OK, while on a business trip in San Francisco I took a little after work run. I guess 14 miles round trip isn't so little. But I had a great time running thru SF and over the Golden Gate Bridge. Running is such an awesome way to see the sites of a city.

Slightly different than the GWB run for River Road. But still another man made marvel to run across.

Thanks for viewing.

 Only in Vermont... This is SO cool!!! Yep, that's a Running Teddy Bear from the Vermont Teddy Bear Company in recognition of the 20th annual Vermont City Marathon, Burlington VT, May 25, 2008. On a warm "welcome to summer" sort-of day I ran my 15th marathon, 9th State to a finish at 4:44:12. Mixed amongst 2400 fellow marathoners, we ran through Burlington and along the shores of Lake Champlain.

Eugene took a minute to offer Hillary Clinton some running advise. It has nice to have our New York Senator support us New Yorkers in Vermont. And Even better to allow a photo op with all the runners.

And amongst those many runners was Coach Courtney and Eugene. Somehow, I am not alone on this 50 state quest, plus the Benny & Jerry's Ice Cream is a lot more enjoyable when shared with friends just beyond the finish line. And I must mention Nichol who "road tripped" with us, and was our biggest cheerer. Thanks Nichol.

Now this was really special. We had the opportunity to meet Bill Rodgers, Winner of Boston and NYC in the Late 70's. What a nice guy. He still runs about 6 marathons a year along with encouraging runners everywhere to be aware and take care of their bodies and structural system. He kindly autographed by bib and wished us luck to "Run Forever".

http://www.billrodgers.com/ 

Next State, Hmmm... I don't know yet, I was thinking about Washington State for the end of June... But haven't committed.

I am going to San Francisco on business early June. I am SO looking forward to taking in a run across the Golden Gate Bridge.

I will take July off from a marathon so I can enjoy the family vacation in the Outer Banks NC. Yet I will still hit the streets to run the New York City Half Marathon present by NIKE on July 27th.

August, I've got my eye on the New Mexico Marathon last weekend in August. And then settle into a few Fall Marathons.

I hope to see you along the way and enjoy a run together. Stay hydrated and cool...

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.

       Sunrise in St. Louis...           A proud marathon finisher...

The GO!St.Louis Marathon April 6, 2008. This brings me to state #7 and marathon #13, finish time 04:20:14. With the weather ideal, 45 to 57 degrees, clear and low humidity, this half and full marathon hosted 13,000 runners today. A bit of a rolling hills course making its way through Downtown, by the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, Anheuser-Busch Budweiser brewery, back through downtown over to and through Forest Park in to Clayton-University City then back to downtown to the finish. Then, a medal, clip the chip, a water, a banana, a Budweiser beer, a picture and a finishers hat! Whoo hoo!!! Good Job Race organizers, I had a good time.

So, this marathon was a "NO HEADPHONES, iPOD, MP3" organized race, that's the USTFA rules. Oh no!!! Well, I was a good patron and followed the rules. Even though it might have changed my run slightly, there is a very good side to this rule. The great thing is meeting fellow runners along the route, chatting for a while, or a mile, introducing yourselves, exchanging idle running conversations; number of marathons, what cities, best times (PR), best towns, how long you've been running, why do you run, etc....       I met Gregory from San Francisco, running his 163rd marathon, age 58, All 50 states (a few times over), a few countries, and no sign of stopping anytime soon. His advice... "run two states on two consecutive weekends", you'll save on airfare.      I met Carole, age 43, a cancer survivor, 2nd marathon, school teacher, mother of 2 teenage daughters, wife of a farmer. They run the family farm of 1800 acres outside of Bushnell, IL. She has done a couple of sprint-tris. She shared that it is quite a change to run with people. She finds herself training alone on the back roads of the farm filled country side. Carole was enjoying a little "Carole time" coming to the big city and enjoying a run. Good Job Carole!

