24-Hour Run, Sandy Bottom Park, Hampton Roads Virginia

24-hour Run for Cancer take #2.  This was my first time back to this great race since 2012.  WOW is a good way to explain this run in one word. This 24-hour ultra marathon is one of those unique races, no set miles; more of how many miles you want to run in the 24-hour period. What a great cause (American Cancer Society) and wonderful running Team Run4Life...raising money, awareness and beating cancer!  I dedicated this run to Marty Bernich and Traci Bernicke Inman who are currently battling this terrible disease. 

When people see the title or I explain I am running a 24-hour race, heads turn, people look at me funny and normally the first words they say are "You stay up all night?" or "Why? I don't get it".

Preparation for a race like this, requires more training and planning than normal.  You need extra fuel (In my case fig newtons, nutra grain bars, gatorade and water).  Without these items, there is no way a person could survive the 24-hours.  Yes, it is a 3.75 mile loop through the park so you start and finish in the same location, but as you complete a lap, fuel is needed.  The race did provide pizza at midday and afternoon, so that was a blessing! 

I arrived the day before the race and meet up with my running mentor Brian Burk and new friend Paul Starling.  We spent a couple of hours catching up over water and pizza (Hey lots of carbs and great company).  As the night progressed I decided that an early turn-in would be a good idea with the thought of what was ahead the next day so I went back to my hotel and prepped for the race.  I fell asleep early (well for me) at 9pm watching what else...Harry Potter.

The 0400 wake up call came early.  I was up and ready and quickly ate my normal breakfast before a race, which included oatmeal, milk and coffee.  I made it to the park at 0500 and we setup base camp.  The Run4Life team consisted of 12 male and females so we had two tents for our food and chairs.  It was great to catch up with a few runners that run for USMES and to meet several new runners that comprised the Team.  All the members are long distance runners and I consider myself the "tag along" as most of the team members normally run 50 and 100 mile races.  For me this was my 3rd long distant run.  Below is the amazing Run4Life Team:

Pictured below are my Run4Life Teammates that have served this country with honor.

We also had the honor of meeting a 93 year old World War 2 Veteran who was walking the race.  Last year he walked 22 miles...amazing honor to be a part of this picture and meet such a distinguished gentlemen. 

The weather forecast for the day was miserable...mid-80s and humidity about the same, thus making it feel like 101 in the middle of the day.  We had a pre-race briefing from our course director, with the BIG take away...his request that we walk rather than run from NOON-4pm for our safety.  We ended the briefing with a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem sung by a active duty military member.

0700 arrived and we were off.  I treated this race as me as a "Tortoise", remember the Tortoise and Hare"...yep no hurry here.  After my first lap I was already drenched in sweat and provided an update via Facebook Live.  I was feeling really good, grabbed some snacks and off for lap 2.

The first 6 laps went as planned.  Slow and smooth.  I was deliberately holding back and at times walking and running.  My intervals were a 8 min run and 2 min walk.  This worked great until we got to the afternoon.  The heat had set in and my intervals were more of a 2 min run, 2 min walk.  My goal was to do a lap an hour in the afternoon.  If I walked with a purpose I could walk the 3.75 mile loop in just under an hour.  This seemed to work well all afternoon and it was saving my body for the evening run.  Goal was to step up the pace once the sun went down.

We had several organizations represented during the race.  The Red, White and Blue organization was out all day walking with American Flags...what a show of patriotism!  After completing one of my laps and starting a new one I crossed paths with one of the walkers coming in and asked to take the flag for a lap.  He was more than willing so I did.  See the picture below with my teammate Paul:

Mile 37 arrived and it was time for an equipment change...shoe and sock refresher.  It was like night and day for my feet and my body.  I felt light on my feet and quickly made it into the 40s and 50s.

