An Experience

Monday, Nov. 12, at 8 a.m.

Two days later, I feel like I'm still taking it all in. The marathon wasn't a race -- it was an experience. And one I won't forget for so many reasons.

Even though I've never ran a marathon before, I can see why this is "America's Friendliest Marathon." Spectators were everywhere cheering us on. It made the miles tick by so quickly. And the sights of running by the James River, running down Cary Street and trotting by the Richmond.com office are things I'll never forget.

While I take another day to rest, feel free to email me your marathon stories at david.hylton@corp.richmond.com.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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The Final Pre-race Post

Thursday, Nov. 8 at 4 p.m.

The time has come for the pre-race blogging to stop. If you're like me, you're taking tomorrow off work to get a final day of rest and partaking in a great spaghetti meal. But before the end of the short work week gets here, I want to share with you a very touching story.

Not every challenge in Saturday's marathon is about the 26.2 mile event, or even the 8k. For Allie Plymale, a 6-year-old girl with cystic fibrosis, it's about strengthening her lungs and bringing awareness to her disease. Her mother, Amy Plymale, of Durham, N.C., writes the following: "This will be my husband's first marathon and it's a perfect one for him to run in. Our 6-year-old daughter, Allie, has the fatal genetic disease, cystic fibrosis. At some point in her life, she will most likely need a double lung transplant. Therefore, Donate Life, has special meaning to our family. The other cool thing about this particular race is that we have our daughter signed up to run in the 1 mile kid's race. This will be her first run. Exercise is very important to children living with cystic fibrosis, so we thought it would good to get her involved in running."

I think that this is a good story to leave you with over the next few days. I'll let you digest that and let you think about how important your health is to you. Ask yourself this question: what will you do to improve not only your life, but others as well?

So this is the end of the pre-race blogging journey. You'll hear from me again sometime after the race … whether it's Sunday or Monday or even Tuesday has yet to be determined, but I'd like to hear your race reports. Does this journey really end after 26.2 miles or 8 kilometers or a mile? I don't think so. Send me an email at david.hylton@corp.richmond.com and maybe your story will be featured here.

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Are You Ready?

Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 4:30 p.m.

Is that a pain in my knee? Why is my stomach hurting? Don't sneeze near me! Have I eaten enough? Will I have to walk? Will I get hot?

'Tis time to get paranoid, isn't it? Are you waking up in the middle night thinking that it's actually race day? Are you making sure you have three alarm clocks set on Friday night, plus getting two wake-up calls so you don't oversleep? Oh no! You haven't picked out what you're going to wear yet.

By tomorrow morning, the countdown to the Richmond Marathon will say 1 day and a number of hours to go. You'll think to yourself: "But it's only Thursday, I have plenty of time." Next thing you know you're making that drive home from work that evening and you realize that when you wake up on Friday that the next day is the day of the marathon.

Time has flown by this summer, but that chill in the air means that the marathon is right around the corner. All the months of long runs, icing your knees and questioning your sanity will be coming to an end shortly. "Should I get one more run in," you ask yourself. NO! Just rest and let it all out on race day.

I'm not a person to wish you luck on race day – has luck really gotten you this far in your training? I'd rather just say, "Have a great race" or "Happy running" – luck just doesn't sound right.

The deadline is near to let me know your marathon stories. If you have anything else you'd like to chime in on concerning this weekend, send an email to me at david.hylton@corp.richmond.com by noon Thursday. That's 44 hours before the gun sounds.

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For a Good Cause

Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 2:15 p.m.

The emails continue to roll in from people running this weekend. Like I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, running can be a very individual thing, yet at the same time it's very much a team sport. It's also a sport that can help the animals.

C. Kathleen Donnelly and her running partner from Charleston, S.C., "got smart on training" and have raised $5,000 for a new animal shelter there. They've even created a Web site detailing what they're doing – www.road2richmond.com.

Another good cause getting benefits from Saturday's marathon and 8k is Donate Life. Dena Reynolds sent me an email letting me know that 100 people are running or walking the 8k to promote organ, eye and tissue donation. She says that HBO will be in Richmond to profile two of the Donate Life members.