"The Runner" sculpture. Kiener Plaza is named in honor of Harry J. Kiener, the donor of the sculpture and fountain. Kiener, who was born in St. Louis on February 27, 1881 was an amateur boxer, wrestler and swimmer, but he is most noted for his position on the U.S. track team at the Olympics held in St. Louis in 1904 during the World's Fair. While his main occupation was a steel company executive, he was very generous throughout his life.

Also from St. Louis... (East St. Louis,IL), Jackie Joyner-Kersee Olympic Gold medalist, great athlete, community leader and head of the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation providing children, youth and adults alike the resources for fitness and quality of life options.

Check out all this good stuff:

www.gostlouis.org   The official site of the St. Louis Marathon.

http://jackiejoynerkersee.net/ Check out the good work Jackie Joyner-Kersee is providing in her community.

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

www.steverunner.com PHEDIPPIDATIONS podcast, thanks Steve for the mention in podcast #135 "why do you run".

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

Next Stop: Providence RI Marathon, May 4th, 2008

I     L.A.

Marathon #12 is in the records books. My LA Marathon experience brought me to a 04:23:54 finish as one of my most memorable marathons to date. I found myself smiling all 26.2 miles as I ran down my own memory lane in my home town. It was a very sunny day, 55 degrees at the start, shade for the first half, clocking a nice 01:55:00. The second half became a different run, no shade, direct overhead sun, 67 degrees, taking just shy of 02:30:00 to finish. Still, it was good to 'run home'. Every mile displayed the diversity of Los Angeles.

While in LA, I stayed with my best friend Ken and his family. We had a great time. Ken, Angie, Denise and Sam, as well as my brother Stephen made their way to the sidelines of the marathon course to cheer me on. There support was great. As Angie pointed out, it is an amazing opportunity to witness the human spirit of so many people running, you can't help but go away and want to have more fitness in life. Thanks KADS

Relaxing and Running was only a part of my weekend in LA. I had places to go and people to meet; Kay Morris and Marathon Kids. 8,000 plus kids took part in the Final Mile at UCLA. This is a great fitness and running program that serves kids and their family's year around in Texas, LA, Baltimore and soon to be in Chicago. This is a worth while cause which is filling a gap and loss where as many school districts are not providing adequate physical education classes or programs. I look forward to helping Marathon Kids in the near future and wish Kay and Marathon Kids much success.

An unexpected surprise.... You never fully know what or who you may run with in a marathon (Elvis, Marilyn, a lighthouse, Santa, etc.), so when I saw these turquoise jerseys ahead and behind me, where ever the eye could see... the runners, youth runners, of Students Run LA. Wow, 2,700 students took part and shared the marathon road. I am humbled and excited in each breath to see so many kids who have focused through training and completing this marathon. This is another example of a worth while program providing opportunities to students that provides a positive impact on their lives.

     
      <Students Run LA>  www.SRLA.org

On March 16th, I will celebrate a milestone, three years ago I quit smoking. In the past three years I have covered a lot of miles, on the road and in life. I continue to move forward and take in the benefits of a healthy life style. I appreciate everyone's support.

It is very cool, all of this running, and now heading out to run in each state. It is so embracing to meet and be surrounded by so many people running, committed to health, doing good, as each challenge themselves to accomplish great things.

If you know someone who struggles to quit smoking, let me know, we will find the way to help them set aside this habit and begin to make healthier life choices.

View the thank you's in their own words... In our third annual "Dear Santa" running shoe drive, we had the special opportunity to outfit 151 students with quality running shoes, as each of these students take part in a after school running and fitness programs. One of the Three schools receiving running shoes, KIPP AMP Academy in Brooklyn. With 40 Students in the running program, their coach (and School Principal) Ky Adderly had each of these students draft and write a formal thank you letter as an English class assignment. This is a great!!! And a huge thank you to soles4souls.org for partnering with us at RWP to make this happen.

  

    KIPP AMP: Dear Santa Running Shoe Thank You's   

   I would like to post a picture of the Kid's, but privacy protection laws prevent this. So, imagine 40 big smiles.