As the sun began to fall and evening set in, the temps receded and it was time to ramp up the miles.  I went back to 8 min run and 2 min walk as I did earlier in the day.  With the sun setting and the night sky taking over, I stopped at base camp and obtained my flashlight.  With the trail being off the beaten path and out in the forest, you can imagine how dark it was.  This does create a change in how you run and closely watching what is in front of you.  It also means a slower pace.  There were a few times I felt a face plant coming, but was able to recover with a slight fall.  The other thing I tried to do was run with someone.  Being out on the trail by yourself was an eerie feeling, slight noises were alarming and a time to watch for animals.  Back in 2012 I had several encounters with raccoons.  They sure are cute from a distance, but up close...they get aggressive and Tasmanian at times!  This time around I didn't have any encounters with raccoons, but I did have a deer run right in front of me early in the race...so close that there might have been a close encounter of a deer kind.

During the night, I met an amazing gentlemen in his 60's, a multiple Ultra Marathon finisher, who just a few years ago was struck by a tree which impaired his ability to balance when he walks.  He was using a jogging stroller with some amazing lights.  Over time, I ran into him several times and walked several miles with him.  We discussed running, his distances and our love for running.  I believe he finished with 60 some miles...amazing!

As mid-night arrived, I was finally starting to feel sleep deprived.  I had been awake continuously since 0400 the day before and as I was finishing up a lap around 0100, I caught myself sleeping.  Yes, it happened, I was walking and all of the sudden I looked around and said "What just happened, where am I".  I am not sure how far I had been sleep walking, but yes it happened.  By 0200 it was just too much, I had just completed a lap and decided a nap was in the cards.  Now, everyone around me said if I went to sleep the race would be over for me.  I did the same thing back in 2012 and yep, the race was over.  This time I set my alarm for 0230 and told myself..SELF you will wake back up!  Before I knew it the alarm sounded, I turned it off and told myself...just a few more mins.  That turned into about 15, but I was awake.  As I set in my chair for another 45 mins with a blanket and my feet hurting, I remember thinking...it is time to quit the race, even telling my running mentor Brian Burk who was sitting right next to me that I was done.  But with all my races the thought of my mileage started getting to me, realizing I was sitting on the exact mileage from the 2012 race.  I jumped up and walked over to the personnel keeping track of our laps and asked...yep I was sitting on 63.75 miles.  There is NO way this runner was going to stop now.  I told the lap counter I was going to run out to the 1/2 mile marker and back just to set a PR for mileage.  She said "I'll be waiting".  I headed out for what I thought was a final mile.  As I approached the 1/2 mile marker, I was feeling really good.  The hour or so of sleep and rest really rejuvenated my body.  I began to run and walk and was feeling better with each step.  I caught up with Paul and decided to walk with him, but it became apparent I really wanted to continue running.  I had several teammates that were ahead of me on their final lap and catching them was the goal..  After a bit that happened, Joshua, Eric and Ruthie were very surprised to see me.  We walked the rest of the lap together, which put me at 67.5 miles with only a few hours remaining in the race.  Could the goal of 75 miles actually happen?  I was determined now!  I grabbed some fig newton's and water and set out on my quest. 

After a combination of running and walking another 3.75 miles was complete.  This put me at 71.25.  With the end of the race drawing near, we were limited to going to the .625 mile marker and back.  So to get to 75 miles this required 3 out and backs.  The first two seemed easy, but the final one was a test of endurance.  I remember thinking as I had 1 mile left and looking at my watch...SELF you better get moving and fast.  I crossed the finish line with 4 mins to spare.  75 miles...wow!  Without my teammates this would have never happened.  Blessed beyond words!

Thanks to Brian, Paul, Eric, Joshua, Else, Andrea and Ruthie for all the words of encouragement, running and walking miles with me!  YOU made the difference, YOU kept me pushing for a personal record, which turned out to be my best race for individual stats...tied for 19th overall and 2nd in my age group.

Rock and Roll Marathon, Washington DC

RnR Marathon DC take #2.  Back in 2012 when we lived here in DC I ran the inaugural RnR Marathon so it was nice to return and do this race again.  This year's race was MUCH different than 2012.  At the start it was in the lower 20's with 10-15 MPH winds.  So I had my long leggings, long-sleeved shirt, gloves and beanie on and ready for the 7:00am start.  Hunter joined me for this race which made it really special and with the metro safe track continuing it made our transportation to the race a challenge.  In advance of this we scheduled a taxi to pick us up at 5:00am.  We were not sure how long it would take to get to the race and really hoped the taxi could get us as close to the start as possible.  Luckily, he was able to get us two blocks from the start and it only took 15 min to get there...AMAZING considering DC traffic.  Arriving that early caused a problem though.  With the temperatures in the 20s you can imagine how quickly we became overwhelmingly cold.  Starbucks came to the rescue...we found one just a block or so from the race and were welcomed by the staff.  Hunter and I were the first racers to find it and take advantage, but as the morning progressed more and more racers arrived.  After some good coffee, it was time to walk to our Corral (4) for the start of the race. 