Holly Byrd Miller, a Donate Life member, says, "In past years, my mission and purpose were unclear – I just wanted to cross the finish line on my own free will and not be carried across by a medical team. … This year my mission and purpose are much more defined and meaningful -- I am running for my mother-in-law (Edna Miller, organ recipient, survivor, hero) and others who have been affected by organ donation and transplantation. I am running to support Donate Life, not only because I am employed with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), but also because of my mother-in-law who probably would not be here today had it not have been for a young woman who was educated and knew the importance of donating her organs -- the gift of life."

"Through educational efforts, we encourage all Americans to say 'Yes' to organ and tissue donation and record a donation decision. Making a pledge to the SunTrust Richmond Marathon Donate Life Pledge Program, all funds raised will be used to help educate Americans about organ and tissue donation. … No gift is too small. They can play a part in ensuring that the gift of life continues."

Yesterday I purchased my running attire – a Lance Armstrong Livestrong shirt. Portions of the sales of Livestrong shirts go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation to help battle cancer. It's not much, but every little bit counts, right? To me, it's a cause worth running for.

What's your marathon story? Send me an email at david.hylton@corp.richmond.com by noon Thursday.

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Twas One Week Before Richmond

Monday, Nov. 5 at 10 a.m.

Time is ticking down to the Richmond Marathon at the end of this week. As runners continue to taper, get nervous, rest injuries and so much more, Suzanne Ruder-Nagasawa has written a poem titled "Twas One Week Before Richmond." Enjoy!

Twas one week before Richmond and all through the town, All the runners were tapering, cutting their mileage down. The shirts, shoes and goo were laid out with care, Knowing that marathon day soon would be there.

They tucked themselves early each night into bed, While visions of gummy bears danced in their head. And Don and the coaches could all rest with ease Knowing the runners were all resting their Achilles.

When out at the stadium there rose such a site The runners were dressed strangely, something was not right! There were angels and clowns and funny colored hair And one in a polyester suit, oh so rare.

They had long tube socks and tight running shorts, Like the runners wore in those seventies sports. The directions were crazy, a mixed up name game: A palace, a shrub, but they ran just the same.

What to the towns' eyes is going on out here? Just taper madness, say the coaches, nothing to fear. They'll be anxious and nervous and feel every pain, Short tempered and restless; a little insane.

Only one week to go, they feel unfit and slow, That last 20 miles was ages ago! How will they manage to run 26 miles, In Richmond, the marathon known for its smiles?

The coaches assure them they are ready to go, It's a journey to enjoy, no matter how slow. The coaches will whistle and call you by name, They'll cheer you and guide you and help all the same.

Go red team, go rainbow, go purple, green and blue, Go maroon, orange, navy, black, yellow, and pink nation too. To the top of the hills, to the finish line fall Run away, run away, run away all.

The runners are ready, they are all at their prime, Happy marathon to all and to all a good time.

Are you running in the 8k or marathon this weekend? We'd like to hear your story! Send an email to david.hylton@corp.richmond.com with "Rblog Marathon" in the subject line.

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For His Sister

Friday, Nov. 2 at 11:30 a.m.

Emails from people running in next week's Richmond Marathon continue to pour into my inbox. There's John Hart from Harrisonburg who ran in the first Richmond Marathon in 1978 and is running again this year. He's 43 now – you do the math. There's also Chris from Ohio – the other nurse mentioned in a previous entry. He offered some advice on what to drink after a race – chocolate milk. "I can guarantee I'll be looking for the nearest chocolate cow after the race. So I can get my 'fix.'"

Then there's Jack from Idaho. Like many people who run, he doesn't consider himself a runner. "I like to bike and swim. I started doing triathlons about four years ago," he says. I completed my first half ironman distance triathlon this summer (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run) I have considered doing an ironman, but I really struggle with the run." Despite claiming to not being a runner, he is running the Richmond Marathon on Nov. 10. Why? For his sister.

" My younger sister, Jill, was killed in a car accident in 1987. She was 19 years old. She had a book of goals that she wanted to accomplish during her lifetime. One of those was to complete a marathon. She was not able to do this before her death. I read her book about 4-5 years ago, but did not think seriously about it until this summer.

