Following Directions

Coaches told us only 3 SHORT EASY runs this week so that is what I did this morning. 30 minutes total on a very cold morning. Felt good. I pick it up again tomorrow morning....

Playlist cont'd (other entries on previous posts)

"Beginnings" Chicago
"Magic Power" Triumph
"Lean on Me" Club Nouveau
"Acroyal, Standing in Motion" Yanni
"Then Came You" Dionne Warwick"
"Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" Elton John and Anastacia
"Falling Out of Love" Ivan Neville
"God Only Knows" The Beach Boys
"Here Comes the Feeling" Asia
"Strangers in a Car" Marc Cohn
"When It's Over" Sugar Ray
"Arena" VNV Nation
"You're Only Human" Billy Joel
"Up-Up and Away" The Fifth Dimension
"Taking it All Too Hard" Genesis

Thank you for your moral suport and donations in the ffight against AIDS!

Total Training Months: 6.2
Total Training Miles: 399

One Last Pace Group Run, Pictures and Playlists

Post 8 miles: Our Pace Group, Coaches and Furry Friends

Today was a bitterweet day as we completed our final recovery run together as a pace team. Another beautiful day, as we marched 8 miles up the Capital Crescent Trail. On some reps, we ran more than usual, and on one particular mile, we ran the entire time without any walking intervals. Pace was strong. Next week, we'll meet up at 6.30 am and head over together to The Marine Corps Marathon. There are over 34,000 runners registred, including one Daniel R. Cole, from Sterling VA.

We also said goodbye to our coaches who were the very best---Coach John Beach and Coach Kristen Lynwood. Also special thank yous to Karen, Pam and Brent for their motivation as well.

This experience has been remarkable. Over $21,000 raised for the Whitman Walker Clinic and a life-changing program.

I will be doing 3 short 30 minute training runs from home this week, and then on Sunday October 30, please think of the thousands of people you have helped by your generosity, as I participate in my first marathon.

Below are pictures of my pace group, followed by more songs from my Marathon Playlist.

Thank you for Your Moral Support and Donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Period: 6 months

Total Trainig Miles: 397 miles

Elizabeth--One Tough Cookie

Michelle--Never has a frown on her face

Jennifer--Disciplined, Steady Eddie

Trish--The warmest heart out there

Lynn--Our Veteran Inspiration!

Jeri and Ken-Honorary Pace Group members. To married one week after the marathon!!

Coach John---Never an unkind thing to say. Salt of the earth

Coach Kristen- A SWEETHEART AND WONDERFUL MOTIVATOR!

Dan and Kristen, post run

Dan and Coach John, post run

My Playlist continued (previous songs on previous blog entries)

"Ironic" Alanis Morissette

"I will Follow" U2

"Only Want to be with You" Hootie and the Blowfish

"Tucker's Town" Hootie and the Blowfish

"Im a believer" Smash Mouth

"Separate Ways" Journey

"Goodnight Saigon" Billy Joel

"Philadelphia Freedom" Elton John

"Walking In Memphis" Marc Cohen

"Get Low" Lil Jon

"Original Prankster" The Offspring

"Pinch Me" Barenaked Ladies

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Months: 6

Total Training Miles: 397

Last 45 minuter, More Playlist Entries, and Previous Posts

Today was the last time I will do a 45 individual run before the Marathon on October 29. After Sunday's recovery run of 8 miles, I will do 3 individual runs of 30 minutes a piece and they are supposed to be very light.

I made it count today. Ran farther than I have ever have for the first 22.30 minutes. The way back was a bit slower, but I am sure that I was close to 3.6 miles today. Loved it. The only issue that I am having is a sinusitis problem for which the doctor gave me a spray for today. I have never enjoyed running more. The Big day now looms only 9 days from today!

Donations continue. Thank you to Roger Lanctot!

I have reached just shy of $22,000! Your support has been nothing short of remarkable.

More from what I will be listening to while running the marathon from my iPod Playlist (continued from previous post)

13 "Ceceila"--Simon and Garfunkel
14. "Doing the Things that We Want to"---Lou Reed
15. "The Ghost in You" Psychedelic Furs
16. "The Ballad of Billy the Kid" Billy Joel
17. "Be Near Me" ABC
18. "Feels like the First Time" Foreigner
19. "Cracklin' Rosie" Neil Diamond
20. "Picture Book" Young Fresh Fellows
21. "The Rising" Bruce Springsteen
2. "Honky Tonk Woman" The Rolling Stones
23. "No Mistakes" Patty Smyth
24. "Clocks" Coldplay

Looking back on June Blog Entries:

June 1: 42 Total Training Miles:

"...Today was not a good day. Time was fine. Distance was fine, but I huffed and puffed a lot and, yes, my feet hurt more than usual. "

June 4, 49 Total Training Miles:
"...Today we went for 7 miles at 7am on a beautiful morning along the C & O canal. For me, this might have been the most enjoyable run yet. "


June 15, 69 Total Training Miles:
" ....So da procetes, they go to help victims of Aids?"---My conversation with Tony Soprano in New Jersey


June 19th, 79 Total Training Miles
"....10 hot miles. 7 of it took it on. 7 of us did it! 5 miles up and 5 miles back. With the exception of one "Walk for Mankind" about 25 years ago, that is farther than I have I ever gone...."


June 25th, 97 Total Training Miles
"...For about 85% of our run, it rained torentially. We were completely soaked by the end mile 2 and stayed that way for another 10. The skies just opened up and except for a couple of brief moments, the rain was ceaseless....."

June 30th: 100 Total Training Miles
"...Today's session marked 100 training miles so far. ..."

Rain, Playlist and Quotes

Perfect running weather this morning. Dark, cool, rainy and awesome. Best pace ever. I ran too much and better start slowing down, but the endorphins are really kicking in.