One thing I like about the Rock and Roll Marathons is the way they have a phased approach to their starts.  The elites leave first and then each Corral is about 1 1/2 mins or so apart.  I never have a problem getting on pace early in the race and we are spaced out and running with the group of runners that will finish around the same time.  One race that I wish would change the start is the Marine Corps Marathon.  It is a mass start and you are crowded for the first 8 or so miles.  So if you are looking for a race to PR, the Marine Corps marathon is not the race to do it...well unless you are an elite at the beginning of the race :):).

Back to the RnR.  The first 5K of the race went really well.  Hunter and I were on pace crossing in 28 mins.  We stayed steady the next 3 miles, Hunter had to take a pit stop around Mile 6 or so, I kept going and after about a mile I realized he might not know I kept going.  I continued though knowing we would eventually link back up during the race.  As I approached Mile 7 we encountered our first Hill.  We were greeted by the "Wear Blue:  Run To Remember" crew.  They had pictures and tributes to Fallen military members (Photos Below), as the Hill started they were screaming and waving the American Flags...such a PROUD moment running by them with 25 years of faithful service under my belt.  I finally reached the top of the Hill, made a corner turn and we were back to running on a flat surface.  It was shortly after this that I had someone tap my shoulder...I looked over and Hunter had caught up :):).  He was winded and said he had just ran a 7 min mile to catch me.  He was understandably irritated and I told him we had a miscommunication at his pit stop.  He thought I would stop at the water station and wait for him, I told him I would continue running, just at a slower pace.

Mile 8 was uneventful.  Hunter and I made a deal that if we crossed the half in around 2 hrs, that he would push me for a PR.  Hunter was feeling really good at this point in the race.  I however was developing problems in my left leg.  By Mile 9 I was starting to cramp.  I had never experienced cramps during a race, so I was in unchartered territory.  I figured it was temporary and just dealt with it, but it did slow my pace and Hunter could tell.  We discussed my stride and how I was running.  As we approached the half way point, I actually felt good about our time.  We crossed in 2:09 and I really thought this might be the race where I finally finish the back 13 better than the first 13.  Reality is...this would be one of my worst back 13 since starting to race in 2009.  As the miles continued, cramps developed in both legs and  Hunter at one point looked at me and asked if I was OK...I said Bud, the legs are done, from the waist down I am done.  I remember telling myself..SELF, what are you doing?  Get it together?  There is no quit so you will just have to deal with it!  YES, I actually was arguing with myself :).  We made it to Mile 17-18 and I took out my last CLIF Shock and proceeded to eat them.  Another first, I actually felt nauseated and told Hunter I felt like throwing up.  Again, I started to argue with myself.  SELF...you have to be kidding me!  I threw the Shocks in the trash at the water station at Mile 18 and we continued.  Mile 18-22 was just one struggle after another.  I remember seeing the 5 hr pacer pass me...all I could do is throw my arms in the air and scream "Really!!??".  Well I didn't scream, but it sure felt like I was.

As we made it to Mile 23, the Hills were back.  We had one right after the other through Mile 24.  Who does that!  Just wrong!  I know what you are thinking...Jay come on...this is a marathon, YOU signed up for this!.  As I took the roundabout exit close to Mile 25, I remember thinking...this is almost over.  There was a bridge separating us from the finish and you guessed it, we were running against the wind.  It was still in the 20s and that wind just ripped right through both of us.  Mile 26 arrived and the finish line was in sight.  Normally, as I make it this close to a finish line, I turn on the after burners and run as hard as I can...today was not that day :).  I actually walked across the finish line.

