, and raised both arms! I ran over the finish line! I am a marathoner!!!!!
There was bad news and there was good news.
The bad news? I am no longer a member of the “almost marathon” club. I am an actual marathon runner. I completed the Las Vegas Marathon in December 7th in 6 hours 4 minutes and 22 seconds.
Preparation
I decided a while ago to be selfish for this competition. I was going to look out for me this time. I did not contact the usual podcasts. I didn’t make the usual announcements. I was in this one for me. I didn’t want to hex it.
I was almost superstitious about it. I wore different socks, different shorts, different shirt and a different hat. I wore a Chicago shirt that I trained in for both of my marathons! After all, I couldn’t let Chicago totally defeat me.
My best friend in the entire world, Tom, went with me to Las Vegas. I’ve known Tom since Junior High School. We got a package travel plan a while before the travel dates. Tom had talked to his family and explained our plans to them. They decided to drive up from Phoenix and support the cause. We had Tom’s Mom Peggy, Dad Don, Brother Don, Nancy (Don’s wife) and the kids, Julia and Mitch. What a support team I ended up with.
The first night, Tom and I went to the expo as soon as we had the rental car. That would save us time for later. I got the bib, the paper chip and the goody bag. I did buy 3 Powerbars, 5 Hammer gels, “26.2” gizmo socks, a pair of sunglasses, a hat and a coffee mug. I guess that I had confidence this time around
The Great Las Vegas Santa Run!
We agreed as a group to participate in the 2008 Las Vegas Great Santa Run. It is an annual Las Vegas charity event that set the Guiness Book world record in 2007 (since defeated). 6 of us participated in the 5K. Don and Tom ran with Mitch and Julia. Their time was 45:30. Nancy and I walked it in 55:44. Of course, all of us were wearing Santa suits! It was a fun way to spend the morning. Afterward, we all went to the MGM Grand and had an excellent buffet.
The Quiet Before The Storm!
Soon after that, I went into solitude mode. I went back to the room and started preparing for the event. I guess that everyone has their own routine. I know that I have mine. I took out my lists and my equipment and got to work. As the race was to start at 6:05 AM the next morning, I got to bed at about 8:30 PM. I set the alarm clock for 4:00 AM.
I guess that I slept the night before fairly well. I did not think that I did. Tom said that he came in at around 9:15 PM. I heard him come in, but do not remember much after that. I woke at about 3:50 AM. I waited a few minutes but turned off the alarm before it went off.
I turned on one light. I started the coffee pot. I went through my morning ablutions and got dressed. Tom and I were out the door by 4:45 AM. We went to Don’s room and he opened the door. He had been waiting for us in the dark. We started the drive to the start line.
Ever been to Las Vegas? The Las Vegas Strip is slow at the best of times. It was nigh on impossible to approach the Mandalay Bay on that day. Don drove as close as he could get. It was a trial. I finally got out about 2 long blocks from the start line. I moved in and joined the gathering runners within a few hundred feet from the start. When the announcement booth started up it was 5:35 AM.
Time passed slowly. It was a cool morning, but almost perfect for a long race. I was dressed minimally. It was cool but I knew that after the start I would get warm soon enough.
The Marathon
The wheelchairs started at 5:55 AM.
They moved us up to the starting line after that start. Before I was ready, they started the race. To my right, the skies suddenly lit up with fireworks! We began to run and our way was lit with that barrage of explosions. It was a spectacular way to start. As we ran down the famous Las Vegas Strip, many of the casinos put greetings on their marquees as we passed them. Very cool!
The beginning of the race had throngs of spectators lining the strip. I did bring the cell phone this time. After following the rules at Chicago, I decided to always run with a cell phone, legal or not. It makes no sense not to have one.
I carried 3 Hammer nutrition gels (they were in my hat). I ingested them every 30 minutes. I had 2 banana Powerbars for run time after that and I also had Hammer Perpetuem mixed up and ready. I was also using Hammer Endurolyte capsules. I took 2 every 30 minutes until toward the end.