I have put together my marathon iPod playlist and will be sharing 10 songs per post. After that, I am going to post some quotes from my past blogs. They are pretty interesting looking back.

First 13 songs on my Marathon Playlist:

1. "I can only Imanagine": Mercy Me
2. "We just Disagree": Dave Mason
3. "Takin' it to the Streets": Taylor Hicks
4. "When Smoky Sings": ABC
5. "Everytime I Think of You": The Babys
6. "Loves me like a Rock": Paul Simon
7. "Tubthumping": Chumbawamba
8. "Upside Down": Jack Johnson
9. "Thank U": Alanis Morissette
10. "Somebody for Somone": The Corrs
11. "Pictures of You": The Cure
12. "My Cup Runneth Over": Ed Ames
13. "Squeeze Box": The Who

Past Blog Entry Quotes:

From May 9th, my first Blog entry, 3 total training miles:

"Chicago in the Springtime....45 minutes along Lake Michigan this morning. Beautiful Spring day, and about 65 degrees outside. This is the first official workout on my own after the first day of training this past Sunday."

From May 16th, 16 total training miles:

"...The top of my right foot is numb"

From May 21st, 24 total training miles:

"Our team completed 5 miles today on a sparkling cloudless morning along the C&O Canal."

From May 31st, 39 total training miles:

"Wow. It is a scorcher for a morning run."

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 23.2

Total Training Miles: 386

AMAZING

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ryCTIigaloQ

"A glimpse of the remarkable father-son bond of Dick and Rick Hoyt, and their inspirational journey together in a triathlon and life itself. The goal of Team Hoyt is to integrate the physically challenged into everyday life. One way to accomplish this is to educate the able-bodied, making them more aware of the issues that the disabled face every day. Another is by actively helping the disabled to participate in activities that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. Team Hoyt targets both of these areas."


With love to my kids, Dad and Grandpa....

Dew Point

If the weather on Marathon today could only be as picture perfect as it was today. An 8 mile recovery run along the Capital Crescent trail, once again at 8am. The temperature was in the upper '30's as we began our fist of 2 final recovery runs as a team. It was not until mile 5 that my hands thawed, but it did not matter, the weather was spectacular.

At one point looked down at my shoulder and noticed a white powder that had formed all over. I figured I must have bumped into something and it rubbed off on me. It was not until I touched it, that I realized it was actually the dew forming on both shoulders. It was like when you "draw" in the condensation on your window or windshield. And while my head was not on fire, the steam that was rising from it made it look like it was smoking.

And so it went for a beautiful 8 miles. My pace was very, very fast. I ran several times when I should have been brisk walking, but it just felt so invigorating, I could not help it. For the last 10 minutes of the run, I actually ran the entire way. I ended up shaving 12 minutes off my total pace.

It wont be that easy in the marathon, as we are admonished to start extremely slow in order to save energy.

Nonetheless, this morning was what it is all about.

So, this week, 2 individual runs and then our final recovery run together next Sunday. If I remember to bring my camera, I plan on posting some pix.



Thank you to Glenda Brungardt (with a t:) for her generosity and thank you to all of you for your moral and financial support in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 23
Total Training Miles: 383

Fleecing 3.4 miles

Very cold this morning. I believe it was in the upper '30's when I set out on my run this morning. I bundled up with 2 layers of cool max and a fleece on top, a neck warmer and fleece hat on top. My pace started out fine, but waned a bit at about mile 1.7, my lungs were burning a bit, so I slowed things up a bit on the return, walking two extra rep instead of the run. I love the cold weather, but my body obviously needed a bit of a break, and I am not taking any chances with just 2 weeks to go.

Sunday it's 8 miles at 8 again and then recovery from San Francisco and then home.

It's getting very exciting!

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS

Total Training Weeks: 22.5
Total Training Miles: 375

45 minutes in Saddlebrook

A quick workout yesterday morning in Saddlebrook NJ at the Marriot pictured above. 45 minutes on the treadmill in a workout room the size of a closet. Had my IPOD, so no worries.

Well only a couple of weeks left. Tommorow I run from home for 45 minutes and then it is on to an 8 mile recovery run on Sunday.


I'll post again tomorrow after my 45 minute run.

Thank you to Glenda Brungardt for her generous donation! Closing in on $22,000!


Thanks for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 22.4
Total Training Miles: 372

My Friend Jack Chalden

in‧spi‧ra‧tion  Pronunciation[in-spuh-rey-shuhn] Pronunciation
–noun : an inspiring or animating action or influence

I have received dozens of well wishes and motivating comments from friends and family over the past 5 months of training. I think about your words of encouragment during every training session and I am sure they will sustain me on Marathon Day.

I wanted to post the note below that I received a few weeks ago from my friend Jack Chalden who is someone I look up to wtih great admiration. I am posting Jack's note not because of the accolades he gives me, but to show his grace, warmth and sincerity. What a gentleman!

With my thanks for Jack's permission and for his wonderful note, and with continued thanks to all of you who inspire and encourage me!

"Dan, my friend….
Your e-mail box must be overflowing…..and for so many good and noble reasons!!

It is impossible, unless blessed with the words and wisdom reserved for a hallowed few, to adequately send you off on your Saturday journey. I’m in awe…not simply because you have chosen to undertake a marathon. Many do. But because you are doing it (1) at a time in life when family and business responsibilities ramp and fuse at unprecedented levels, (2) by layering a radically different and challenging commitment atop of that schedule; not simply a short term bump in routine athletic or hobby interests, (3) while also executing a remarkable, fascinating and time consuming communication campaign that tracks your journey and allows all of us who predictably choose to sit on the sidelines to learn, laugh, cheer and be inspired and (4) for all the right reasons…a mission with a purpose for a cause with a tangible result.