This Rock and Roll ranked as the second hardest of my 23 marathons.  With the weather, cramps, nausea and Hills (Again, I say WRONG) it was a rough race.  To keep it all in perspective.  I ran the race, have a hard earned finisher medal, didn't DNF, not injured, and finished with my son.  I live to concur another race in 2017.  Next up...April 2nd and the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler here in DC.

Thanks Bud for all the words of encouragement and finishing with your Dad!  Another one completed!  

The JFK 50 Miler was...

So how does a 50 mile run sound?!  Crazy huh?  Well for me it was a challenge.  I had only ran one other Ultra marathon (24-hour run in Virginia) in 2012, before the JFK 50 Miler.  I have done many marathons, I felt good and had my great friend Brian Burk encouraging me in the months, weeks and days before the race.  Brian is a huge mentor for me, fellow runner and ultra marathoner.  Additionally, I recently signed up to be a member of the US Military Endurance Sports (usmes.org) organization so we had a total of 6 members at the race.  It is always a good time when you are at race with a group of people.  They all had ran many races so it was good to get some perspective prior to the race.  We also had a great dinner at Olive Garden...that never ending pasta bowl is amazing! And bread sticks and salad to boot!  After dinner we headed back to the hotel, readied our clothes for the race and Brian and I caught up on old times and just life.  I then turned in earlier than normal for a night before a race (10 pm).  I woke at 0400 for a 0430 breakfast with the team and then we left for the high school in Boonsboro at 0500.  As we reached the school it was really starting to hit me that it was prime time and the race was only hours away.  The briefing at the school was well put together, we dropped our after race bags and then the race coordinator gave us the rules for the race, our timing gates throughout the day...yes I had to finish certain sections of the race in a specific timeframe, so I had the pressure of just finishing but also the added pressure of the time gates.  If you missed one of the time gate you would be removed from the course.  I had never ran a race that had timed sections and luckily I never got close to missing one.   

Let me go back to before the race...Brian had described the race to me and even sent me a link to his blog which provided a few videos of the course etc.  He described the quick altitude change but as seen below...it was literally straight uphill in a few places the first 8-9 miles.  Nothing can prepare you for what is ahead of you unless you experience it for yourself, so if you want to find out..sign up for 2017 :):). 

The dramatic increase was then just as dramatic coming down the mountain and off the Appalachian Trail (AT). As I finally reached the bottom of the mountain I arrived at the aid station at 15.5 miles.  It was an amazing stop.  PB and J sandwiches, oranges, gatorade, water, coke, M&M's, and peanuts.  This turned out to be the standard for the aid stations till Mile 42.  At Mile 42 they switched to hot chicken noodle soup...boy did I need that, you will read why here in a minute. 