I did take the Flip Ultra video, but did not use it during the run. I did take some videos before the event started. I did not take my iPod nano or the nike+ system for this run. I wanted to experience it!
As I said, I was selfish this time around. I was in this one for me. I treated it as a long run (practice). I talked to other runners, but didn’t take names. Wearing a “Chicago” shirt, I either talked to others or they talked to me. Happened several times! There are some strong opinions regarding the Chicago Marathon!
Before the half-marathon runners and the marathon runners separated, near the downtown area, the run-through chapel was situated. Several couples either were married or renewed their vows. Of course, wedding cake was offered to all of the runners. (Nope, I didn’t take any…)
The two races split just before the downtown area. Volunteers directed the half-marathoners to the left and the marathoners to the right. Of course, the runners took up the call! “Half-crazy to the left! Fully crazy to the right!” was heard many a time. This is it, I thought to myself. Now I am committed (or should that have been committable?)
The most interesting part of this long run was the strip and the downtown area. There is nothing in the world like running North on the Las Vegas strip. Casino after casino. Very cool.
After that, streets all seemed to look the same. There were long sections of many-laned streets with high brick walls. There weren’t many spectators on the street but there were quite a few that were observing us from over the walls!
There was a clock at every mile. Most miles either had water or Gatorade. Some had both. It was easy to track progress and pace.
I passed the 13.1 mile chip reader at 2:44:53. I figured I would have a 6 hour finish. Undaunted, feeling very good, I trudged on. The batteries gave out on my Garmin 205 soon after the half-way point.
Concentration and the Run
I used many mantras as I ran. They were based on 26.2 miles. The first 10 were the legs – Easy. The second 10 was the brain – Somewhat tougher.
I used two mantras in miles 10 to 20. One was simply, “Breathe,” as I timed my run to a pace. The other was the remaining miles in the set.
The final 6.2 were broken up as follows:
20 to 21 – My Doctor, Nathan Persoff (he started me running).
21 to 22 – A Podcast that supported me in this endeavor.
23 to 24 – A fellow runner that has inspired me.
24 to 25 – Very special friends and supporters.
25 to 26 – Family, work and close friends.
26 to 26.2 – Tom Martin, who was coach, friend, fan and major supporter!
I repeated the names over and over as I placed one foot in front of the other!
At times, I thought that the large casinos would never come into view, but slowly, they did. When I finally saw the Mandalay Bay (starting and stopping point), it became my focus as it got closer and closer.
The Finish!
I never really doubted the finish on this race. I sure felt a lot better when I was at the casino. As I ran by the parking complex, Tom was at a door! He greeted me when he recognized me! I was very glad to see him! Instead of saying that, though, I asked how far it was to the finish. He told me it was a half-mile!
Half a mile! I am doing this one! I suddenly felt great! Tom was taking pictures and cheering me on. I kept going. I glanced over to the doorway again and there were Tom’s parents. They were waving and cheering me on!
Tom said that the others were at the 26 mile mark. I moved on! I saw the others and threw my arms into the air! Mitch ran up and started to run alongside. Julia soon joined us. I turned the corner and saw the chute! I couldn’t help it as my eyes teared up and I got emotional.
I ran up to a lady runner. I told her that we need to cross the finish line and I expected her to beat this Grey-haired guy. She smiled, touched my shoulder, and told me that we should go for it. “Lead on,” I said, “Lead on!”
We took off. I took the glove off my right hand and tucked it in my belt. I grabbed my hat off my head, held it, and raised both arms! I ran over the finish line! I am a marathoner!!!!!
posted by CewTwo at 3:25 PM
25 Comments:
Charlie, I have tears in my eyes. I felt like I was running with you. You did it!! You are a MARATHONER!! Well done. I am SOOOO proud of you my friend. I hope to join your club someday. You are a true inspiration:)!!!
Charlie, I enjoyed reading every word of your race report. Having run Las Vegas last year you brought back some fond memories but most of all I loved hearing how confident you were during the race. It is clear that you were prepared to handle every step of this race. Those DNF demons were going to go down hard!
