I did it!

Hello all. Sorry about the delayed marathon highlights! I posted details on facebook and then noticed that generosity was still coming my way via the blog. Thanks again for all your support and donations. I am excited to have accomplished a lifetime goal in a way that helps memorialize a wonderful person.

Marathon Highlights:
Well, I chose the Munich marathon partly because I love beer. Which I am not sure proved to be a good thing when combined with a Marathon. I felt sincerely tourchered in Munich the day before the race without having the ability to fully indulge and run a marathon the next day. I opted for a few beers early in the day and a neck cookie to hold me over until after the race.

The weather the day before the race was a little horrid. This scared us, so Kelley and I helped the German economy by purchasing large amounts of running gear at the expo. I am now officially equipped to run a marathon in pouring down rain, hail, snow, …. you name it.

Fortunately we did not have to brave the elements. The race day weather was perfect. A little brisk, but perfect for running. And that we did. Kelley saw me off at the start and got back in line finished her first 10k (or any race for that matter). Then I saw her several times through the marathon route cheering me on. I think she may have had enough energy to run a marathon herself!

My run was great. I started behind the 4:40 pacemaker and was feeling good. So about mile 10/12, I surged ahead at my own pace. There were several bands along the route and lots of families cheering people on. I had my ipod play list masterfully choreographed. To the point that I had to remember not to waste my energy dancing during the route. Run first dance later!

One of the highlights advertised about the route was the NA beer offered towards the end. While a good thematic effort, I wanted nothing of the such when I passed the stands around mile 22. At that point I was ready to get things done! The route went through Olympic park, circled around the entire outside of the stadium (a little anti-climatic) and then entered the stadium for the finishing lap IN the Olympic stadium. Very cool. Chariots of Fire was coming to mind etc.

My Dad and Sylvia were in the stadium stands jumping out of their seats when I was completing the finishing lap. Sylvia took hundreds of pictures of me looking gross, sweaty and tired, and she even recorded the announcer saying my name, country, job, time, etc!

Post race included climbing the 13,000 steps to get back outside the Olympic Stadium, walking all around the park to return my time chip, showering, eating delicious pizza and beer, then getting on the overnight train that arrived back in Differdange at 8:15am. Only to teach my first class at 8:45 am! As my students would say, “still wearing my armor from the night before”.

It was a wonderful time and I would not change a thing.

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