The next 26 miles or so was defined as "Flat", "Easy Run" along the Potomac river.  HaHa, you can see it is a slight increase the entire way and as you looked out on the Potomac river I was running against the flow of the water.  Yes, they claim that the trail was "flat" was just dead wrong. LOL.  The trail along the river was scenic with the amazing tree foliage and a few deer.  At the beginning of this part of the race it had warmed (62ish degrees), but the trees did well to keep the sun off of us.  At Mile 20 I stopped and went Face book Live showing everyone the beautiful Potomac River.  I then pressed to the Mile 27 aid station and at this point the heat was starting to take a toll.  As I pushed and passed two fellow runners named Robby and Kate, who I had passed a few times earlier in the race.  This is the norm at races.  People speed up and slow down and you will eventually either start running together or walking.  As we ran and walked, we talked of our previous races, and professions.  Both of them had multiple ultra marathons under their belts.  Robby had multiple 100 milers and Kate had done several 50 milers, so I was in good company to finish the race and before I knew it we made it to the aid station at Mile 34.  As we ran into the aid station the weather suddenly took a turn towards winter.  The temp dropped dramatically, the wind kicked in strong and yep rain drops started.  I told them I needed to stop and put on my long sleeve shirt, beanie hat and gloves.  I also took advantage of the theme (It was decorated with a theme of Miracle on 34th St...all Christmas'd up :). I ate some Christmas cookies and PB&J sandwiches.  With this extra time Robby and Kate pressed forward and I thought I would catch up with them.  Needless to say, that never happened. LOL.  As I pressed to the Mile 39 aid station, the temperatures continued to drop and the rain started to really come down, difference now is sleet started to mix in and for a bit it really came down.  I remember thinking...really!  The AT from earlier and now...sleet!  C'MON!!  As I pulled into the Mile 39 aid station I decided to stop and stay under the tent for a few minutes (Turned into 10 mins) to get out of the rain.  It had amazing sandwiches, M&Ms and drinks.  I moved out and meet up with a older gentlemen named Charlie.  It was his first 50 Miler, but he had been running marathons for many years...yep crazy like me!  We reached the Mile 42 aid station and received our "Strip of Courage", it was a reflective arm band required due to darkness.  We left the aid station and finally finished the trail part of the course and moved to the road for the 8 mile home stretch.  Within a half a mile we were greeted by a gentleman providing hot chicken noodle soup.  With the rain and cold and now darkness, it really hit the spot.  We moved on and I noticed a small sign on the side of the road that had the number "8" on it...could this be the sign I was looking for?  Yes, Yes it was, 8 miles left before the finish line. This was my countdown.  I broke out the cell phone and let my teammates know where I was.  8 turned to 7 and 7 turned to 6, then another aid station with hot noodle soup...yep that hit the spot.  6....5....4....3....2...1.  I finally reached the final 1 mile of the race.  I remember thinking, Jason lets kick it into gear and finish strong and you know what, the body responded to the mind :).  At about 1/2 mile to the finish Tiffany my wife Face Timed me and asked how was doing...I said "hurting" but finishing.  I made it to the downtown area and saw the bright lights...yep the bright light at the end of the tunnel.  It was like I was running to Heaven.  LOL.  I made it across the line in 12:20, so proud and happy.  I remember the first aid worker looking at me and saying "need anything?", I don't really remember the response other than "I think so" and "where is the bathroom"...yep I was a bit out of it. 

I walked to the high school gymnasium and was greeted with a high five and huge hug from Brian.  I finished! 

What an accomplishment!  This was the toughest race since I started racing in the 2009.  Would I do it again...that requires some praying! 

The below picture gives you a perspective of the entire race.

Until the next race....            

Who Am I Running the 2016 JFK 50 Miler in Honor Of...

Faith.  When that is said, what do you normally think of?  In America right now it is faith in our political systems.  Faith that someone is going to do what they said.  Faith that what you believe in.   Faith is taught in the bible as doctrine.  Faith is all important in the life of the soul.  Without Faith it is impossible to please God.  Faith will get you anything, take you anywhere, but without Faith there can be no approach to most anything, no forgiveness, no deliverance, no salvation, no communion, no spiritual life. Faith is by its very nature scarcely conscious of its own existence.  Like the eye which sees everything in front of it and never sees itself, faith is occupied with the object upon which it rests and pays no attention to itself at all.   

Now who I am running in honor of...As I look back on my assignments through my 24 years in the United States Air Force, one in particular made significant impacts on my personal life. That assignment was at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma.  As we searched for a church (Normal for us at each assignment) the one we planted ourselves in was Lifechurch and that is where met the Earl Family.  Twyler was a leader at the South OKC campus and my wife Tiffany and her made an immediate connection.  With that connection came a connection for me to the entire family and her husband Kellon.  An amazing man who cares deeply about his family and faith.  

About a year and a half ago, one of their sons, Corbin, responded to God's calling to apply, interview and accept an internship at The City Church with one of my favorite pastors Judah Smith.  He knew this is what God had for him to do in a church he had never visited, and a state he had never lived or seen, and knowing the only thing he could take is what he could pack in 2 suitcases and a carry-on...he sold everything...completely out of faith. Since, entering the 40+ hour a week Leadership program last year, he is dependent on the support of others, and any part-time job that he can pick up to pay the bills.  Talk about going out in faith.  There are several first-year interns, but only a handful of second-year interns serving alongside Corbin, and with the JFK 50 being a test of endurance and faith that I can complete it, I thought it fitting that I would run in their honor.  For you to run a Ultra marathon you are going out in Faith, trusting that your training and body will be ready and make it through this most enduring race.  Very much like Corbin, who is going out in complete Faith as an Intern at The City Church. The call for both of us is not to be sprinters, but marathon runners that honor Christ.