Running a marathon to prepare for an Ironman triathlon has not been enough inspiration for me to set this goal. In August, I decided to train so I could accomplish Jill's goal by proxy. My wife and parents are coming to watch me run. I have thought of my sister often during my training. I have asked to have the nickname 'Jill's Race' to be put on my race bib. If you see me running or at the finish line, smile and wave. I will be thinking about my sister.

These stories continue to amaze me, and I urge you to keep sending them in. Send me an email at david.hylton@corp.richmond.com and you'll very likely see your story here before the marathon.

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Be a part of the record

Thursday, Nov. 1 at 2:15 p.m.

Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's because the Chicago Marathon had to shut down. Maybe people just love running. Maybe people just love Richmond. No matter what the reason, the Richmond Sports Backers announced this week that the entries for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon have hit a new record.

As of Oct. 31, nearly 4,800 runners had signed up for the Nov. 10 marathon, breaking the previous number of 4,763 set in 2005. More than 5,000 registrations are expected. And, while it hasn't set a record, the Ntelos 8k is nearing 5,000 entries and is on pace to break the record field of 5,393 runners last year. More than 6,000 are expected to register this year.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com  

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I'm Never Running A Marathon!

Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 10:45 a.m.

I once swore off long distances. Let me backtrack … I've often sworn off long distances. Before I even started running, I thought doing anything more than a few laps around the track was just crazy. But after I caught the bug, ran numerous 5ks, then overtrained myself for Lynchburg's Virginia Ten Miler in 2006 and hurt my knee, somehow I became more determined than ever to conquer long distances. Two half marathons later, I'm ready for the marathon journey on Nov. 10.

In a recent email, Leslie Seymour told me she swore she'd never run a marathon, but there she will be on Nov. 10 with her friend Sabrina Atkinson-Dornhoefer. How many of us are there who have swore they'd never run 26.2 miles? I'm sure there are a lot of us out there. Anyway, here's Leslie's story:

"I first met Sabrina in 1986 when we were both members of the U.S. team competing at the World Cross-Country Championships in Neuchatel, Switzerland. Because we competed in the same event on the track (3000 meters), we got to know each other real well over the following years and became the best of friends.

Over the years we both got away from running. I suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, and Sabrina went to medical school, got married and had kids. Although we live in different states, we have managed to visit one another at least once a year. In fact, when I was visiting her this past August, we were relaxing, with a beer, after a seemingly very strenuous 4 mile run, when Sabrina brought up the subject of running a marathon.

"I thought she was crazy, why in the world would she want to run a marathon? Well, I don't know if it was the extra beer she supplied me with or not, but the next thing I knew was we were looking at upcoming marathons on the Internet. We came across the SunTrust Richmond Marathon and we were both very drawn to it. It sounded like just the kind of marathon we were looking for. Nice size, someplace we'd never been, a fun and interesting course.

"We next checked the Runner's World magazine Web site for a training program and found that if we jumped in at week 6, we thought the novice marathon training program would be doable. This has been quite an adventure for us. As experienced as we were as track competitors, we had no idea the toll that the mileage, along with the added years, would take. We have had a great deal of fun emailing and talking to one another about our training, and it brings back memories of the years we competed on the track. After 10 weeks of training, all I can say is that we are so looking forward to our run in Richmond (and scared to death of what happens after mile 20)!"

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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The U.S. Comes to Richmond

Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 10:15 a.m.

One great thing about "big" races is the amount of out-of-town runners that they attract. While the Richmond Marathon attracts many local runners and athletes within Virginia (1,854 finishers last year from the state), the race is also a big draw for anybody within a reasonable driving distance … or a quick flight across the country. Looking at last year's results, there were 18 finishers from California, 34 from Georgia, 163 from Maryland and 70 New Yorkers. A reader named Chris from Ohio, which had 32 runners last year, is one of those out of towners preparing to run 26.2 miles on Nov. 10. Here's his story:

"I started working in the surgical department of a local hospital eight years ago. I made friends with a fellow who'd been a wrestler in high school, like myself. I'd always been thin, and he'd always been stocky, so we looked something like Laurel and Hardy together. He mentioned that he was bothered by how much weight he'd gained since high school. I encouraged him to try swimming in the mornings before work. For me, it provided an abundance of energy and I thought he might benefit from the exercise as well. He did, and before he realized it, he'd lost some 35 pounds. Six months after beginning his swimming routine, he was down to 215 and was hitting more home-runs on his softball team, than ever before.