If or when that infamous “wall” decides to rear its nasty head on Saturday, I hope you will simply whisper “help”. Because that’s when you will instantly feel the collective will of your admirers lift your spirit, your energy and your strength! Count on it. It will feel like a breath of fresh air!

And, ,Dan, I don’t think you will need it, but if your laudable and achievable $20K goal falls a bit short, please let me chip in to help make it happen.

Now…more and then I’m done.

Congratulations on two great achievements in the past couple of weeks. Your IAEM award is a recognition long overdue. You set the standard, Dan. There is not even a close second in our industry.

And, what only a few of us know, your leadership in adopting powerful new event technology tools, training your team in new methodologies and tactics, advancing the definition of constituent service and ROI and, in the process, generating what will soon be seven figure new event revenue streams is remarkable. You set the standard in the “old” days. Now, you have ownership of the next generation of standards and performance. If only the industry judges who properly recognized you with the IAEM award knew the WHOLE story. They would have either have had to change the name of the award…or ordered next year’s award plaque at the same time as this year but with your name already on it.

Great stuff, Dan
With great admiration.
Your friend,

Jack "

8 at 8

8 mile recovery run today with a very solid pace. The weather was perfect, and I finished well under 2 hours. This week, I will run from New Jersey and from home, in preparation for another 8 miler next Sunday.

Shins are fine. Legs are fine. Back is fine. I do have some pain on the left side of my waist, so I am giving it a good 3 days rest until I pick things up again on Wedsneday. So, it's a matter of putting my head down and continuing my training.

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 22
Total Training Miles: 369

3.4 miles with Ms. Molly

Molly M. joined me for a 5.30 am early morning run through Vegas. The weather was fairly cool, but the air immensely dry and I was parched before returning. I do hope I did not cramp Molly's style. She was either being very polite (my guess) or she really enjoyed the slower pace of my run/walk combination. We walked for 2 ran for one today and a pretty solid pace.

I leave on the Red Eye tonight, spend the weekend with an 8 mile run on Sunday at home and then leave for New Jersey next week. Maybe I will visit Tony Soprano once again.

I am loving things still. My closes are a bit loser and I do feel much better.

Thank you for your moral and financial support in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 21.4
Total Training Miles: 361

Dan

$21,000 and Counting

Well, thanks to your generosity, I have surpassed $21,000 in donations!

Thank you to Kathy Gornik and Theil Audio as well as Amy and Dave Clemson and an Anonymous Donor who pushed me over the $20,000 mark!

I ran 3.4 miles from home today and it felt great. My pace and time were both solid and I felt fine considering Saturday's run was 26 miles. I am now in Las Vegas where I will probably hit the treadmill on thursday for another 3 miles and then return to our group training with an 8 mile recovery run on Sunday.

As we draw closer to the Marathon, I will be working on lowerning my pace to the 13 minute/mile mark.

Again, thank you thank you thank you to all of you who have graciously donated over the past 5 months. It's still not too late if you know of someone who wants to join the fight against AIDS by making a donation.

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Dan

Total Training Weeks: 21.2
Total Training Miles: 358

26 Miles

Wow. 26 miles in one day. It usually takes me a whole month...

Well today was stupendous! I arrived at the East Falls Church Metro station in darkness, made my way to the run site and joined 275 other runners on a very chilly (thank God) Saturday morning. It must have been 45-50 degrees. At about 7 am the coaches kicked things off with stern warnings to go slower than our normal pace per mile. They kept saying that this was "not a dress rehearsal, this was not a race...it was an opportunity for the body to get used to 26 miles so that we could recover in time for the marathon, now 1 month away.

We then heard a touching story on how the Whitman Walker Clinic helps those affected by AIDS. One of its past beneficiaries told a touching story about he and his partner. After both contracted HIV, his partner went downhill fast, but thanks to the clinic, he was able to secure legal representation that ensured he continued to receive benefits and that he had full visitation rights at the hospital. The bottom line is that the clinic is vitally important and that your donations are just as vital. Thank you!

We then hit the W&OD trail. The Washington and Old Dominion Trail is an old railroad venue. We ran 3 miles East to the Eastern Tip of Arlington, just shy of DC, we then turned and ran 3 miles back. At the point we were 6 miles down and set off for 10 miles west and then the return back.

We experienced every season today. We started with a cold crisp autumn morning. It got warmer, but overcast, and the rain started coming down. It felt good. Then it was overcast, then Sunny, then rainy, then Sunny again.

Our Western segment took us all the way out to Reston/Vienna and then we ran back. I did not hit the "Wall" this time. Instead, the run remained extremely pleasant. As we finished we got lots of cheers, made our way through a balloon arch, and received a medal after finishing. Our Pace Group numbered 9 today, but Elizabeth and I basicallyt trudged our way through together for most of the 26 miles, while the others went ahead about 2 minutes in front of us.

Today was remarkable. I wont forget it. I thank Rachel and the kids for the patience as I missed baseball and soccer games today, but today was a very important milestone for me, and I proved to myself I could get through 26 miles.

Donations continued to flow this week, and I send my thanks out to:

Kara Dickerson
Sterling Fennell
Pramod Raheja
Bill Rollins
Christine Screnci

I have hit $19,802, just shy of my $20,000 goal. I believe I will be there soon thanks to your generosity and kindness.

This week, I will train with two 45 minute runs in Las Vegas and then a recovery run next Sunday for 8 miles.

What a day!

Thank you for your moral and financial support in the fight against AIDS!

-Dan
Total Training Weeks: 21
Total Training Miles: 355

48 hours

So, only 48 hours unitl we line up on the trail for a 26 mile run. They are combining all running groups Saturday, so there will be 275 runners.

Today, I ran another 3.3 miles in California, and after a meeting this afternoon, I head home on a redeye. I am hopful to get some rest tommorrow and then I will go to bed early, ready to we run at 6.30 am on Saturday.

