tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20919264604011965342024-03-07T22:44:11.137-08:0012 MARATHONS in 12 DIFFERENT CITIES in 2012 BLINDFOLDED for CHARITY!!! What!?E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-90612397692159057932013-01-26T17:15:00.002-08:002013-01-28T09:50:14.195-08:00LAS VEGAS Marathon!!! DONE!! 12 down 0 to go!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">This has nothing to do with anything but I've been listening to a yapping/barking dog for the last 4 hours on my flight from JFK TO LAX. I celebrated the holidays with family and now will celebrate new years with just Deborah and I. I asked the girl maybe around 30? Who is sitting is business class, if she could do anything about her barking dog. She looked at me like</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> "what do you expect me do about it?" I she said. Her dog was in the carrying case. I guess that means that if the dog was out it wouldn't be as disturbing? I find that hard to believe actually. I asked if the dog was trained. Trained? Yeah. Trained To behave? Blank looks don't help anyone's case. Why was I bothering her? I'm sure she was offended by me even mentioning the dog. I felt bad for the dog actually. I felt bad for everyone in ear shot of that dog. I could hear the flight attendants complaining to each other. The people in first class and business paid a lot of money for those seats. Probably expecting to relax quite a bit on a 6 hour flight. I m in coach and I m close up to the entrance of business. The flight attendant in the beginning told me the girl said she gave the dog pills. That seems unlikely at this point. I'm sure that was most likely a lie. Poor tiny dog. </span></b></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>I didn't want to start my final running blog with that. Sorry. Just venting. It's been about 4 weeks since my final run in Vegas. I haven't run since. I took some days off to just decompress and deb and I went on a nice vacation that we both earned, then flew to NY to hang out with our families for the holidays.</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>I flew out to Vegas the Friday before the run just in case I needed to do some publicly or a even a fundraiser. The fundraiser never worked out. I waited too long to try to get it together. But I liked the idea of getting in early just to get my bearings. Deborah was driving Inge herself the next day. I didn't want to sit in a small car for 5-6 hours before my final run. "my final run". I like the sound of that. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>It was going to be a big deal. My guide david and his wife were coming, my cousin Kathleen and her husband Jim were coming in from Austin. Kathleen helped me in the Austin marathon back in February. And she was running the half on Sunday. My mom and dad were flying in. And Patrick and John, my camera guys, we're driving in. Plus debs friend Kevin. And his fiancée. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>I got picked up from the airport by Brendan from fox news I think. I'll double check that. I spent a few hours sending emails to press that week and he was interested in doing a story on me. He and his camera guy picked me up and brought me straight to the expo. They interviewed me and I picked up my stuff. They even gave me a ride to my hotel. But first at the expo I met the ex mayor who had a martini and a show girl on each arm. He was introducing the expo and I was asked to join him. Nice guy. I mention Steve Wynn who is a billionaire in Vegas and the ex mayor talked about how mr Wynn has retinitis pigmentosa and has two seeing eye dogs. I was hoping to meet him while I was there but I called and other people called for me and they never got back to me. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>The palazzo was a stunning hotel. It's huge! It's like it's own city. I was lucky to get rooms donated to me and discounted rooms as well for my parents. Vegas can be very expensive. This was only my second trip to Vegas ever. The first time was with deb early in our relationship. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>I took it easy the first night. Ate light. Walked around. Trying to get my head together. I was feeling pretty good physically but I was getting wired on nerves. This race was going to be different in a few different ways. It starts very late. 3pm for the full marathon, 430 for the half. I was told there was a strict 4 1/2 hour cap for the run. The shortest cap I've experienced in any run for a full marathon. I've never run that fast. So I was nervous. I found out the half marathon has 4 hours and end in the same spot as the full. So that means I really had 5 1/2 hours to finish. Except that I had to reach the half way mark by 2 1/2 hours.or they will put me in a Sag wagon and bring me somewhere else. Or something like that. Didn't make too much sense to me. But ok I think I can make that. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>Since the sun was set to set at 430 I was excited and nervous about taking my blindfold off at that time. Which I estimated to be around mile 7 or 8. And then run the rest with no blindfold. But I've never done that. I only run without a blindfold on my treadmill at home. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>I wanted to get a short run in on Saturday. I was hoping to do it early. About 4 or 4 at the latest, but my camera guys were late. I was expecting them shortly after 3 but ididnt see them until after 6. That messing up my schedule and my head right off the bat. Now I was going to eat dinner a lot later than I wanted and get to bed much later too. Ok. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>I told my parents that I would meet them after my run for dinner. Deb was meeting with her friend Kevin and david was doing his own thing. I ate a salad and pizza for dinner. Was hoping for some pasta but the place we ended up in didn't serve it, it was getting so much later than I wanted that I just gave in. I would soon leave and go to bed while my camera guys stayed up met with a friend of theirs and go to a bar which I would learn the next day and of course they ended up being late the next day as well. Race day. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>I didn't sleep great and was up pretty early. I told the guys to meet at my hotel at 12 noon to get me getting ready. I Sent them a text at 1030 to confirm. No response. Sent another at 11. A few minutes later I got a response saying they just got up. The night before they told me they were going to church that Morning. I don't think they made it to church. I asked them to be on time. I was waiting for them. At 1130 or so they said it was going to be 1230. I had to get ready. I couldn't waiting for them. Especially since 1230 turned into 1245. Stuff like like before a marathon is the worst. My brain is clogged up with worry and anxiety and I need things to go well and I need people to do what they say they are going to do. Especially when it comes to Choroideremia related stuff. That's an extremely personal subject to me. And extra extra sensitive.</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>So many reliable helpful people that made this year so special. That really has a place in my heart forever. People that did what they said they were going to do. They didn't have to. I didn't pay the majority of these people. Nobody got anything from helping me. I was blown by all the help I got this year. Some people were total strangers!! Those people really made the year special and in the end really successful. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>Anyway John and pat drove me the start line. There was no traffic thankfully and we were there early. Good. I like early. Gives me breathing room. I still kept my diet the same as every other race. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich, banana, and cliff bar. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>It was overcast and a nice temperature. I think things were going to be ok. I was drinking water like crazy so I wouldn't have that bladder issue again. (read Chicago blog). </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>I wasn't suppose to start at the very front but I made my way there anyway. My hat blew off from the crazy wind on the way to the start line.,this wind would stay with me through out the day. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>I wrapped my head with my blindfold. They released the wheelchair guys first. And then released the first wave. And off I went. Nothing unusual in the beginning. David and I took a bathroom break and davids stomach wasn't working with him. Oh no. Just get me to mile 7 david please! He did no problem. I took my blindfold off at the designated area. Patrick was suppose to film it with Deborah around but deb said pat gave her the wrong spot to meet. that was a bummer for both of us. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>It was exciting taking that blindfold off though. It was pretty dark but I could still look around. The sun hadn't set all the way yet behind the clouds. I think I got too excited. I started running on my own and maybe the new adrenalin boost didn't give me clarity. At a certain point I told myself to take it easy. I still had a long way to go. Buy I was doing my 10 min run 1 min walk thing. I wasn't wearing glasses and I never saw any mile marker so I couldn't count on those. I didn't need David's help for most of it. He was close by most of the time. He went my pace. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I had a blind runner sign on my back but if people didn't see it or read it they didn't know I had eye problems. So lots of people cut in front of me. I tripped over several people. I ran into a guy handing out water or Gatorade. One guy cut through the course (maybe an on looker) and I accidentally punched him in the face. Heard "hey!" his head was at my running fist level. Total accident. That's not the first time that's happened in a race either. </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
THere were some cool sights. See in the strip and we ran through a mall or something that had all these crazy lights and horribly loud music. It was about a mile long. David couldnt wait to get through it. He was hurting i didnt know how bad until a few miles to the end my hat blew off and he painfully went to pick it up for me. Poor guy. Never saw him like this for a marathon before. But he was keeping up and not complaining. </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I was close now. I could feel it I could see it. The last few miles were on the strip and it was pretty exciting. I realized at a certain point if I can make up some time I will have a new personal record for time. That meant not breaking for those last few miles. </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
It started bottle necking at the end. Got crowded. But it didnt matter. If i was careful it was all good. THere was music and yelling and smoke machines and i think maybe fireworks? at the finish line. I did it! And I had a new personal best time. Im sure it had to do with no blindfold. I may even go back in 2013 for the half. Run the half by myself. We'll see. </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I found Deborah and enjoyed that moment with her. David was shaken up and needed to sit and rest. Poor guy. He was ok though. Hes tough. </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
After an exhaustingly long walk back to the hotel we showered and went to get some food at a burger joint in the hotel. It was done. Over. It was and is still a great feeling. </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Deb and I stuck around Las Vegas another couple of days. We went to Gordon Ramsays Steak Restaurant. and even saw a Penn and Teller show. </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
And now Im home. Finishing the blog in late january. Still thinking about what Im going to do this year. </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
What Id like to do is get back into my creative roots. Get back to drawing and painting and writing, improv. </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
I was worried I wouldnt make my goal of $144,000 by Jan 1st. Thanks to the King gamily in Chicago for having a hugely successful fundraiser that really put my fundraising goal over the top. My brother did a huge fundraiser in long island which raised $10,000. True Blood and everybody there has been so supportive and helpful. </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
A great big thanks once again to all those that helped me this year. Everyone that retweeted or reposted something. A big thanks to John K, Josie A, Shad M, Lynn D, Nate B, Darryl M, Susan Z, Tracey B, CAA, Zoran G, Kevin Z, John M, Dave U, Don K, Whitney R, Nick D, Raelle T, David W, Janelle M, Jennifer C, Ryan C, Maureen F, Kathleen M, Anthony P, Alicia, Cory M, the KING family in Chicago, the WOLLS, the SCOTTS, Diane G, Joe G, Dr Pam T, Dr Iris W, Kelli M, all the WKT peeps!! the CRF. Everyone that interviewed me and wrote about me. Im sure there are people Im forgetting about. Its been the hardest year of my life. Physically, mentally, emotionally, but its also been really rewarding. I'll always be asking for donations for research until a treatment is found! So please keep donating. And I'll keep thinking of ways to raise money. thanks!!</div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
www.curechm.org</div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
www.ejscott.com</div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
@ejscott</div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
EJ </div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-11171883757572034502012-11-10T13:21:00.002-08:002012-11-11T11:52:32.708-08:00New York Run Anyway Marathon in Central Park!! DONE!! 11 down 1 to go!!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">November 6th 2012. Today is my 37th birthday. I just took off from Milwaukee airport for a layover from laguardia. I'm sitting inthe plane where I seem to get the bulk of my blogging done. Deborah is sitting next to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">giving</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">kisses and saying "happy birthday" every so often. 2 days ago I ran my 11th marathon of the year.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It was a go. It was on. It was happening! The mayor himself said so. Deb and I flew out to new York on november 1st and I was getting ready to run the famed new York 5 borough marathon that's been going since 1970 I think. Frankenstorm, sandy came and made its horrible mark, but people started rebuilding and getting their lives back together. Lives were taken though. I heard a heartbreaking story of a mother with her two children walking away from an abandoned useless car inthe middle of a flooded road where aware or something took the children out of the woman's arms. Their bodies were found later.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">My family was lucky. My brother and his fiancée who. Live in Rockville center. I don't think ever lost power in their apartment. If they did it was brief. My parents lost theirs along with my sister and her family living close by. Both have generators which made staying In their houses possible. My parents got their power back officially 6 days later, and to my knowledge as of now, my sister still has no power. Except for the generator,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Staten island seems to have been hit the hardest. At least in new York. I don't know much else about the rest of the east coast. Staten island has been the start line of the new York marathon for many years. Before that I heard that the original new York marathon was at central park. Just running around the park over and over again.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Deb and I got word from Anderson Coopers day time talk show that they wanted deb and I on the day after the race. I was psyched! I'm a big Anderson fan since that tv show the Mole. It was like a spy competition show. It was pretty cool.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Thursday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Deb and I flew in with surprisingly no problems. In fact getting into new York was easier than a lot of other times I've flown in. I even had a stop over in st Louis. Everything was on time and we even had elbow room on both flights. When debs dad picked us up, we didn't even hit any traffic. I was being told by everybody we were not getting to new York easily. That went fine.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Figuring out how to get to the start line of the race was becoming tricky. My start time was set for 10:55am. But because the subways were all flooded I was going to have to come up witha plan b or plan c. I was going to take a subway to manhattan to take the ferry to staten island. Then it became debs dad, driving</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">to manhattan very early to get a shuttle at times square that would bring</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">to staten island. But I'd have to be up at 4 or 5 am for that plan. This was making mevery nervous.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Friday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Debs mom was celebrating her 65th birthday and throwing a party at their house in Brooklyn. A few people had to cancel because things were still complicated for getting to places. Gas was and is a huge issue. Long lines of people holding gas cans and other lines of people in their cars waiting for hours. During the day the family started making food, cleaning around the house, and prepping for the birthday party. Cathy, debs mom, is a sweet woman who couldn't be more supportive of what I'm doing this year. She combined her birthday and also made it a fundraiser for my marathon. She a had a display of some articles and pictures of my year so far, and the current men's fitness magazine that I have a 4 page spread in.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Before the party there seemed to be some down time. I was told by Jason Kaplan, a guy I met over the summer who works on thehoward stern show, mentioned a dr who themed bar in Brooklyn he always wanted to go to. That sounded fun. Since then I've been watching dr who and I'm about 2 1/2 seasons in. Turns out that bar was pretty close to where I was staying. I mentioned the bar to debs brother, Chris, and he was game for checking it out.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">On the way over I was feeling my phone vibrate with text messages. I ignored them until I got to the bar. It's a small bar called the Way Station. The " on the show is a time machine disguised as an old police phone booth from England. But in the bar you ope the door and it's the bathroom. It wasn't as dr who heavy as I was expecting and hoping but it was still a pretty cool bar. With dr who themed drink specials and even the master screwdriver the doctor uses for people that pose for pictures. Its not the real screwdriver. But it was fun.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I checked my messages in the bathroom which was decorated more like what I was expecting. Complete with signed message form mattsmith, the current doctor, and a painted picture of the doctors biggest enemy, the Dalleks. I hate the Dalleks btw. Sorry. And a painted doctor with a question mark over a face. The texts said the marathon was cancelled. It's about 6pm Friday night. My heart sank, my stomach dropped. I looked up an online article and sure enough it was cancelled. Due to a huge backlash of people demanding that the resources be used to help the victims of Sandy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I imagined all the pool euro out of town and other countries that were screwed, the businesses that were closed all week that were hoping for a busy day on Sunday, the money that was going to be put back into the city, not to mention the hundreds of charities that wee being represented and the thousands or millions that those charities were not going to get now. Including my own Choroideremia research foundation.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Understandably staten island wasn't going to be a good place to start the race, but instead of limiting resources and finding other options, things were dropped. The mayor insisting still that having the marathon wouldn't have taken away resources from those who need it. I don't know what's true and what's not. It just seemed to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">additional people were losing out. Keep in mind I have done very little research on this. And if I wrong I'm wrong. Not the first time, not the last time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I knew I needed to run anyway. I started thinking about other marathons to run. I looked some up online, I was thinking georgia, Pennsylvania, north carolina something. But I was also thinking of running 26.2 miles in new York as well. Because I said I was going to do it. When I say something I really do try to follow through. Especially with something like this. For charity!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Chris and I started brain storming at the bar. He had a idea of running around a bike path that goes around manhattan. I thought that sounded good. I made sure my assigned guides for the marathon were still up for running with</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. My cousin Jennifer was flying in the next day to run with</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. The guides were all in! I told Jen to stay home just in case something else happened that further complicated things. My decision was quickly made. I'm running!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I started tweeting and facebooking and I got a message from a couple people saying I shouldnt run, implying its disrespectful to the sandy victims. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">My whole message is don't quit, no excuses, be strong. I decided to run for sandy victims too. but It turns out I was not the only person thinking these things.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Chris and I met up with a friend of his that just flew in hours before for the marathon. We al, walked back to the houser the party. People were apologizing to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">because they heard the marathon got cancelled. I'm running anyway. Still working out the details. I hung out at the party and even made an announcement to people that I was running regardless. Some told</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I should run central park. And that was the original route. For the new marathon, central park is the finish line.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I went to bed still working out details.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Saturday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I read online I could still get my shirt and bib at the expo. Debs dad brought</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">and deb to the expo at javitz center. It was a very dour expo. Lots of opportunities to give to sandy victims. Asics was having a sale where 100% of sales went to sandy relief. First up was getting my bib. The woman there was telling us under her breath that some people were forming a group to run in Central Park called Run Anyway and that we should look it up on facebook.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I got my shirt, bib and some extra shirts and pants. It was going to be a nice day on Sunday but cold. I asked and formation desk about getting my medal, a refund for the registration fee, and I was curious about the $2500 that debs parents paid to a charity called Community Access to get</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">in the race after I didn't get in through the lottery. Debs dad already said he doesn't want that money back. But that almost $3000 plus airfare to get</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">to run in the new York city marathon. The woman said she had no information about anything. and that I should check the website in a few days. Um.... Okaaaayyyy......</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I looked up Run Anyway. It was looking great! Lots of people that were running for Charities standing by their commitment and raising money, food, clothes for sandy relief too. They are going to start at the finish line that is still up and run counterclockwise 4 1/3 times. Each lap is just over 6 miles. The path was going to be much hillier than the race thru the 5 boroughs but oh we'll. It didn't look too bad. I'm sure I'll be fine. I want to start at 10:55. My original start time. The Run Anyway people were meeting at 8 and start at 9. So I was going to be late.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I got my stuff ready, ate my pasta dinner. And got my head together as best as I could.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Sunday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The Woll family was in full effect! Thank god! Chris was going to be my camera man, debs parents were going to take a spot on the course armed with fluids and deb and Chris and Chris's girlfriend was going to be on the other end also armed with fluids. I got to the race and saw hundreds of runners all over the area. There were porta potties set up up at the original finish line surrounded by bleachers. It was happening! I did my stretching, found my guides. Eric, Alia and their friend Ryan and was ready to go. Deb was timing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">and I figured why wait til 10:55 lets just do it. According to my watch we started at 1030.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I was so nervous I was going to have a similar experience I had in Chicago with that horrible peeing thing. So I did what the doctor said and hydrated big time. I drank tens of water the night before and that Morning. I was peeing a lot already but at least it was normal pee.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I was able to listen to my iPod, with eminem, pearl jam, green day, mighty bosstones, flogging molly, jay z, linkin parkland lots of other great music. Since it was such a smaller race. (47,000 originally slated to run, 40,000 were in the city when Bloomberg cancelled it). I thought running with music would be ok.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We hit some hills early on. We ran up them keeping to my run 10 min, walk 1 min pace. They didn't seem so bad the first time around. It was cold though. My shirts got dampened with sweat but I had a spare in my belt. I changed my shirt and peed at mile 6 at the finish/start line. But it didn't stay dry for long. The second time around I ran up the hills again but it did not go as easy the second time. I was nervous about expelling too much energy too soon.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Having my Woll supporters there were great. And have guides was awesome. Alia guided</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">the whole time. And Eric would grab my empty bottles and get them refilled while I kept running, Eric and Ryan would each ask people to move over or watch out BLIND RUNNER!