Sunday, November 16, 2008

Peaking or Puttering?

I need your help. Not financially. I've never asked (and won't) for financial contributions here at The Brew Lounge, something I'm very adamant about. Last year in conjunction with the Marine Corps Marathon that I ran, I raised money for cancer research. No, this year, I only need your shouts of encouragement. Almost exactly one week from now, I should have my feet up at The Tiedhouse in Philly. I should be celebrating the finishing of my third marathon. All goes well, Chris Leonard should be celebrating his second finish and we'll be raising a toast of good beer for good health, likely with his Lafayette's Escape (1.9% ABV) for starters. Question is: Will we be happy with our finish times? In running parlance, it's called a P.R. as in Personal Record. My first marathon finish time was a 4:35:55; my second in D.C. was a 4:21:31. Both times, I met a few goals that I set for myself. Will I set a new marathon P.R. this year? This year, I'm staying close to home and running Philly's Marathon. It's been quite the journey, with training tapering down in the past few post-DST weeks of darkness and more often than not, rain. But, my training as a whole has been erratic this year. Many distractions, a few nagging injuries, and perhaps a bit too much comfort knowing that I've run two before. But, one thing I constantly hear cautioned from more experienced runners is that the marathon distance should never be underestimated or disrespected. So, I have these creeping doubts about my finish time next Sunday. That's where you come in. I'm asking that if you wish to come out next Sunday along the marathon route in Philly to encourage me along, that could sure help. Let me know if you'll be looking for me; I'll let you know my anticipated timing and what I should be wearing. If not, and you'd like to send along a virtual shout of encouragement, that would be pretty cool too. I guess what I'm saying is that I need a pick-me-up. My last several training runs have felt pretty good, but on a whole, my training for this year has been sub-par. What do you say? How about...Anyone who can "prove" that they were there to support me during the marathon and shows up at The Tiedhouse around 12pm, their first beer is on me. UPDATE, to this whole 'first beer is on me' deal. The Tiedhouse will be opening at a special time, 9am, on Sunday November 23. The Leonard family has extended an offer of free first beer to all marathon and half-marathon participants. Change order for the Escape; Think I'll make mine the $16 275th anniversary ale ;-) And, don't forget...Brewmaster's Breakfast Bowl, Brewmaster's Breakfast Bowl, Brewmaster's Breakfast Bowl, eat, sip, repeat...

After the race, bring your finisher’s medal for a complimentary pint of General Lafayette beer!!!

7 comments:

booboodog said...

go get'em and run a couple of miles for me. ran the march of dimes walk a thon many, many years ago. 20 was plenty for me, can't imagine doing the next 6. best of luck and at least you'll be able to go down a few after that effort. we'll catch up again and i will buy you one if you get under 4:20. catch ya later, a

Brian Yaeger said...

I'm in San Fran, so I can't root you on in Philly I'm afraid. But I CAN toast a beer in your honor around 9am PST, even though I usually don't start til after noon. When I first started "researching" Red, White, and Brew, I did the LA Marathon. I was hardly a runner. I was pleased as punch to do it in 5 1/2. I'll never do another full, but I've done several halves since and after this book tour, feel it's time to find another, pronto.

Good luck hitting your new P.R.

Adam said...

God Speed!

Anonymous said...

Good luck on this!! Sounds like you've got some great motivation waiting for you at the finish line!

Anonymous said...

To paraphrase our favorite former VP candidate: Run, baby, run!

Brian P said...

I'm a former couch potato that just started regularly running 5 miles a few weeks ago. It's impressive and inspiring to know that you are headed to your 3rd marathon. Good Luck.Hope you smash 4:20:00

Bryan Kolesar said...

Thanks to all of you for your comments of support. Maureen, I think instead I'll adopt our President-elect's campaign slogan instead......YES I CAN!!

Though, while I am trying to forget that woman that you speak of Maureen...McCain's deliverance of the rousing "stand up and fight" line could be one of many mantras to carry me through the last couple of miles.