I wont be able to guage my pace Saturday, because they are slowing us down substantially. Where I have been averaging 13-14 minutes per mile, they will slow my group down to 19 minutes. It's all scientific and I trust the coaches. They have been methodical from the start.

So, I will hopefully be writing to you on Saturday Evening after a run that I cannot even comprehend right now.

Talk to you then.

Thank you for your moral support and financial support in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 20.4
Total Training Miles: 329

Mission Accomplished in Mission Viejo

Another 45 minutes early this morning in Mission Viejo, California.

I hit the treadmill in a 24 Fitness Gym today and it felt really good. My pace was great and I completed about 3.3 miles in 45 which is a great pace for me.

Will be doing another 45 from Woodland Hills on Thursday morning, and then on Thursday night it's back to town on a red-eye.

I AM NOW ONLY $198 SHY OF MY $20,000 GOAL! So many more generous donors again including:

Pramod Raheja for the second time!
Kara Dickerson
Sterling Fennell
Bill Rollins
Christine Screnci

Just awesome.

And thanks for the very kind notes of encouragement that have been coming in. I got one from Jack Chalden that would bring tears to your eyes. If he gives me permission, I might publish it.

See you from Woodland Hills on Thursday!

Thanks for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 20.2
Total Training Miles: 326

Give Me a Tenner

This morning, we completed 10 miles along the Capital Crescent trail under the C & O canal. It was warm and humid this morning, and that made for a more uncomfortable run. Nevertheless, even after bathroom breaks and an uphill run for half of the run, I was able to come in under 2.30 hours and therefore maintain the right pace for where I need to be.

My back was a bit sore around mile 9, but besides that,no major issues.

My fundraising took another great spike this week, thanks to the continued generosity of my CEA family.

CEA matched employee donations with a $2100 contribution (with more to come) and the following heroes also came through with their kindness:

Megan Hayes
Jamie Lilly
Stacey Moore
Veronica Oconnell
Katie Swearingen

DONATIONS ARE ONLY $450 AWAY FROM MY $20,000 SPONSORSHIP GOAL!!!

Please consider a donation if you have not done so already. The cause is a very important one: The Whitman Walker Clinic and its services in the fight against AIDS.

Two individual runs for 45 minutes this week and the whopper: 26 miles on this Saturday, September 30.

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 20 or 5 months!
Total Training Miles: 323

Cool

Cool weather definitely helps! Good solid run this morning from home with no problems. I have been wearing my ipod for the past couple of runs and I know it helps. We are not allowed to wear anything out on group training, and for good reason....you have to hear the bikers coming up behind you yellling: "Passing on your left!"

This weekend will be 10 recovery miles and then a nervous week of preparing for 26 miles next Saturday!

Read about Khalid Kannouchi below:

As told by John Beach:


"As a promising young runner during the early 1990s, Khalid Khannouchi of Morocco asked the track federation of his home country for assistance with training expenses. When the federation refused assistance, Khannouchi traveled to the United States in 1993, found a job in Brooklyn washing dishes, took up residence with three friends in an apartment and then began serious training. Khannouchi married American Sandra Inoa (a runner he met at a 5k race in Hartford, Conn.) in September 1996 and applied for his green card two months later. He was sworn in as a U.S. citizen on May 2, 2000.

Khannouchi ran very well in smaller road races in the U.S. before running the fastest debut marathon in history to win the 1997 Chicago Marathon. Two years later, Khannouchi ran the fastest time ever in the marathon at Chicago on October 24, 1999. And three years after that, he again ran the fastest time in the world in the London Marathon in April 2002. 2002: Set World record by winning the London Marathon in a time of 2:05:38. Amazing! 2000: Set American record by winning the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in 2:07:01 on October 11, his first marathon as a U.S. citizen...3rd at London Marathon in 2:08:36...U.S. citizen on May 2...ranked #3 in world (#1 U.S.).

1999: Won the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in world record time of 2:05:42.
1998: Won the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in 2:07:19.
1997: Won the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in 2:07:10, the fastest marathon debut in history."

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 19.5
Total Training Miles: 313

Thanks to CEA: Donations Bolt to $19,500

With a great spike in matching contributions from my family at the Consumer Electronics Association, my donations have now have reached $19,500 and I am just shy of my $20,000 goal. This is absolutely phenomenal, and I salute the organization that I have been privileged to be associated with for 8 years.

I also salute my friends and family that have been so kind and generous as well.

The Whitman Walker Clinic immediately benefits from your benevolence!

I had my normal 45 minutes from home today on a sparkling, cool fall morning. My pace and time were right where they should be.

I'll do another run on Friday and then another group one on Sunday for 10 miles.
26 miles on September 30th....the day is fast approaching.

Thank you for your support and generosity. I look forward to giving you the great news about hitting $20,000! If you know anyone who might want to donate to this worthy cause, please pass this blog posting along.

Dan

Total Training Weeks: 19.3
Total Training Miles: 310

307 Miles and Shaving off Time

8 mile recovery run which puts me at 307 total training miles since May. That's not alot to experienced runners, but that's great for me. Especially considering the cause for which I am running.

Today, my pace improved dramatically, which is good considering that last weeks 22 miler was an utter disaster. I ran at a 1.30 run/3.0 quick walk pace and managed to shave over 5 minutes off my time.

This week, I will do 2 45 minute recovery runs from home, and then another 8 miles next Sunday.

On September 30th, we have our last long run before the marathon, and that will be for 26 miles. I am definitely having a couple of accupuncture treatments before then!

Donations are over $17,000. I am trying to hit $20,000, so please consider a donation if you have not done so already. The patients at the Whitman Walker Clinic really could use your support!

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 19
Total Training Miles: 307

Merv, and Rosa

Right outside the Hotel Gym, sits "The Griff" Merv Griffin's enormous yacht. I took a stroll and had a look. Must be nice.

