Thanks, friends and pals all! Yes, 6 months ago I let a crazy seed sprout in my mind, and registered to run my first marathon. I signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon via the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's awesome Team in Training program! My motive was to do something constructive to combat (a) terrorist attacks like the one at the Boston Marathon on April 15th, (b) cancer like the one that currently has my brother in its evil grips, and (c) the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle on my prospects for immortality (ha!). Six months of training later, and the night before the race I was terrified that I would not make it to the finish line! But you know what? I took that first step, and 6+ hours and 26.2 miles later, I hobbled across the finish line. I did it! And it was a blast! Very well-organized, and if anyone else has run the MCM or wants to ask about running it next year, I am more than happy to share stories. Ooo-rah!

Congrats! Sounds like fun, but I've already crossed that off my bucket list.

quote: Originally posted by FoamDome Thanks, friends and pals all! Yes, 6 months ago I let a crazy seed sprout in my mind, and registered to run my first marathon. I signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon via the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's awesome Team in Training program! My motive was to do something constructive to combat (a) terrorist attacks like the one at the Boston Marathon on April 15th, (b) cancer like the one that currently has my brother in its evil grips, and (c) the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle on my prospects for immortality (ha!). Six months of training later, and the night before the race I was terrified that I would not make it to the finish line! But you know what? I took that first step, and 6+ hours and 26.2 miles later, I hobbled across the finish line. I did it! And it was a blast! Very well-organized, and if anyone else has run the MCM or wants to ask about running it next year, I am more than happy to share stories. Ooo-rah!

quote: Originally posted by FoamDome Thanks, friends and pals all! Yes, 6 months ago I let a crazy seed sprout in my mind, and registered to run my first marathon. I signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon via the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's awesome Team in Training program! My motive was to do something constructive to combat (a) terrorist attacks like the one at the Boston Marathon on April 15th, (b) cancer like the one that currently has my brother in its evil grips, and (c) the harmful effects of a sedentary lifestyle on my prospects for immortality (ha!). Six months of training later, and the night before the race I was terrified that I would not make it to the finish line! But you know what? I took that first step, and 6+ hours and 26.2 miles later, I hobbled across the finish line. I did it! And it was a blast! Very well-organized, and if anyone else has run the MCM or wants to ask about running it next year, I am more than happy to share stories. Ooo-rah!

Good job, Foam! My one experience supporting a Marine Marathoner was equally impressed with the event. Your four great reasons combine to impress us all.

RUN FOAMY....RUN!!!!.....[:D]...ON TO VICTORY!....GREAT JOB...[;)]...

The look of sheer joy (and pride...accomplishment...probably relief...and maybe a touch of "runner's high") on your face from your finish line pics is just priceless.

quote: Originally posted by Oiznop RUN FOAMY....RUN!!!!.....[:D]...ON TO VICTORY!....GREAT JOB...[;)]...

Forrest Gump and Rudy references in one fell swoop, and all that content with only TWO emoticons! Well played, Oiz! Whether I am heading out for 2 miles or 20, the hardest part is convincing my knees that yes, as a matter of fact, we really are doing this, together, and no, waiting in the car for the rest of my bones is not an option. 100s of miles in training and I still have to beat the Mickey out of those dang knees to get them to work!

quote: Originally posted by slowrunner77 The look of sheer joy (and pride...accomplishment...probably relief...and maybe a touch of "runner's high") on your face from your finish line pics is just priceless.

I do not call myself a runner. More of a determined waddler. My motto was, "Purple Penguin Power!" Purple is the color of Team in Training, and Penguin is an accurate reference to my gait and pace. While I do not call myself a runner (certainly not one in your elite company!), your comment calls to mind the rejoinder, "It takes one to know one!" I am sure you have felt all of those emotions release as you cross the finish line, having given your all in the effort. You see all of those emotions in my finish photo because you know exactly what to look for. Quick story: I was nervous about my ability to carry my carcass over the course until the carb-filled inspiration dinner the night before. Speakers included one person who had run 20 marathons and one father who was running in memory of his son. The experienced runner helped us first-timers deal with the jitters by pointing out that one becomes a marathoner when crossing the start line, not the finish. After telling us in detail about his son's brave battle, the father had us all join hands and say, "We don't quit!" At that moment, I realized I was part of a team. If I could get across the start line, the rest would be fine. I do not mind admitting that I crossed the finish line completely exhausted. But for anyone else considering a marathon, I would say that the sense of victory when I crossed the start was indescribable. Thanks so much for your emotional support during the training program! I look forward to running with you one day, if you would not be too bored by my pace. I imagine we would find a nice beverage to quench our thirst at the end of the trail!

One of the best moves I made during training was to attend Hootenanny 2013! There, bluesandbarbq, pfoxyjohn, and mwiscount ensured I had plenty of quality carbs in my pre-race diet. And foam is loaded with muscle-building protein.

quote: Originally posted by FoamDome One of the best moves I made during training was to attend Hootenanny 2013! There, bluesandbarbq, pfoxyjohn, and mwiscount ensured I had plenty of quality carbs in my pre-race diet. And foam is loaded with muscle-building protein.

We try. It's our duty.

Congratulation FoamDoam... for a great accomplishment !! That's a great story.