Thursday, February 21, 2008

New Orleans Marathon Mile Dedications

Taking the lead from Amanda and Lazy Girl, I decided to dedicate each of my 26.2 miles to people that have inspired me either to run or in life. These people, many of which you won't know, will help me through the easy and the tough miles from my marathon on Sunday in New Orleans. It's my first marathon so I know I'll need the inspiration, especially around mile 18.

Here is my list:

1: Jamie
2: Dave
3: Joe
4: Kris
5: Pete
6: Jill
7: My Running Blog Friends (RBF)
8: ShirleyPerly
9: Dean and Daneen
10: Kathy (who inspired me to run my first competitive run -- the Broad Street Run)
11 and 12: Caroline (my sister)
13 and 14: My Mom
15: Friends too numerous to mention from my old job (D&B)
16: Kyle
17: Karl and Sarah
18: Petra
19: Charlie (cewtwo)
20: Maddy
21: Sean
22: Mary
23: Wendy and Chuck
24 and 25: My Dad (a past marathon runner)
26-end: Me!

I'm heading down to New Orleans first thing Saturday morning so that I'll be there in plenty of time for the race and to get my number/goodie bag at the expo. The race is at 7:00 AM (Central) and the weather is supposed to be great and into a high of 73 degrees. If you want to figure when to think about me, figure about a 9-minute mile from 7:00 AM (Central) and count from there.

At this point, it doesn't look like there's any way to track my progress through my chip, but I'll definitely let you know if I find that.

9 comments:

Robert Barker said...

good luck on the race.

Susan said...

This is amazing, Greg!

This marathon will change your life forever (as Dick Beardsley says). It is TRUE. You will not be the same man after 26.2 miles. You'll be BETTER.

They don't call us endurance athletes for nothing. You are about to endure something -- hopefully all great miles -- and in the end you will be more proud of yourself than ever before. I guarantee it!

Petraruns said...

You are on the cusp of a fantastic achievement and we are truly with you all the way. Such hard work you've put into this - it's all coming home tomorrow. Mile 18 is mine - think of me shouting loudly - and I have a voice like a foghorn, or so I'm told - YOU CAN DO THIS GREG! YOU ARE AMAZING! YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR! LOOKING STRONG! WHAT A GUY! And the scary thing is it'll all be true! Can't wait to read your report!

Maddy said...

At this point, your race has been run, and I hope it went well!

What an inspiraton!

I can't wait to read your report!

Petraruns said...

Been following you on and off all afternoon - well done! You snuck in under 5 which is fantastic for your first marathon! How do you feel? Can't wait to read your race report. Rest up now and relax - you've earned it!

MarathonChris said...

Hi Greg - hope you had an incredible race today!! Looking forward to your race report!

ShirleyPerly said...

Congrats Greg on completing your first marathon!! Can't wait to read your race report.

peter said...

That's retty cool that you dedicated each mile. I carry coins as talismans for people--one marathon I carried quarters for each of my estranged sons, from the states they were born in, another M. I carried state quarters for each of my siblings, another M. a wheat penny I had recently found, etc., then I give them to the people if I see them.

Hope your marathon experience went well!

CewTwo said...

Thanks, Man! All I can say with meaning, is what the boys at "Wayne's World," would have said -
"I'm not worthy!"

But, I will reserve the right to return the favor (eventually)!