45 minutes at 6 am on the treadmill this morning from Marina del Rey. This was the first time I used my iPod for exercise in over 4 months. It did help me to run stronger and make the workout on the treadmill a bit more interesting. Sunday is a recovery run of 8 miles and then next Saturday: 26.2 Miles!


Read about Rosa Mota:


As told by John Beach:

"Ten years after her elite marathon career ended, Rosa Mota has slipped quietly into the history books, not forgotten, but not the first name that comes to mind when discussing the best female marathoners of all-time either. In her era, Rosa Mota did not create controversy. She did not set any world records. What she DID do was win races, especially the biggest marathons of all: Boston, the European Championships, the World Championships, and the 1988 Olympic Marathon in Seoul Korea.Consistency was the hallmark of the diminutive runner from Porto, Portugal.She won the Boston Marathon on three occasions, in 1987, 1988, and 1990. Her times in those three Boston's were: 2:24, 2:25, and 2:25. She broke 2:30 on12 separate occasions, but the most significant statistic is that she won nearly two thirds of the marathons that she ran.Her lifetime PR came in a third-place finish, 2:23:29 in the 1985 Chicago Marathon (yee haw!), behind Joan Samuelson's 2:21. In 1988, she won the World Championship Marathon in Rome, then followed that up with the gold medal in Seoul, in which she surged with two miles to go to win by 13 seconds ahead of Lisa Martin. As for now, Mota says, " I run every day and sometimes twice a day. One hour in the morning and 45 minutes in the afternoon. Maybe I'll start competing again. I like to do charity events. I try to run with children and old people. (Did she really just say that? A good-souled elite runner…) I have been running small races in Japan for children who have cancer."A true ambassador to the sport, Mota won the 1998 Abebe Bikila Award for global contributions to the sport of long distance running. Asked about her biggest contribution Mota cites the effect her career had on other female runners in Portugal. And the people she met during her years as a world-class runner are her most prized possession. " If I was not a world class runner, there are so many people I would not have met. It's my friends that are most important. When I am finished as a competitive runner, they will always be my friends. "

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 18.4
Total Training Miles: 298

The Wall: Dad, I am ok!

Out here on the West Coast for Business and I spent a goodwork out on the treadmill at the hotel. The treadmill seems to make the workout more intense, more aggressive. I am feeling better after those very tough 22 miles on Sunday.

If you read the previous blog entries, you know that I described finally "hitting the wall" on the last run around mile 18.

Rachel called today that my dad had called her and was worried because he had read that I run into a wall. I might as well have....

But for my dad and others who are wondering what hitting the wall means, here is a definition right of the web:

"You know you're in trouble when your fuel tank starts running on empty.
This happens when your body runs out of carbohydrate fuel (sometimes known as muscle glycogen) and starts burning fat for energy instead.
This is a far less efficient way of producing energy and you'll start to chug along in the slow lane instead of motoring at top speed.

Sometimes runners get so tired they feel they can't even put one foot in front of another any more. This urge to stop running is known as "hitting the wall."

This describes perfectly how I felt on Sunday towards the end, and is exactly why it is so important to keep eating....

Anyway, it's a new week and I am looking forward to another treadmill run on Thursday. Sunday, we go for 8 miles in recovery....a nice break!!!!

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 18.2
Total Training Miles: 295

22 Miles, A Dead Battery and THE WALL

Today had it all.

My alarm went off at 5am, right on schedule. I got ready, had my breakfast and coffee and at 6.30 am I got in to my car to leave. The car did not even attempt to turn over. I tried again: Nothing. Again: Nothing. I ran into the house, grabbed the Van keys, backed the van out of the garage and lined it up next to my car. I connected the cables, tried starting my car: Nothing. Again: Nothing. At this point, I am completely furious. Rachel gets out of bed, tries it herself: Nothing.

Luckily, Shari and Tara were doing water duty at the run sites today, so I was able to reach Shari and then Pam who directed to me to meet the group at Lock 8 of the C&O canal path which would have me starting at around mile 7 which would only give me at about 17 mile run vs. the total 23.

I called a cab and instead of waiting for the group at lock 8, I ran to them. So I only ended up missing about a mile today of the total run. And what a run it was.

The first 15 miles were solid. The next 3 tougher, and then I hit the infamous wall. It took all of me to finish the next 4. I had never experienced The Wall before today's run. It's not fun. Your body just shuts down. It's almost as if it is protesting or punishing you to continue.

I was happy to finish.

THANK YOU TO TARA AND SHARI who waited for me to finish and then gave me a ride back to the office so I could call another cab. I've since returned home and AAA just left. Of course, when the AAA guy jumped my car, it started right away.

So today, was not the best of days, but I am happy I finished.

Thank you for your moral support and financial donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 18
Total Training Miles: 292

Nice

Cool weather definitely makes the difference. Last individual run this morning before the big 23 miler on Sunday. I am really looking forward to it actually, and am hoping that my pace is on par.

This morning I ran farther on pace than ever before, and managed to go almost 3.5 miles which for my pace ratio is exactly where I want to be. Legs felt fine, body felt fine and my new water pack makes a big difference. Instead of having to reach for that water bottle, all you do is bite on the water tube. And it holds a lot of water.

DONATIONS HAVE PASSED $17,000!

Thanks to:

Fred Antonini
Elena Grant
Susan Littleton
Skip West

CEA, Friends and Family are incredibly generous!

Well, God-Willing I will be writing on Sunday after my 23 miles on the C&O canal.

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 17.4
Total Training Miles: 270

A Good Drenching

Pouring Rain this morning for a 45 minute run. It was actually refreshing. My legs were much better today and my pace was solid.