"That was back in 2001-2002. Fast forward to earlier this summer. I've moved on to a different department, and Rick has gained back most of the weight that he'd lost previously. His hours had changed, and he was unable to swim in the mornings due to the pool not being open yet. Over lunch one afternoon, he asked me if I'd run a marathon with him. He'd never run more than 5 miles at one time, and I'd never run more than 13. Mine was a painful one-time experience I had no desire to repeat, and he was motivated to get his health back on track. I thought about it for a second and said, 'Sure!' (Lots of people run marathons just because ... right?)

"The summer months were quickly flying by. Our training wasn't showing much promise, not to mention it was sadly lacking in organization and we still hadn't chosen a race to run. We decided to simply work our way up running a 26.2 mile loop in one of the park systems here in Northeast Ohio. We weren't looking to prove anything to anyone but ourselves, so we opted out of any organized race.

"The need for organization in our training however, led me to runnersworld.com to check out how the 'real runners' do it. I printed off a copy of a beginners training plan and felt instantly motivated.

"Curious, I marched out the weeks of the plan to see what races fell at the end of 16 weeks. There were several in the range, but the 'Friendliest Marathon' caught my eye. I'd never been to Richmond. I suggested we go for it, and Rick was all in.

"We're now less than two weeks out, and our training has taken us to levels we'd never imagined possible. Rick completed a 20-miler two weeks ago and has lost 25 pounds since the training began. I completed a hilly 23.5 mile loop this past Saturday, something I'd only ever done on a bicycle! Taper time has arrived, and we're more excited with every passing day.

"Two Registered Nurses from Ohio will be flying to Richmond to run their first marathon. I honestly don't think we could have made a better choice. Whether we continue to run after this race, or hang up our sneakers, it will be an experience we'll remember for the rest of our lives. We're grateful for the opportunity, and we're looking forward to it."

As emails continue to pour into my inbox about the marathon, be on the lookout through Nov. 10 of stories people running the Richmond Marathon. If you have something you'd like to share, send me an email at david.hylton@corp.richmond.com, or click on the link below.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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The Ride of His Life

Monday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m.

Marcus G. Franklin, a U.S. Navy lieutenant, shared his story with me today on what he's gone through to get to the SunTrust Richmond Marathon next week. In the past year, he's gone from completing one marathon to getting into an accident that made it a struggle just to walk to preparing for Nov. 10. Marcus titled his email, "For Those Who Won't, I Will." Here's his story:

"On a picturesque Saturday summer morning, Sept. 23, 2006, at approximately 10 a.m., I decided to go out for a motorcycle ride with a good friend of mine. I had just recently purchased a Suzuki GSX R1000 motorcycle as a gift to myself for successfully completing a tour in Iraq and wanted to break it in. I never imagined that morning the bike would break me in. The weather was ideal for riding, the roads were fairly clear of traffic, and I thought I would have the ride of my life. My trip would take me north on U.S. 1 in Stafford before I would reach the turnaround that would take me back south on U.S. 1 and on my way to the winding country roads of U.S. 17. This would be the ride of my life!

"Just past the turnaround on U.S. 1 about 100 yards down the winding road, I hit a patch of gravel traveling at 55 mph which projected (high-sided) me 20 feet in the air into a grass embankment. If it were not for the Navy safety course that taught me how to slide into an unavoidable collision, my safety gear, and a prayer, I might not be here today. Fortunately, I only sustained multiple scrapes and bruises to my torso, arms, and legs, and a compound fracture to both bones in my right ankle. My riding partner looped around, called 9-1-1, and within a matter of minutes I was rushed to Mary Washington Hospital. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, my dislocated bones were reset and the next morning I went into surgery to have my ankle bones stabilized with a titanium plate, two pins, and six screws. Just a year before in October 2005, my son, a 26-year-old sergeant in the Marines Corps, and I completed the Marine Corps Marathon together in 5 hours and 10 minutes. Now I could not even walk 5 feet.

