35 DOWN, 15 TO GO…

Grand Rapids Marathon, Michigan
Number of Runners: 50 (filled to capacity)
Elevation: 748’
Time: 4:06:03
Weather: 51 degrees, cloudy

For a place that was once known as “The Furniture Capitol of America,” you wouldn’t necessarily expect to find a vibrant and flourishing running community. Think again. Grand Rapids was incredible!

Not only were the runners remarkable, the course itself was a delightful mixture of road and charming tree-lined paths along the banks of the Grand River. The scenery was beautiful, and the people were even better. Along with a terrific group of local athletes, runners today came in from California, BritishColumbia, Alaska, Montana, Atlanta, and a crew from Nebraska drove half the night to run today in their Cornhuskers foam “Corn Head” hats. We also had an esteemed guest from Runner’s World join us, and his sister ran as well (she ran the farthest…hee! hee!)

Conditions today were ideal, and the group took off at a fairly aggressive pace. I always like to bring up the rear, that’s who gets the food first from the support vehicle. We hit the half at 2:03, and I was in the middle pack, the front-runners were way up ahead. My motto during these marathons has been: “Go slow, and eat lots.” I always try to do my best with both. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the great support we get during the run from the Endurance 50 “SAG” wagon and those tireless lads inside, Garrett and Koop.

Today, just like every other day, these guys dispensed endless bottles of water, Cytomax, Gels, Body Glide, and Nature’s Path energy bars, always with a smile. They even got the tunes going on some external speakers they’d rigged to the roof rack, often taking runner’s song requests as we went. I must have heard from at least a dozen people today about how great those guys are, and I couldn’t agree more. This event would never be what it is without Garrett & Koop.

The group today was very strong, and everyone finished in fairly close proximity. We had our firsthandicapped runner today, and she absolutely blew my mind (and everyone else’s) with her consistency. Her pace was so steady, you could set your clock to it! A number of first-time marathoners, women and men, bounded across the finish line, and a few PR’s were set in the group as well. Overall, it seemed to be a great time by all.

The outpouring of support today for Karno Kids was unprecedented. Michigan is not known as the fittest state in the union, but from what I saw today, there are certainly pockets of hope. These were some of the most dedicated and committed crusaders I’ve ever met, healthy and happy folks working together to create change. Not only am I encourage by the runners and the people I met today, I am inspired.

Grand Rapids might make fine furniture, but it’s the people that leave a lasting impression.

Best wishes to you all,
Dean

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

Comments

[Deanna Shaver]

I love reading your daily blogs. After reading your book (Ultramarathon Man), I anxiously await a second book. I will never be able to complete a marathon (let alone 50) but reading what your write puts me in someone elses shoes (if only for a moment). I am a nearly 47 year old woman who runs 4 times a week (extremely slowly) and can only muster up the courage (and pace) to complete a half marathon. Kudos to you and all the competitors who are running with you!!! I envy, appreciate, and admire what you are doing (as well as the people running with you). I am a fan of all who can complete a marathon!!! Thank you for giving me pleasurable reading each day.

[Andrew Schrauben]

Way to go, Dean! I'm glad to hear you had fun here in Grand Rapids. When you were here in March for your book tour I was one of the folks running with you between book stores that night.

Hey guess what, I finished my first ever ultramarathon last month! The 50-mile North Country Trail run two hours north of here.

Sorry I couldn't join you today, but no worries, I'll run the GR Marathon next week. Good luck on finishing your E50 and thanks for the inspiration!

-Andrew

[barbara myrick]

Dear Mr. Karnazes,

I am a third grade teacher in Poplar Bluff, MO. I saw your story on CBS Sunday Morning. I was inspired by some of your comments. I plan to use your story to inspire my students. We have been walking 1 or 2 miles daily in the classroom. I have developed several educational objectives connected to this daily activity, number one is developing the daily habit of physical activity. If you have any ideas or comments I could use to inspire my students, I would greatly appreciate your feedback. A personal note might help my students stay motivated to stay the course. We have now walked 40 miles.
Good luck and blessings on your 50 Marathons
Barbara Myrick

----------------
DK wrote:

"Always follow your heart and you will never lose your way."

[Heather Wayne]

Not sure if anyone will actually see this to read it, but couldn't find any other way to contact the "crew." I am a certified athletic trainer at a high school where I also teach sports medicine classes at the school. I am planning on running Monday the 30th in Kiawah with Dean and my class is meeting me at the finish line to see and meet Dean. Will there be an opportunity for my students to talk with Dean and ask questions? Thanks...see you Monday!

[Bill Moore]

Hey Dean,

I wanted to you to know that we're all here at the JCC thinking about you and hope you finish off the last 15(that's crazy!!)strong.

I'm sorry we did not organize better to help you along with a leg. We're all in school now so it's tough to organize the crew. In any case....be good, kick ass and come back healthy.

Bill Moore

[Donna Webster]

Hi Dean
I saw the piece on the CBS Morning Show and was really in awe of what you're doing. I've done about 3 marathons and can't imagine doing one a day but you're showing it can be done. Keep up the great work and you inspire me!

[David Britten]

Thanks for coming to GR, Dean. I enjoyed your conversations and company along the run. Its obvious you have a passion for running and for people. Please pass along my thanks to your crew and to your dad. It meant a lot to see him standing at the finish line, waiting to greet each of us.

I hope to have another chance someday to run with you. Perhaps Western States.

Best wishes on the rest of your tour.

[Shawn Sweet]

My name is Shawn Sweet. I am president of the Grand Rapids Running Club. It was a pleasure meeting you and talking to your crew. I took several pictures of you and your crew. If you (or anyone reading this) would like to see them they are posted on my kodak site: www.kodakgallery.com/shawnsweet Click on the "October albums" and find the one labeled Dean K and David W. There are about 36 pics of the crew and the crowd that came out to run with you, plus some candid pics of local GRRC members showing just how much fun running can be. Good luck in the rest of your marathons.

[Pamela Fulton]

Yeah, it's a year after you posted this blog but I just learned about you and already find new inspiration. I am just starting to jog and am not fond of it but I know it's great for my health and after reading your book and blogs, I'm sticking with it because I see it in a whole new light, I may not ever run marathons, but I've found a new joy in what I'm doing.

It's embarassing at times to be from one of the most out-of-shape states, but thank you for pointing out that we also have a lot of people who are enjoying every minute of being healthy and determined to do more.

You're incredible and your stories bring tears to my eyes as I read them. You're still inspiring people with these stories a year later!