I tried out a new water bottle today---which is the camel-back system. You can fill it up to about 36 oz of water and then you strap it to your back. Then all you have to do is sip out of the tube that comes out of it, instead of carrying a water bottle. I liked it much better.

This week I am mentally and physically preparing for a 23 miler on Sunday. It is the longest run yet and just shy of the 26.2 miles I will be doing 2 weeks later. So, it's lots of stretching, eating right and proper rest leading up to Sunday.

Next run comes Thursday for 45 minutes and then its' the big one on Sunday.

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 17.2
Total Training Miles: 267

3 Miles with General Custis

Ran 3 miles yesterday during lunch hour along the Custis Trail in Arlington. Run was ok. The outer bands of my shins hurt this time, and my times were a bit off, but for getting back into the groove it was fine. I am not sure if I will be able to make the 10 mile run on Sunday, due to some family issues, but it's possible.

I received more donations yesterday from Jack Chalden and Angela Gibson who I thank for their generosity. My totals keep climbing, now appraoching $16,500!

Well, hope to write back on Sunday....

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Dan

Total Taining Weeks: 16.5
Total Training Miles: 264

Yesterday and Christine Clark

Forgot to post yesterday. It was the first time that I did not cmpolete a training run....:(

I only went for 2 miles yesterday. My stomach just did not want to cooperate. Tomorrow I go for another 45 minutes. Then Saturday for 10 miles.

Donations continue and my so does my gratitude to:

Joe Bates
John Lindsey
Gaiya Sims
Ryan and Susie Strowger
Vivek Taneja

If you can believe it, through your donations, the Whitman Walker Clinic has received over $16,000 in donations!

And now some more marathon lore. This week it is Christine Clark:

As told by Jon Beach:

Christine Clarke

"Probably one of the most inspiring marathon stories we have is of this amazing woman who first went to medical school, became a pathologist, had two kids and THEN decided in her 30’s that marathoning would be "neat." Oh, but that’s not enough… Living in Alaska, she decided to do most all her training on a TREADMILL and then went on to WIN THE SEATTLE MARATHON in 1995 with a time of 2:49:21!

Other highlights of this amazing woman’s running "hobby’ include:
-Clark's victory at the 2000 Olympic Marathon Trials in Columbia, SC was one of the greatest upsets in U.S. Olympic Trials history where she won the Olympic Trials with a PR of 2:33:31 even though she had been seeded #22

Clark's Olympic performance was made all the more impressive, considering she had suffered from plantar fascitis throughout much of the summer. That combined with the fact that Clark did pre-Olympic Trials training on a treadmill in her basement meant that the Olympic Trials victory brought a deluge of media interest, from the Today Show to Oprah Winfrey's magazine 'O'.

-1999: 3rd at Twin Cities Marathon, USA Championship...won Anchorage Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon for third time (also 1995 and 1998)... best of 2:40:38.

-1998: 2nd at Portland Marathon...best of 2:47:14.

-1996: 76th at Olympic Trials (2:51:07). "

Thanks for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Dan

Total Training Weeks: 16.3
Total Training Miles: 261

Heat, Humidity and 10 Miles on Route 12

My final run from down at the outerbanks was a 10 mile recovery run. My brother-in-law Robert accompanied me for the first 2 miles, and then I was on my own. I went a little further North and turned around. I did the next 5 miles South on Route 12 and then turned and headed North for the final three. No water stops like in training back home. I had to create my own. I stopped at Burger King for a refill, then twice at Harris Teeter. Once on the way down South and one last time on the way back North.

The heat and humdity were blistering and suffocating, but I am glad I am done. My back is fine, my shins are fine, my feet are naturally sore. I spent the rest of day with the family at the beach and the water was refreshing

The next 2 trainining runs will be from home, then a reovery run next week for 10 miles again, in preparation for a big 23 miler.

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Dan

Total Training Weeks: 16
Total Training Miles: 259

Emil Zattopek

As told by Jon Beach:

"Emil Zátopek of Czechoslovakia can claim one of track's rarest feats - winning the 5000m, 10,000m and marathon in a single Olympic Games. Beating the best in the world in the two track events in front of a large and enthusiastic Finnish crowd would have been enough gratification for anyone.To this day, only four other men have achieved this Olympic double. But Zátopek, a man who knew how to fight pain and fatigue, wanted more. Three days after his second victory on the track, he lined up to start his first ever marathon. Eager to avoid mistakes, he stayed close to "specialists" Jim Peters of Great Britain and Gustav Jansson of Sweden. He soon found their pace too slow and surged ahead to win in Olympic record time: 2:23:04. In later years, the ever-modest Zátopek would recall that race as "the easiest of my career."As for that Olympic win, Zatopek was a scrawny man with a seemingly frail frame at 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 145 pounds. As he ran, it appeared he might collapse at any minute, falling prostrate on the track, gasping for breath.His style was far from classic. As his pounding spikes chewed up the yards, his head bobbed from side to side, his arms flailed the air and his face became contorted, as if he were suffering the severest pain.Red Smith, the famous columnist who covered the Helsinki Games, wrote that Zatopek ran "like a man with a noose about his neck...on the verge of strangulation...his hatchet face crimson, his tongue lolled out."
Like Nurmi, the Czech had come into his own rather late. World War II deprived him of some of his best athletic years and he was 26 by the time he made his Olympic debut at the 1948 Olympic Games in London. During his long career, Zátopek set 20 world records at distances ranging from 5000 to 30,000m. In 1951 he became the first man to cover 20 kilometers in an hour (20,052m). His wife Dana (née Ingrova) was a leading javelin thrower. On July 24 1952, in Helsinki, she won the Olympic title in her event an hour after he had triumphed in the 5000m. A unique coincidence in athletics history. But then, they were "astrological twins", who shared a birthday of September 19, 1922."

