The Long Trail

Well, I did it! 26.2 miles were completed on a gorgeous Sunday morning. I’m just starting to feel better and more coherent, so I’ll attempt to put my feelings into words for my last entry into this blog.

The Saturday night carb load dinner at the Rossi’s was a blast. Many thanks go out to Colleen for hosting this event for the runners and their families. Ira, Rossi, Rob and I traded stories and tactics over a delicious spaghetti dinner. Rob Rossi had to be considered the MVP of the evening for downing a McMillian’s cream doughnut in 4.6 seconds THE NIGHT BEFORE HE WAS TO RUN A MARATHON! Impressive work my friend! Sadly, my wife Patrice & daughter Faith weren’t able to join us as Faith was battling a stomach virus. After dinner, it was a quick exit back to Haddon Township and into bed early.
I awoke Sunday morning to perfect running conditions. The temperature at start time was in the low 40’s and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The first several miles went by pleasantly enough, as the four of us took turns trading stories and pointing out some of the freaks running along with us (the guy in his late 60’s in a full tuxedo, the guy juggling while running, barefoot runners, the guy running with his dog ect…) The Philadelphia Marathon made a wise decision to print the first name on the number bibs all the runners wore. This allowed the people along the route to cheer for us by name. This was never more helpful than when we hit University City, and Drexel’s campus. As we ran right though fraternity row, all of the brothers from the frat houses were out on the street, blaring music, tasting us with milk jugs full of beer (at 8:30 in the morning), and cheering us on. Next, came the hills of Fairmont Park. After getting to the top of an incredibly steep hill, we started our descent leading to this exchange between Rob Rossi and a petite female runner:
Rossi: "Boy, I hate going downhill. It kills my knees."
Female runner trying to be helpful: "You just need to relax, and let gravity pull you along."
Rossi: "Yeah, the only problem is my gravity and your gravity are two entirely different things."
After running along the Schuylkill River for several miles, we headed back towards The Philadelphia Art Museum, and our first of a few problems of the day. Rob Haney was feeling ill, and asked that we continue on without him. Ever the good solider, Rob Rossi decided to stay with Rob Haney to see him though this endeavor. It was a good move, as the half-marathon finish line was coming up, and it would have been tempting for Rob Haney to call it a day right then. Ira and I continued on passed the Art Museum, and it was difficult to see people pulling off and finishing their half-marathon. Seeing all the cheering families and well wishers while another 13.1 miles awaited me was a test of my commitment. After topping another incredibly steep hill, Ira and I made our way to Manayunk. I’m proud to say I was able to keep pace with Ira for several miles, before I came to the realization I was holding him back, and I told him to continue on without me. I ran from approximately mile 17 to 23 alone. I thought that running mile 18 (the point during the 2008 Phila Marathon that the Curley family made a surprise cheering section for Rob Rossi) would bring me some measure of relief or self satisfaction, but sadly it just brought more knee, toe and foot pain. Mile 20 was a test of self control as the Haddonfield Running Company had set up a tent, and was handing out Dixie Cups of beer to any runner that wanted it. I shielded my eyes from this Siren Song, but a few moments later, Rob Haney slurped one down and he claimed it helped him make it the last few miles. Shortly after the turn around in Manayunk, and the last turn towards the finish line, I spotted Rob Rossi and Rob Haney. I knew how tough it would be to make the last six miles alone, and decided to slow my pace and wait for them so we could finish together. During my two runs for The Philadelphia Distance Run, I remembered how bleak the last few miles of Kelly Drive can be, and I also knew that I’d need some good friends to kick my sorry and tired butt to the finish line. Rob Rossi put it apply when he said "I feel like I’m running on bloody stumps." The last few miles the three of us carried one another with words of encouragement and the promise that we were "almost there." After spotting the finish line, we stopped briefly to hug and kiss our friends and family. Sadly, but understandably Patrice and Faith weren’t able to make it do to Faith still being sick, but they were absolutely there in spirit. The three of us crossed the finish line in unison, and then collapsed euphorically into each others arms. After catching my breath, and regaining my composure, I was able to call Patrice to tell her I had finished a marathon. My dear friend Mike Goida then thrust the appropriately named Long Trail beers into our hand, and we allowed this magic nectar to release its healing powers.

After downing a couple of beers, we made our way home for what promised to be a relaxing and much needed shower. Upon my return home, I was greeted by my wife Patrice and my daughter Faith as well as signs of congratulation written all over the front window of our house. After hugs and kisses from "my girls" I was able to gingerly make my way to the shower, then over to my parents for a celebratory downing of what my family calls "The Meal." Pork roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, apple sauce, corn, spinach and several more beers were downed with reckless abandon. Afterwards, I received an award platter from my parents for their favorite "Kenyan." I managed to just barely stay awake during dinner before heading home to a much needed bed.

It truly has been an incredible life changing journey. When I first started running a few years ago, I would leave my house and return about ten minuets later huffing and puffing. When my wife would ask me how far I got, between gasps for breath I’d spit out "Mary’s house and back." Mary’s house was only three blocks away, and I’d be shocked if the entire run was longer than a quarter of a mile. To think that from those humble beginnings, a marathoner was born is mind boggling.

As I said, this marathon and training involved was a journey (maybe my last…maybe not), and like all journeys required a lot of help from several different people.

I’d like to thank anyone who ever read this blog especially my good friends Mike Goida, Jon Martini and my sisters Molly and Mary Pat who passed this blog on and would brag about my running 26.2 miles to anyone who would listen.

Thank you to my running partners, Rick Haney, Rob Haney, Ira Krassen & Rob Rossi for keeping me motivated with words and e-mails of encouragement. Congratulations to you all! I would never have made the last few miles without the Rob’s pulling me along. It has been a tremendous ride my friends.

I’d like to thank fellow marathoners and friends from York College Lori Dawson and Scott Bergman. Thanks for your training tips, thoughts and words of motivation.

I must mention and give thanks to my dog Guinness who somehow instinctively knew each and every time I was headed out for a run, and would not bug me to take him along.

My thanks and love to my Mom for a lifetime of support in every athletic event I ever participated in. I guess every little boy thinks his mom is the best mom in the world. Well I’ve got some news for you: Unless you’re one of my sisters or one of my kids, you’re wrong! My Mom is the sweetest, most supportive women in heaven or earth, and I wouldn’t listen to anyone who said otherwise.

Thanks to my once, present and forever coach who taught me there is absolute and unending beauty in competition. I think you’re the best coach in the world…and you’re a much better Father than you ever were at coaching.

Lastly and most importantly, love and thanks to my family for being my number one support system. I can’t thank my wife Patrice and my kids Gavin and Faith enough for putting up with my aches, pains and mood swings over the last few months. Thank you so much for literally, being there every step of the way. Your love and understanding has been overwhelming. I couldn’t have done it without you. I love you all with all my heart.
PTC
12/09