Good Job All

Just a note before we head into Labor Day festivities to say Great Job on getting that mega-long-run done this morning. I can tell you that it was not an easy task to do, especially by 10am when that sun got up and started beating down. So, that return stroke got progressively harder to run through both in terms of distance and heat, and it was that heat that is oh-so unforgiving in trying to run your goal pace.

But, you all did it and everyone got in safe and I am proud of all of you for laying-back early on, bearing with and being persistent, and making whatever adjustments to keep you in amenable physical state.

Special thanks goes to Coach Misty for getting me help from Frank Sturges, nothing but pure running machine and he was my designated "front-runner" and caught up to them! And I thank him for handling that 45th Ave aid station. Tony Wilson was also up there with the front-pack and also very helpful to this Coach to not have to worry about how things were faring up that way. Alex gets special kudos for taking on two aid stations! And, can't neglect that oh-so valuable role of riding that bike that Jeff did, in the aftermath of his nicely done Iron Man race! Amber was great to on the bike also paying attention to the marathoners. This kind of attention and cooperation worked well facing running long-distance into some challenging weather conditions. X-lent job on your part!

Finally, I end this post with my experience this morning in total darkness out there sitting on a bench at the little park at Grand Blvd setting up the aid station and labeling the jugs as "Fleet-Feet" on the hope no one will steal them or think they are free-stuff! And, who plods by, well one fellow, who I don't recall his name, but he knew me, then Eric and his troupe of "ladies" passing by, looking all ok, and heading N-ward to the 8.5-mile mark to N-side of Grand Blvd. I was a bit shocked and could only respond that they must have started early to be so far out at this time! And indeed they did start early, say like 4 am. Anyone that can get out there at 4 am and run, probably deserves some kind of award. Just not sure what at this point. But that is some sheer dedication I witnessed, and better yet, they run as a group and that makes this Coach feel a lot better knowing there is safety in numbers.

Nicely done marathon runners!