Another 45 minutes From The Beach

My brother-in-law Robert and I did another 45 minutes today. Humidity was intense, but nevertheless, we completed over 3 miles. Simple route up Highway 12 again which runs North and South in the Outerbanks.

I am tentatively going to attempt the 10 mile recovery run with Rachel on Saturday, but in order to do so, I need to get up at 5 am and that's tough down here. If I dont do it, I will do it on Monday Morning.

Thanks for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 15.4
Total Training Miles: 249

From the Beach

A quick 3 miles today with my brother-in-Law Robert. We went up 1.5 miles on Route 12 and then back. Iam still sore from Saturday's 20 miles, but some stretching helped this morning.

It's hot here, and humid. But the breeze is nice. I am still trying to find a route to run the 10 miles on Saturday.

Dave Wilson
Demtrious Pikarillidous
Jackie Russo

All of you are awesome!

Thanks so much for your donations!

I am almost at $16,000, getting closer to my goal of $20,000 towards the Whitman Walker Clinic.

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Dan

Total Training Weeks: 15.2
Total Training Miles: 246

20 miles: Monuments and Tourists

20 miles.

Today, I joined a different pace group since we leave for the beach tomorrow.

I joined the waterside group that meets not too far from the Fish Market Area of Southeast Washingon. We met at 6 am, and about 6:25 we were off and running Northward toward the Mall. We ran arond the mallside face of the Capitol, down the mall, and turned left at the Lincoln Memorial, curved around the Kennedy Center, down through the Georgetown Waterfront and onto the Capital Crescent Trail for 10 miles. The Mall was deserted on the way out, but upon the return, we were dodging hundreds of tourists. We made our way back and finished 20 miles. I am thrilled once again to have finished. My shins, calves, and back held up very well. Special thanks to my Dad and Mother-in-law who watched the kids while I ran today.



Special thanks also to:

Doug Aiken
Michael Cohen
Julie Kearney
Iz Kornbluh
Shell Walser
Gary Zgorski


DONATIONS HAVE NOW REACHED $15,400!

This week, I will be doing my 2 individual runs from the beach as well as attempting a 10 miler right before we leave.

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Total Training Weeks: 15
Total Training Miles: 243

Anticipation

20 miles is about the distance from my house in Sterling, to the Mall at Tyson's Corner. It's also the distance that I will be attempting on Saturday morning in Washington DC, at a different run site, and a different pace group. It's a little bit of pressure and alot of thinking.

That anticipation seemed to throw a wrench in my individual run today. The first 1.5 miles seemed strained and tiresome. I decided to listen to my body and walk the rest of the way. The human body and its hidden intelligence really are marvels. It just rebelled today, as if it were asking for more rest in order to prepare for the massive run on Saturday. I also dont think it had enough nourishment either. For the past 2 weeks, I have had nothing after 7pm. By morning time, I feel much lighter and more apt to exercise, but I also realize I have to eat something. Today it was just a teaspoon of peanut butter before I ran. Not enough. Carbs had not entered my system for over 12 hours and I think I was running on empty. So, a light breakfast of carbs and proteins is essential, and I denied my body of that this morning. It responded accordingly.

Well, the next 48 hours will be interesting. 6 am on the Washington Waterfront Saturday Morning. 20 miles. I hope to report back good news Saturday afternoon.

Thanks for your moral and financial support in th fight against AIDS!

Dan

Total Training Weeks: 14.4
Total Training Miles: 223

German Silva

As told by Jon Beach:

"German Silva is best known for his much-photographed 1994 New York City Marathon where he took a wrong turn with less than a half mile remaining.

While shouts from the crowd led him back on course, he burst into first place, beating countryman Benjamin Paredes by two seconds. Silva returned to the Big Apple the next year to win the marathon again. German Silva and Tegla Loroupe both won back-to-back New York Marathons in ’94 and ’95. That fact, along with their charisma, has earned them legendary status. Race Director Allan Steinfeld once introduced the pair as "two wonderful kids who lit up New York and electrified the world."
Other claims to fame: Silva recorded his best personal marathon time of 2:09:18 in London in 1994, claimed fourth at Boston in 1997, and placed sixth in the Summer Olympic Games Marathon in Atlanta."

It's working

Another great individual run for 45 minutes today. Pace was under 14 minutes, and I estimate I did about 3.4 miles. I ran more during a couple of times where I would normally speed walk. Back is fine. Shins seem fine.

Humidity returned today but not as intense as in past weeks. I am feeling really good. One more individual run until 20 big ones on Saturday. Should be interesting.

Please see yesterday's posting for a complete list of ALL donors. I have now surpassed $15,000 in donations thanks to you and I am gunning for $20,000. The people at the Whitman Walker Clinic are delighted with these donations and send along their thanks.

Thanks again for your moral support and your donations in the fight against AIDS!

Dan

Total Training Weeks: 14.2
Total Training Miles: 220

Surpassing $15,000 Thanks to These Heroes!

THANK YOU!