"Before the accident, I never imagined I would ever want to run a marathon again, but when I was not able to walk without the assistance crutches I began to really appreciate how fortunate I was to run or even walk. After several months of healing, I would then endure the agony of physical therapy and relearn how to walk again. I vowed that if I were ever capable I would run one more marathon in gratitude for the ability to use my limbs. I gained a new-found empathy and respect for those physically handicapped and understood not to take my ability to walk or run for granted.

"Immediately after relearning to walk I was in the gym pushing my limits relearning to jog. One year after my horrific motorcycle accident, I am running in 2007 SunTrust Richmond Marathon with a goal to finish the race in 4 hours and 30 minutes. It is going to be a huge personal accomplishment to finish my second marathon considering that I have enough titanium in my ankle to set off an airport metal detector, and I'm running by myself. My training has been pretty arduous, but the hardest part is not having my son, who got me to run my first marathon on a Marine-Navy rivalry challenge, beside me. Since our last marathon my son has suffered multiple issues with his knees and just recently fractured his ankle. I'm dedicating this run to him, the rest of family, and anyone else that can't walk or run because for four months, I walked in their shoes. So, for all you do … this run's for you!"

Do you have a story you'd like to share? If so, send me at david.hylton@corp.richmond.com, or see the link below.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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The Wacky Virginia Weather

Monday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m.

All summer long and throughout much of September and October, the weather hasn't been nice to runners. It's been hot and humid. The weather has forced conversations of runners to be the same every day . That is until last week.

It rained for the first time in forever. Instead of staying indoors, I saw runners strolling through the streets of Richmond and jumping over puddles like nothing was bothering them. It's what has to be done, though, to prepare for the Richmond Marathon – what if it's pouring down rain on race day? If you didn't run in the rain, you wouldn't know what it's like, would you?

The same can be said for the temperatures this morning in the mid-30s. Was that frost I saw this morning on a few cars? It sure was. My lungs were saying a big "Thank you" this morning. When is the last time they felt temperatures that cool? Probably March. The cold can't stop us runners now – what if the temperatures are in the upper 20s or low 30s on race morning? It's very possible.

During this time of the year, Virginia weather can quickly go from one extreme to the other. A week from now we'll all be looking at the extended forecast trying to figure out what to wear at the start of the race, only to know that the temperature could easily rise 30 degrees during the hours that you're running. It could be pouring down rain at the beginning with temperatures in the 40s or 50s, only to be sunny and warm by 11 a.m. Expected the unexpected next week … did I really say "next week"?!?! The countdown is nearing zero …

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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The Power of 30

Thursday, Oct. 25 at 11:45 a.m.

What's so special about the number 30? In case you've missed it, this is the 30th anniversary of the Richmond Marathon. You probably won't see tube socks and you won't hear too much disco music on the course, but all signs point to this year's marathon being a blast. Just check out the official Web site at richmondmarathon.org and you'll be ready to throw down some carbs and get started. You'll forget you're supposed to be tapering right now.

Thirty is also a special number for Crystal Holbrook-Gazoni. The 35-year-old has been running for more than 10 years. This year's Richmond Marathon is her 30th marathon. "It will be a GREAT day since it is the 30th year and it will be my 30th marathon. I will be wearing a shirt that reads 'CRYSTAL'S 30TH MARATHON.' Crystal says that Richmond is "by far" her favorite marathon, and she has high hopes of one day qualifying for the Boston Marathon. In her age group, she needs to run a 3:40, just 5 minutes shy of her best.

Like many runners, Crystal enjoys running to relieve stress from work. The MCV nurse, who works the night shift, gets most of her miles on the treadmill. She's such a die-hard runner that she ran 26.2 miles on a treadmill after not being able to make a marathon she had trained for last year. "Can you see I am addicted?" she asks in an email. I say it's a good addiction to have.

Do you have a story you'd like to share? Are you, too, trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon? Send me an email at david.hylton@corp.richmond.com and I'll be more than happy to share your story.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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Age – it's just a number

Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

One of the greatest things about marathon first timers is that they come in all ages. I've read many blogs from people in their 50s and 60s preparing to do their first 26.2 miles at some point this year. For me at age 29, it's something I can check off the to-do list before I hit the big 3-0.