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I was Not going very fast and around mile 14 my legs were really feeling it. I woke up that morning with a soreness in my back I wasn't crazy about and it was throbbing a bit. But my hip flexors were good and my bladder situation was good. Alia and Eric too some Advil and I asked for some too. Shortly after my muscles started feeling better and so was my spirits. I passed by debs parents at their spot 4 times, debs spot with her bro and his girlfriend 4 times and it was time to get to that finish line.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">People were telling us we were close to finishing for hours. This time it was going to be true. There were few people left on the course. But basically it was over for most. They were even taking down the finish line and bleachers and we had to run around them to get to the other finish line.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">It felt good to finish. 6 hours, 5 minutes, 11 seconds. When I took my blindfold off it was almost dark. The sun was gone. Just speckles of color left in the sky. after a few pictures and thank hous to my awesome guides it was time to go. I wish I could've hung out with them at a bar or restaurant or something but we just parted ways.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I asked the wolls if I could get some food for the road. Got some pizza and sat in some traffic on the way back to Brooklyn. It was a relaxing night. By the time we got back it was time for bed for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. Deb and I watched some Avengers on my iPad until she fell asleep then I switched over to boardwalk empire season 1 which I'm greatly enjoying.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Deb had some shirts made for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">and our families. She's the best. I'm lucky to have her.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Monday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Deb and I were supposed to go on Anderson Monday, but once the marathon got cancelled they cancelled us. But the Jeff Probst show became interested in us. They want us on Wednesday which meant more schedule changes. November 6th I was gong to LNG island to celebrate my birthday and my nephews birthdays. But now I had to change it to Monday.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Was also suppose to do something for the Insider, but that was changing due to the election. So off I went to long island on the train. early enough to get some hang time with my nephews. They are just about to turn 4 and 8. Was so excited to see those kids! Theyre great kids!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I watched a movie with them, although the little guy couldn't stay in one place for more than 2 minutes. Deborah came in later and it was pretty relaxed. My brother couldn't make I due to work. But my parents got their power back the day before. had a nice birthday and good dinner. And deb and I headed back to Brooklyn on the train.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Tuesday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">My 37th birthday. Woke up went with deb to meet her friend Charlie at a restaurant for breakfast. And now I'm on a plane. About to watch more boardwalk empire. Deb and I had to change our flight to go on Jeff Probst show tomorrow! It'll air later in the month, but I'm excited to meet the guy! He's the best competition show host out there in my opinion.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">So that's it.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">One marathon left. Las Vegas December 2nd! Please help</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">reach my goal. I'm far far behind.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://Www.ejscott.com/" target="_blank">Www.ejscott.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Follow</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: black; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">me</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">on twitter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">@ejscott</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Thanks so much!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Best</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Ej</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-74055856216057837982012-11-02T03:58:00.000-07:002012-11-02T03:59:06.149-07:00CHICAGO Marathon DONE!! 10 down 2 to go!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">As the doctor had is index finger 3 knuckles deep in my anus, I thought how did I get here? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I guess it started back in 2009 when I was living in Chicago. I had recently hit a "bottom" by simply weighing myself on my girlfriends scale after years of avoiding the scale. 260 something. Whoa! What!? I remember as a kid giving my dad a hard time For being 242lbs. Now I have surpassed that and in shorter time. A bit of brainstorming with my lady love, and we came up with getting sponsorship for me to lose weight. I'd ask friends and family to donate either a flat rate or per pound. I thought even if I get a few hundred bucks out of it it'll be good. Initially 60lbs was my goal and somewhere along the way added another 10 lbs. I started the weight losing at 267lbs. Losing 70 would bring me down to under 200. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">It was hard. It was 90% change of diet (I ate salad for possibly the firsttme ever). The weight was dying to get off me. My body was thanking me all along the way. But my lifestyle, socializing took a big hit. I was use to hitting the bars, watching improv shows while having 1, 2 or 10 beers in a night. Then hitting Denny's and eating some of that shit <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://0" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors="true">at 3am</a> was not unusual. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I had already quit smoking a few years before so I had that going for me, but I could swear that put weight on me. Not smoking gave me more time to eat and drink. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">But I was doing it, I was really actually doing what I viewed as impossible. Literally for me impossible. I would watch the biggest loser on tv and think it looks so fucking intense and crazy! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I was never very active. I played some soccer in elementary school but I thought I sucked and wasn't having fun so bye bye to that. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">When I lived home with my patents in my 20s (yeah I was that guy) I would constantly ask the not to get junk food cuz I couldn't help myself. My mother never took any blame and put it on my dad who did all the food shopping. My mom hates food shopping. I don't really get that but my guess is my dads real intense about it. Using his coupons and making fun of my mom whenever she would try to go food shopping. News flash: it's not fucking rocket science! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">When I was losing the weight in Chicago I realized food is a genuine problem for me. It's always a struggle day to day, meal to meal. Making right choices. Saying no more than saying yes. It's hard. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Toward the end of my weight loss ( I was averaging 10lbs a month). I lost 60lbs in 6 months. That final 10 was on the horizon. I decided to commit to running a marathon that following October in Chicago. Exercise was hard for me to get into so I made myself commit and told everybody I knew so I would be held accountable. So I joined the gym around the corner from my apartment and off I went. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Took 2 months to lose that final 10 but I did it. I did what I thought was impossible. And was training for something else now I thought was equally if not more so, impossible. Running 26.2 miles?! Are you fucking serious? Why would anybody do that? I don't get it. Everybody just calm down. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I wasn't around exercise growing up, sure there was gym class with a bunch of buddies and girls you had crushes on , but really I just viewed that as a free period. And in high school I got out of gym class altogether due to a skin rash I would get when my body would heat up. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">My sister was the most active of us. she was into kick line (a form of dance and cheer leading fusion). And she seemed to not have too many issues with weight or food. My mom always kept her weight at a reasonable number. She seemed to have the capability to not finish a meal and get full early. But us Scott boys: me, my brother and dad, we could finish our plates and fight over who was going to finish theaters of those around us. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I had to ask an employee of the gym how to use a treadmill and what she recommend I start on. And off I went. That first day I did a walk/jog for about10 minutes. I probably did under a mile. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">9 months later it was October. I had run 2 half marathons in August and in September to give me a sense of what it was going to be like to run with other people, the noise and being guided by someone. Because I'm doing these blindfolded. Did I forget to mention that part? My eye disease, Choroideremia, is not only taking my sight away but while it's doing that it's making lights uncomfortable and unhealthy for me to be around. Thanks Choroideremia you asshole! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">So here I was, blindfolded, going blind, formerly fat (I was probably about 203 for the marathon), ex smoker, no idea what the hell I doing. Can't wait for this to be over and never run again. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I was able to get local publicity for my run. I was on CBS news, got a write up in the free Red Eye and front page of theChicago tribune. Not bad. I raised $14,000 from that weight loss, also not bad and was still raising more with these marathons. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I finished that marathon. It was hard, I didn't enjoy most of it. I started crying at mile 22 or so. I finished at around <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors="true">5:37</a> (hours, minutes).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I don't know the exact day or the exact time or what was the one thing that made me think of 12 marathons in 12 states in 2012. Maybe because the Chicago one I ran was on 10/10/10, maybe cuz my brother in law bicycled across the country in 35 days for Choroideremia, maybe because Jeff Benelux also a chmer ran marathons, maybe cuz of the publicity I thought I could get, maybe because I just couldn't shake the idea. I already did a bunch of stuff I thought were Impossible and that I'd never do. Maybe this would just be added to that list. Maybe I'm foolish enough to think I could make a difference. Maybe also this is a way for me to deal with going blind. Rather than sit around and wait for it to take over. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">So it I am again. Chicago, two years later. 10/07/12 (not quite as catchy as the first time I ran) but ok. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I live in LA now but still have some good friends in Chicago. Luckily a couple of them were going out of town for a few days and I was going to have a place to crash. Perfect! My own space for me to focus on the task at hand. My 10th marathon of the year. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I was nervous about my back as usual. I was able to visit dr tickle, my chiropractor in Chicago I use to go to regularly when I lived there. She gave me the full treatment and I needed it. My back has been a looming force this year. I have a bad back that goes back to my early 20s, luckily its never been an issue during a marathon run. And I'd like to keep it that way. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I flew in on Wednesday, my flight left crazy late so I arrived crazy late I met up with Dave whose place I was staying at who also gave me Johns keys I was staying at his place too. I dropped my bags off at johns which was pretty close to iO Chicago! My improv theater out there. I was meeting my friends there for a drink and a show. First I met Don at Salt and Pepper diner for a quick bite, then we went over to watch a few improv groups leading up to Carl and the Passions, one of my favorite teams there. Noah said hi to me on his way in (he's on that team) and during one of the other teams he asked if I wanted to play in Carl and the passions! I was psyched! I got never got to play with the before! I had a great time playing. I was a little rusty but I think it went ok. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">After that we waited around to watch TJ and Dave arguably one of the best improv shows and duos of all time. My friends lee and Rebecca joined don and I. It was a great show. It was cool to see those guys play again. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">The next day I had planned a fundraiser at the Playground theater. My parents were in town (they had been driving around the country the few weeks leading up to Chicago). It was raining a lot that night and was def going to be an issue. Not many people attended but it was a fun show. 3033 a great improv group at iO played and I did Shootin the shit with Sarah Gee, Lisa Linke and Brendan Jennings. All great improvisors who I haven't seen in a long time. I hadn't been back to Chicago since I moved a year and a half before. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Only made $200 for the foundation but what a fun way to make it. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Friday </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I was moving to Dave's place now. I needed to do as little as possible so I could </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Get to bed early and start getting use to that. Sunday I was going to need to get up very early. I had bench with my folks and grabbed so throw away clothes at salvation army. It was going to be cold for the race. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I ordered take out and watched some episodes of Fringe I brought with me. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Saturday </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Was expo day and an opportunity for me to meet my guide Whitney. Whitney was assigned to help me, even thought I had nick who lives in Chicago and ran one of those half marathons with me 2 years prior. Nick had an injury a couple weeks ago and having a back up seemed like a good idea. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I gave Whitney the rundown. She seemed with it and seasoned. She was training for an 50 mile ultra run so in the morning she was going to ur. To the start line. Wow! Really?! Ok cool. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I met up with Paul a reporter for CBS I think. And he ended up doing a really good story on me for the news! Sweet! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I even got some running in at a local gym. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I made some pasta for myself and got to bed pretty early. Got about 7 hours I think. Really good. That's a good start. I took a couple ibuprofens before I left. My hip flexors have been bothering me a lot lately especially that week. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Nick picked me up, drive us downtown to the start of the race. We parked and got wheelchair special treatment. Even though I'm not in a wheelchair I got to hang out in that rent right next to the start. And I get a 9 minute head start. Good news. That usually helps with my time and Stress. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">The start was a bit rocky. Right off the bat I tripped over some guy that cut in front of me. I ran with the shirt I bought at salvation army for maybe a mile. Bad idea though. I over heated and ended up sweaty. And it was cold out so I was freezing. It didn't get any better either. My time was pretty good the first 10k or so. I took a couple Advils at mile 6 but at mile 7 I started getting the weird pee sensation I got in Seattle. Oh no! It's painful, uncomfortable and causes me to not want to run. I told my team what was up and to expect me to stop at every porta potty. But even when I pee almost nothing comes out. I thought for sure it's because of all the ibuprofens I've been taking. Whitney even mentioned. Maybe I have kidney damage. Shit! I hope not. I still had 19 miles to run for this race. And man did it just suck! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I tried to listen to music but my iPod when wonky and I stopped using it at mile 10 or so. I did a whole lot of walking. At one point in the porta potty I grabbed my butt cheeks and they were wet and freezing cold. That was probably half way through. But that's how it was the whole time. painful, wet, cold, miserable. I felt bad for my guides. I was not great company. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">We stopped at a burger king just so I could use their bathroom. At least BK is good for something. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Eventually I finished. With a time of <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://6" x-apple-data-detectors-result="6" x-apple-data-detectors="true">6:53</a>. My worst time by far. I knew it would be once that bladder thing happened. But I was worried about my kidneys now. And what if I did something to them. This was maybe the 3 rd time it's happened to me during my marathons. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I met up with my parents and friends and apologized for keeping everybody waiting. They understood. But 10 down! 2 to go! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">That night I stayed in Evanston in hotel. Watched bad tv pilots I downloaded on iTunes and ate pizza. I was feeling better. More normal. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Monday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Went to dr tickle again, this time my dad went too, to get a tune up. And later that day had a dinner with folks and friends at Calo restaurant in Andersonville where I use to live. Was able to drop by iO and see some armando show and say hi to a few people. But I was wiped and I had an early flight the next morning. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Tuesday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I flew out of midway but not before losing my very expensive back cushion that fell out of my bag. Man that pissed me off. And the employees there seemed to not give a shit. Whatevs I was excited to get home to see my lady. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I made an appointment to see a urologist that took my insurance. He interviewed my, checked my stats, had a guy ultra sound my bladder and kidneys and as a hey how ya doin, it's time for the prostate exam. Yikes! I had the bladder thing a couple years ago when stil living in Chicago and had a prostate exam then too. All good! Now just waiting for blood and urine tests. But the doctor thanks I wasn't hydrated enough. Could be. But I was I thought it was the pills. He said nope. Not with the amount. Was taking. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">So here I am now on a plane to NYC after Frankenstorm Sandy! I'm going to try his advice of hydrating and just drink a ton the day beforehand take a drink at each water stop. And see how it goes. Hopefully the bladder will be Finland my hip flexors will be ok. I've been stretching them a lot lately. They are feeling better.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Wish me luck. Here I go! #11!!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Please give to my goal. I'm only at about $85,000 of my $144,000 goal. Thanks! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://Www.ejscott.com/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="9" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Www.ejscott.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Twitter</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">@ejscott</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">I'm running 12 marathons in 12 states in 2012 blindfolded!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://Www.ejscott.com/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="10" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Www.ejscott.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Twitter...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">@12marathons2012</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">@ejscott</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">10 down 2 to go!!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com/" x-apple-data-detectors-result="11" x-apple-data-detectors="true">www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Helvetica;">Next up..... New York City!!! <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://12" x-apple-data-detectors-result="12" x-apple-data-detectors="true">November 4th</a>!</span></b></span>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-16693916646379684402012-10-20T14:20:00.001-07:002012-10-20T14:20:49.457-07:00Dear CHM Carriers....I remember about 4 years (maybe 5 years) ago I was at the Choroideremia Conference in Chicago. It was maybe my second time at one of the conferences. They have them every 2 years. I had recently come back from a 35 day bike trip where my brother-in-law (Al) bicycled across the country to try to drum up awareness, publicity and money for Choroideremia Research. My nephew with CHM was 2 years old at the time of the bike ride. I had video taped the 35 day experience to try to make a documentary out of it. I was interested in gaining insight into the Choroideremia Carrier. Women carry the disease and pass it on to their boys. That has happened in my family. My mom is a carrier and my brother and I have the disease and will go blind from it and my sister is a carrier now.<br />
<br />
At the conference theres a point where we all split up and form support groups in different rooms. CHMers, CHM carriers and the love ones. I wanted to sit in on CHM Carriers and try to get some video footage of the discussion. I think it could be helpful for others to hear. I asked everyone if it was ok if I filmed they said it was and about 2 minutes into filming I was asked to stop filming. A woman was over come with emotion and didnt want to be filmed. I stayed for the remainder of the discussion. I thought I would be a fly on the wall and just listen and what ended up happening was everybody asked me questions. Wanted to know my view as a CHMer. Many of these parents were afraid to talk with their children about it. Afraid to ask questions. Afraid to answer questions. Some hadnt even told their children yet about the disease. They lied to their kids about where they were even going that weekend.<br />
<br />
I was 27 years old when I was diagnosed with Choroideremia. I was shocked that it was never told to me that I may have something to worry about. Even a vague explanation of maybe there might be something to worry about. Instead my grandparents chose to initially tell their children that my grandfather, who went blind in his 40s, was blinded in a hunting accident. Then as people got older it was explained that my grandfather had a disease but that everyone else was going to be fine. Then as the children starting having their own children the subject was brought up again. Instead this time from my uncle asking what happened to my grandfather, and is there something to worry about. My grandparents confirmed that there was something to be concerned about. That there was a chance it could continue. My uncle tested his kids eyes every 2 years from then on. But he doesnt have the disease and isnt a carrier. I didnt get my eyes tested more than reading the chart in the nurses office in grade school. Not until around 15 years old.<br />
<br />
At age 15 i was noticing with more frequency these strange bursts of light in my eyes. They would come even if I was in a pitch black room. I liken them to fire works. They werent painful but they were distracting and strange. Often they would affect my vision for the couple of seconds they were exploding in my view. Still at this point nobody has told me there may be something to worry about with my eyes. I went to an eye doctor to get them checked out. My vision was usually very good. 20/20. No glasses. The eye doctor I went to, took a look and said my eyes were fine and sent me on my way. The flashes never stopped though. On top of that I was still having a hard time seeing in dim lighting, still bumping into things and people when I really should be seeing some of these things fine. I guessed I was just a clumsy oaf. Telling people i'm a 6'0" tall person trapped in a 6'3" tall body.<br />
<br />
So when I was diagnosed at 27 with Choroideremia. It ended up clearing up a lot of those questions and situations. But I wasnt told anything for 27 years. And I have to say that I was pained to learn how far and how long the secrecy went. That was always the worst part of it for me. And I told those people in that circle at the CHM Conference. Im not upset at getting the disease, I'm furious at not being told about it. Thats the worst part. The conspiracy of a family to keep information about someone, from that same person is awful. My Grandfather died when i was 15. My grandmother was still alive. We were ordered by my parents to not tell my grandmother because "it would kill her". So telling her could be deemed as murder? A few years later she died blissfully ignorant of what the family was going through behind her back and under her nose. I have to say though that finding out about the cover up and lengths gone through changed the way I viewed my grandparents and my own parents. Im still working (almost 10 years later) on that anger.<br />
<br />
I cant encourage enough the idea of letting your kids in on it early and not keeping it a secret. If youre unsure what to do, go talk with a couple of child therapists about it. Ive been in therapy now the last few years and have talked with 4 different therapists about this subject and they all agree, that honesty, openness, communication is paramount to a healthy relationship with each other. If you want kids to be honest with you and open with you, you have to do the same in return. Kids learn by example. In my opinion, these kids that have diseases have every right to know whats going on with them, and to have people that dont have these diseases make the rules is unfair. Im speaking as that kid. The one kept in the dark because others didnt like confrontation or dealing with bad news. If you get to incorporate it in life early enough it'll be the "norm". Not to say there wont be difficulties but at least things can be out in the open.<br />
<br />
Theres still a lot of secrecy in my family when it comes to Choroideremia. Still the people who arent going blind from the disease, making the rules. Its what was taught for generations and I would like to see that chain broken. I think you as a parent take great risk in not telling your children. It could affect your relationship permanently for the worse. When they are teenagers and start keeping secrets from the parents, what legs do you have to stand on when the kid turns around and says " you guys lied to me my whole life, but i'm suppose to be honest with you?"<br />