Doug Aiken
Anonymous Donor
Bart and Teri Berkey
Carrie Booker
Len and Gwen Bosma
Gus Bougdanos
Michael Brown
Allison Burdine
Tamara Christian
Daryl Clove and GES
Larry Cohen
Michael Cohen
Elaine Cole-greatest Mom ever
Jerry Cole--greatest Dad ever
Karen Chupka
Christi and Paul Damm
Sylvia Devore
Tara Dunion
Charles Eaton
Jeanne and Scott Epstein
John and Andrea Ferris
Lisa and Judd Fasold
Gabrielle Garcia
Steve and Sherry Geilda
Rick Geritz
Joe Gibbons
Sarah Goggin
Steve and Betsy Goldstein
Marcia Grand and TWICE
Helen Marie Graves
Akeel Haider
Sharon Heiden and Brad Piver
Dave Haas
Robin Hatfield
Tim Herbert
Lee Ann Herndon
Jamie Hill
Wendy and Scott Hudak
Laura Hudson
Kathy and Bob Hughes
Elizabeth HymanMaura Igoe
Jeff Joseph
Deb Kassoff
Patrick and Jenn Latessa
Chris and Caroline Lee
Sam Lippman
Wendy and Jonathan Loew
Laurie Lutz
Robbi Lycett
Glenda Macmullin
Lisa Martin
Chuck and Jenn May
Molly McLearn
Doris Meyer
Bill and Lois Miller
Kerry and Jeni Moyer
Tom O'Donoghue
Tom and Marti Omberg
Allyson Pahmer
Christy Pemble
Michael Petricone
Lisa and Jason Petrovich
Colleen Phalen
Dan and Angel Phelan
Megan Pollock
Pramod and Priti Raheja
Annemarie Ramirez
Kelly and Chris Ricker
Craig Ridley
Nathan Ridnouer
Rob and Maryanne Roy
Carole Russo
Patrice and Jeff Scheyer
Sue Schreiner
Eric Schwartz and DEALERSCOPE
Gary Shapiro
Chip and Stacey Shrewbridge
Diana Simmons
Kirk and Katy Smallwood
Mike and Jen Smoyer
Gail Sparks-Riegel
Tony Stanley
Cindy Stevens
Jason and Molly Stookey
Collin Swan
Liz and Pete Tardif
Todd Thibodeaux
Angela Titone
John Tunnell
Siri Tyler
Dr.and Mrs Richard Towers--My great Inlaws!
Eric Udler
Nicole Vidovich
Sean Wargo
Heidianne Werner
John and Shannon Wesdock
Jean Whiddon
Katherine Wood
Amy Wotherspoon
Bob and Dianne Wotherspoon

Morning Has Broken

Couldn't get much more beautiful than this morning. Around 60 degrees for a 9 mile recovery run along the Capitol Crescent Trail. Weather Conditions make a profound difference. My pace was the best that it has been yet. This trail is a bit different than the C &O trail. It is all concrete, shaded and the first half is on a slight uphill grade. The second half seems to fly by.

My walk/run ratio continues at a 2.30/1.30 with the walk being speedy. My back seems to be holding out fine, my shins a bit sore, and my arches fine as well. If it could only be this way all the time. I am hoping that I can replicate my experience with the 18 miler which was for the most part highly enjoyable. I will be running with another pace group next Saturday instead of Sunday since we leave for the beach Sunday. Evidently we run past all the monuments, onto the Capitol Crescent, and then back for a 20 miler. 20 miles seems daunting, but after last week's 18, it seems within reach. Then, I will do my own recovery run of 10 miles from the beach, after I find a route to take.

This week I will continue my individual runs of 45 minutes a piece from home until the big one on Saturday.

Donations have been unreal once again. I am astounded at how much generosity is out there.

Thank you to:


Carrie Booker
Gus Bougdanos
Allison Burdine
Daryl Clove and the GES team
Gabrielle Garcia
Joe Gibbons
Sarah Goggin
Marcia Grand and the TWICE team
Dave Haas
Deb Kassoff
Sam Lippman
Glenda Macmullin
Tom O'Donoghue
Allyson Pahmer
Megan Pollock
Kelly and Chris Ricker
Gail Sparks Riegel
Cindy Stevens
Collin Swan
Nicole Vidovich
Sean Wargo

Your generosity has now brought total donation just shy of $15,000! That is unbelievable support for the Whitman Walker Clinic!

Thanks again for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Dan

Total Training Weeks: 14
Total Training Miles: 217

Grete Waitz

As told by John Beach:

Grete Waitz was born in Oslo, Norway in 1954. From the time she was young, her stunning successes spanned all of racing’s disciplines all over Europe.
Because of this, in 1978, an invitation arrived from New York City Marathon co-founder and director, Fred Lebow. Waitz won the marathon and set a new world record with a time of 2:32:30.
The race proved to be a turning point for Waitz' career. She would return to New York and win an unprecedented nine times, in '78, '79, '80, '82, '83, '84, '85, '86 and '88. She set world records in '78, '79 and '80.
Waitz continued to compete in track and cross-country and won five world cross-country championships. In 1984, competed in the first women's marathon in the Olympic Games. She took home a silver medal for Norway.
Waitz has retired from running, but stays active in the running community as a spokeswoman for Avon Running - Global Women's Circuit and for Adidas. For her influence on American running in the United States, Waitz was the first foreign runner inducted into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame in 2000.

Strong

Another great, strong individual run today. Farther than I have ever gone in my 45 minutes. It was cooler and raining. I am really psyched about this progress. My body seems to be adjusting and I have dropped some poundage (much more to go though). This Sunday is a 9 mile recovery run and then we'll start preparing for 20 miles the following Sarturday. Since I leave for the beach on that Sunday, I need to switch training sites and will be working out with the Waterside group that runs through the Mall in DC and by the C & O canal then back. Should be a great experience. I continue to love every minute of this!

Donations have once again been amazing this week with more and more coming in! Thanks to:


Carrie Booker
Allison Burdine
Gabrielle Garcia
Joe Gibbons
Sarah Goggin
Dave Haas
Sam Lippman
Glenda Macmullin
Tom O'Donoghue
Allyson Pahmer
Megan Pollock
Kelly and Chris Ricker
Gail Sparks Riegel
Cindy Stevens
Sean Wargo


People have been incredibly generous! Donations are now approaching $13,500. Yesterday, I spoke to a representative at the Whitman Walker Clinic who was truly grateful for the support.

Thank you for your moral support and donations in the fight against AIDS!

Visit my donation page to see all donors!
http://www.aidsmarathon.com/participant.asp?runner=DC-0334&EventCode=MC06

Total Training Weeks: 13.4
Total Training Miles: 208