Cake not large enough to hold this many candles. No picture required.

Yep, 44 , another one of those things we have to celebrate once a year. So, along with the wonderful gifts from my family, mostly running related, and those 2 tickets to see Van Halen March 13th really rock! Thanks Barb, some how wives really know how to make their hubby happy. I do like February, it was three years ago this month that I was in California visiting my best friends, Ken and Angie, both had been exercising quite a bit, they looked great, thus I too was inspired. It was a month later that I quite smoking and took up running to get in shape. Thanks Ken and Angie for your tireless example.

CJ is in a better place today.... Our beloved dog CJ lost her battle with cancer this past weekend (Feb. 23). CJ was 12 and lived life to the fullest up to the end. It was May of 2007 that she was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in her bladder. During her years she enjoyed camping, traveling, going to the park, going to work and everything that our family enjoyed, we would do anything for CJ, and in many ways we did. We are adjusting to this loss, whereas it is very odd that no one is waiting behind the front door to greet you with unconditional love and a cold nose kiss, along with all of the joy that go along with this shared love. I am left with wishing that I could be as loyal and unconditional in my life as a dog is, my dog, CJ. Our hearts are missing a valuable piece, she will always be in our thoughts.

Training.... Well it's been challenging, between work and tending to CJ, the past few weeks have been tough to hit the road on a regular basis. But, I have been getting in enough miles that I feel good to run the Los Angeles Marathon March 2nd. I'm really looking forward to running in my home town, LA. The first 10 miles are parts of my old stomping grounds from my high school days (yes, along time ago). This will be Marathon #12 and my 6th state. I'll be looking for Ken and Angie at the finish line, 'cause after all, they inspired me to run. Also, Barb will be in California to share this one with me and the whole family.

I am trying out a new pair of shoes, I am running in the NIKE Structure Triax + 11, hope these will provide comfort for all 26.2 miles.

I'll let you all know about LA in my next record.

While in LA, I will take in the Marathon Kids Final Mile Ceremony at UCLA. I am looking forward to seeing the works of this great organization which encourages kids along with their parents to partake in fitness and healthier diets together. This is pretty cool. I'll let you know more in my next record.

Marathon #11, State #5... Arizona: The P.F. Chang's Rock-n-Roll Arizona Marathon January 13th. Finish in 04:14:20, I am happy to have run a no stress, go out and enjoy myself 26.2 mile run. I has joined on the course by fellow RWP teammates Deana, along with Bill, Becky, Debo and Peers running the Half Marathon. Yet best of all, I was joined by my Number 1 Fan, Barbara at the end of the race as we grabbed a photo together.

This race was well organized, the cities involved get behind this race, a nice flat course with wide streets, great crowds, Rock band every mile. I recommend this race, it is an awesome weekend celebration of running. Phoenix and Scottsdale are beautiful, and a bit warmer than New England in January.

CJ is on a roll... As most of you know, CJ is living with cancer. She has so much courage and her spirit is good. We thought at one point in December that she might not make it to Christmas. Her cancer has caused her to have very little bladder control, so with the help of doggie diapers, the house stays accident free and she seams to be shame-free, which makes her more comfortable. She has lost quite-a-bit of her energy to take walks. Recently I took her to Central Park, she loved being there, but couldn't walk in it. So, I purchased a baby jogger stroller to see if we could take the park in this way, CJ enjoys this. Barb and I are trying to spend as much time with her as we can while she still has time to spend with us.

Cancer Sucks!!!! hopefully, one day we can find a cure for our pets too..

Good!... Marion Jones will serve jail time for using performance enhancing drugs. Jones, [until recently discovered] a world class athlete, runner, a story book life and HERO to many, including students and young runners in fitness programs, as well as High School and College Track and Field Athletes. Following her self confession a few months ago. Now, striped of her medals will serve six months in jail. She is one in a long list of Professional Athletes who are faced  with losing their creditability in their careers and in the public eye.  The shame here is that kid's looked up to these people and these people have let them down. So, if the only good that comes