I'm so very proud of you. Yes, YOU, Charlie. Way to go!!!
What a great race report, Charlie! IT felt like we were there with you.
I'm so glad you jumped back up on the marathon horse. You needed it.
Congratulations on a race well run!
Great report. You finish like me, find the pretty girls and get a hug! Question?? did you get to keep the two in the photo with Elvis?
You had a great attitude going into the marathon. That is not being selfish. In some way we all have things we need to do our way. Didn't Frank Sinatra a famous LV entertainer sing "I Did it My Way". You certainly did and I hope you will do it again.
Way to go!!! Happy to hear you had a great time finishing your first marathon, which I'm sure will be the first in many! You now have a personal record to beat.
What a fabulous race report! Your excitement is still palpable long after the race is finished and I'm so happy for you! This is something you will never forget and nobody can ever take away from you. Wear your medal with pride my friend!
Oh Charlie! I am crying! What an excellent tale! And that medal is AWESOME! I have already told Chasen that LV is in our future!!!
Your racing confidence is definitely inspiring. You are a MARATHONER!!!!!! I am so proud of you.
A million Congratulations, Marathoner Charlie!
Appreciated reading your report... remembering 3 years ago when we ran Las Vegas.. getting to the start line, the fireworks, the strip.. the neighborhoods without lawns... great volunteers...
And the finish!!
Charlie, thanks for sharing. Very proud of you. Great race report by the way. The pic of you and Elvis is classic.
Excellent job my friend! I really enjoyed your race report. You finished very strong. It is always a good idea to kiss the pretty girls.
Great report!! My wife (LIrunner9) said it first and best, so I will just say, congratulations!!
You did do it. We knew you would and I know you knew it too. I love the video, it made me smile and get teary. I am so proud of you. You overcame so much and fought hard. Rest up.
Great account! But why did it start so early? Because of the temperature? Waking up at 4 am is already a big challenge! ahahah
Congratulations, Charlie! I knew you had it in you! And that's the coolest finish photo ever! This will definitely give me the inspiration for WDW! And after your report, I'm adding LV to my running bucket list! *HUG*
Oh, I'm so happy for you! A big congrats. Sounds like this was a great marathon. I loved seeing Vegas again. And, the medal is, oh so beautiful.
Loved the movie clip! There's all the proof we need!
Charlie - I'm SO late to this post and I DID know you'd finished but wow - I'm sitting here crying at your wonderful report. You're amazing! What an achievement! Not just the marathon - though that's pretty amazing - but the fact that you picked yourself up after that experience (I still feel responsible for getting you there - so, so sorry) and got your head round doing this amazing thing. Not selfish. At all. Fabulous!
Loved your report Charlie, I was there, especially in the 2d half! I liked the way you broke it down in sections and worked on each section. Late in a marathon I start relating to a five mile run I know, a four mile out and back race I did once, any old 5K I think of, a two mile run near my house and finally my neighborhood mile as I grind through the miles in the twenties. It's the only thing that saves me from walking. Great job!
You bet Charlie I recognized the Breathe. That run in the crunchy snow in the Denver Park is one of my faves of all time, and I appreciated meeting Tom and Molly & Blynken & Wynken & Nod. You come to DC, or I'll be in Denver, and we'll run again. Next time out there, I want to go on the paths along the rivers (Cherry Creek or the Platte). I can't wait for the journey, fellow marathoner.
Thanks for the tips, Charlie! I'll test out HEED along with the "pancake batter" this weekend, (that is, if this blanket of snow will disappear by tomorrow)!
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Charlie, to Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar! You deserved it!!! Congrats
I wish I can get a treadmill. But with an impending move, it's easier just to wait! Hope all is well and you're still basking in the post-marathon glow!
When's the next marathon?
How are you doing?
Best wishes for your New Year.
Thanks for the comment... so glad to know you are OK.. and Running!
.. Looking forward to your return to your blog. Best wishes.
Way to GO! I am crying reading this! How very exciting for you! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
You are a Marathoner!
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