3:09:46                Dallas            December 10, 2006

What a fun weekend!  For the first time in this stint of marathons I got to travel with other runners for a weekend full of marathoning.  Glen Kliewer ran the full marathon and Bob Woelk ran the half marathon.  (Read Bob's take on the weekend in his Free Press article.)  Julie and Glen's wife Susie went along as loyal supporters.  We stayed in a very nice Hyatt right downtown, complete with round beach ball-like pillows awaiting our arrival on the beds!  The expo was a well-done event, complete with celebrity runners present like Jeff Galloway.  This was a highlight especially for Glen and Bob as Jeff and his method of running is responsible for their forray into marathon competition.  It was a quick weekend as we noted in the van on the return trip home, but full of good memories.  Again, I am thankful for the ability to run.
Ready to go at the starting line.  It's always easier to smile before the gun is fired!  The pace was nice and relaxed as we ran the first couple miles.
After the finish line.  Here's the whole gang, in our 8th floor hotel room looking out over the city.  From left: Todd, Julie, Glen, Susie, Bob (note the pillows with which we were all impressed).
Around mile 12.  It was a cloudy day for all but about 5 minutes.  I was glad I finished before the misty rain started.  Soon after this point we turned back toward the city and the wind blew in our faces most of the rest of the way.  I tried something different in this one - I ran relaxed the first 13 miles then picked up the pace to 7 minutes per mile for miles 13-20.  Then I relaxed off that pace again for the final 6.2.  Throughout, I felt good and hit those 7 minute miles right on time.  I hope doing some 'training' like that will help when Boston comes around.
As we were leaving the hotel with all our luggage, we spotted running guru Jeff Galloway in the lobby.  He was gracious enough to sit for a picture with Glen and me, then talk like he was old buddies with Glen.  His wife Barbara was also very personable and easy to chat with.  Jeff and Barbara completed the marathon, too.
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