The COX PROVIDENCE MARATHON May 4, 2008. This brings me to State #8, Marathon #14, finish time today 04:05:11, A second best on the PR log thus far. A late morning start time of 9:00am, with 48 degrees and RAINING, oh joy.... It's gonna be one of those days. Draped in the finest rain weather gear , the couture of the Marriott Hotel Maid's Closet... a big clear plastic bag. Thankfully by mile two, the rain stopped, the clouds remained and the temperature made its way to 58 degrees, cool running. It was turning out to be a perfect running day. Well, except for the water on the road which occasionally hides the pot hole it was filling. At mile four I ran straight in to it, that "Oh Crap, I didn't see that coming - pot hole", ouch! That about took me out.  I ran through the discomfort. Next...

Next State Run, Burlington VERMONT, May 25th 

   Going into the run I had my eye on a four fifteen. As the miles passed, I began to think about four. The course was a little hilly, more like rolly-polly. I like little hilly courses! So, I was feeling good with my pace, I found my self at mile 13.1 at Two O Two, Mile 20 at Three O Three. It was hopefully, 23 at three thirty one. Wow, that ascent at 23 1/2 to 25 was a hamstring glute burner, and brought me to a walk a couple of times. Hoping at three fifty five that the down hill would bless me with Kenyan legs, I would ease my way through the canyon of old beautiful buildings of architecture from yesteryear to find the finish line at 04:05, with my wife surprised to see me finish early. A good run, hard workout, with a nearly even split. Finisher #301 of 597 runners. Middle O' D'pack.

   As an inaugural marathon for the City of Providence, the organizers did a great job. The course was challenging, yet stimulating. The nice wind in and out of the city and along the shores provided a nice view of what Rhode Island and Providence has to offer. Of course there are little details that some may point out. But all in all, I think every one who ran had a great enjoyable Sunday run. The crowds and the volunteers are goods.

    I recommend it... So, take a trip on I-95 next May and sign up to run this great 'little' new marathon.

    The fun stuff... meeting people who share the same passion for the run and the road. Everybody's gotta reason, maybe even a story, spend a mile or two, listen and share.

Check out all this good stuff:

www.rhoderace.com  The official site of COX Providence Marathon 

http://kateconklin.blogspot.com/ read about this courageous lady's struggle and triumph as a triathlon trainer and a marathoner.

www.racewithpurpose.org Find your purpose and train with us.

www.steverunner.com PHEDIPPIDATIONS podcast. Congrats to Steve on his recent running of the 112th Boston Marathon.

www.fitnessrocks.org podcast for the health conscious and the sports minded.