To read more about the Intern program at The City Church, see the link for more information: http://interns.thecity.org/

My MCM Marathon Experience Take #3...

Marine Corps Marathon

MCM Marathon take #3!  This was the 41st running of this amazing race and my 21st marathon...amazing!  The weather was a bit warm and as the day progressed it did get rather hot.  It reminded me of the heat and humidity during the USAF Marathon from just a month ago. The Metro here in Washington DC has been doing track repair throughout the city and because of that the race started later than normal at 7:55.  The race gave us until 8:55 to get to the start line due to the track repair.  With that, I finally made it to the start line about 8:20. 

The MCM didn't disappoint for the sights.  Yes, I ran through the part of Washington with the monuments and Smithsonian's, but I was able to see Michael Jackson dancing and performing his famous songs.  I was able to give a thumbs up to Chewbacca and Princess Leia (Yes, full Comic-Con style :)).  I saw Superman at least 5 times during the race...kind of scared me and wonder woman was sighted multiple times throughout the race.  All the Incredible's made it to the race too.  So the Hollywood and California superstars were well represented this year.   

Now back to the race.  The first several miles were crowded.  This is one thing I really don't like about the MCM.  They do have people setup in corrals, but with the mass humanity it still makes it difficult to get into a good rhythm.  I really didn't get comfortable until Mile 10.  With the amount of zigzagging back and forth to dog runners, running on the grass off the road or slowing to a walk at times, I was surprised when I reached the half way point at 1:58. Mile 13-19 seemed to move quickly (Well that is what I was telling myself).  As I made the turn toward Mile 20, thoughts of the finish were starting to come to mind.  My body was feeling good, legs were holding up, but I was slowing a bit.  I made it to Mile 23 and I met up with a friend who was running his first marathon.  He was struggling with cramps in his legs (Had been for several miles), so I decided right there that I was going to get him to the finish line.  We walked and talked for about 2 miles and when we made it to the final mile, we both said...lets run it in. My time was no concern anymore, it was about making sure he finished his first marathon.

The MCM continues to impress.  All the support along the race was incredible.  The Marines were out in full force and did great at the Aid stations.  So another MCM complete! 

Now onto my last race of the year The JFK 50 miler.  Find out in the next few days who I am running in honor of...  

My USAF Marathon Experience...

USAF Marathon experience take #4!! This was the 20th Anniversary of the race and my 20th marathon...that is so cool!  The weather at the start was the story of the week leading up to the marathon.  They were calling for 80% to 90% rain chances and I prepared myself for another long race in the rain.  I have raced several times in the rain, so I knew what to expect. As the days got closer to the big day, the chances diminished to the point, that no chances for rain became the forecast.  Reality:  We had rain the night before and as race day arrived the forecast held true...no rain, but the temps and humidity became the story.  At the start it was in the 70's and 90ish% humidity. For a runner this makes for a miserable run  and I told "G" to prepare for a grueling race. 

As we arrived to the start line, I had to take my traditional "stop" at the port-a-john.  I had several friends with me for the start and we had one of the photo companies take our photo so we could see the damage that was done with a photo at the end.  Then it was time to walk to the start line.  I decided to stay back and start with the 4:10 group, my strategy with the weather was to start slow and save my energy for the later stages. The National Anthem played and the CV-22s flew over the start line...great sight! Then the gun goes off...time to roll!  I look up into the sky and say "G" let's do this!.

