41 DOWN, 9 TO GO…

Georgia Marathon, Georgia
Number of Runners: 50 (filled to capacity)
Elevation: 1,050’
Time: 4:08:00
Weather: 59 degrees, rain

The hospitality in Georgia today, for myself and my family, was heartwarming. People were so gracious in making us feel comfortable and welcomed; it was like a homecoming with old friends. Runners are like that, we share a kindred spirit, and across the country we’ve felt this bond, regardless of the setting or the circumstance. In Georgia today, we felt that connection in a big sort of way.

Even before we got going, people were apologizing about the weather, as though they would change it if they could. The rain was coming down pretty hard at the start. We runners huddled under the one small shelter there was, trying to stay out of the elements for as long as possible. Despite the poor weather, there was no lack of enthusiasm in the group.

Georgia is an international city, and I let the group know that our adventure is being followed by people across the globe. We’ve received notes and well-wishes from many European countries, Canada, Africa, Asia, Australia, many South American nations, and a whole host of others (basically, camaraderie from around the world). Today we were fifty people, uniting a planet.

Rain? Bring it on! I got the feeling it would take a lot more than bad weather to stop this group. We set off on our way to the flashes of cameras and the cheers of the crowd. The wetness didn’t dampen spirits, even for the dozen first-time marathoners in the group. This was going to be a very challengingday, the showery weather would make things extremely demanding. Visibility would be poor, and hazards plenty. I was very concerned about the other runners.

So it was ironic that I would be the one to trip. It was a nice little spill, costing me a toenail and some flesh and blood. But I could hardly complain. The runner next to me had survived cancer, three times.He had refused to give up, even in the face of horrible odds. If he could endure through pain I could only imagine, I wasn’t about to let a little roadside tumble bring me down. My pain was nowhere close to what this courageous soul had been through.

We ran in what sometimes seemed like a battle zone. The rain continued to come down, flooding the streets and obscuring potentially hazardous potholes and open ditches. The run went on and on forever, and we missed a turn near the end, prolonging the drama. When the finish line finally did come into view, it was a welcomed sight. My anxiety continued to be high until every last runner crossed that finish line or was accounted for. It was treacherous out there, and I couldn’t stop worrying about the runners. I witnessed several others slip and fall, and my heart skipped a beat every time I saw it happen. Yet for all of my concern, the other runners were equally concerned about me. The credit for me being able to finish today belongs to them. They lifted my spirit and kept me going, even when I had doubts.

As remarkable as it seems, I still did not hear a single complaint from any of the runners. We gathered at the finish, and all I heard were upbeat affirmations on how memorable the day was. These were some of the most harrowing conditions possible, and even among the first-time marathoners, thepositive energy was irrepressible. Several people said how proud they were of me. I graciously accepted their kind sentiments, but all I could think of was how proud I was of them.

You are my hero’s, and I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.

Battered and bruised, but unwilling to give up,
Dean

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Comments

[Matthew Chestnut]

I ran with the group in Atlanta, Georgia this morning and am even more amazed by Dean's ability to overcome challenges.

The weather was lousy and, most of the time, we were relegated to running along the broken, potholed, water-filled sidewalks, always mindful of the cars speeding by at unsafe speeds. Yet through it all, and with his unfortunate stumble, Dean kept a very positive attitude. His spirit was contagious and the entire group fed off his energy.

The support crew was amazing. The brand-new ING Georgia Marathon course twisted and turned through many of the Atlanta area's historic neighborhoods. Atlanta traffic is a mess and, when it rains, it's even worse. Yet, through it all, we could count on our on course support.

Our group of 50 runners was a joy to run with. Veteran marathoners and first-timers ran together side-by-side, exchanging stories, strategies, hopes and fears. It was a great experience.

No one in their right mind would run a marathon on a day like today. Everyone who ran this marathon, however, would do it again in an instant! We were there to support Dean's quest for 50. I am proud to have been part of this experience.

[Chris Sadowski]

Dean,

I planned and tried to join you this Saturday in Florida for race #42. However, I've got to take care of my family today. I really wanted to run with you. You are quite an inspiration. In fact, I've been reading about you for years. Based on your training, I've verified that I'm not insane when I wake up at 1AM to do some of my crazy long runs and training rides. My wife is due with our second boy on December 28th. She is in her nesting phase and I will be getting the whole house and baby room ready for the next six weeks. I will be making a donation to your charity. However, when you get a chance, can you please forward me a "hard" mailing address (no P.O.'s) so that I can send you a plaque? I was involved in a pretty interesting situation at the Ironman World Championships in Kona in '04 and used many forms of inspiration to get me back on track. You were one of those. Thank you for pushing your body and beliefs to the limit. We all can learn from you. Enjoy your next nine races and Thank You.

Chris

[Jon Ross]

While my dream over the past several months of training for today's E50 run in Atlanta was to finish with my hands raised with Dean's, my thoughts today were focused on just finishing. As I explained to the support crew in SAG vehicle around mile 17, I have been battling a case of strep throat over the past two weeks and had just finished the last of my antibiotics. I woke this morning with a sore throat, chills, and an ongoing fever. Despite being advised against attempting the run, especially given the downpours and 50 degree temperatures that were forecast for this morning (and did not disappoint), I never considered being a spectator.

Dean has inspired me that much.

He has pushed himself through the furnace of Death Valley and the snow, ice, and sub zero temperatures of the South Pole. He battled a cold during the first half of the Endurance 50 schedule.

Dean gave me a high five at mile 19 as we approached and passed each other just before the turnaround on the Freedom Parkway.

As the lead pack pulled away and my pace slowed, it was clear that we would not cross the finish line together, but my resolve to FINISH never weakened. I had shared several miles with a true hero of mine and fifty new friends who shared the same goal.

I finished my first marathon today in 4 hours and 42 minutes, and have the inspiration of my family, friends - new and old, and a hero on a great journey to thank.

Kindest Regards,

Jon Ross

Atlanta, GA

[Rod MacQuarrie]

Go team Dean....It's Saturday morning and I just read about Dean's fall in Atlanta...been there done that hope all is well. Dean is an inspiration to all. I have shared his book and told his stories to many runners and non runners alike. They all come away with a different attitude. I often get a chill up my spine when I read of Dean's adventures, I am a runner and have done some races, wish I could have joined part of the 50. There in spirit...Rod.
PS I have a cold, but still headed out the door for my long run....thanks for the inspiration.

[Brian Balmes]

Dean,

Thank you so very much for an unbelievable experience. I knew when I signed up that it would something to remember, but the challenging weather and the power of the group made this marathon more personal and almost spiritual.

I was the runner next you to when you fell. Thank you so much for your kind words at the marathon and in your written story here. Inspiration and spiritual empowerment help us all through the challenges of life, whether it be cancer or making running history!! I am so proud to have met you, run with you and gotten to speak with you.

I look forward to seeing you in March at the ING GA Marathon.

Good Luck for your next 9 marathons!! You are truely an inspiration to us all!

Your friend, Brian

[Liz Wood]

Ok, so if you are going to do a 51st marathon in Washington DC, the Marine Corps Marathon is a good one to do.

Here is the link:
http://www.marinemarathon.com/page11.aspx

Remember....election day is coming! The people need you! Please pick a cause to support in DC.

Peace.

[Michele Keane]

Dean - Sorry about the fall. Even though I could not run today due to my schedule, I did make it out to the course to cheer you on. I think it was before your fall as you didn't look scrapped up. Nice job in the horrendous weather - sorry we couldn't be more accommodating in that department. Good luck with the last 8 runs!