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