Wayne Morris of Midlothian, 42, recently shared his journey to the starting line of the Richmond Marathon. He was inspired by seeing the emotions of people crossing the finish line last year. "I really wanted to know firsthand what that feeling was like, so I told my wife that I was going to run in the 2007 marathon, but I also told her not to tell anyone since I had not run a distance of more than 2 miles since I graduated high school almost 25 years ago."

His journey began by getting advice from WWBT12's meteorologist Andrew Freiden who told him to buy good running shoes, get started at the beginning of 2007 and to join training teams with the Richmond Sports Backers. Wayne trained for the Monument Avenue 10k to get his non-running legs into shape for marathon training in the summer.

Wayne summed up his experience with a little reflecting and yet another reminder of why running is a team sport: "It's never too late in life to run a marathon, but it is a yearlong commitment ... I would like to thank my wife, Charlotte, and my children, Ashley and Robert, for all their understanding and support during my long training process. Another necessity for a potential marathoner is a supportive family who understands that training might occasionally dictate life's daily schedule. Become a runner. I did and it is a great feeling!"

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
Click here to send me an email of your marathon experiences. 

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Team in Training

Monday at 10:45 a.m.

Brent Kintzer of Richmond sent me an email at the end of last week to remind me even more about why running is a team sport. Kintzer works for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and is the campaign coordinator for "Team in Training," a fundraiser for fighting blood cancers.

Last month he finished his first marathon in Chicago as part of Team in Training. Yes, the same marathon that had to shut down due to the extreme heat. Repeat: he finished it. To read his full race report head to www.active.com/donate/tntva/tntvaBKintze. As he said in an email to me, his race was much more than a story about self accomplishment. It was a run for many people he'll never meet.

He sums up his first marathon by not pointing out his personal accomplishments, but instead focusing on what his run meant for others: "Finishing my first marathon was quite an accomplishment. But the feeling of finishing it for Team In Training, and knowing what that means to the lives of those affected by blood cancers, is indescribable. However, this is not the end of my journey … it's only the beginning. I will keep fighting, it's just what I do."

For more information on Team in Training, visit www.teamintraining.org/va/.

For those heading into the taper weeks of training for the Richmond Marathon, I'd love to share your stories with everyone out there. Whether you're running the race as part of a team or with a family or it's just something very personal to you, send me an email at david.hylton@corp.richmond.com.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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A Family Affair

Friday, Oct. 19 at 10:45 a.m.

Running is such an individual sport. Many runners get up every day, or go out after work, and run for miles and miles by themselves. Occasionally runners get together in groups for speed workouts or long runs, but for the most part, they're by themselves. Many runners who participate in races aren't there to compete for the top prize – they're usually in competition with themselves. They're out to beat a previous time for that race, or set a goal time to beat. If they happen to place in their age category, that's great, but it usually doesn't matter.

Oftentimes when I'm by myself running, I forget that big events, such as the Richmond Marathon or the 8k that same day, can be a family affair. Running can very much be a team sport. Troy Wayne Clark share's his story with us and it brings into focus how important that supporting cast is. Here's his story:

"Several years ago my daughter Amy Clarke began her running career. She has run in several marathons -- Richmond, Marine and several others. She is now a trainer for the running team. In May 2005 I had a little heart situation and ended up in CCU for three day. After that I began exercising. My daughter has now talked my son Derek Clarke, his girlfriend Jamie Buchanan, and me into running in the 8k. Jamie has run the Richmond Marathon before, but decided to run the 8k this year. My son and I have never been runners, but have been on the 8k running schedule training for the race. I run slower that they do, but my wife said I'm 28 years older than them (58).

"Saturday, Nov. 10 is special day as my son will turn 30 that day. We hope to make it a family day, with my wife cheering us on. It's not the wind (breathing) I am concerned about. I have no problems with that. It's just the rest of body that is the problem."

Do you have a story you'd like to share with us? Send me an e-mail at david.hylton@corp.richmond.com.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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All those questions

Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m.

