7 DOWN, 43 TO GO…

Lincoln Marathon, Nebraska
Elevation: 955’
Number of Runners: 21
Time: 4:15:34
Weather: 64 degrees, partly cloudy

Last night was miserable. Not from the running, but from the cold I’ve come down with. Perhaps it comes as a result of the abrupt climate changes we’ve been running in over the past few days, or maybe I caught a bug during all the travel; either way, I was up half the night with a raging head cold.

It was difficult dragging myself to the starting line at 7:00 AM this morning, I really wasn’t sure how things would go today. That all changed when I met the other runners and got swept up by their energy. Originally I was told there would be 15 runners joining me in Lincoln, though upon departure from the start at the Nebraska University Coliseum, there were 21. Many had no intention of running the entire distance, they just wanted to come out and show their support while running a few miles. Others were dedicated to covering the full marathon distance. And boy did they!

Three of the group had never run a marathon before, two had run more than a hundred marathons, andone just ran the Lewis & Clark with me last weekend. Conditions were absolutely ideal as we progressed along what proved to be a very scenic course. By the 20 mile mark, however, we were all feeling the strain. I’m not sure how to define what happened next, but it is a phenomenon that’s been occurring during these marathons around the 20 mile mark. My best description of what happens at mile 20 is that the group collectively bans together as a single working entity. Everyone seems to feed off each others energy and a sense of renewal pervades, even among those that are struggling.

The last 6.2 miles were covered with guts and passion, and we crossed the finish line hand-in-hand as a team. The three first timers were just amazing throughout, and watching them finish brought tears to my eyes. Two of the group set marathon PR’s, and one of the seasoned veterans who was initially only going to run a half-marathon training run decided to go the entire distance.

The athletes I met today were so warm and cordial, each with a unique and remarkable story, and I enjoyed my run with them tremendously. There wasn’t always a bathroom in the right spot, food and beverage wasn’t at every mile mark, we had to stop for traffic periodically and share the path with bicyclist, yet I didn’t hear a single complaint from any of the runners. Literally not even the slightest hint of a gripe.

It was all positive, and that’s how I’ll remember the great people who shared some miles, and some kinship, with me today in Lincoln, Nebraska.

May you go far,
Dean

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Comments

[Ann]

Tomorrow is my first ever half marathon, the Boulder Backroads. While I probably won't even see Dean, the blog is a great inspiration to me. I am amazed by the people who follow along and fascinated by this 50 day journey. I just started running after having my first baby at 40. I guess I do things a little later than many people. Thanks, Dean, for doing this.

[martin]

Hope you can make it down to Australia so some of us can run along with you, you are truely inspirational

Thanks

[Carolyn Thompson]

Dear Dean,
You're in my thoughts and prayers--best of luck to you!! Congrats on your first 7 days. May your mind overcome your beat-up body. Hang in there and know we are pulling for you!!
Cheers,
Carol
A Virginia Runner

[steve hearst]

So you forgot about your cold early, huh? :) What an amazing day!
As a team, we are all with you.
Go far, my man.

[Rich]

Great Job Dean
I have been watching and reading the Blog every day. You are an inspiration.
The book was awesome.

Keep it up

Maybe see you in Tampa

Rich

[Thomas]

I'm a great admirer of Dean, but cannot resist asking this question:
today Haile Gebrselassie won the Berlin marathon at 2:05:55, within just a minute of Paul Tergat's world record; now, what about running 42km only once, but fast?

[Kelly]

Dean and all the runners-Reading your posts has been such an incrdible inspiration to me! I'm training for the Marine Corps Marathon in DC and hope to see you there.

How many pairs of shoes do you think you will go through?

Keep running-
Two Braids

[M.Coburn]

Dean -
Thanks for the great experience. I only had intentions of running the 1/2 but the group attitude and enthusiasm was too good to pass up, not to run the full. It was like an easy "group" run... for 26.2 miles. :)
Good luck the rest of the way!
-Mike

[Scot Morrison]

Dean,

Thank you for being an example of courage, strength, and determination for all of us both young and old.

I'm looking forward to following your odyssey on a daily basis.

The best of health (e.g. watch those bugs), spirit, and tenacity to you and yours. Thank you for sharing your amazing odyssey to endurance and determination through outdoor activity.

Jedi On,
-Scot

[Doug]

Dean,

Truly an honor to complete my first marathon with you. It was an outstanding day and a great experience. Thanks for your support.

Wish you the best... Run Strong!

Doug