<br />
I wont have a child with Choroideremia. At most I'll have a daughter who is a carrier. But I will be honest with her from day one. I will seek advisement if I'm unsure of how to present it. Keeping secrets make it seem shameful. Theres no shame in having a disease you have no control over. Keeping an open and honest environment in the house hold can only breed positivity. Having the kids awareness of whats going on, yes, can and will be devastating an any age. But it wont ruin their lives. They can still lead normal lives and when the vision starts getting affected new choices and decisions are made. Its hard but even without CHM its hard. Having involvement in a solution as a family could strengthen your bond, but secret keeping and lies will not.<br />
<br />
Good luck.<br />
www.ejscott.comE.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-63477432536782185502012-09-17T14:08:00.001-07:002012-09-17T14:09:26.212-07:00Dayton, OHIO Air Force Base. DONE!!! 9 down 3 to go! (September)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Dayton, Ohio Air Force Base race! 9 down, 3 to go! </b></span></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>This race started months ago. I was on the Dr. Drew HLN show for a second time talking about my races and what I was doing this year and my hopes and my family and my eye disease. In Georgia a woman named, Kelli Molter, was watching. Kelli is a part of the Air Force and has been an athlete for a very long time. She's done countless tri athalons and even did some tri athalons and runs with visually impaired people. Kelli herself has had a few eye surgeries correcting and recorrecting some muscular problems in her eyes. Someone mentioned to her running the Air Force Base Race this year. She wasn't planning on it, unless she could find a visually impaired runner to do it with. A couple of months later, there I was on Dr. drew. She reached out to the Choroideremia Research Foundation to offer to run with me for that race. The email was forwarded to me. I read it and checked the dates. I was going to run Bismark, North Dakota originally the same weekend and I was already going to be running Ohio in Cleveland in May. Instead I decided to switch some things around. I ran Fargo in May and was planning on Dayton for September. I hadn't paid for the admission for the other races yet so I was losing any money. I contacted Kelli and said ok let's do it. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>We stayed in occasional contact. Kelli wanted to raise money for Wounded Warriors and the Choroideremia Research Foundation and split what she raised down the middle. Sounded good to me, especially when she set a goal of $12,000 for each charity. That may have been a bit optimistic and grand. After some months leading up to the race she wasnt able to raise that much, (some is way better than none) but if you'd like to contribute to our goals you can at <a href="http://www.curechm.org/" target="_blank">www.curechm.org</a> or <a href="http://www.ejscott.com/" target="_blank">www.ejscott.com</a>. And Wounded Warriors for veterans is a great worthy cause as well. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I was getting nervous about running with a stranger. What was this going to be like? Running with Jennifer, janelle, Ryan, david, I'm familiar with and I'm comfortable with the idea of running with them. This was new. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>My foot (my now purple toe from my last trip -literally) was better after getting it drained at the doctors so that wasn't seeming to present any problems. But earlier in the week I spent some time in my recliner turned desk chair, which when used as a recliner is fine but doesn't work as a desk chair. And I don't have a desktop computer just my laptop. So my form is all wrong and spending too much time in a position I shouldn't be in will cost. After being like that for hours (by the way I was on the computer emailing newspapers, radio stains, news organizations in Dayton looking for publicity all that work got me no where btw.) I got up went into the kitchen and almost immediately felt something crawling in the middle of my back. Felt like an alien. But it was worse, it was a muscle that hurt right away. I tried stretching it out but did no good. This was Friday afternoon. My usual chiropractor is closed on the weekends and Friday afternoons. I was able to find an open place nearby that was open Saturday's and even took my insurance. The place was good and Tom (my doctor) cracked me pretty good. I was suppose to run that day but decided to rest instead. I spent the night before and the rest of that day in bed resting. The next day I wanted to run. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I felt better, not 100%, but better. I was skeptical about running so I thought I'd walk. I walked about 3 miles on the ole treadmill, and felt warmed up enough to try running. I went slow and took walking breaks. I got up to 10 miles total. Not bad. But in 6 days I'd be running 26.2 miles with a stranger. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Monday I got adjusted again by Tom. Tuesday adjusted my usual girl, iris. I ran a few miles on Tuesday and Wednesday. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Kelli and I have been keeping in touch every now and then over these past months. I talked to her a couple of days before flying to Dayton when I was just feeling better from my back issues when she told me she's been having back problems for the last couple of weeks. Uh-oh. That's a bombshell to me. She eves aid she was inn the hospital at one point. I don't know exactly what was going on but she was positive she could run. She sitting was a problem. It was too late really for a plan B. ok let's hope for the best. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I flew iWednesday, hadn't heard anything from any publicity places which is always disappointing and always makes me feel like nobody cares. I tried setting up a fundraiser with a local improv place called the Black Box theater but I guess that was too complicated because that didn't happen either. The up side of not having extra things to do meant that I could just relax. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I checked into the comfort inn right next to the Marriott that Kelli, her sister Linda and lindas husband Steve were staying in. Linda and Steve drive up from Milwaukee on Friday. Kelli flew in from georgia on thursday like me from Los Angeles. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I was able to walk to a nearby Walmart and pick up some supplies and Evette dinner at a nearby ruby Tuesday's. Tried to get to bed early (I was on a three hour time zone difference now) so I could get up early. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I woke up at 5am and just did almost nothing all day. Listened to al lot of Howard Stern. Watched the movie Battleship that I rented from iTunes. Spoiler Alert: it's not a good movie. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Kelli was staying with a friend of hers somewhere in Dayton in the night before and wanted to meet at the Expo at about 5pm that night. I wanted to be back in my room no later than 7pm. I needed to do as little as possible so I can hope to get a good nights sleep. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I took a cab to the expo and met Kelli for the first time. We walked around a little and were waiting for her sister and bro in law to arrive from Milwaukee. I got my packet and passed out a bunch of pamphlets on the expo floor. They arrived and we started driving back to the hotel with a stop off to check out where we would be starting the run the next day at the Air Force museum. It was pretty cool seeing some air planes and the base. But it was getting later and I needed to eat dinner and start winding down. We stopped at a Subway sandwich place and then I got dropped off at the hotel at 7pm while the other guys went out to eat. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I ended up ordering pasta from Ruby Tuesdays who delivered to the hotel. That hit the spot and I got in bed, put on my noise machine, put me ear plugs in and turned my iPad on. I've learned recently that if I play the movie the Descendants with George Clooney directed by Alexander Payne, I fall asleep with in 10 minutes. I love the movie but for some reason it is exactly the thing to make me go to sleep. It worked I fell asleep somewhere around 9-930. In the past I've fallen asleep early and woken up way too early with not enough sleep. I've tried sleeping aids but they did the same thing. I really think the answer is down time and rest. Because I slept til 415 am. About 15 minutes before my alarm was set. I actually couldn't believe it, I double checked the time on my watch, my iPad, my phone. I got about 7 hours sleep! Wow that's amazing. I still felt a bit tired but that was a good start. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>John Kessler my camera guys camera guy was staying close enough in Indians to come down and help me get video of my run. He had to arrive at the air force base at 5am to get his media pass. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Linda, Steve, Kelli and I were meeting up at 515 to start driving. We got to the base early. Which was fine. We walked around to the start line and took pics in front of huge planes. It was chilly and I thought I might run with pants and an extra shirt. I decided last minute on just shorts and the short and long sleeve shirt. We stretched interviewed with John and got to the start line. I was able to get a start time at 725am, with the wheelchairs and specialty wheeled people. Which is a great help to me. I put my blindfold on and a coup,e of minutes later we were off!! Later I would learn that the Air Force must've forgotten to turn on the tracking device I signed up for. They forgot to turn it on for the early runners. (maybe the later ones too I don't know). But my end time was around minutes short. Which is really annoying becaus ej don't have and EXACT time. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>The weather felt fine for the most part. Kelli already said she wanted to stop at every water station which I didn't like the sound of. To me that means extra time and extra stops and I didn't like the sound of that. But ok. I had already decided this race was going to take a long time because of both of our recent back problems. The course is mostly flat except for a big hill from mile 1-2. But it wasn't too bad. I brought my iPod with a running mix I made. So I was able to distract myself with music. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>We knew the only time John, Linda and steve was going to see us was around mile 10. Security was tight I guess. So Kelli and I took a little video ourselves with some planes inn the background. We did stop at almost every water stop but it usually wasn't more than a few seconds which was good. We were making good time. Real good time actually. We were doing a 10minutes on and walk one minute pace going on. We only took one pee break at mile 4. I took ibuprofen a couple of times during the race. And next thing you know we are On pace to possibly break the 5 hour time. Which sounded impossible. Originally months before I told Kelli I wanted to get a 5hour time for this race. But I threw out that expectation. And even during the run I wasnt holding my breath. There was a long way to go. My fastest run ever was in Austin in April. Around 5:14. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I usually don't want to know how I'm doing. It puts pressure on me but I wanted to know this time. I wanted a sense of how I was doing. And see if I was capable of pushing myself without killing myself. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>When we hit 13.1 it was about 2:23 min which was my fastest half by about a minute. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>By the time we got into the 20s I was feeling some pain, not back pain or sore toes pain, thank goodness. Muscle pain in my legs. So how long could I last? </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Kelli decided we were breaking 5 hours. I had not decided that. I was going to be happy getting a good time and even beating my own best time. I didn't need the 5 hour break. But she didn't want to hear it. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I was getting grumpy. I was frustrated, tired, annoyed and I was getting to be not so fun to be around. I think Kelli decided we going to run the last couple of miles no more breaks. I think maybe I can do it but the thought of making it x distant in x time seemed impossible. And I didn't want any additional stress or pressure especially after running 20 something miles. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>We were getting closer and closer and we were getting told wrong information like the finish is only .2 miles away (but we didn't pass a 26 mile mark), but I had it in my head we were that close. So mentally that's what I was ready for. It ended up being much much further. And Kelli was really pushing me to go faster. And I was not appreciating it. The last half mile felt like 10miles. It seemed to take forever! When we were finally close to the finish I some how tripped on keelis hell or something. Now when something like that happens and it happened a couple of times that I stumbled on somebody or bumped into someone, it now changes how my foot lands and now can affected that leg. Which that last time it did. My right calf cramped up. It felt like a crumpled piece of paper. And then my left one did it almost in competition with te other calf. Oh it hurt! But I was so close. I could hear myself making pained moaning sounds as I got closer to the finish. I raised my right arm with my folded cane as I usually do but this time my iPod fell out of the hooded velcroed to my arm. Kelli told me to keep running. It was only a handful of steps when she said shed go get it but I didn't know if I was done or not. I had to yell out to whoever was there. I had finished. And just seconds shy of 5 hours. Wow. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Kelli got m iPod nd I got my medal. I was hurting tough. Just felt beaten up. I couldn't even enjoy my new time because I was feeling so bad. I tried to compose myself and get my bearings. I took my blindfold off and put on my 2 pairs of sunglasses but still kept my eyes closed for a while. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>It was over. I did it. 9 marathons done. I did what I thought I couldn't. Thanks to Kelli who I gave a hard time to but it paid off. She was actually a great guide. She didn't over do it, she didn't under do it. She was very optimistic. Which when I'm feeling negative is just what I need. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>So we got a beer, I use the porta pottie, needed to eat but I couldn't find food. I really just wanted to go back to the hotel ASAP! We lost Steve and Linda at one point. They had my bag and glasses. We tried waiting for them but I needed to leave. It was bright out and I was not feeling good. The last several miles were pretty hot and I wished I hadn't worn the extra shirt. John drove me back to the hotel while Kelli went looking for Linda and Steve. I'll get my stuff later. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>John did an interview with me at the hotel. I took a shower. I got my stuff from Linda and I ordered food from ruby Tuesdays. I started feeling better. Just laying down not doing anything. Felt great. I watched the Dictator with Sasha Baron Cohen, who I love, but the movie was really bad. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I almost fell asleep at one point and tried to settle down for a nap or even just to go to sleep in the afternoon, but the bed was too hard and my body was in too much pain. And that combo meant I didn't get to sleep til about 11pm, maybe even midnight. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>But it was good sleep. Deep. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Got up at 8am to meet Linda, Steve, and Kelli at the cracker barrel for breakfast. Did more laying about in the hotel room and went to the airport. Kelli flew back to Georgia and I am on a plane about to land in LA. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Another damn marathon done! Please help me reach my goal. I have a long way to go still. I have 3 races left and $70,000 to raise. Please help. Thanks so much!!</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://Www.ejscott.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Www.ejscott.com</b></span></a></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<a href="http://Www.curechm.org/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Www.curechm.org</b></span></a></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Twitter..</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>@ejscott</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Thanks guys! </b></span></div>
E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-35147334748739564312012-09-17T14:05:00.001-07:002012-09-17T14:05:32.524-07:00Mesa Falls, Idaho DONE!!! 8 down, 4 to go (August)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>My toe is still purple but at least it doesn't hurt as much. Maybe it's because the doctor put a hole in my nail for the puss and blood to be squeezed out of. </b></span></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Mesa falls, Idaho</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Arrived thursday and I had Arranged a fundraiser with Improv underground. A short form games group that performs in Idaho falls. That's where the plane flew in. Idaho falls. Not exactly close to the marathon, so I made two hotel reservations, one for Idaho falls the first night and the next two nights inst Anthony. Closer to the Mesa falls area. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I forgot my blindfold. I realized it when deb was driving me to the airport. That's a first. My mind is getting more and more scattered. She said shed mail it over night when she got back home. Later I would find out that it wouldnt be coming the next day because the towns I was staying in couldn't receive next day packages. It would arrive in Saturday (day of the marathon). Oh well. She sent it anyway just in case. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Jennifer, my cousin and guide for this race, took a long time to fly in from Syracuse. She had to take 3 flights. So she was pretty tired. I don't think I got as much sleep as I would've liked so I was tired as well. And not looking forward to the first of 3 races with a 6 week time span. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>That's right. Mesa falls then 21 days later, Dayton and 22 days after that is Chicago. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Jen got in a little before me so she was able to pick up the car rental and go back to the hotel until she needed to pick me up. The hotel was sort of falling apart. I think it was a comfort inn. I was in my rom only minutes when I started hearing a pat tern of banging sounds. I investigated where it was coming from and after calling the front desk to help me figure it out, we figured it was coming from inside the walls in the bathroom. Possibly and probably a loose pipe. That wasn't going to help me sleep that might so I changed rooms to the room next door. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Jen and I played around with the idea of going to Yellowstone national park. We were a couple of hours away from it but it seemed like a lot of driving just to see Old Faithful. Maybe someday I'll get there. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>We didn't have much time to dilly or to dally. The show was starting at 7pm at the University. Seats 250. We got to the auditorium a little early and I met my contact Ryan, who I found through google and Facebook. Nice guy, looks like Ricky Gervais. Not nearly as obnoxious as Ricky (I love Ricky btw. Ricky if you're reading this I love ya. :) the folks of Idaho falls really went out of their way for me. They got some great local prizes for raffles And had local teen queens there addressing the audience and educating them on my disease. Which was very cool. The audience was low in numbers unfortunately. It happens and I think Ryan felt bad there weren't more people. It happens. It happens most of the time actually. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>This was a first for me though. I had no less than 3 crying babies to perform for. Talk about keeping it family friendly! I ended up buying some raffle tickets myself. Quite a few actually. I was hoping for some local food certificates. I ended up winning a bunch of stuff: gift certificate to a restaurant in a hotel another for a steakhouse type place, 5 haircuts, a thing of brownies form a local bakery, a basket of bread products and I think that was it. I gave the haircuts to Shelby, one of the improv underground peeps, enjoyed eating the brownies over the next 2 days. They were amazing. Had some of the bread from the basket and tried to use one of the certificates the next day. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>It was a fun show but Jenny and I were wiped out. We went back to the hotel. We went in our rooms and I ordered a pizza. I forgot how terrible dominoes is. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>The next morning we got up and went to breakfast at a place to use one of the certificates. It was the worst meal ever I think. Apparently the regular chef wasn't here so a prep cook had to make the meals. We waited about an hour, now there no one at this restaurant. A few people maybe. Most were partaking in the buffet. They brought me a simpler second meal and I ate some or most of it. And they didn't charge us for he meal. That's how bad it was. Oh well. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I needed a blindfold and looked up on google maps fabric places. There was one close by called Moms Fabric, when we were searching around for it I noticed we wee in a residential area. Sure enough, moms fabric is someone's house. More specifically her store is in her garage. A sweet old lady who we interrupted washing her hair. I explained the situation and hot a piece of fabric for under $2. Turns out that woman has been running that business out of her house for 22 years. Wow. </b></span></span><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>We went back to the hotel grabbed our stuff and headed toward mesa falls. It was packet pick up day. Usually this would be called an expo but since so few people run this race, it's just a packet pick up at the local elementary school. Some nice folks there. Hooked us up with bins and shirts. And we got to run for free. We found out about 150 people were running the marathon and another 250 or so was running the half or the 5k or something. Anyway only about 400 people running the next day. This is my smallest marathon of the year.</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b> So small I thought maybe I would try to listen to music this time. I happened to bring my iPod although it didn't really have a runners play list on it. It had more easy listening for the fundraiser I did in LA in March. But ok. I'll try it. I would have to leave one ear bud out so I can hear Jenny with no problems. Jen also ran st Louis with me in April. St Louis was my best time wise of the year so far. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>After the packet pick up we were recommended to drive up to Mesa falls and check out the waterfalls. So we did. It wasn't too far about 20 minutes or so. Beautiful country when you started seeing green, other wise a lot of open plains, almost desert like. But the falls were beautiful. We took a bunch of pics and headed back. Jen got distracted by a giant root beer display and it turned out it was a little diner hat specialized in root beer floats. this turned out to be good timing since we were both kind of hungry. But it was about 3pm now and we would need to eat our pasta dinner in a few hours time. So I just ordered a small float and grilled cheese. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>The hotel was ok, I had to switch rooms with Jen because we were each suppose to get a kin size bed Doug one of the rooms had two queen size beds. So she ended up with that room after. I kicked her out of the king size bed room. Look I'm a big guy that doesn't sleep well around marathon weekend. I needed it. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I was still unclear on who was going to get footage of my run and how we were getting to the start line. They have shuttles but we would have to lose sleep in order to take a shuttle. I didn't want to do that. Ryan was gracious enough to drive out all the way from Idaho falls (about an hour away) came with his wife and baby in the car. And drive Jen and I to the start. And he used my camera to pick up footage. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>There was no place near the t could hook us up with pasta so we just picked up subway sandwhiches and called it a night. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>It was a little disorganized. I think it was 630 start time. We were getting there early by following one of the buses. We get to a point where there are several buses and a lot of people walking around and everybody's asking where the porta potties are. Long story short the porta potties and the start line was still ahead of us another half mile or so. Somehow we all got information wrong or something. It was weird. And by the way, it was freezing. Literally freezing temperatures. We were about 6300 feet up on a mountain. I wasn't expecting that. I had a spare running shirt and running pants in my bag for afte rthe race but it looks like I'd half to put it on early. I'm glad I did. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>By the way again, I gave Ryan the two certificates, leftover breads and the basket for helping me out. It was the very least I could do. He helped me huge! </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>So we finally make it to the start line and put on my blindfold. I did my stretching back at the hotel. I went to sleep very early the night before and it paid off! I did it drug free and was able to get anoint 6 hours of pretty decent sleep. That's a first. I was still up at 2am but so what! I was psyched to sleep that much. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Off we went. Jen was really really cold. Shivering. I felt bad for her. She was in little shorts, but the sun was coming up real soon. It was downhill like in salt lake city, but not as steep as salt lake. BUT the terrain was awful. The worst I ever ran in. The first 9 miles were on loose gravel. And there were impressions in the "road" from big tractors. So I had to run very strangely many times. Picking up my knees and feet so I don't trip. We could here cows somewhere off in the distance. Everybody blew past us pretty early on. We took pee breaks in the woods every couple miles in the beginning. We thought after the 9 would be roads. And there were but briefly and only until we ran into the forest! We had to run on a trail, now this is where it got really dangerous. To get on the path there were some steep places so steep we had to really stop and walk down carefully. Then we get to the path which was really too narrow for 2 people. There were tracks like from a 4 wheeler with a strip of grass in the middle. So Jen ran on one side on one track and I ran on the other. I was constantly tripping over roots, rocks and who knows what. I really thought I was going to turn my ankle. Until the trail we ere making decent time. And I was feeling good until the trail. 