Production Update: 6 Miles Of Truth - The Chicago Marathon

I have some good news and bad news:

Bad news - I did not reach my goal. I ran a 3:33:10.

Good news - This Chicago Marathon time is a personal record previously beating a 3:33:41 at the 2005 Marine Corps Marathon.

Race Day - we were met with cold and windy weather, I was nervous as hell but ready to run. I have never run with so much crowd support and I have never run with such little no pain (thanks Nick, Lee, & Brad). I followed my plan of starting off at my marathon pace (a 7:27 mile) and the big question was - how long I could hold on? Well, I got to about mile 13 before my time started to slow and falter. During the last ten, my hips grew tight but I found pockets of energy and stayed strong. Crossing the Finish Line, I had nothing left but felt incredibly proud of my time even though it was not the 3:15 that I had hoped for.

I tell my kids,"Do your best and you will always be proud." I know this was the best I could do and I find the truth in my advice comforting. Boston is in my future and it will continue to make me work harder, faster, and longer.

Today I walk, or limp, away from this journey with pride in my pain and a deeper knowledge of who I am as a Runner, Father, Husband, and Friend. 3:15 has become more than just a qualifying time for Boston, it has taught the importance of goals (no matter how un-obtainable they may seem at the time) and life balance. I could go on and on... but the documentary will tell the story better.

This journey is only half over.

Let's see how long we can hold on.

Thanks to everyone who beiieved and supported me. I hope I didn't let you down.

Much love,
z

Production Update: 20 Miles Of Hope

20 miles today... in a row. Life is good.

Today was very reflective of this training period. The day started off raining. Dark and bleak but I continued on. At one point, the sun broke thru and it became a beautiful day. This is where I am at. The clouds are gone and my injury seems to be apart of the past. I feel strong and my confidence is building with each run. Don't get me wrong, I know Chicago isn't going to be a walk down the Miracle Mile... it is going to be a fight to reach my goal. It is going to be a dog fight.

Right now, I am enjoying the sun. But please know this...

I am ready to fight.