9 DOWN, 41 TO GO…

Casper Marathon, Montana
Number of Runners: 9
Elevation: 5,200’
Time: 3:54:12
Weather: 65 degrees, very dry

Under clear and cool conditions, we started down the road on the Casper Marathon to the cheers and hollers from the small crowd that had gathered to see us off. Today’s group was smaller, with not all runners intending to do the entire marathon. As we covered the first few miles, herds of antelope bounded through the fields and across the roadway ahead of us. With the deep blue sky above, and the miles of open expanse ahead, it seemed a fitting start to a marathon in Wyoming.

After winding through the hills for several miles, the course dropped down to the Platte River and followed a path along the water for much of the way. The mountain peaks in the background were still covered in snow from a storm that had passed through the area last weekend. Temperatures were cool with very low humidity.

The group today was strong, all of the runners being experienced marathoners or ultramarathoners. We moved a good clip, especially given the elevation. At the half, one of the runners, who had just run Boulder Backroads with me the day prior, peeled off. He looked good, but wanted to save his legs for another race.

The second half was flatter and we ended up running a slight negative split. The tempo was much fasterthan what I had envisioned, but the group seemed comfortable running at this pace, even as I gasped for air trying to keep up. When we got to the finish, the 4th grade class of the North Casper ElementarySchool was waiting for us cheering. After crossing the line with the marathoners, I circled back and did a dash to the finish with the kids, which they loved, but I think I loved even more.

The racers all received their finishers Medal, and we spent some time chatting and snapping photo’s. It was a great group, four of whom had driven from out of state to run today. The stories I’m hearing of overcoming adversity and perseverance continue to amaze me. Every runner has a story, and today in Casper I was reminded of how much strength and inspiration we can garner from learning about each others struggles and triumphs.

Keeping the spirit alive on the long road to South Dakota.

Best,
Dean

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Comments

[Stacey Mittelstadt]

Wow, what an amazing event for the fourth grade class. On Friday, the class used the article from the Casper Star Tribune as a current event. They were so inspired by your cause that they begged me to take them to the finish line.
When the students returned to school, they wrote health and fitness goals for themselves and some of the teachers set new goals as well. Your run has fired up the class and the staff on being more healthy. Thank you!

[Justin]

What a great experience today! One of Dean's most humbling attributes is his ability to say "hi" as we pass every walker, other jogger, bicyclist on the trail. The true glory in this adventure is to get people involved and raise fitness awareness across the nation. Thank you Dean for being involved in my 1st and 2nd marathons.

[barbie]

Good Luck & Safe Running, I'm cheering for you from So. Califonia. GO "Team DEAN"

[kristin]

Since I met you at Outdoor Retailer last summer after reading your book, I have to say that I'm definitely in awe of your ability and dedication. I'm stoked to have a chance to run with you in Cleveland, and just hope that I'm ready for it. I sprained my ankle severely in July, and though a relatively minor setback in comparison to many that people (on this blog even!) have gone through, its been enough to slow me down a bit. I hope for the best for all the runners over the next few weeks and I'll see you in the Buckeye State Oct. 20th. Thank-you.

[lesley]

DEAN~

you are getting faster and faster!! Great work!

Keep your head up! You are doing really good!!

Lesley

[Stacey Mittelstadt]

The kids from North Casper were so excited to be a part of such a great event. The students became aware of your cause by reading and summarizing the article from the Casper Star Tribune. The students begged us to let them go to the event.
Thank you for letting them hold the tape and run across the finish line. They haven't stopped talking about it. The students returned to school and wrote health goals for themselves. We are going to try to encourage each other to live healthier lives.

[Katie]

Dean--We are driving down from Canada so my husband can run with you in Seattle this weekend. He has talked about nothing else for the past several months! Your pictures, stories and blogs are so motivating that it's making me (a slow-trot runner at best!!)want to lace up and join the group. I think your dream is becoming a bigger reality that you could have ever imagined! See you soon!