3 miles we ran hat trail. For 3 miles. By the time I got out it felt like I ran the whole marathon. But we were only about half way through. But at least we had Somme roads. We didn't run for too long before the roads went up hill. We were warned about it but it still was tough. And the roads were open to cars and trucks and whatever else. They were wizzing by me just mere inches from me. That freaks me out I must say. Jen was getting pissed at how close they were coming to us and not going around us even thought there was room on the opposite side. That slowed us down too. Because she was constantly pulling me to the side and watching out for my safety but we were definitely slowed down because of it. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Angel was video taping me and she was doing great. Shelby from improv underground knows her and she is also a runner and wanted to help. She was great. She popped up every couple miles taking video. She got my camera from Ryan after he left the start line. It seemed to work out pretty good. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>So now we are at about mile 20 . I give angel my extra shirt and pants to put in the bag because now its really hot and it's gonna get hotter. I'd say it was in the 80s I think. And the final 6 miles were on a moderate down grade on roads in open environment, so no shade. It was ok though. Jen and I had a pretty good system worked out and I crossed the finish line after 6:00:22. That's fine. I'll take it. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>At the finish line were some people from the fundraiser writing to congratulate me. I apologized for keeping them waiting :) also who was waiting for me was a man ( and I never saw him becaus I was still blindfolded) who told me hat that race was his 329th race. And that it's his 200th consecutive month of racing. One a month for 200 months. He was trying to. Encourage me to do the same. Keep going! He said. I ask Ed how many of those were blindfolded? None he said. Well do one blindfolded and see how you like it. Maybe you wouldnt do so many and encourage me to keep going :) but it's also financially taxing. This is costing a lot of money flying around the country, usually 2 people, hotel for 2, food, etcetera. It'd be different if I could do it by myself, but ats just no possible right now. Maybe someday :)</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I got interviewed by a woman I never saw because even though my blindfold was off now my eyes were closed. It was a little much to open them right away. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Jen and I went to an ice cream place where runners got a free ice cream. It hit the spot. We swung by the subway again to get some take out. When we got to the hotelmy hands were pretty full and my eyes weren't adjusted yet. We walked up some stairs and there was a point where you turn 90degrees and walk up a few more stairs. But I couldn't really see them. I had one of my pairs of sunglasses on. The rug was brown. I was disoriented and and I tripped up the stairs. I felt a couple of my toe nails catch on my shoes (I should've trimmed them before I left LA, I usually do and didn't this time). My shins were nicely beaten up but could've been worse. I still had my compression socks on. But it felt like a couple of toe nails popped off. When I limped back in my from I was afraid to take the socks off. But I did. Ok they were still there. But a couple of them especially my left big one was throbbing and turned purple/blue. Sigh.</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I tried icing it to get the swelling down that night but all I wanted to do was shower, eat and sleep. I got to sleep later than I would've liked. A family moved in next door with very high energy children that though it was fun to run up and down the hall making a racket. The parents seemed to have no problem with it. When I asked about changing rooms to the front desk they said they would have to chage me for another night. Sigh. I stayed and awaited it out. By 10pm it was quiet. And I was up for 20 hours and ran a marathon. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>The next day. Jen and I found a proper breakfast place and feasted. It was really good. We dropped the rental car off and we ended up being crazy early to the airport. we could've slept more! Damn. Poor planning on my part. Oh I got my blindfold when I got back from the marathon at the from desk. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>We were both flying to new York. Her to Syracuse, me to long island. To see Stone Temple Pilots at a little place called the Paramount, my friend rob got the hook up. I've never seen them before and I had a great time. Well worth flying in for 48 hours. While I was in ny I went into the city to have my picture taken by Men's Fitness magazine. They are doing a spread on me for the December issue(or maybe November?). </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>After about a week my toe was still purple and still hurting. People suggested I put a hole in my nail and drain it. I didn't lie the idea of me doing it s o I went to a doctor who did it for me. Ever since its been better. And I can still squeeze stuff out of that hole. It's pretty gross. But it shouldn't cause me any problems for Dayton, Ohio. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Please donate to my goal, I'm almost half way there! But more than half way done with my runs. Check out my website <a href="http://www.ejscott.com/" target="_blank">www.ejscott.com</a>. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>Follow me on twitter @ejscott</b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b>I'm on the Facebook. Support any way you can. Thanks.</b></span></div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU" style="border-collapse: collapse; cursor: pointer; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 2px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 10px; width: 22px;">
<div aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Hide expanded content" id=":3jx" role="button" style="background-color: #f1f1f1; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; clear: both; line-height: 6px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: none; outline-width: initial; position: relative; width: 20px;" tabindex="0">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><img class="ajT" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/images/cleardot.gif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/ellipsis.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; height: 8px; opacity: 0.3; width: 20px;" /></b></span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="HOEnZb adL"><span style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b><div>
Ej</div>
<div>
8 down! 4 to go! </div>
</b></span></span></span>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-49083392789204926732012-08-02T20:29:00.001-07:002012-08-02T20:29:47.237-07:00SALT LAKE CITY! DONE! 7 down, 5 to go!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">I'm flying to new York for debs parents 40th anniversary. I was just in town a few weeks ago to visit with my family on long island who I will see as well. All this traveling and flying is getting to me and I'm looking forward to doing less of it in the new year. I wasnt even unpacked from my last trip before replacing and sorting last night for this trip. My last trip was to salt lake city, Utah for marathon number 7!</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">This was an unusual circumstance. Several different circumstances than what I'm used to, starting with the day of week the marathon landed on. A Tuesday. This is the first and only marathon this year that isn't on a weekend for me. I learned once I got into Utah that the date of July 24th plays a significant role and is quite the big deal in salt lake city. It's pioneer day! From what I heard while I was there is that it's a Mormon holiday. Back when states were still trying to be official states Utah had tried to become part of the union. However, and this is just what I heard, they weren't allowed because of their belief and practice in polygamy. So they said they would stop polygamy and not practice it any longer to become part of the union. I suppose not everybody stopped. People take off from work, close businesses, have parades, it's funny that that's he back story. Or at least that's the story I heard from a woman in Park City where we stayed. And where pioneer day goes unnoticed.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Saturday</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">I needed to fly in a few days early. From what people were telling me and scaring me with, was that altitude adjustment was going to be important. I've never run a marathon where elevation was a factor. But the Deseret News Marathon was starting atop a mountain 7500 ft above sea level. Deborah wanted to come to the marathon. True blood had stopped shooting recently and she was free. The flights weren't too bad since its a fairly quick trip from Los Angeles. A new friend and worker, Tracy, heard where my next run was and offered her condo in somewhat nearby Park City. Great! Saves about $500 in hotels. It is about a 40 min drive but well worth it. The area of Park City is gorgeous. That's where Sundance film festival is held and none of us have ever been. David was my guide once again for this race. This is to be his 3rd marathon with me this year and his 4th race with me counting the half marathon a couple months ago.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We rent a car at the airport, which was very helpful. I had set up a fundraiser with an improv group hat performs short form at a theater called the off broadway heater in salt lake. I think I may have waited too long to do my usual contacting people due to a lot of traveling since my last marathon, because I got zero publicity! None. A woman fro the Deseret newspaper who was running the race interviewed me right before she start but I don't think that ever became anything. I can't find it online. I was really disappointed by that. There was a woman from fox news that called me while I was running the actual race but it was too late.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">From the airport we went to get a bite to eat at a good seafood place. Close by to the theater. I was invited to sit in and give my two cents to a workshop of some performers. We were pretty wiped out so we only stayed for half of the class and I was only able to give one cent. From there we took a drive to the condo in Park City. Beautiful area and scenery. And alot cooler than salt lake. I've been keeping an eye on the weather and it's been incredibly hot in salt lake. And of course rain was being mentioned for the day of the marathon.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We unpacked , got groceries,relaxed a bit but I had a show that night so we couldn't rest to long. The theater is really cool. Very old but spacious. Sadly, our audience was very small but they seemed to have fun. It helped that the performers were having a great time playing with each other and being goofy. It made fun for me too. About a 2 hour show. I was very ready for bed by the time we got back. Good night, Gracie!</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Sunday</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We walked around Park City and checked out the town. I wanted to go to bed early. The race on Tuesday starts at 530am before sunrise. And I was going to need to start acclamating to the time. I was going to try to get up the next morning at 4am. We thought we would need to take one of the offered shuttle busses to the start line. Which would mean getting to the shuttle about 3 am tuesday. My nerves were starting to get to me. I was trying to sleep while Deborah was next to me watching her iPad or trying to do other activities like writing things down (not sure what she was writing) but after a few hours I had to kick her out. Luckily there are three bedrooms in the condo.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Monday</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> I still didn't get to sleep for a couple hours. My brain wouldn't shut off. I even tried taking a unison and that seemed to do little or nothing. My alarm went off at 4, but I slept til 6. I got up and watched a DVD I brought with me called chronicle about a few high school kids that get super powers and how they deal with it. Pretty good movie.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">When david was up and around we (he and I) got in the car and drive back to salt lake for the expo. It was the smallest expo I've ever been to. It reminded me of a yard sale. I was able to get a special parking pass for us which meant that we didn't have to take a shuttle! Awesome! That meant an extra 90minutes in the morning, hopefully, to sleep.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Before we went in the expo we met a guy that wanted to run 12 marathons in 2012 but got injured a couple months ago. This was going to be his first marathon back.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">After the expo we got got some supplies and found a chiropractor to help adjust me and david for the race. He was very good and spenta lot of time on us and took walk ins. Thanks dr Sean Mann! From there we grabed deb. we wanted to go to Olympic Park. Not too far from where we were staying in Park City. It was raining on and off that day. But we knew that Olympic Park had a bunch of cool activities, one of which I wanted to do, zip lining! I thought it would be perfect because of the overcast weather. But when we got there all the actives were closed, except bob sled. Ok, it's a bit pricey, but when are we going to be here again? THe woman signing us up asked we had back problems. I mentioned my bak issues, she seemed to mean more surgical type stuff. She said that there is 4-5 g forces on you in the sled. I don't know what a g force feels like . I asked how long the ride was, 1min 5sec. Ok I can handle that I thought. We had to sign a waiver where it says we can't sue if we get hurt. Interesting.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We drove up he mountain to the start of the bob sled. No lines. No waiting. The rain stopped. Seemed all good. The 4 of us, including the driver, packed in the bob sled with our helmets and we were pushed off. The couple seconds seemed fine. Then I started feeling his g forces she mentioned. We got jostled around pretty good. I started getting really nervous about my back. I felt a few twinges of pain and there was nothing to do but just wait for the end. Sadly, I couldn't fully enjoy the ride, I couldn't see anything and I was so focused on trying not to get hurt that it was a bit of a let down. I'll take a fun roller coaster over hat any day. If you're in Olympic park, I would skip the bob sled. Deb seemed to really like it though. I think david did too.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Pasta dinner time! Deb and david made a great meal while I got set up for the next day. I went to bed early and I was sleeping in a different room by myself hoping not to disturb or be disturbed . But it didn't matter. I had the worst nights sleep (since my last marathon). I just can't seem to settle my mind before marathons. That's becoming the hardest part. The days before hand. The exhaustion. The worry, the fear. The stress. I didn't know all this was going to happen when I decided to do this. I thought at least it would get better along the way, but it hasn't. It's gotten worse.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Tuesday</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Deb woke me at 3am. But I was already half awake. Here we go again. Groundhog day. I keep thinking about that movie. Love bill Murray and that film. But This a lot of work.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We took the drive to the top. We got a little lost but we got there on time thankfully. I had visions of us missing the start and not being abl to run. Which sounded terrible and wonderful at the same time.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">It was black out except for he spotlights that were set up. Porta potties were lined up. Only about half a dozen or so. Lines were already formed for them. I decided we were in nature and so peeing in the woods would be ok. After my first time a ton of motorcycle cops showed up. And we're dispersed into the words. I guess to cut down on people going to the bathroom in the woods. I was suppressed they had nothing better to do. But ok. I'll wait til we get in the course for my next pee stop.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">As I. Walked to the start to check it out I got stopped by that Deseret News paper reporter. She must've gotten one of the emails I sent out to people because she knew part of my story. She asked a bunch of questions and her photographer took a pic of me.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">I couldn't find a camera man for this run so Deborah was my camera person. Thank good ness she was able to make it. She hates filming or taking pictures but she did it for me and I'm very grateful for it. Only about z500 hundred people ran the full marathon. It looked like even less. I had heard someone mention a 6 hour cup off. I didn't know there was a cut off for this race or at least I forgot. I guess it didn't seem to be a big deal. I thought I'd finish by my usual 5hr 30min average if not sooner, since most of it rk was downhill. How wrong I was.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We stated in the dark, but it didn't stay dark long before david started telling me about some light and colors forming in the sky. David had had a lot to drink that morning and needed to pee worse Han me. I was nervous about the peeing thing. Not for getting caught, but my last race was so uncomfortable because of a possible bladder infection? I still don't know what was wrong with me that day in seattle. Long story short, my pee for this race seemed to be normal. Thank you. :)</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">About 5 miles of it was downhill. Nothing super steep or particularly dangerous, although the roads were open and david and I were two people wide. Cars and trucks had to drive around us which got to be a bit hairy sometimes. Since I'm blindfolded I can only hope they see me, because I can't see them.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">There was but of an uphill for a bout 2 miles. I ran up most of it. I think I was feeling pretty good. The altitude didn't feel like it was affecting me too. Much. Before I left for Utah I had come down with a but of a cold which, almost 2 weeks later, is just about gone. I don't know if it was officially a cold, but ideas congested and stuffy and coughing and sneezing. I just kept hitting it with vitamin c.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Somewhere after toes 2 miles up it went back down with a surprising side street of about half mile up. I was beginning to get tired now. People like talking during running which surprises me. David is very friendly and has no problems talking with people and asking questions and all that but I'd much prefer to conserve my oxygen and energy.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">I was feeling pretty beat up by the time the half way mark came up. Uh oh. Only half way and I'm ready to go home. That's a very bad sign I'd say. Deb was ale to meet us around mile 15 or 16. That was towards the end of the downhill. It would flatten out around mile 18 and run into the city. Now by the time I was on flat land the temperature was rising and I could feel it. It was hotter than any other race I've ever run. And I knew I was going to slow. I knew I wouldn't make that 6 hour cap unless I hustled. At mile 20 or so deb was there again. I told her this is really really rough. It didn't help that I had 2 pop songs that were played on the Howard Stern show that week. One by Katy Perry the other by Demi Lovato I think, it could've been by someone else. Either way, they were torturing me.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">I was nt making that 5hour 30 min average.that thought was long gone. My legs were hurting pretty bad. I felt dizzy and thought I may actually pass out, maybe even need an ambulance. But that would mean not finishing and that was no option. I really pushed myself. And at points David even dragged me.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">I started crying somewhere in mile 25 I think. So much going on. I had nothing left. My body was so weak. I country hold it in. It just poured out like a dam. Damn. Disappointment, regret, pain, my nephews, my brother, me, pregnant Liz Lucas smith with her first child a boy who she already knew has Choroideremia. My grandfather. Was I going to get my medal? My time? What did not making it mean?</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We ran. Into a parade for pioneer day. Hundreds of people. None of whom I could see. We were running through them. Or really david was dragging me like a rag doll. At one point he pulled me hard in one direction, I learned later I was about to run full force into a poll. David screaming at people to get out of the way "BLIND RUNNER!!!" I guess that's what I am now. It says it on my signs I put on our backs when I run. Growing up, I never thought I would be either of those things.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We got passed the chaos and finally heard the finish line. I was able to run over it hearin the announcer recount my story. I thanked david and gave him a hug. Deb was there shortly after. I hugged her and cried all over again. She cried too and we held each other very tight. After we released I asked her to film me. And I cried again on camera talking about the race and how hard it was for me and how hard this whole experience is, not just the race or marathons but going blind, trying to bring attention to something most don't want to pay attention to.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">I got my medal but I was almost 4 minutes beyond the cap. 6hours 3min 44sec I think. I'll have to double check the exact seconds.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Walking seemed like a terrible idea. But it needed to be done. Somewhere during the marathon, I developed I nice headache. I thought would go away with some food and drink. I wasn't even hungry which was a first for me after a marathon. I was forcing myself to eat and a bar and grill we went to. But I felt nauseous and full. I don't know why. David said he felt the same way. Maybe it's the altitude.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We drive back to the condo, packed, showered and headed off to the airport. Yup I had made flight reservations for the same day. At the time we were staying in hotels and I was trying to save some money. Plus the flight is pretty quick. At least I'll sleep in my own bed that night.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">It took days for me to start walking normal. I took an ice bath the next day but maybe needed mer ice. My compression socks may have helped but it was hard to tell from all the pain.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Regardless, number 7 is done and now I focus on number 8 in Mesa Falls, Idaho. About 4 hours from salt lake city. Funny. I hope that one goes better.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">My next three marathons will all be in a 6 Week time span. Can't wait til number 12 is done. I just can't.</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Please donate at the above Paypal button. I'm so far behind on my money goal. You can also help me out on twitter and Facebook. Tell people what I'm doing. I need more publicity and if anyone has a contact at Guinness world records I'd like to talk to you. Thanks!</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Best</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Ej</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">I'm running 12 marathons in 12 states in 2012 blindfolded!</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Check out my</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm</span></span></b></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Twitter...</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">@12marathons2012</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">@ejscott</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">7 down 5 to go!!</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com</span></span></b></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Next up, Mesa Falls marathon in Ashton, Idaho!</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://Www.ejscott.com/" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Www.ejscott.com</span></span></b></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"> </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">(Work in progress)</span></span></b></span>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-84280392680466968032012-07-27T21:27:00.003-07:002012-07-27T21:34:06.755-07:00Seattle!! Done!! 6 down 6 to go!!<br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: black;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Seattle</span><br />The problem started the Sunday before the marathon. So about 6 days. I had 15-18 miles to run for my big training run I do before each race. About a mile in , my back starts hurting in the spot it has always hurt. It wasn't much at first. I took a walking break and started walking again but my back wasn't getting better. I stopped after 3 miles. Uh oh .<br /><br />I thought I could lay down and it would get better. I was wrong. I called a close by massage place and went over as soon as I could.<br /><br />The woman , who has massaged me before, would hit spots my back that would make me wince. She told me I should take medicine.<br /><br />Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I went to my chiropractor. By Wednesday I was feeling better but I haven't done the training I usually do. So I started getting very nervous.<br /><br />Thursday<br /><br />At LAX I did a radio interview in a toy store on my phone. It was very quick and I satisfying especially when you can hear the djs giving out slightly off info. Oh well.<br /><br />I flew in to <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Seattle</span> and was greeted by my cousin Brian. I was staying with him and his family close by in a town called Redmond.<br /><br />I was already set to do a radio show so we basically went from the airport to the radio station. The interview went well. I forget everything what the station was or the name of the guy that interviewed me, but it went very well. </b></span></div>