The beginning stages were really good.  As I slowed from time to time I would say out loud, come on "G".  I am sure other runners were looking at me like "Who are you talking to?"  But, each time I said it, I felt lighter on my feet and sped up.  Here are my splits during the early stages:

Mile 1: 8:54

Mile 2: 9:30

Mile 3: 8:37

Mile 4: 9:19

Mile 5: 8:53

Mile 6: 8:53

Mile 7: 8:46

Mile 8: 8:40

As I reached Mile 9 I ran through downtown Fairborn.  Each year, that town goes all out for us.  Such a motivator.  THANK YOU FAIRBORN.  Mile 10 took me out of Fairborn and I noticed I had sped up.  I kept telling myself I needed to slow a bit and "G" reminded me of the strategy as I reached Mile 12 and the half-way point.  At the half-way point I was at 1:57 and felt really good.  I was strong through Mile 19.  At Mile 20 I was starting to feel the heat and humidity.  By this point the temps had reached into the low 80's and the humidity had not dropped much.  The Mile 21 flag was in sight and I said out loud come on "G".  This time the response was not the same as earlier.  I know he was with me, but the tank and energy had gone to a new low.  I had stuck to my normal routine throughout the race and walked thru the aid stations, taking both water and gatorade.  But, the wall was to great this day and I hit it Face First and boy did it hurt...bloody hurt :).  I walked most of Mile 21.  I picked back up at Mile 22, but it was slow and only a short time.  This continued until I crossed the finish line. 

In the end this was not my best race or ideal running conditions.  But, this was not about me and a time, it was about running the race for "G".  The photo below shows the shirt I wore for "G".  I thank "G" for being on my shoulders.  His presence was certainly felt and I know he was encouraging me to complete the race I had begun. 

The story of "G" and my shirt was talked about on the course.  I had two runners stop me at Mile 19 and 20, wanting to know the story behind the shirt.  That was such a blessing for me to walk and discuss with them.  One was a fellow active duty Air Force member from a base in Arizona and the other was a older civilian gentleman.  Both were touched and I was touched in return as the active duty Air Force member from the base in Arizona was running the race in honor of his Son who has a dehabiliting muscle disease and he is only 4 years old.        

Let me close this post by saying THANK YOU to Archie and Jessie Burchard for letting me run this race for "G".  You both are the epitome of faith, dedication, family and what parents are supposed to be to their children!  It was a true honor and blessing!      

Who Am I Running the 2016 USAF Marathon in Honor Of...

As most of you are aware, I run my races with a dedication to someone or an organization in mind.  The 2016 USAF Marathon will be no different. This year the dedicated individual is very close to home.  You see I am running for a very special young man, a son, a grandson, his name....Garrett Burchard or known to many as "G".  G is the son of MSgt Archie and Jessie Burchard.  Archie's father CMSgt Archie Burchard is my and many others mentor, my former boss and standard setter for so many Airmen today.  MSgt Archie Burchard was just a teenager when I first met him.  A bit mischievous at times, but hey what teenager isn't or wasn't right?  I was in that same category as a teenager too :).  Over the years although moving with the military all over the country we stayed in touch and I watched Archie and Jessie grow through Facebook and communications.  I remember when little "G" was born and introduced to Facebook.  After that time I have seen nothing but love, dedication and passion to be the honorable parents we are all called and strive to be.  To say that Archie and Jessie loved little "G" would be the understatement of the millennium.  They absolutely adored him.  Through many of Archie's deployments little "G" was right there helping his mother with what he could.  The Facebook posts were so fun to watch.  That is the beauty of Facebook...we all can see and watch our friends grow up, family events and just some really funny times.  Over that time little "G" grew in front of us all, playing sports and man the fish he caught with his father!  Special times for sure.  This all stopped like a moment in time  early this year.  In a tragic accident little "G" was taken from them.  Yes, he has left this world, but little "G" has left a huge mark on everyone to include myself.  I was deployed at the time and remember reading about it over Facebook.  I just stopped as I read the update.  I read the posts and after a bit sent a message to CMSgt Burchard with my condolences.  There are so many photos of little "G" and as I rolled through them on Facebook this one stood out of the deck and said "This is G".  So Happy and open armed! The picture on the right is the shirt I will wear during the race.

So I dedicate the USAF Marathon 2016 in September to little "G".  I will be thinking of the wonderful times I saw him and his parents on Facebook.  MSgt Archie and Jessie Burchard, you both are the epitome of faith, dedication, family and what parents are supposed to be to their children! 

G....on 17 Sep at 0700 at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio please jump on my back and lets take a 26.2 mile run together, keep me company and know that you are so loved!  This one is for YOU!!.