The questions about running a marathon have been nonstop for much of the year for me. I think most people are sincere and don't mean to be offensive, but sometimes comments and questions are just out of place. Reader Michelle Noevere shares with us some of the questions and comments she has received pertaining to marathon running. Here's an email she sent to us in response to this blog.

"How long is that marathon?" (I'm sure we've all heard that one).

"Why are you doing that? You don't really think you're going to win, do you?" This was asked by my employer, after a moment of silence and in an incredulous tone of voice, as if he were thinking, "The dumb thing doesn't think she can beat those African runners half her age, does she?" I started telling him about endorphin highs, the thrill of pushing your body and seeing what it can do, about PRs and BQs, until I noticed that his eyes were starting to glaze over.

"Well, I just hope you can finish it," said by a co-worker, who was also my employer's brother, and also spoken after a moment of silence, and then in what sounded like a pitying tone of voice, as if he were thinking, "Well, I'll probably be attending her funeral."

Hal Higdon opens his book, "Marathon: The Ultimate," with a sort of "Why do we do it?" thesis and tells an anecdote of when he once ran the Chicago Marathon, I think it was; he overheard a spectator say, "Can you believe they actually pay money to do this?"

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com

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Because I want to

Tuesday, Oct. 16 at noon

Since I signed up for the Richmond Marathon sometime in the spring, I get the same reaction from people when I tell them I'm training for a marathon. "You're doing WHAT?" "Why would you want to do that?" "Are you crazy?"

No, I'm not crazy. My co-workers may disagree, but no, I'm not crazy. In a story too long to tell right now, I enjoy running and I enjoy presenting myself with new challenges. Following the Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach in March, I knew a marathon was the next big thing. So why not Richmond? I ran the 8k here last year following an injury and really enjoyed myself, and the great people of the city. Now that I'm a Richmond area resident, I couldn't be happier to run this race as a local.

So, have you gotten any weird responses from people when you tell them you're running a marathon? Or do you just have any weird marathon-related stories you'd like to tell? Or are you a non-runner and want to tell us that we're crazy? If so, send me an email and keep this blog going.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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A breath of fresh air

Monday, Oct. 15 at 10 a.m.

Just the other day, Richmond hit a record high. Temperatures felt like late July and early August instead of October. Where were those nice, cool fall mornings? I was struggling to remember what it felt like to be cold at the beginning of a run. Instead, I had that constant feeling that I had just taken a shower, but wasn't clean. Nothing like some summertime sweat to start off the day ... but again, it's October.

Recent mornings have been different, though. It has been cool and crisp. It finally feels like October. It finally feels like the Richmond Marathon is right around the corner. 

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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No lack of water

I was talking Mike McCormick of the Richmond Sports Backers earlier today about an upcoming story about the Duathlon World Championships coming to Richmond, and my questions turned to water and making sure Richmond is prepared for athletic events in case of extreme heat.

In case you haven't heard, the Chicago Marathon this past weekend turned a little crazy. It was very hot for early October, 10,000 people who had registered for the race didn't run and race officials actually shut off the race. If you do an Internet search, you'll see many stories about people saying there was not enough water to go around. Some may be true, others may be a bit drastic, but not matter what, it's a concern.

I asked Mike if what happened this past weekend made the Sports Backers think twice about how they prepare for the weather. Quite simply, he said, no. "When the weather gets hot, we add water stops," he said. "If we have to scramble we will. We know how to." In our conversation, he offered his professional sympathies to race organizers in Chicago.

The debate on who is right and wrong in Chicago will go on for a while, but it's nice to know that close to home, the organizers seem ready for anything.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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A month to go

Wednesday, Oct. 10
In another month, all the training for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon will be coming to an end. All the hard work from the past few months will be paying off as thousands hit the streets to their quest of finishing 26.2 miles. I will be joining the crowd that day, running a marathon for the first time.

Here at Richmond.com, we'd like to guide you through the final month of preparing for the marathon. Do you have any stories you'd like to tell? Any advice for first timers? Any race-day tips? As the day nears, I'll be sharing some of my stories and thoughts about the marathon, but I'd really like to hear from you. If you have any questions about running, feel free to pass those along as well. I'm no expert, but I love talking about running.

-- David Hylton, Richmond.com
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