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: cyan; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: black;"><br />I was all set to do my show that night at unexpected productions. Some very nice people spear headed by randy Dixon were volunteering their time, talent and theater to helping me. Brian dropped me off around the theater pretty early. I found this really cool theater by the gum wall. Yes a wall of used gum. It's now a tourist attraction apparently. I was very early, too early so I went across the alley to a little bar/restaurant and ordered some food. I met my camera guy Anthony there who answered my Craigslist ad and was helping me out that weekend because he's just a good damn guy. I gave him the rundown for the weekend and what I was hoping to capture on film.<br /><br />After eating I went over to the theater and started meeting my fellow playmates. The theater is a really nice theater complete with a bar area in the front and a big tech area and back office. Seats 200 people but sadly only about 10-15 people came to the show. That always saddens me. Mostly for the other performers. They were kind enough to help me and I know the feeling of playing for such a small amount of people. It's discouraging. But the show must go on!<br /><br />The show and everybody in it was great. Except when I had to do a story in the style of Shakespeare. I bombed, but at least I got to tell an audience member later to stop yelling out suggestions during our Harold. I'm pretty sure that guy didn't pay to get in. Overall, a fun time was had.<br /><br />Friday<br /><br />I was still worried about my back and looking for a good nearby chiropractor. Luckily, because of yelp, I found one. Nice place, a bit of a wait and then the cracking began! Glorious!<br /><br />The receptionist asked me about my cane before I left. She said her friend has bad eyes and is going blind. Sounded similar to Choroideremia. RP perhaps? She mentioned that he doesn't drive but doesn't walk with a cane either. I suggested that he get one because his shins would thank him.<br /><br />Brian and I went to the expo. Janelle my guide once again for the race, went on her own. She was staying with her brother who lived nearby and her parents were visiting too. Anthony met up with us so I could give him his press pass. Anthony does not drive and does not live directly in <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Seattle</span> so he had to bus it in every time. What a trooper! And basically did this for no money.<br /><br />Back at Brian's place, he had a full house that weekend. His wife, Lisa a obgyn, son Cameron, 9 I think, Kyle, 14 maybe?, niece Jenna, 18, and baby kaya. Plus me! Brian made a great pasta meal for me. And I needed to wound down early. And to get ready for the race the next morning.<br /><br />I think the day before Cameron broke his thumb playing at a friends house. Poor kid. He seemed real down about it.<br /><br />I started taking melatonin around race time to help me get to sleep. I took some before bed and fell asleep around 830pm. Perfect!.... Until...<br /><br />Saturday<br /><br />I got up to pee <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2091926460401196534">at 12:20 am</a> I was happy to see I had about 5 more hours to sleep. I lied down and closed my eyes and waited and waited and waited... Before I knew it 2 hours had passed. Then another hour and another. That was it no more sleep for me. Trying to sleep before a race seems next to impossible these days. So I got up and started getting ready. Janelle had showed up the night before while I was sleeping and when I saw her she was just about ready too.<br /><br />Suck it up, ej, I thought. No turning back now. Or ever. Your running 26.2 miles today on no sleep whether you like it or not. Oh and you'll be blindfolded too. Don't forget that, slim.<br /><br />I had been keeping track of the weather all week and of course it threatened rain. I was sure of it this time. It was pouring on Friday. Buckets! Brian predicted that the rain would rain itself out and that we'd be good. He was almost right.<br /><br />It was a nice morning. Janelle and I left our rain panchos in the car and made our way to the start. Anthony was there and ready to film. And Brian helped me get a few shots too.<br /><br />I was told I could start at the front but one guy said I couldn't because it's too dangerous for what I was doing I told him its the opposite. He turned his head and let me stay. First was the cycle chairs? They aren't wheel chairs and they aren't handicapped people. They get let go early. I was hoping to get let go with them but it didn't happen. When they took off I was already blindfolded. Before I knew it we were all let go. At least the coral I was in.<br /><br />It started fine. I was making decent time and feeling pretty good. Until I noticed I was needing to pee a lot. It was very strange and uncomfortable. Bladder infection was mentioned, but I think it was a combination of things, stress and no sleep being big contributors. This happened throughout most of the race. And it happened enough times that it was affecting my time and pace. I walked much more than I wanted to. There was one spot where we had to cross a two mile long bridge. I had to pee the whole time and if I tried running it was worse. The belt I wore, hydration belt, would push down right on that spot.<br /><br />Yeah I know, too much info, ej! Believe me I would've preferred None of that happen, but it did.<br /><br />The course had a few hills. One hill was incredibly and dangerously steep, but at least it was early on. I was able to run up some of the hills and walk up others.<br /><br />I asked Brian to carry some spare clothes for me and meet us at the half way mark. And early on I thought that was a good idea. I had a long sleeve under the short sleeve and they were both getting soaked through with sweat. And it was making me cold sometimes and a bit uncomfortable. Brian was going to be ble to get us at the halfway mark due to traffic and whatever. So he met us at mile 18. Ok better late than never.<br /><br />We got as much footage as we could. Janelle and I took some footage on our own and Brian caught some too.<br /><br />As usual people were very kind with their words and encouragement. One woman even asked how she can became a guide for the blind. Janelle suggested contacting marathons. So if you're reading this and interested in doing that, give that a shot.<br /><br />It ended up being a pretty nice day. Until about mile 23. I felt some drops at first and then it came,the rain! My first time officially getting rained on! It was fine though. I didn't care because I was almost done. Janelle however, was shivering, she was not enjoying the rain. The rain was good motivation for me to run a bit faster. I could've avoided the rain altogether if I ran my usual pace.<br /><br />I crossed the finish line at 6 hours and 8 minutes. My second longest time behind Los Angeles. And the rain was coming down! Wow! Like buckets! Antony my camera guy met me at the end and took some footage I can't wait to see. He had an umbrella to keep the camera and himself as dry as possible.<br /><br />Janelles parents, and brother met us at the end and brin was there. His wife Lisa came but had to leave when it started raining because she had the baby and wasn't prepared. Brian parked about a mile away so it was a long cold, wet walk to the car.<br /><br />I still had the weird peeing thing for a while but was clerking up. And a day or two later all was good. I hope it doesn't happen again.<br /><br />I was beat. We ordered pizza back at the house and I got some good rest in while watching the latest ghost rider movie on DVD. Nic cage is really crazy in that one.<br /><br />My compression socks were great!<br /><br />Sunday<br />The next day was the big improv show with Ryan stiles! Ryan was a big influence on me when I started improvising in the late 90s. It was hard getting a hold of home sometimes and getting some definitive yes's but it happened! He was early, he was cool, he was great from top to bottom! I was really excited to perform with him. And doing the form I came up with in 2004 called shootin' the shit. A single scene long form improv show set in a bar and using real beverages. We did the show at Wing it Productions/Jet City improv. A great community of people there. I asked for one of the best at the theater to join Ryan and I. I didn't know who we would get, but Doug willott was fantastic! And it was funny before hand he asked what improv backgrounds have. He was nervous cuz he didn't know if I was any good either.<br /><br />A few local groups opened for us to an audience of over 100 people. I was excited to see Ryan do an improv show that didn't involve short form games. I think it went fantastic! I didn't feel like I embarrassed myself in from of one of my improv heroes. And Doug was amazing! The audience ate up everything we served. So fun! So worth all the trouble of planning this stuff. Awesome!<br /><br />Afterwards I went for a celebratory beer with some of the performers and then Brian drove me back to his house. The next day I flew to long island for a family visit.<br /><br />Follow me on twitter..<br />@ejscott<br />Check out my new website <a href="http://www.ejscott.com/" target="_blank">www.ejscott.com</a><br />It's a work in progress but coming together nicely.<br />Donate on the PayPal above! Or <a href="http://www.curechm.org/" target="_blank">www.curechm.org</a><br /><br />Thanks!! Next up Salt Lake </b></span></div>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-41617680868844728712012-06-13T14:36:00.003-07:002012-06-13T14:37:46.068-07:00FARGO!! DONE!! 5 down 7 to go!!!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: lime; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Fargo Marathon! Done!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I'm listening to the new TenaciousD album. One song inso far so good :)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Before I even got to Fargo I was digging the vibe. A lot of Fargo-ans interested in my story and excited about helping me and my cause.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Jj Gordon was one of those people. I could tell even by his emails that he was on the ball. He was a total professional. And has his shit together. He runs an improv group named the linebenders in Fargo. And he was organizing a show just for me to play in and get money for the cause. Sounded fun!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I was also getting emails and phone calls from radio, tv and newspapers. Before I even got to Fargo I did at 6 interviews. My camera guys were unable to come to Fargo so I had to figure out how to get stuff taped . Debs manager had a contact in Fargo, Doreen, and Doreen knows Tony a local tv cameraman who would help me for free. What a nice guy he is! His help was invaluable.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">David j wright was my guide for this race and that meant getting two flights and two rooms to stay I for the weekend. I waited too long to book hotels. B the time I was looking rooms were either gone or almost $200 a night per room. That was for Friday and Saturday. I booked two rooms for Thursday pretty cheap at an Econo Lodge. the marathon website said the North Dakota State University offered dorm space on Friday and Saturday. I saw pics and knew it would not be as comfortable as a hotel but I had no choice.ibooked two rooms. It was pretty in expensive. Especially compared to the sky rocketed prices hotels were for that weekend. Ok so accommodations were taken care of.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Markknutson runs the marathon and was a huge help. In trying to get me extra exposure. Even asked me to be a part of the Marathon press conference and asked if I wanted to address the runners before the marathon. Of course!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">So things were looking pretty good except of course for the weather. Once again thunderstorms were threatening to soak us during the run. Here we go again!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Thursday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">David picked me up at my house around 4am. We were flying Allegiant air which was the only flight I could find. Never heard or traveled with them before. But things worked out. It was a fine 3 hour flight.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Jj gordon picked us up from the airport. Nice guy. Gave me the rundown forthe evening. It was going to be a busy night. He gave us a recommendation of where to go for lunch. He dropped us off. We checked in. And I did a quick radio interview over the phone with Lucy! I'll meet her the following day for an in studio interview.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Lunch was at a hamburger joint called JL Beers. We had no car so we were reliant on the cabs. Our first cab driver was over half hour late and turned out he got lost and went to a different location. After meeting him it was clear he was a bit.... slow.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Fantastic beer selection and an enjoyable burger. I should say I'm writing this o June 12 while watching master chef. Writing my blogs take a very long time for me and I was constantly putting it off for higher priority things. But I'm gong to try to finish it tonight.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We went back to the hotel, david took a nap and I had no time for that. I needed up doing a o camera nervier. The guy came to the hotel and filmed me outside.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Before I knew It i t was time to go to the fundraiser. Jj picked us up and brought us to the Fargo billiards bar and restaurant. Really nice place. Huge! Lots of pool tables and a space in a room for a stage. Awesome! Jjs improv group the line benders are their own roadies. They set up lights and a stage and even had a two camera set up.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I was lucky enough through references to get a local camera guy for a news station, tony, to help me film some stuff. He was going to help me the whole weekend. For free!! I know!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I haven't improvised in a while. And short form even longer. I feel like we did a lot of publicity but only about 30 or so people showed p. oh well. They were a very enthusiastic audience and seemed to have a good time. I had a great time. The linebenders were tons of fun and really good people and performers.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I had a news interview live at 615 the next morning. And it was getting past my bed time. We hung out for a little bit after and then took a cab back to the hotel. I went to sleep as soon as I could.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Friday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I think I got up about 5am. I had to wake david up in his room next door. We were able to get some of the free breakfast in the lobby while we waited for our cab. We went to the fargodome and met with John. I real nice guy doing a live interview with me at about 615 or so in the morning. It was pretty short and sweet. But now david and I had a few hours to kill. That's right hours.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We checked out of our hotel because we were going to be staying in the dorms at north Dakota state university. That was offered to the marathoners. All the hotels were either highly expensive for the Friday and Saturday nights or all booked up. I haven't stayed in a dorm room in 17 years.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I had a radio interview a couple hours away and had time to kill. So david and I found a close by burger king to hang out at and waste time. I did computer stuff and david did his own thing on the computer too.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We caught a cab to a radio station to meet with Lucy. She was really sweet and I enjoyed our talk. And she said she would make out with my girlfriend which I found interesting.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">From there we took a cab back to the fargodome. I was invited to speak at the marathon press conference. My first. While we were there the expo opened up and we got our bibs and picked up supplies we needed.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The press conference was not exactly packed. It had some cameras and some reporters. The line up of speakers was interesting. A lot of athletes. Impressive runners. I had an opportunity to talk and tell my story and field questions. It was awkward and mentioned the awkwardness. :) but I enjoyed it and appreciated being there. I don't know if anybody wrote anything about me out of it and I don't know what happened to the footage taken there.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">After that it was time to walk over to our dorm and check in. All the students checked out for the summer a week or two earlier. It was a decent deal they had going. Two nights for one room for $110. 2 beds. I got 2 rooms. The sucky thing was that Fargo was experiencing a bit of a heat wave. And the rooms have no air conditioning. So it was grossly hot and uncomfortable in the rooms. Checking wasa bit prison like. They give you a pillow case, 2 sheets, a towel and your key.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">David went to sleep after ordering some sandwiches for delivery and I did some emails and phone calls and posts and yadda yadda. I think I fell asleep watching iron man in my iPad. And caught some zees. I asked the front check in if they could supply a fan. They did to my surprise.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Our pre dinner meal was going to be at the fargodome with the other unners doing the pasta meal. We got some free passes. We got to the dome and it was jam packed. David looked at,e and said lets go somewhere else. There was an Applebee's near by and we enjoyed some beer and pasta there. And then early to bed.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Saturday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I woke up before my alarm as usual. But I think I got about 6 or 7 hours of sleep. I was woken up in the middle of the night from the rain and thunder. It was set to rain for the race, but newest reports were saying we just may miss it. Tony the camera guy came prepared at around 630 or so. My race was set to start at 815 and I get to run 3 minutes earlier with the wheelchairs. And I was invited to speak on stage to the runners and tell my story. while tony was in my room filming me get ready it started raining outside. Pouring. It was short lived but made me quite nervous.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We walked over to the start line where someone did a quick interview with me and I went in stage and talked to a couple thousand runners. Then I took my place on the start line and put my blindfold on. Number 5 here I come.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The race went well over all and people were very kind while running past me and saying nice encouraging things. It's a flat course but lots of turns. I thought I would break my personal time for this one. I purposely pushed my self a little more than usual. There were a few scary moments where i was tripping over cracks or david himself. David even voiced that he was feeling sore during the race. He concerned me because he had never done that before. The finish line was indoors in the Fargo dome.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">As I entered the dome I could hear the announcer talking about me and I could hear applause and cheers. I crossed the finish and tore off my blindfold. I wanted to know my time. It was 5:20:00. My 2nd best time behind st louis. Good but I was hoping for better. I think I pushed myself too much in the beginning and it slowed me down in the end. Oh well that's ok. I was happy I got another under my belt.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">David, tony and I went to Applebee's and had a feast. I was invited to speak on stage at the after party that night at the fairgrounds. It was 2 bands doing 80s covers. We went to the dorms after we ate and showered and I even got a nap in. I hated waking up. So tired. Tony picked us up and drove us to the fairgrounds and eve showed me afew places hat I missed during the run.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The concert was fun. And between the two bands I got invited on stage to talk to the 500 drunk people. I have no idea if anybody was listening I could hear all of them talking that's for sure. But it was an interesting experience. Tony left soon after and david just kept buying me beers. I drank more than I should have.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We caught a cab back and ordered pizza. De ja vu. I spent my whole 20s like this. Late night beer and pizza. Blech. Thats how I put on 60lbs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Sunday</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Luckily I didn't have a hang over but I didn't feel awesome. We had a flight to catch but I really wanted to hit a few tourist spots jj told us about. When I go to these cities to run there's such little time to sight see. I called a cab and if all went smoothly we can see two good tourist attractions and make our flight but we needed a good cab driver.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We checked out and waited for our guy and low and behold! It's the guy that first drove us that was a little... Slow. Ok wellit seemed fitting to end with him. I told him the deal and the first stop was the fargo information center. He didn't know where it was. I immediately got on my phone and called another cab and told the guy thanks anyway. Another cab showed up within 15minutes, yes time wasted but the was good. Knew where we were going.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We went to he Fargo info center and took a picture with the wood chipper from FARGO the movie. Them from there we went to the Fago theater that luckily was unlocked. I asked someone there If I could take a quick pick with Margie, a wood statue provided by paramount I hear to the theater. David and I took pics with her. Ok great! Off to the airport. We made it with no problems.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Fargo was great. I hope to visit again sometime. Anks guys!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Seattle, wa is next! Please donate!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://Www.curechm.org/" target="_blank">Www.curechm.org</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">@ejscott</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">@12marathons2012</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Tell your Friends and family about what I'm doing. Thanks. 12 marathons in 2012</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Ej</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I'm running 12 marathons in 2012 blindfolded.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Check out my</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm" target="_blank">www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Twitter...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">@12marathons2012</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">@ejscott</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">5 down 7 to go</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Next up, Seattle, WA!</span></span></b>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-91378083488150880642012-04-24T17:15:00.001-07:002012-04-25T12:56:51.353-07:00St Louis! DONE! 4 down 8 to go!!! Best time yet!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I'm sitting in my hotel room listening to the Howard stern show on my iPad. I have to check out soon but I was able to get an extended check out probably because the cleaning guy walked in on my room 2 hours before check out and there I was standing in my underwear. I even had a do not disturb sign on the door. He was more embarrassed than</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">, but I was kinda pissed. Comfort Inn? More like Dis-Comfort Inn. Slam! :)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Lots of things were scaring</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">and mind playing with</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">before the race. The likelihood of thunder storms, the massive rolling hills in the marathon, what about my body? Is it holding up? The LA marathon took</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">forever to finish and that was mostly flat. I wanted to have a fundraiser and it was going to happen on Thursday night, thanks to some improv contacts I have in St Louis. But that all changed just 72 hours before we were suppose to hit the stage.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Back in January the great Bill Chott and some others were starting a plan of a big blow out of an improv show/evening for the Choroideremia research foundation. They were doing all the planning which made sense and was a huge help since I don't live in st Louis. But on Monday? Bill sent an email saying we lost the space at the Improv Trick theater due to some Shakespeare rehearsal or something? I don't remember. It doesn't matter we lost the space and bill cancelled the show. I didn't want to cancel the show, I wanted to find another space and a guy named josh was helping</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">look and a guy I knew from Chicago and lives in st Louis now was helping</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">get stage time at the Improv Shop. That had great potential! In fact on Tuesday it sounded like a go for the fundraiser to be on Monday now. But less than a day later that changed due to renovations. We were back to not having a space and it wasn't getting any better. Theresa was suppose to be a part of the original fundraiser. I never met her but she contacted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">and offered help. She knew I was just trying to have some sort of fundraiser in each city I was going to and her solution was an open mic night. The first one she suggested was Monday, but my flight back was Monday (originally I thought it was Tuesday but I was wrong). She and I and another kind soul would do a short improvised scene and I could talk about what I was doing. That's for Friday night open mic. More on this later. I'm getting ahead of myself.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I flew in around 4 ish. I called the hotel to send a shuttle. The hotel is only a 5 minute drive, but it took about half an hour and a total of two phone calls to get them to come get</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. I think that second call did it. I checked in fine and the girl checking</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">in was set to run the 5k race on Saturday. My marathon was on Sunday. I needed to find a place to eat dinner. There's lots of junk food places around but I was hoping for something better before the big run. I walked a half mile or so to a Denny's which was scary because here are limited sidewalks and half the time I was walking on the side of the road. No street lights by the way. The only lights were from cars and the buildings around it. And it was getting dark. The weather was set to be bad that whole weekend starting Friday. For a guy that can't see well and even worse in darkness this was a bit harrowing. A Denny's menu is 99% unhealthy. The healthy part is highlighted and minimal. I got a chicken noodle soup and apple pecan salad. On my way back to the hotel I stopped in a gas station mini mart to get supplies ; water, snacks, bananas. I made it back to the hotel without being hit by a car, but there was one point that I thought I had turned into a driveway and it was actually the road. Cars flying by</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. No harm just got my heart pumping.