Running The Race

Ten years ago, a group of people (4 guys and 2 girls) decided to train together and run our first marathon. It was 1997, and we ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. In spite of the rain and 40 degree temperature during the race, it was such a great experience, we all decided to run a marathon together every 5 years.

In 2002, we trained and ran the same marathon, but this time, we had sunny skies and a comfortable temperature. We also invited several others to join us, and there were approximately 10 of us running the race together. Since then, several of us continued to run and enter other races.

Well, this is the beginning of the training for our third race together - 10 years after that first one. After much discussion, we decided to enter the Chicago Marathon on October 7. Out of the 4 original guys who ran in 1997 and 2002, only one (Tony) is unable to join us because he will be in Australia.

This is a blog for all of the guys who are committed to running the race this year. Phil, Monte, Frank, Jay, and I are all planning to run and others may still decide to join us.

The first race was one of the best experiences in my life. The training, although difficult, was challenging and rewarding. The race was simply incredible. The cheering on the side of the road from everyone who came to watch, the runners who pushed and encouraged one another to press on, the men who met us when we crossed the finish line, and the feast that awaited us at the end. There's nothing else like it, and I'm excited about the opportunity to run again.

The race is on!

-Dean