It’s Marathon Time, DNation Style!

I seem to have forgotten the 95 degree temperatures that met me at the finish of the Chicago Marathon in 2010.  October in Chicago is pretty unpredictable- in 2006, we had snow October 12, 2006 (ish) and in October, 2007, we hit the 90s and the marathon was stopped around 1130 AM because of the heat.  Thus, for whatever reason (I just want the weather to cooperate with me, it’s a flat course and Chicago is my second home), I’m coming back!!  Chicago Marathon, I’m preparing to tear you apart on October 7.  You’ve been warned!  I’ve seen part of your course as of last weekend.  This year, I’m doing it with a chip on my shoulder, because, let’s face it, I have some beef with the 95 degree finishing heat from 2010.

This year, I’m running for the American Cancer Society.  It’s one of the larger teams that runs the marathon, with the goal of raising money for cancer research and to put an end to cancer.  As they say, they want more birthdays and quite frankly, I agree.  How did running for ACS and team DetermiNation?  I blame my friend Jay.  I met Jay when I ran Chicago back in 2010.  At the time, he was working for Ryan and Sara Hall’s Step Foundation.  Since then, he’s taken a job with ACS and begged me to join the team.  What can I say, for Jay yes, yes I will.

This year, however, will be special.  Yes, running the marathon in general gives you a small piece of immortality as Katherine Switzer puts it.  However, at the end of June I received an email saying that I was a potential match as a bone marrow donor for an individual needing a transplant.  So, while training, I’m going through blood work and waiting to see if I’m helping someone out with a bone marrow transplant.  Who woulda thunk…helping someone with cancer while running for ACS.  Want to read more of my story?  Head over to my DetermiNation page and help me out.  I’m trying to raise $1000 for ACS and again am not asking for any physical birthday presents.  Peace out and help out a runner!!

And Your US Olympic Marathon Team Is…

Let’s meet the 2012 US Olympic Marathoners:

Desiree Davila, Ryan Hall, Meb, Shalene Flannagan, Abdi Abdirahman and Kara Goucher.

I got to say, the fact that there was a ton of sportsmanship shown during and after the race was awesome. Meb was cheering for the female runners he was lapping on the last lap while they cheered for him.  When Ryan Hall and Abdi Abdiraham nearly collided during the race, Ryan apologized while still running.  The top 3 men went and congratulated Dathon Ritzenheim after he came in 4th and missed the to 3 by  8 seconds.

Shalene Flannagan set a trials record and the top 3 ladies were all thrilled for each other for making the squad.  Deena Kastor, who won Olympic Bronze in 2008, was disappointed with 6th place (and who wouldn’t when only the top 3 go to London), but was more than thrilled with the top 3 ladies representing the US.

Way to stay classy my running Idols!  And thanks for not stepping on someone’s throat during a game or complaining that the event wasn’t all about you 🙂

When, Oh When, Will the Trials Be on??

Dear NBC and Universal Studios,

In case you were unaware, today was the Olympic Trials for the Marathon.  You know, that race that’s 26 miles 285 yards that’s taking place as part of the London Olympics this summer?  Apparently, you were aware as you bought the stream rights to the race in Houston.  The race was at 9 am, and it’s just now being put on NBC. Really??  As a runner, I was a little peeved.  And by a little, I mean a lot.  Yes, running isn’t soccer, the NBA, NFL, football or college basketball, but you’re daggon wrong if you thought there wasn’t an interest for it.  Following it on twitter and facebook is definitely not the same as watching.  Let’s face it, it’s hard to figure out where someone in 140 characters.  To boot, competitor.com lost connection and couldn’t tweet us because of you people.  What do have against runners??  There aren’t any good cartoons on these days anyways that can take the place of this.

Congrats to Meb, Ryan Hall and Abi for the men and Shalene, Desi and Kara for the women.  However, NBC and Universal, you dropped the ball. Yet again.

Sincerely,

Me