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I slept in the next day (about 9hours of sleep). Woke up around 8am and started planning the day. John my camera guy said he would leave Chicago (where he was staying) at 7 am and get to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">between 11-12. Great. I'll start planning things for around that time. I had a phone interview with Kathleen Nelson from St Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper, that came out on Thursday? I think. I was contacted by Kathleen because she was contacted by Jay Epstein, a man who apparently was moved by my story and wanted to meet. His daughter, 6, has eye issues as well. The name of what she has makes the spelling of Choroideremia seem like C-A-T. But his daughter goes to a place called Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments and he was wondering if I'd like to visit there. I thought it would be great to see kids at this place I think would really motivate</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. I'm a sucker for kids.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">On top of that Marjorie had contacted</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">from a place called MindsEye on Twitter. And she invited</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">to come by and be interviewed. MindsEye is a radio station for the blind. My grandfather was blind and always listened to books on tape and the radio. I thought it was a great thing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Both of these places were a bit out of the way for a guy who doesn't drive anymore and is unfamiliar with the area. So I needed my camera guy to drive</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. But he ended up leaving Chicago over an hour later than expected and then he hit traffic. So now he didn't show up until 2pm. I jumped in the car and went over to MindsEye first. The weather was getting bad. Dark clouds, scattered blankets of rain, heavy winds.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">(Im on the plane now on my way back to LA.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We met marjorie and Tom. I asked them some questions about what they do there. It was pretty interesting. They have over 200 volunteers that come in at different times and read. Read newspapers, books, you name it. Met an older gentleman named bob who had just finished reading the comics of a newspaper. He's been doing it for 15 years if I recall correctly. Tom brought</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">in for about a ten minute interview. And off we went to meet the epsteins at 4 pm ish.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Unfortunately that day there were no classes going on but jay made sure I'd be able to meet his wife, deedee or maybe dede? a former runner herself and their adorable 6 year old daughter Margot. Debbie met with us too. She helps run the place. The outside of the building is nothing special but inside is quite impressive. Beautiful , clean space for kids with vision problems to come and learn Braille and so much more. They had books on bullying and being different. Important nowadays. Some of the hardest years for kids are those middle school years. They were for</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">anyway. Margot could see without the aid of a cane but from what her mom told</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">she couldn't see everything all the time. But at least her vision won't get worse. What she has isn't degenerative but it does leave her a bit cross eyed and I think her eyes shake.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">She seemed to be having fun there. She showed me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">a game where you talk into it and it repeats what you say back in a different voice. She got gitty when she was using it and showing it off. There was a dark room with a black light that lit up certain toys, mainly blocks from what I could see. That's so the kids can see it more clearly. A lot of clever things as we walked around. There was a play room that was almost like a workout room complete with a climbing wall to the ceiling, apparently the most popular amongst the kids. I climbed one once just last fall for the first time. And it's pretty exhilarating.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Jay (also a former runner) came late, straight from work. He was overly thankful to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. Saying very kind things to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">about what I was doing. The reality of what I'm doing is far less heroic than it's being painted. But I appreciate the kindness none the less. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">What a sweet family though.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Anyway. It was time to go get Jennifer, my cousin from Syracuse, and my guide for the race back at the hotel. She flew in while I was at delta gamma. The plan was to grab her and go downtown near the bar I was going to be doing my improv show. The show was scheduled for 1030pm and I had a tv news interview the next morning at 6am. This was poor planning on my part, but things got turned around and I was trying to make the best of it, but I was dragging John and Jenny in on it too. And I felt bad about that.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We found a place called hard shell cafe. Interesting place. Don't know if I would recommend it. It was a bit loud, and oddly decorated. Harlequin statues, a fish tank in desperate need of a cleaning, uneven chairs and tables.. Ok whatever lets eat! we were all hungry and tired. By the time we finished it was only about 8pm. We went over to the bar to have a drink and relax, but relaxing maybe wasn't the best idea. The bar seemed small and was empty when we got there. I asked the bartender where the comedy was going to be and she pointed to a space in front of a jukebox. I stated feeling bad for dragging Theresa and her friend that was going to do an improv scene with</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">it his less than ideal space. With a guy that was beat and mentally maybe just not present. Long story not quite as long, I chickened out and left a voicemail message for Theresa. Minutes later she popped in the bar. She was very kind and understanding and even bought</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">a drink. I left a stack of pamphlets about my story with her to hand out at the open mic and a guy at the bar heard about what I was doing and handed</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffffcc; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">$20. That was very cool. The bartender insisted I get on mic and give my "spiel". Ok. That a minute or two and that was that.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Off we go. It was probably about 10ish when we got back to the hotel. John going off to stay with his sister who lived close by. I was asleep by 1030 which was when I was suppose to hit the stage at that bar. The extra time was well used because I was up at about 430am.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Got ready. Washed my hair in the sink and we were out at about 5am. I was suppose to be there by 545. I was going to be interviewed live between 6-7. We got there even earlier. Ksdk 5 (NBC). Only a couple people around working at that time in the morning. Caleigh and Stephanie were meaning their stations at their cubicles. We could here police? Scanners constantly going. I don't what they were working on but they were working very hard. Caleigh was wearing cubs gear which was brave considering the cardinals seem to be very important in st Louis, but the cubs had beaten the cardinals the night before. Since I support chicago I support the cubs :) but in reality I know nothing about sports. I'm no athlete.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We were there very early which lead to waiting around. Finally I was summoned to the studio. What I found maybe most interesting were the cameras they used. Nobody was visibly controlling them. Like they were remote control or something. It was pretty cool. They put</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">in what I though was a nice waiting area with couches and fake books on a table, but actually it's their interview section. I got mic'd up and waited. While waiting their weather man talked about the weather for the marathon and how dry it's going to turn out to be. I had heard rumors the day be fore that it could've scattered and not as bad as anticipated. I've had rain scares for LA and Austin and now St Louis. It's a real mind screw.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Kelly Jackson couldn't have been more delightful to talk with. And she took a second to take a pic with</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. She was very cool. She even recommended a place called Rooster to eat breakfast afterwards. I'm hoping to get a video of the interview. Since it was live I haven't seen it. And I don't really remember what I said.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Rooster was closed when we got to it before 7. It opens at 8. Over An hour to kill. We looked for other places that might be open but there was nothing. There weren't even cars around. I wanted to try to print something out for the Gateway Arch so I thought we could find a kinks or something. The closest was like 20 miles away. Ok so much for that. I even tried calling ksdk to help, but they couldn't. We were starving but decided to kill time and drive some of the course and see how bad the course was and check out some of these hills. We didn't get to the miles that were the big warning signs by what I saw didn't scare</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">too bad. I was still worried about the weather. Was it going to rain anyway? It was raining quite a bit when we were driving around. Or was it going be too hot? Did I have hydration issues to worry about now? Why can't his be easier? Why can't</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">, my brother and my nephew not have this disease? Then I could just go home and watch the Soup with my girlfriend.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Rooster was worth the wait. Really good food. I want more, now that I'm thinking about it. But we had to hustle because now we were rushing to the Gateway Arch. I had bought tix online the night before for 930 reservation. I was surprised it was a bigger tourist attraction than I thought. There is even security metal detectors to go through. Really? Ok. After that there's a bit of a museum and and I saw a sign for a theater .there must be some movie about the arch beyond the short one they show before you go up. We were a little late, but it didn't matter. We went on the next tour to the top.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The elevator is interesting. Imagine the egg from Mork and Mindy, but squeeze 5 people in there. John expressed for the first time his fear of tight spaces. Awesome! I can't wait to make fun of him on he elevator. Actually I'm not crazy about that either, but for 4 minutes I can suck it up. It's exactly that long to the top.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">, Jen, John and a couple were in there. On the way up I told them about what I was doing and gave them a pamphlet. When we exited the woman handed the pamphlet back to</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. I said she could keep it, but then Jen pointed out that there was money in it. $10 donation. Very sweet.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The top of the arch is a bit tight too. The windows to look out of are small. It was a cloudy day so some of the views were obstructed. It was cool though. I'm glad I went.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The expo was close by so we went to the VIP booth to grab our sweet bibs and shirts! Thanks to a guy named Brian he hooked us up with the VIP stuff. Which meant VIP parking and VIP area before and after the race. Plus he got</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">to the front of the start line. Which I never got to do before. I was really looking forward to that. The wheelchairs and I would be let go at 655. 5 minutes before the first group. The elites.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">We walked around the expo a bit and a woman, Kim, at a table recognized</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">from that morning. She was really sweet. Her daughter and husband were on the biggest loser a few seasons ago and now write books and are motivational speakers. She told</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">the family has lost over 400lbs. I mentioned my own weight loss too. She told</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> me</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">to come back to meet Jen and Jay. I said I would. We made our way around the expo and ended up again at the Biggest Loser table. I was able to meet Jen and Jay very briefly. I learned they were doing the marathon but as a relay. And now we follow each other on Twitter :)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I was sort of planning to go on the Anheiser Busch tour. But we were all pretty beat. We skipped it and went back to the hotel. John went off to his sisters, Jen took a nap and I got ready. </span></span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><br /></span></b><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime;"><b>I ran 2 miles in the hotel gym. Which were surprisingly not easy. Was my body starting to rebel? Have my legs had enough? Are my muscles all like "Nuh uh, girlfriend!". Why are my muscles talking like that?</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><br /></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>While getting ready in my hotel room I got a call from Talia Kaplan. It sounded like she got one of my emails I sent out a couple days before but it also sounded like she didnt know what was going on. She works for KSDK 5 in St Louis and wanted to meet up with me before the marathon. She told me it was her first time covering the marathon and asked me when it started and when it ended. Then she asked my how to pronounce Choroideremia. And when I mentioned I was running blindfolded and 12 marathons all of that sounded like a suprise to her, so I'm not totally sure how she found me. </b></span></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><br /></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime;"><b>(I'm finishing this blog now on April 24th at home). The week is getting away from me and writing these takes SOOO long :)</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>She wanted to meet before hand for a live interview. Meeting before marathons is hard. I have a lot on my mind, I need to stretch and focus up an whats going to happen, and I dont know the area or the unknown, so Im not 100% comfortable meeting before the marathon. But I'm there to get publicity so how can I turn it down? I can't. I said we will try to meet up. And left it at that. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>I got to talk with Deborah, my love, and tell her how much I missed her and love her. And vice versa. So that always means a lot. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>There was a local italian joint (im forgetting the name) and Jen and I took a cab there. It was fine. Got good write ups online and it served pasta and beer. Thats all I wanted to know. We split a pepperoni pizza and each had a small salad and pasta with meatballs. I had a beer or two and we took a cab back. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>It was about 6 or 630pm when I said goodnight to Jen. I went upstairs, listened to some Howard Stern on my Ipad, maybe watched a little TV and went to bed. Probably fell asleep around 8 or 9. Got up around 2am to pee. and had a hard time getting back to sleep. I cant be sure I ever did get back to sleep. I may have faded in and out for a couple of hours and eventually just got up. Again no need for my set alarm. John was suppose to be there by 430am to grab some footage of me but instead he showed at about 445am and by then we (Jen and I) just met with him outside. Pitch black outside and warm!! Surprisingly warm! I havent felt it that warm in any of my marathons so far at that time. I was starting to get scared that it may end up being too hot today. And I was already over dressed. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>No traffic getting downtown to the start. The VIP passes we got hooked up with helped get us closer to the start line. we parked at about 515am and just took it easy for a few minutes. The VIP area wasnt even open until 530. I texted Talia and told her I was there. She wanted us to meet at 545 to go live at 6am. I have to be on the start line at 640. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>We got out to walk and it was windy. Really windy. I left my pants in the car and thought i would hand over my wind breaker to John before I ran. Travel light. Sounded good. We made our way over to the VIP and used the private porta potties that already had waiting lines. Small ones. I was starting to get anxious. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>We had to walk over a block or two to meet up with Talia. i was getting a little annoyed and frustrated at trying to find Talia and possibly not having enough time to stretch and focus or enjoy the VIP perks of breakfast and liquids. I had only eaten a banana and a Cliff Bar for breakfast. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>We finally met up with Talia and her camera man. She promised to have me out by 610am. Great. Thatll give me just enough time. We did the live interview and then Talia wanted to interview me again for a separate segment. I felt like she was trying to put words in my mouth. THe cliche'd "Anythings possible" type thing. I dont know if "Anything" IS possible. Im not sure if it even is possible, that its a good idea. I get that people want to hear the inspirational sterotypes and I'm all for that, but I dont want to lie or say something that feels forced. So I danced around a few of her questions. It went fine though. Then she wanted to shoot some footage of me stretching there. That was not my plan and now its getting later than she said. I hate stretching on concrete, its uncomfortable and its not how I usually stretch but I didnt have my yoga mat and the grass was still wet from the night before. By the time we were done we only had enough time to make our way to the start line. I guy at the VIP tent helped us find our way over and Jen, John and I walked right to the front. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>The most intense runners were there. all the fastest people were stretching right next to me. I had more stretching to do and some time to do it. The guy that helped me, Brian Lyons, came up to me. Im glad he did because I was very grateful for his help. I would only find out how helpful he was in about 5 1/2 hours. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>It was getting to be go time. I put the blindfold on for the 5th time this year (half marathon included). And got prepared to run. I did a little dancing to "Bust a Move" by Young MC (I think) while i waited and thought about what others looking at me might be thinking?</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>The wheelchairs lined up and before ya knew it it was 655am! GO!! The wheelchairs were off and so were we. At least one or two steps before my extra water bottle fell out of my belt. Jen grabbed it and we were off again! What a farcical start! jeez...</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>The first couple of miles were surreal. No one was around except the people on the side lines cheering. And even that wasnt constant. But thats ok. Lots of long periods of quiet. But I started feeling like my muscles werent having fun. Usually the first couple miles of any marathon are the easiest for me. But not this time. Was I in for a rude awakening? I got lucky with the rain thing again but did I do something wrong in my training? WHat could I have done different? Doesnt matter now. A mile or two in the probable winner was passing me on my right. Little by little more and more people were catching up to me and passing me. Almost like a wave. And with that came the most amount of positive comments made to me in ANY of the marathons Ive ever run. Maybe because they were reading my sign on my back and maybe because of the announcement by the MC as I crossed the start line. Some mentioned seeing me that morning with Talia on TV. At a certain point saying "Thank You" was difficult. Extra oxygen Im not getting. It would come out more like "ank-oo". </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>A few miles in I told Jen to start looking for a bush for me to pee in. I wanted to skip porta potties if I could for this run. They eat up a ton of time. Jen had an idea of bringing me off the path of the race (more than I wouldve liked) to pee behind a dumpster, but them she wanted to pee there too. Ah! No I see why she brought me so far. Fine by me. We were off again. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>The hills were rolling, up and down. The ups were steady but not unsettling and the downs were mostly subtle and relieving. John popped up where he said he would. First mile 6. Then mile 10. My muscles somewhere along the course loosened up and I wasnt thing about pain or discomfort yet. But there was a problem in my intestines. Uh oh. This was a first. I told Jen to keep a look ut for a porta potty. I wanted to avoid them and she said she saw some with no lines on the other side of the course. Where people were going to u-turn at some point and come back that way. I told her i might wait and she urged me not to. She reminded me that we had 16 miles still to go. Okay lets do it. She lead me over to the porta john. I peeked throygh my blindfold to see what I was doing. It wasnt that bad yet. I did what I needed to do. there was still plenty of toilet paper. I had great wipes in my belt and i felt a ton better. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Befre we got back on the road I wanted to fix anther problem I found in my sneaker. There something rubbing on my three small toes on my right foot. I thought it was a seam in the sneaker. I adjusted and thought that would be it. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>A few miles late I had to stop again and take my sneaker off. It wasnt fixed. Jen suggested putting vaseline on my toes to avoid chaffing. I did it and I found that the problem wasnt the sneaker but my sock. THe seam inside was rubbing and was going to give me blisters so i turned it inside out and the problem was solved. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>I kept expecting these enormous outrageous, impossible hills. I hit some in Austin and that took a toll on me. But these hills didnt feel like Austin. I dont know why. I couldnt see them so I cant tell if they were better or worse or the same. Maybe I was getting stronger? Is that possible? Why not? I would sure love these to get easier. After the LA marathon I was in a bad place because I thought they were getting harder. But the Hollywood Half I ran the week before gave me confidence. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Well that was it. That was the end of the stops we made beside filling water bottles and walking breaks. That extra one that fell in the beginning i emptied in my belly and threw it out. THere was no room for it on my belt. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime;"><b>The miles were clicking off, one by one. And before we knew it we were in the 20's. We passed the 15-19 miles that we were warned about moments before the race. They werent that bad. In fact I ran up most of the hills. But by the time I reached the 20's my body was feeling it. there were still more hills to deal with and sometimes i did some walking instead of running. But when we were going downhill or on flat ground we took advantage of it. The gusts of wind were a problem only a couple of times. Once my hat got blown off my head. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Jen had the idea of dedicating the last few miles to my brother, my nephew liam and my deceased grandfather. All guys with Choroideremia. And then the last .2 for my baby nephew who hasnt been tested yet. That really helped me get through those miles. I thought a lot about them and even git choked up a couple of times. First for Poppy, the Kevin, then Little Liam and baby Aidan (who is 3). That last .2 i found some extra energy and sped up to the finish line!!! YES!!! </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Another one in the bank! And who was at the finish? Talia! Wanting to do an interview with me. Ok. She was by herself this time and had multiple tech issues. I was beat and needed to eat and drink something asap, but she was holding me up. Its ok though. I had a nice piece on me on the news that night that I watched. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>I got my medal. Thanked my cousin. Got some pics and we were guided back to the VIP tent. Where a nice woman named Nancy got me two beers. I met up with the Biggest Loser relay team in the tent. Jen had ran by at some point and said hi to me. It was nice to be done. And I found out my time was 5 hours 14 minutes and 32 seconds. MY BEST TIME EVER!!! I couldnt believe it. It seemed impossible. But it was true. My best time before that was Arizona in January which was 5 hours and 34 minutes. Im convinced that letting me run ahead of everybody is the secret. There was alomost no stopping due to congestion which is the biggest problem for me. Its less dangerous. Theres less people to bump into, trip over, Im not tripping over clothes that have been discarded. the cups I run through at water stops arent as bad. Its much better. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>We made our way back to the hotel. John was off to get back to Chicago and then LA and Jen took a shower and took the shuttle to the airport. She flew back to Syracuse that night. I spent a lot of time figuring out what to eat. I was famished. I settled on Steaks and Shakes. It was across the street from the hotel. I ordered everything to go. A salad, a burger and a soda. Later that night Id go to the hotel bar and get a few beers and hot wings to bring back to my room while i watched Celebrity Apprentice. And then I slept. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>I woke up at 10am and shortly afterwards was walked in on by a guy in housekeeping. He didnt knock and he ignored my "Do Not Disturb" sign. I had til noon to check out. Im not sure what he was thinking. I was able to get a late check out. I ate at Steak and Shakes again for lunch and took the 420pm flight back to LA where my angel of a girlfriend picked me up. (I mentioned this earlier) </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Surprisingly I was the least sore for this marathon more than any other i think. Not to say I wasnt sore but I had less difficulty getting around. