CIM ...... Last Stage of My Journey To MM Bronze Level Membership

                                 Stage 1 ... 10/9 .... Long Beach Marathon ...... 4:48:00
                                 Stage 2 ... 11/6 .... Santa Clarita Marathon .... 5:07:05
                                 Stage 3 ... 12/4 .... Cal International ............... 4:53:15

Last Sunday, December 4, I ran my 3rd marathon within 90 days and qualified for the Maniac Marathon Bronze level membership.

Encouraged and motivated by the achievements of blogger friends, Paul (http://50-is-the-new-30.blogspot.com/) and Ed(http://runningscientist.blogspot.com/), I started my journey on October 9, 2011, after 3 months of training. Each stage of the journey had it's unique challenged and story to share.

Stage 3
December 4, 2011 ....... California International Marathon, Sacramento

The event was advertised as the fastest course where runners who want to qualify for the Boston Marathon or set Personal Record  register. The event sold out early and I was the last to register. My son had to register through the charity thing ($250 registration fee).  I was excited on this event and confident that I can set a PR.  It's also my passport to the MM bronze level membership. Things didn't turn out as expected. After the Santa Clarita Marathon wherein I ran in the rain, my Asthma came back. It's been under control for 4 years but stopped taking my daily medication about 4 months ago. My bad.  Didn't do any LSD run and started taking my medication again plus more (Advair, ProAir inhaler, cough syrup, ampicillin and benadryl).
My asthma was under control a week before the race and all set and ready for CIM.

On December 3, my son and I drove to Sacramento for the expo. Picked our bibs and race kits. The expo was small compared to Long Beach and San Francisco, but well organized.  The highlight of the day was went I met in person my blogger friend Paul.  I learned a lot from his blog and suggestions.

Paul is a silver level Marathon Maniac having ran 8 marathons within 365 days.

It's cold at the start line but after 2 hrs of running, the weather was perfect,  The course is flat and fast. Rolling hills and few turns and lined with spectators to cheers runners.  I ran as planned and at 10:30 pace. At the 20 miles marker, my split time of 3:31:48 was on target to beat my last year time of 4:42:00.  But after mile 20, I fell apart physically and mentally.  I was not tired nor hurt,  but something was wrong.  I spent more time in brisk walking than running/jogging. On the last mile where I usually do my old man sprint, I totally lost the will to run.  With head down, I walked toward the finish line. About 1/4 mile from the finish, my son who was waiting in front of Hyatt(he crossed the finish line an hour earlier) approached me and urged me to run. That there was still time to finish under 5 hours, that I should not gave up after getting this far. Finally, I gave in to his yukking and ran to the finish line.  My son and I walked back to the hotel, went straight to the bar, have a tequila shot, a glass of beer and nachos. Drove back to Walnut Creek, watched my grandson basketball game and have a late dinner.  What a Day!!!!!

I think, I need 3 days rest from running.  Will evaluate the situation and decide if running more full marathons will do more good  than bad to my health.

At the Finish Line... In agony but still looking good.

After Mile 20, when not walking.

Before Mile 20...Awesome!!!

Father and Son Priceless Moment.

Stage 2 
November 6, 2011 ...... Santa Clarita Marathon

For details click link.
http://arthur-seniorrunner.blogspot.com/2011/11/santa-clarita-marathon-perspective.html

Stage 3
October 9, 2011 ......... Long Beach Marathon

For details, click link.
http://arthur-seniorrunner.blogspot.com/2011/10/long-beach-international-bank-marathon.html