32 DOWN, 18 TO GO…

New Hampshire Marathon, New Hampshire
Number of Runners: 5 (filled to capacity)
Elevation: 466’
Time: 4:14:13
Weather: 60 degrees, cloudy

Okay, let me just come right out and say it: Grandma, I’m sorry for ever questioning the virtues of a home cooked meal. When we arrived at our accommodations in Bristol last night, the entire city had already closed for the evening. I was exhausted, sore, and feeling sick, and it looked like it was going to be another cold meal on the bus.

But when we met the innkeepers, they offered to open their restaurant for us, which was an incredibly hospitable thing to do since they are normally closed on Tuesday nights. When the food arrived, it was absolutely magnificent. Fresh grilled vegetables, an amazing garden salad, and a juicy cut of meat. It filled the stomach, and warmed the soul. Remarkably, when I woke up this morning, my cold was all but gone! I’ll never doubt the wisdom of my Grandmother again.

I’d been told that the New Hampshire course was beautiful, and I was glad to be feeling better so that Icould enjoy it. Because we were only able to secure five permits, the field today was more intimate. We had the marathoning couple, now on marathon number five of six, and an ultrarunner in the mix. We set off in some light drizzle, but the rain tapered very quickly.

The course was all it was built up to be, and more. The setting was bucolic; we ran past rustic old barns, through charming little townships, along numerous rivers, all the while circumnavigating Newfound Lake.There were definitely hills involved, plenty of them. It was a challenging course, but the hills made the landscape all the more spectacular. Newfound Lake is one of the cleanest in the country, and the mirror glass water was crystal clear.

At several points along the course, we were greeted by the 4th grade class of Towle School. They had been following the Endurance 50 as a lesson plan, and had planned this field trip to experience the event firsthand. The students had made a number of signs and banners, and I’d love to share with you what some of them said:

Endurance is faith and spirit!
Endurance is pushing your limits!
Endurance is trying your best and never giving up!
Trust your family
Express your feelings
Roses are red, violets are blue, Dean is running, and so can you!

And my favorite Karno Kids saying: “NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE”

One of the girls had baked some homemade brownies for me. “Those look great,” I thanked her. “And guess what, Mr. Dean,” she said, “they’re 100% natural.”

All of the runners today were awesome. Everyone crossed the finish line looking strong, and one of theguys even set a PR, which was remarkable given the difficulty of the course. We exchanged some handshakes and hugs, snapped some pictures, and marveled at what a lovely day it had become. I bid farewell to the other runners and kids, and boarded the bus for Vermont feeling renewed and reinvigorated. It’s amazing what some home cooked food and some laughs among newfound friends can do for the soul.

Warmest regards,
Dean

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Click here for Endurance50 pictures.
Click here for Endurance50 videos.

Comments

[Holly St. Clair]

Dean,

I started running before I knew about you--so I can't say you got me into running. But after reading your book, you've made me really appreciate running. I use to think of it as a chore and something I HAD to do. But the other day, it was rainy and I decided to go out for a run anyway. I thought about how I decided to run for MYSELF and enjoying it is much more fun than just getting it over with. Out there I saw something touching, was there was this dad and boy on a bike who got stuck in the rain and the kid was grasping on to the dad and laughing hysterically as the raindrops were pelting his face. It was a moment that made me glad I was out there running that day. Thanks for putting a smile on my face during in my runs! You're truely an inspiration!

[Don Yamtich]

Dean,

I was a high school runner, and rested my first 2 years of college. I decided to get back into shape, read your book, and you are truly inspiring. I'm running my first marathon in Chicago in 76 hours, and I'm super excited to be in the same event with you. Everyone I talk to about your endurance 50 says "whatever, he's going to kill himself," but I never doubted you. I know you can do it, and you continually inspire me on days when I'm not feeling up to running. 18 more to go! You're amazing, and I really hope to see you on Sunday in Chicago.

Sincerely,

Don Yamtich

[Kathleen Phillips Connor]

Dean, thank you for making such a great impression on a group of fantastic fifth graders from the Bridgewater-Hebron Village School. They were proud to represent our little school at mile 4, as many other students were completing regional testing. Smiling, engaging, receiving their water and candy, slapping hands, it all adds up! Your efforts to raise awareness are very much appreciated!

[Kathleen Phillips Connor]

Dean, thank you for making such a great impression on a group of fantastic fifth graders from the Bridgewater-Hebron Village School. They were proud to represent our little school at mile 4, as many other students were completing regional testing. Smiling, engaging, receiving their water and candy, slapping hands, it all adds up! Your efforts to raise awareness are very much appreciated!

[Chip McCorkle]

Dean,
You continue to be an inspiration to me as I prepare for my first full Marathon in Houston on January 14, 2007. I ran 20 miles with you in Baton Rouge, LA and have been totally moved by the experience. Since running with you, I have read a little over half of you book and have tracked your progress on this web-site. I enjoy reading your daily blogs and viewing the pictures. Keep running man! Pary is smiling on you!

[Liz Wood]

I hope you decide to be speaker at the Cowtown Marathon.....

but you should also consider being guest speaker for the JFK (John F. Kennedy) 50 mile run on Friday November 18.

JFK50 is the oldest 50-mile ultra in the country--also the longest in continuence. It has records for the largest number of ultra finishers and also the largest percentage of finishers. It is not uncommon for over 95% of starters to complete this event.

With that said, you should really consider being our speaker this year, the group is like a family because everyone keeps coming back for more.

If you are doing 50/50/50...consider that being the speaker at the oldest 50miler would be a great honor--and we would love to have you!

Cheers.

[Lou]

Keep it up Dean.....We're waiting in NYC for the finale!!! Your pace is incredible; faster than you originally projected. Hopefully I'll be able to join you for a couple of miles along the route with 37,000 other runners and millions cheering

[Morrissey]

I am truly inspired! Keep it up Dean! Ill see you in the NYC marathon!

[Fred Bruno]

Dean,

Congratulations on your amazing marathon journey! I might join you in the Long Branch Marathon. Whenever I'm need of a little inspiration your book always does the trick. Long may you run!

Sincerely,
Fred Bruno

[Sharon Hollis]

Truely you are an ''Inspiration''. Blessings to you...

Always the best,
Sharon Hollis

[Monica I]

Dean,

You are such an inspiration to all athletes and non-athletes alike. Wow. I really enjoyed reading your post about NH. I grew up going to camp around Newfound Lake and have experienced the beauty there first hand on my runs up and down those hilly roads around "America's 2nd cleanest lake" as they say. Keep up the running Dean and stay hydrated!

God bless