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Sadly, though Im far behind on my $12,000 per marathon goal. Im hoping I can make up some of this, but I need a lot of help. Theres a paypal at the top of this page where people can donate any amount. its all a big help. Please help. Please tell your family and friends what Im up to. Thank you so much!!</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>EJ</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>Twitter</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>@ejscott</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>@12marathons2012</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>@deborah_annwoll</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>www.facebook.com/ejscottpage</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><b>www.facebook.com/12marathons2012</b></span></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br /></span></span></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: lime;"><b>www.curechm.org</b></span></span>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-12800571262435396952012-04-14T13:21:00.000-07:002012-04-14T13:23:42.774-07:00The Hollywood Half and prepping for St Louis!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Another plane ride. This time I off to st Louis with a change over in Phoenix. That was not. My original flight but I took advantage of them overbooking my original flight and got a $300 voucher! With all my flying every little bit helps and and it only gets me in st Louis maybe 2 hours later. I had nothing to do there today anyway. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Which brings me to how screwed up things got before I got there. But I digress, I wanted to start with last weeks Hollywood Half Marathon run. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>It all started back in December when I went to Zabs holiday party and saw a bunch of awesome improv folks I haven't seen in a while. 2 being Dave park and Dave Holmes. (btw Zabs is short for zabeth, I never asked her if she was ok with being called Zabs. I should ask her). Dave Holmes pointed at me and said "we are doing the Hollywood Half and you're doing it too!" are you kidding me!? I'm not running enough this year? It immediately seemed like a horrible idea for me. Extra exhaustion, extra chances of me getting hurt, I'd have to find a guide to run with... Ok I'll think about it. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>When I got home I mentioned it to Deborah, my love. She looked at me like I was out of my fucking mind. But that's sort of what this year is all about right? It seemed overwhelmingly tough and I wrote to Dave and said I couldn't do it. And then the haunting "what if..." starting nagging at me. What if I did it? Maybe that would produce extra publicity? Extra donations? Extra footage for my maybe doc I'd like to put together at some point after all this? I checked to see when it was, one week before the St Louis marathon I was all signed on for already. 8 days before actually. What does the course look like? What does my training say I should be running that weekend? Things started lining up pretty good. It was going to start and end at the Universal City Walk and go through Hollywod blvd and for the most part be pretty flat. I signed up!!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>After telling deborah, she gave it some thought and decided to run it too! Little did I know that all my running had been getting her thinking about trying it herself. But we were only about 6 weeks away from the race and according to Hal higdon he has a 12 week program for novice runners for half marathons. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>But deb jumped right in and even with changing around the set routine and even a week in bed sick she ran a 10 mile run for her training about a week before the race. And she said it went ok. I was totally impressed and very jealous that she got to run outdoors and enjoy the sights. Not only that but I trained for 7 months or so before my first half marathon in 2010 and the race nearly killed me. My time was just shy of 3 hours. A month later I ran another half and shaved over 20 min off my time and enjoyed it much more. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>She was running a little slower than me which meant I would still need a guide, here comes David to the rescue again. Yup another Dave. Mr wright ran the LA with me and is set to run a lot more with me this year. Since this run is only a week from a marathon run I had to treat it like a training run. So even though deb and I were running the same race we would likely run it separate. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Wright is a personal trainer when he isn't getting acting gigs so he came to my house a couple of times and trained me, the latest was a training run on the treadmill, where he taught me about intervals and speeding up my pace here and there to spike my heart rate. Ok sure. It felt good but was hard to run 8mph on the treadmill without feeling like I would fall over or off. It gave me some confidence though. And secretly I was going to try to run the whole half marathon without stopping. I usually take walking breaks each mile. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>The two Dave's (park, Holmes) along with friend Brian and guy I don't know so well, Matt, were all signed up. They asked if they could guide me. Take turns and so forth. Which was really great of them. I had already asked david and had gotten him signed up with a comp. but I was hoping to run the race with the guys at least around. I also didn't want to be a hindrance if they were trying to break any personal records at anything like that. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>I forgot to mention Greg, my PT at LA fitness. A young 20 something guy who has never run before, long distance. I told him about the run and he and a few friends signed up. I wouldn't see him the whole day though. Wasn't even sure he ran it until I texted him after. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Deborah and I met up with wright at the expo the day before the race. The expo was designed like a Hollywood movie premiere, complete with red carpet and wax statue of Marilyn Monroe (or maybe Michelle Williams? :) At the Hilton by where the start of the race would be. Apparently we got there at a good time because I had a couple people tell me it became a mad house later. And it was already pretty packed and busy. But the Hollywood half released a tweet apologizing for the chaos. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>As deb and I were on our way to the car I sawa NBC news van and a camera guy and reporter. I thought I'd approach them and see if I could get my story told. But I was seen by Kenneth who was helping organize the marathon. Turns out he was looking for me. What luck! They wanted to interview me. I don't know what happened to the interview but I'll try googling it, maybe it'll pop up. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>I think I got up <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://1" detectors="true" result="1">at 345 am</a>. Had a decent sleep. Deb and I slept in separate rooms so we could each get our necessary sleep. I think she was nervous. So was I really. I hate running blindfolded. It's one of my least favorite things to do. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Because of the chaos that goes along with <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://2" detectors="true" result="2">a 6am</a> start time and the fact that it's so dark and I wasn't wearing my glasses, meeting up with my trainer or the friends that originally talked me into doing this thing, was not going to happen. And before I knew it it was go time. It started with a steep run down the hill at universal, it would lead to cahunga pass also down hill and highland blvd, also downhill. The downhill would go on for about 2 miles but that meant running up 2 miles at the end. I needed to pee right away and I swear the peeing will be my ultimate downfall with all these races. I had already gone 3 times that morning before even setting foot on the course. Wtf?! The wait was at least 5 minutes I think. And who would come yelling by me and saying hi? My friends dave, Dave and Brian, Matt too I'm sure. They blew passed me and I was antsy to get back to running. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>When I got back to it, it went well. The weather was good and as we turned east onto Hollywood blvd the sun was there to greet us. No matter I had my blindfold. We did have to stop and walk a handful of times due to congestion. What a pain. A bigger pain? How bout noise makers? The bane of my existence. I'm only slightly exaggerating. I've said it before, I appreciate the volunteers and support on the side lines. I good "you're doing great" is all I need. No need for screeching screams and cow bells. In fact one guy ran the marathon with a cowbell. I told my guide david, in my best, most exhausted, Christopher Walkmen impression "less cowbell.". It's just so annoying and I'm not the only annoyed my sighted guide was annoyed too. I would love to run these races with an iPod and free eyes. I'm sure that would be a different experience for me. What would I listen to? Howard stern on Sirius XM of course! Can't get enough Howard. No music? Well, my girlfriend actually ran while listening to a Dan brown audio book. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>I forget how far we had gone before the water stops were saying they were all out of cups. Really.?! It was only 90 minutes or so in. Rookie mistake. This was the very first Hollywood half apparently. People had to take water into their hands or they were ncouraged to save the cups they had. Or fill a water bottle if you thought to bring one. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>But I was feeling pretty good. We got to the half way point which was a turn around on sunset blvd. I was going to try to keep running til at least the turn back onto highland which I thought may be mile 10 or 11. And that's what I did. I even was running for a part of that until a force stop by walkers in front. And by the time that happened it ended up being a welcomed stop. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>I did some run/ walk action. And when we hit cahunga pass out of nowhere was a huge wind. Making it colder and almost pointless to try to run against. We ran into a cousin of my guides and he said we were almost done and over this hill is a downhill to the finish. That gave me enough juice to get me to the finish. I did well. My finish was<a href="x-apple-data-detectors://3" detectors="true" result="3">2:23</a>, a personal best for a half for me. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>I got my medal and looked around. The finish line was an unorganized mess! I'd never seen it like this in any of. My races. It was so clogged and lots of people waiting for other runners. We're all these people runners themselves? I wasn't sure. After 10 minutes or so I got nervous about Deborah. We hadn't seen her at all since the start. I called her and she picked up! She sounded great and said she was between miles 11 and 12. Awesome! I waited for her. And as she came over the finish my heart swelled with pride. She was so nervous about not finishing before the allotted 3.5 hours. When in Fact she finished in <a href="x-apple-data-detectors://5" detectors="true" result="5">2:52</a> minutes! Faster than my first half marathon in Chicago! </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>She was happy and proud of herself and I was grilled for her. I wanted to get a professional pic of all of us, but they only had one photographer with the Hollywood half banner background. The line for it had to have a hundred people on it. It was unbelieveable! Usually there are several photographers and spots to get your pic taken. I've never waited more than one or two people. we skipped it and just pics with my phone. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>My eyes were starting To bother me. I was out in the sun too long. And even though I had my dark shads on, it didn't matter. That's why I can't run with just glasses. It's the pain I get from the sun and damage it does to my vision. Time to go. On our way to what would become a very long way to the car, my friend Brian stopped me. I was thrilled to see him and ask how he was. He got slowed down by one or two injuries during the race. He had lost the other Dave's but was going to meet them.we parted ways and we continued to the car. Due to all the congestion and steets to cross, there were big, no, HUGE lines with huge waits. I couldn't believe how long it took. My body was now catching up with what I had just run, my back was tightening up and my eye pain was turning into a migraine. From the time I crossed the finish line it took over an hour to get to the car. An hour in the southern California sun. We said good bye to mr wright at our car. I got in the car and felt immediately nauseus. Like I might throw up. I still had my blindfold draped around my neck like a scarf and I had my medal in. It felt like they were strangling me. I couldn't get them off soon enough. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>We started driving and now we were left with traffice to contend with. After the race was the only time I had regretted doing it. It took another hour to get home, even though it could've taken 15 minutes. But we live south of the race course so we had to go around it (we did it in the morning too). Adding time to our trip back. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>I was in bad shape for that car ride the sun plus all the stuff I had burned off during the race had taken a toll. A nice shower, excedrin and a bagel was helping a lot. We went to my favorite burger joint and I had a great meal. I think deb did too. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>She was pretty sore a fees days after wards. I was sore in spots but it wasn't that bad. I've had worse and will have worse. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>So here I am. On my way to st Louis Missouri. I have a bad feeling this will be the hardest of all my races all year. I hear the course is crazy hilly and according to weather reports it going to rain all weekend. Great. <sigh></sigh></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Who's dumb idea was this again?..... Oh yeah :)-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>I'm running 12 marathons in 2012 blindfolded.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Check out my <a href="http://www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm" detectors="true" result="6">www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Twitter...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>@12marathons2012</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>@ejscott</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>3 down 9 to go</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span><a href="http://www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com/" detectors="true" result="7">www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com</a></span></span>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-77659871077797000492012-04-14T13:19:00.000-07:002012-04-14T13:20:42.897-07:00Second City Fundraiser! From March 30th 2012<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>I held a fundraiser at second city on march 30th. It went well overall. A few hiccups but nothing crazy. Putting these things together is always so stressful. a lot of work and you don't know if people will show. And of course there are the people who say they're coming and don't. With no explanation or apology. I get it. I accept it. One guy I was sure was one of those people was dr drew pinsky. It was over a month earlier on his show that he said he would be there. I kinda didn't believe him, but shame on me. He was there! With his wife in tow! Really good of him to come. Good of everybody who came really. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>The show had the great Dave hill, a teacher at io west and performer. He's one of my favorites. Great guy and has participated in at least 2 benefits I've had in the past. He did a 2 person improv show with Matt jones. I've known Matt for a while. Hes a great improvisor and great guy as well. He is also on one of my favorite shows ever, breaking bad. He plays "Badger". </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>We started the show late due to a tech issue. My sideshow wasn't playing on the DVD player and the tech guy, Mikey, was getting frustrated, I sensed, by that. We had to be off stage by 920, and what I was planning didn't have much wiggle room. So we opened the doors regardless of the sideshow, which pics of me running. But low and behold it started working. It wasn't going to get much play though. We had to start. I knew we lost time so I skipped my intro I had planed and did a quick introduction of Hill/Jones. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>In the greenroom was Andy st Clair. I knew Andy from Chicago and he was a pretty big deal out there. Second city Mainstage, improv rockstar, and he moved to LA several months ago. You may know him from Treasure Hunters Roadshow. He's the funny one. Andy did my favorite forms to do, 'Shootin' the Shit', in Chicago with me a few times. So fun! It was always fun to play with him. My other guest was the great david koechner! I know a lot of Dave and David's. Koechner is on the Office. He plays 'Packer'. Was also in naked trucker and t-bones show as t-bone. Was in anchorman, I forget his characters name, but I think he was a cowboy. He's hilarious and crazy and I thought it'd be fun if he could do shootin e shit with me. I asked him early on in the planning of the fundraiser if he could do it. AT the time he couldnt. So I asked several others and mentioned to him I hadn't found anybody yet. His schedule had cleared up and he could do it!! Hizzah! Dave helped me years earlier get me on the Adam corolla show, the radio show, before the podcast adam does now. Koechner volunteered himself to help me and he got me on Adams show and Greg fitzsimmons Sirius show on the same day. It was pretty amazing of him. At the time me and my brother in laws were going on a month long bike trip across country. I didn't bike but I video recorded everything. Still hope to make a doc of it. Koechner was also one of my favorite guys on one of my favorite improv teams ever! Beer shark mice! They were the greatest and sadly kind of retired. What a shame. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Anyway the show went well. I didn't exactly get to say everything I wanted to the way I wanted to because of the time constraint. And I didn't improvise the way I wouldve liked to, due to my improv rustiness and clogged mind of stress. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>I thought the theater was going to be at capacity but it wasn't. It was a good crowd, maybe 40 or 50, but I think everybody had a good time. Afterwards deb and I got my friend Heidi popp and her catering company 'meow meowz' to cater for an amazing rate. She was so great and her helper Jess. We had lots of left over food and drink and ate cupcakes for a week. People came to the after gathering which was cool and some of the True Blood people came too. It was a nice breather. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Planning the st Louis fundraiser seemed like it was going great. I had a bunch of great folks in st Louis helping me output it all went awry. Which was a real shame. I'll write about that later. Stay tuned. :)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span><a href="http://Www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm" detectors="true" result="1">Www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span><a href="http://Www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com/" detectors="true" result="2">Www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Twitter</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>@ejscott</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>@12marathons2012</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>I'm running 12 marathons in 2012 blindfolded.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Check out my <a href="http://www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm" detectors="true" result="3">www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>Twitter...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>@12marathons2012</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>@ejscott</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span>3 down 9 to go</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><span><a href="http://www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com/" detectors="true" result="4">www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com</a></span></span>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-21586767794751108702012-03-19T11:40:00.003-07:002012-03-19T14:48:46.658-07:00Los Angeles Marathon DONE!! 3 down 9 to go! (it might kill me)I'm laying in bed the day after. I have my legs propped up and I'm anxious to watch the new Justice League : Doom animated movie I just bought on blu ray. But there's a lot to talk about. <div><br /></div><div>I heard the first weather report earlier in the week. Maybe monday. And the forecast was for rain. I thought there's a probability for change since weather is so unpredictable. It's also a lot of me not wanting to run in the rain. It rained last year for the LA marathon, my guide this time was David Wright, who rait last year and said it was miserable. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday night I was keeping a close eye on the weather and it all said rain. No 2 ways around it. We were going to get wet. Damn. Well I thought at least I'd be prepared. Luckily Deborah, my lady love, was going to be leap frogging to catch glimpses of me. So I thought I'd give her a bag with extra socks, running sneakers and shirts. So at least I can change out every 7 or 8 miles. Plus she got me a bunch of rain gear like ponchos and even a rain suit which had plastic pants a zip up jacket and a hood. Maybe my biggest concern was losing toe nails and getting blisters. </div><div><br /></div><div>Debs parents came for a visit on Saturday and were going to be able to attend at least some of the race. Their first time doing something like this I think, at least for me anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div>David and I went to the expo Saturday, it was pouring pretty much and most of the expo was outdoors, a new experience for me. We got out of there pretty quick. Then went to Big 5 sporting goods. I got pants and gloves, he got a jacket and gloves. All to be used the next day. </div><div><br /></div><div>David, his wife, des parents an Patrick my camera guy were all coming over for pasta dinner. I wanted everyone out by 6pm so I could get some sleep. I haven't gotten decent sleep the night before a marathon yet. This past week I've been getting up earlier and earlier and going to bed earlier and earlier so I would be prepared to wake up at 330am Sunday morning. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had a great feast of a meal and I rushed everybody out at 630. My girlfriend was going to sleep in another room so I could sleep without her disturbing me or vice versa. Which worked out great because I was falling asleep by 730 or so. Unfortunately I woke up at 130am. From there I was in and out of sleep until 4am when my girlfriend woke me up. 4am? I set my alarm for 330. I guess I set it wrong. It's a new alarm clock. I could've sworn I set it right. </div><div><br /></div><div>Deb, Patrick and I were on out way by 435. Some confusion in the parking lot, apparently the guys in the parking lot didn't have the right info for where we needed to park. No big deal. </div><div><br /></div><div>We figured that early because traffic would be crazy. Luckily my Facebook friend cat, sent me VIP passes for the dugout club in dodger stadium. That's where the race begins. The clubhouse was great. Real bathrooms to use, not porta potties. An assortment of breads and fruits. And just some place warm to hang out. </div><div><br /></div><div>After hanging out for a long time and after my stretching, I started to dress in my rain gear. Shortly after the pants went on I heard Patrick say "Gordon, old you come over here?" I look over and it is non other than chef Gordon Ramsay of hells kitchen, kitchen nightmares, master chef and the oon to be hotel hell. I'm a huge fann. He's making his way over to me, my mouth drops I think I actually said "whoa!!". He shook my hand said hello and mentioned that the upcoming master chef season 3 has a visually disabled person. I was still in such shock I dont know what I said if anything. He took a pic with me and wished me luck. I couldn't believe it. That was great. I went back to changing and put on my plastic rain jacket and the hood and turned to Gordon and said do I look ready? He said I did, he came over again, I think he saw my sign on my back about what I'm doing this year because he said "3rd of 12, where's the next one?" I said st Louis. "not London?" I wanted to keep the 12 in the states this year. "well if you run London next year I'll run it with you" he said. (I don't think he knows I run with guides). Well, if that's true I will definitely run it. "you and I London marathon 2013 and I'll cook afterwards". I hope he's telling the truth. People say things a lot, but I will for sure follow up on this. He was very nice. </div><div><br /></div><div>We get the boot from the clubhouse around 7. As I'm walking out a guy holds the door open for me and it's Sean Astin of goonies, Rudy and lord of the rings fame!! I tell him I'm a big fan and he inquired about how I'm going to run. I told him about my guides and my 12 in 12. He seemed impressed and said really encouraging things to me and what a nice guy! I was really excited to meet him. I wanted to be Mikey in goonies :)</div><div><br /></div><div>we work our way through the 23,000 other runners to take our spot on line. I put my blindfold on and wait to hear david say we can start running. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was too crowded. A lot of starting and stopping and bumping into people, needless walking when I'd rather be running. I was going too slow and I felt it. About a mile or two in I was over heating from the plastic rain gear. I had to get it off. David helped. I was covered in sweat. Now just because I was sweating didn't mean it was hot out. Oh no. It was cold and breezy, making me very very cold because now I'm wet!</div><div><br /></div><div>Those first 8 miles were the worst maybe. My attitude was shitty and my muscles were already bothering me. I met with Deborah in the 8th mile somewhere. I was able to change a shirt get rid of the unn<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">ecessary rain gear and get going. I was trying not to listen to times. I don't want to know how I'm doing during the race. David let it slip that I was at over 2 hours for the 8 plus miles. That bummed me out. It was far slower than I'm use to. And at this rate it was going to take a very long time. I'm not concerned with breaking records but I've prepared myself for running just over 5 1/2 hours and it was looking like much longer at that rate. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">We couldn't find a rhythm. No consistency. For the first time I tried the holding on to a towel thing. Where we each grab an end while running. I tried thus once with deb in training for Chicago in 2010 and i didn't feel connected to my guide. So I would hold on to my guides forearm. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">This new way took some getting use to but I think I like it. It takes a lot of pain away from my shoulders and neck. I still had to grab his arm sometimes if It got congested or something. But it worked out ok. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">One of the hardest things for me still during a race are the sounds. Having encouragement is great, but so many people have noise makers and there's a ton of screeching and screaming it does the opposite of encourage for me. It's just too much. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Then there are the weird runners that I can hear. Two from yesterday are a guy wearing cowbells and a guy literally making zombie noises. Not because tired or anything he's maybe just crazy? David was calling the walking runners "walkers" which, I mentioned is what the zombies are called on the walking dead, a favorite show of mine. So we would now refer to the walking runners as zombies. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I finished in 6:13:12. My worst time yet by 32 minutes. Ouch. Oh well, fuck it. I finished! I was so thrilled to be done and to have avoided the rain at least a little longer. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Liz from dr drew show was there to interview me and david. Maybe I'll get on his show again. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I got to Deborah and her parents, I got my medal and some pictures. A bagel and some water. Get me out of here. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Traffic getting out of Santa Monica was crazy(that's where th marathon ended. I think I forgot to mention that). Took a long time to get home, but the shower felt great. We went to a burger joint wher I had a beef burger (I usually get turkey) and 2 blue moons. It hit the spot alright. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I had heard the best thing after a race is an ice bath. I didn't like the sound of it but I tried it. I screamed and yelped the first 3 minutes. They say it takes only 30 seconds to get use to. That's a lie. I don't know how much good it did. I actually think I needed more ice in it. Maybe I'll try again next time. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I went home watched the season finale of the Walking Dead and Talking Dead got into bed and was asleep by 8pm I think. I had some solid sleep. Nothing like marathon sleep. It feels great. The soreness in the morning? Not so great. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Well, there it is. Thanks for reading and the support. Still looking for publicity for the year. Help if you can. Here are some links...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Www.facebook.com/ejscottpage</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Www.facebook.com/12marthons2012</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Www.curechm.org</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Twitter...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">@ejscott</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">@12marathons2012</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Much love</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Ej</span></div>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-51789812116474881352012-02-24T19:37:00.008-08:002012-02-25T17:44:11.448-08:00Austin, TX marathon DONE!! 2 down 10 to go!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;">Sitting on the plane listening to jay - z blueprint 3 album. I just got it. I met jay once when i was working at virgin megastore in Hollywood. He was doing a signing and the employees got to meet him first. I made some silly joke about the marker he used to sign my cd being out of ink ( I asked if it was invisible ink?) he took a beat about to explain the marker was simply dried up, but realized I was kidding and started laughing. He said I was funny. That was pretty cool. I've been a fan of his ever since :) I like my rap with cursing, sorry Will Smith. <div><br /></div><div>Friday<br /><div><br /></div><div>I had a rough flight in on Friday. In fact it was a rough few days leading up to it sleep wise. The anxiousness and stress of what I'm doing and trying to do may be taking a small toll on me. I'm having difficulty winding down at night and find myself waking up several times a night. My girlfriends been doing the same since I've known her, maybe she's just rubbing off on me. (that sounds dirty). </div><div><br /></div><div>Deb had to drive me early in the morning and she had a long night at work the night before, so the two of us were zombied out. Before we left she wrote on my hats the state, city and date of my race. The hats are for me and for my guide. Or in this case guides. </div><div><br /></div><div>At my gate before I boarded I got a great phone call from Liz telling me she was able to get me a meeting with lance Armstrong right before the marathon. I got pretty excited about that and I thought that was a good start to the weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took off On time but had an almost 2 hour lay over in el paso which turned into closer to 4 hours due to heavy winds in LA? Well that's what I heard. I was afraid of it getting worse because I had set up a fundraiser that night at an improv theater where I was going to perform for the first time in 8 months. </div><div><br /></div><div>The last half of the short flight from el paso to Austin was turbulent. Thick dark saturated clouds made me feel how fast we were really going and hitting pockets on the way. Pockets of what? It feels like running over mini speed bumps. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was raining alright. Soaked. And from what I hear the city needed it. Well that's fine but I didn't need it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I got my checked Marlboro bag which I still mean to get rid of but I keep using it and it stands out on a carousel. (I use to smoke). Went out to find my ride. Two cars pulled up and out of one came my dad my cousin Katie, the other my mom and Katie's husband Jim. Katie and Jim moved to Austin about a year ago and Katie , by coincidence, was running the same marathon as me but just the first half with her friend, Alice from Canada. My parents have been traveling/vacationing for the last 6 weeks in Florida and south padre island, tx. Austin was there last stop before hopping a plane back to long island. </div><div><br /></div><div>We didn't have too much time before my show. I needed some form of food and something to drink during my show, "shootin' the shit', a single scene long form improv show that takes place in a bar and I've been doing it on and off for about 8 years. Its a form I can easily invite guests to play in. And that's what I was doing this time. </div><div><br /></div><div>After a quick soup and salad at chik fil a we headed over to the Institution Theater owned and run by Tom Booker. Tom was my first teacher at Second city almost 9 years ago in LA. He moved to Austin a few years back. And I knew Irene White from iO West in LA. She moved to Austin 2 years ago and is a fantastic improvisor and person. So those two were my guests for the show. </div><div><br /></div><div>Liz works for CNN and was in touch with me about last months dr drew appearAnce. She was planning on having a crew at the Austin run and even being at my show. And sure enough there she was with her man Marcus. Really sweet couple. </div><div><br /></div><div>My camera guys Patrick and John came into town the day before for other stuff and were able to get some root beers for the show that we were going to pretend was real beer. I got there plenty early and said hi to tom and Irene and Liz and whoever else I needed to say hi to. It was going to be a mild audience. The rain was probably going to keep some people away if they were planning on coming out. Didn't matter. I was pretty delirious and was really looking forward to sleeping. </div><div><br /></div><div>We did a quick 25 min ish show for about 15 people. I had fun and Tom and Irene were great. Afterwards we said our goodbyes although I didn't get a pic with the three of us together and I've been kicking myself ever since. </div><div><br /></div><div>I stayed with Katie and jim in driftwood where they have an outstanding house. My parents, and the guys got their own hotel rooms. Katie picked up Alice from the airport but by that time I was trying to wind down. It was about 1am or so Austin time that I got to sleep. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday</div><div><br /></div><div>Up around 7 I think. Maybe 730. Katie was making breakfast for everybody. So everybody came over at 8am. I spent three hours a couple of nights earlier on the computer looking for Austin press to contact about my story. I sent out dozens of Emails and they were starting to pay off. I had two interviews that morning. One with a local school radio station and the other is a big newspaper called the Statesman. I was meeting both at the expo. The expo is where you go to get your bib number and there's hundreds or thousands of people shopping for running stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>I met with Erika. She was waiting for me with an intern named autumin. Both ladies were very sweet and fun to talk with. It was the radio interview. Erika talked with me for about 30 min but only about less than 2 minutes made it to the airwaves. I mentioned that I was going to meet lance Armstrong and she brought up apparent charges that had recently been dropped against him for enhancement performing drugs. I said that was the first I was hearing about it, but I don't think she believed me. But I didn't have enough info to give an accurate answer so that's what I told her and it was true. Don't harsh my buzz Erika. </div><div><br /></div><div>Heres a link to that interview.....</div><div><br /></div></div></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; "><a href="http://bit.ly/y7psvq">http://bit.ly/y7psvq</a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large; ">My "entourage". Was huddled around a small table in the expo waiting for me. I felt bad because all this stuff took hours. Because my next interview was with Ciara with the statesman. She came with a photographer (jay). They brought me to an empty hallway of the expo, took some pics and Ciara talked with me on the floor of the hallway for a good while. She didn't have a recorder of any kind just her pad and pen. I was impressed by her quick shorthand.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Heres the Statesman interview....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://www.statesman.com/news/local/blind-runner-competing-in-austin-marathon-for-retinal-2185081.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">http://www.statesman.com/news/local/blind-runner-competing-in-austin-marathon-for-retinal-2185081.html</span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Afterwards I went back to my group and Katie took me to get my bib and some clif bloks for the next days race. We had some time before Ryan and Maureen, his girlfriend, would get to the expo from the airport. They just landed and were renting a car. Ryan had hurt his foot, I forget the name, miniscus? Anyway he was originally going to run the whole thing with me. He ran my very first half marathon with me in August 2010 in Chicago. He's the one on a lot of the tv and even press I've gotten he's the one with me. But he was concerned about doing a full marathon with how his foot was feeling and we had already booked flight and registered under his name for the race, so Maureen was kind enough to volunteer to relay guide me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">When they showed up we talked about his foot. He said it still hurt a lot and was real concerned with it. Minutes earlier katie came up to me and volunteered herself for a future full marathon as long as I gave her time to train. Cut back, I turned to Katie and asked her if she could run with me the first half. Or more accurately the first 11 miles. That's where the halfers split off in the course. Without hesitation, she was on board. Great. So how it was going to work was Katie the first 11 miles, Maureen the next 11 and Ryan to swing in for the final 4.2 and "take all the glory" as he said. So this was going to be interesting. But I was excited for the support and love from everybody. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">So everything was set and it was time to split off. I went with Katie to her house and we got ready for a big pasta filled meal that she was making that night. A couple hours later everybody was there. 10 people in total scarfing down pasta and garlic bread like there's no tomorrow. But there is a tomorrow. There most certainly is. And tomorrow was going to be a big deal. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Sunday</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Dammit! Another night of no sleep. Okay no sleep is an exaggeration but I only got about 4-5 hours. Took forever to settle my mind after I packed And set up just hours earlier. 3 am I woke up. And I was already slightly panicked. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Did I mention the rain hadn't stopped from the time I landed Friday til sometime during this past night? The weather report said no rain so I was fairly confident that wouldn't be an issue. Here's to hoping for an accurate weather report. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I layed in bed for a while and checked up on my social networking. Eventually I got up and just started to try to get my head straight. I decided not to tell anyone how little sleep I got so I wouldn't worry them and so they would cause me any extra worry. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">We needed to meet lance Armstrong at 615 in a parking lot. Since Katie lives a bit far out we left her place at 530am. It was pitch black outside and DRY! The plan was that my three guides were going to meet lance as well. We got to the parking lot early and I was excited. Liz met with us with her camera crew and said he would show between 615 and 640. Uh... Ok... But I need to stretch! And all that's around is either concrete road or wet grass. Ok not as dry as I said earlier. I usually stretch on the ground and I was not quite sure what to do. It was cold out for sure. While getting dressed I wisely put on a long sleeve shirt under my short sleeve. Man did I need it. Probably in the 40s at that time. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I got word that only Katie and I were going to meet lance. I felt bad getting Ryan and Maureen's hopes up to meet him. That was a bit of a downer. But a van pulled up about ten yards away or so and two figures started jogging over my way. It was pretty dark out and without the light from the camera crew it would've been tough to make out lance. He shook hands and did greetings with Liz and the crew and then myself and Katie. It was a very pleasant exchange until the awkward silence. Was I suppose to say something? Or him? Actually I was waiting for questions to be asked to either lance or myself. And finally they started coming from the cameraman. Lance was talking about the livestrong foundation and run and was saying some really nice things about me. He had read my story and said he even tried to walk around his kitchen with his eyes closed. I'd like to believe that's true. But he was a real nice guy and I think it's really impressive the things he's done and I'm sure I don't know even half of what good he's done in the world. I wonder how much responsibility or pressure he feels. I wonder if he still wakes up two hours before his alarm goes off from a restless mind. I would've Like to ask him these questions but I didn't want to cross a line. But I was able to get a few jokes in there and make him laugh a bit. That was cool. He was going to run about 15 miles of the race. Turns out the course passes by his neighborhood so he was going to run home. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I got a couple pics with him and off we all went towards the starting line. I was trying to meet up with a guy that was trying to do a quick interview with me for tv and it was too chaotic and I ended up in a place I did'nt think I would be at so I missed that guy. I was brought to the beginning of the race line with my camera guy and Katie. I handed off my stuff to Ryan and said I'll see ya later. Lance went to make an announcement and say hi to the runners on mic. While I was brought to a spot on the course. I was suppose to wait for my coral. No problem because I still haven't stretched! And the race was about 2 minutes away from starting. I dropped to the ground and stretched as best as I could with limited room and even more limited comfort. Katie, alice and Patrick tried to block the runners that were heading toward the start from stepping all over me. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">After as adequate a stretch as I could get I put my blindfold on and asked Katie to put suntan lotion on my exposed areas. Cuz I forgot about that too!! And the sun was coming up, even though there were some clouds still hanging out from the previous days. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Ok ready not it's time to run. And here go....</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I heard 18,000 people were running that day. I knew it would be crowded the first 11 miles until the split. The majority of the people were running only half. And it's a really windy , crazy course from the map. So the first couple hours were going to be tricky. Little did I know how hilly the course was. Man!! That shit was murder on my calves and my butt. Alice voluntarily became my scout. Much like my cousin Jenny did for my full marathon Chicago, 10/10/10. She went ahead of us and asked people to move out of the way. That was invaluable. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">It wasnt raining but I was freezing. It was windy and the sweat on my long sleeve shirt was cold against my body. That was making nervous. I needed less cold and less hills. We did the exchange at mile 11 and Maureen joined me. We had maybe the biggest hill yet after she started running with me. How I like to run the marathons is a light stride to the mile maker and then walk for a minute or so and take off to the next marker. Usually around mile 20 I need to take more walking breaks. well I kept that up until about mile 14, then we did run for 5 min and walking break, run for 5 min and walking break. I was afraid the whole course was going to be hilly, lucky most of the second half was flat or going down. Going down is better than going up but it has it's own discomfort. I'm landing on my feet harder and I can feel that on my joints. But I was making it. And it was getting warmer.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I could hear my family as I would pass cheering and others cheered along the way too. Some runners even ran up to me to talk about seeing me on tv or reading about me in the statesman that morning. Some really kind words were said and that was really great. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I had no idea how I was doing time wise. I figured pretty bad because of the hills and extra walking breaks. But I didn't care. My focus was to finish. That's it. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Mile 22 came up and the final exchange of the day with Ryan. 4.2 miles to go. I was going to make it. I knew it. No turning back. I can smell the finish line which was impressive considered how badly I smelled. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I ran almost the whole last mile without a break. I wanted that finish line and I wanted it now. I could hear the crowd and the announcer at the finish. In front of me was a woman who ran the whole thing in firemans garb. She was running for fallen firefighters I think. That's pretty crazy too. Lucky for her it wasn't hot out that day. She would've been in trouble I think. But look who's talking. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The announcer said something about me as I crossed the finish, I have no idea what he said. Ryan confirmed my finish and I gave him a big hug. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I was met at the finish by Liz and the dr drew crew. My parents were there too, but I couldn't see anybody still because I had my eyes closed even though I took off the blindfold. My mom gave me a big crying hug and she could barely get out any words through her sobs. And as Liz asked me questions I started getting pretty emotional myself. That'll make for good tv. :). And then Sara from fox 7 news was there too. We had set up trying to meet all weekend. I talked with her real brief but i was excited to be interviewed by her. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Heres that interview...</span></div><div><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" id="video" width="460" height="385" data="http://www.myfoxaustin.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=11212"><param value="http://www.myfoxaustin.com/video/videoplayer.swf?dppversion=11212" name="movie"><param value="&skin=MP1ExternalAll-MFL.swf&embed=true&adSizeArray=300x240&adSrc=http%3A%2F%2Fad%2Edoubleclick%2Enet%2Fadx%2Ftsg%2Ektbc%2Fnews%2Ftexas%2Fdetail%3Bdcmt%3Dtext%2Fxml%3Bpos%3D%3Btile%3D2%3Bfname%3DLivestrong%2DAustin%2DMarathon%2D20120219%2Dktbcw%3Bloc%3Dsite%3Bsz%3D320x240%3Bord%3D937302489997819000%3Frand%3D0%2E8620545770972967&flv=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emyfoxaustin%2Ecom%2Ffeeds%2FoutboundFeed%3FobfType%3DVIDEO%5FPLAYER%5FSMIL%5FFEED%26componentId%3D137008205&img=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia2%2Emyfoxaustin%2Ecom%2F%2Fphoto%2F2012%2F02%2F19%2F021912Sara5%2EDPP%5Ftmb0001%5F20120219173425%5F640%5F480%2EJPG&story=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emyfoxaustin%2Ecom%2Fdpp%2Fnews%2Ftexas%2FLivestrong%2DAustin%2DMarathon%2D20120219%2Dktbcw&category=&title=021912Sara5%2Emov&oacct=&ovns=&headline=Livestrong%20Austin%20Marathon" name="FlashVars"><param value="all" name="allowNetworking"><param value="always" name="allowScriptAccess"></object><p style="width:460px"><a href="http://www.myfoxaustin.com/dpp/news/texas/Livestrong-Austin-Marathon-20120219-ktbcw"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Livestrong Austin Marathon: MyFoxAUSTIN.com</span></a></p></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">So that was it. After taking some pictures scarfing down a bagel and some water it was time to take a walk to the car. Oh great a walk. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Another guy wanted to interview me at my hotel. That night and the next I stayed at a hotel. I was brought to the hotel and John got me a subway sandwich. I showered finally after my brief interview and my meal. And after I put bags of ice on my thighs and knees. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I didn't really want to go out anywhere so I stayed in, Ryan and Maureen got me some ice cream and said their goodbyes. THey had an early flight the next morning. I was tired and really just wanted to go to sleep. I was able to catch myself on fox at 5pm and taped it on my phone. Maybe theres one online thats better. </span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Later I watched Celebrity Apprentice. Im rooting for Adam Corolla and Lisa Lampanelli. Lisa did my very first benefit show in 2004 in LA and Adam had me on his radio show when I was promoting the bike trip across country that my brother in law did and I went with him. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">my final time was 5hrs 41min 12sec. Not bad. way better than i thought i would do. But i only had 2 pee breaks during the race and that probably helped my time. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">The next day my parents and I went to the LBJ Library and swung by the capital so I could take a closer look at that. And had a nice dinner with Katie, Jim and Alice. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Tuesday morning was my flight and I squeezed in a quick interview with Texas University tv station. If I find the link I'll put it up here. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I would end up leaving some stuff in Patricks rental van and he would check it with a bag of his, which southwest then LOST! So im missing a camera and some clothes which SUCKS!!! Hopefully theyll pop up. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Im now finishing this blog at my house in LA. I taped the Dr Drew show yesterday and just watched it air today. Nice guy that Dr Drew and a great crew that works at the show. Everybodys really nice there. i like it there. :)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I guess thats it for now. I really need some more press for this year. My next marathon is Los Angeles. I have a fundraiser on MARCH 30th at 8pm at SECOND CITY on Hollywood Blvd. Im trying to get a celeb guest to improvise with. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Also i just signed up for the Hollywood Half Marathon April 7th. Yes Im crazy. But you may be crazier for reading this whole blog. Good on you!! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">Please help spread the word and reTweet and rePost and donate and do whatever you can. Thanks so much!!! St Louis Marathon in APRIL!!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">best </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">EJ</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">@ejscott</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">@12marathons2012</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></span></div>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-26042436425784785542012-01-16T17:39:00.000-08:002012-01-17T10:59:55.099-08:001 down 11 to go!! I finished the Arizona Marathon!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family:arial, sans-serif;">Writing this in a car. I had stated this blog last night and shortly after felt the incredible need for not only rest, but sleep. Didn't do my usual routine of brushing, flossing, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Listerine</span></span>, eye vitamins. I just closed my eyes. And that was that. Woke up a couple times during the night. I was at a motel 6 next to a railroad so it wasn't the quietest place to stay. No matter, I had some of the deepest sleep I can remember. I'm sure I dreamt, but of what, I have no idea. I'm not usually good at remembering dreams. They seem to drip through my memory like water through fingers. <div> </div><div>The cab ride was short and sweet to the Motel. The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">final</span> price was 11 or 12 bucks but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">theres</span> a $16 minimum from the airport. Off to a great start.<br /><div><br /></div><div>On Friday after arriving in phoenix, I checked in with motel 6. When I made my reservation for the room I requested a room on the second floor. I know what its like to have people walk above me and I don't like it. It affects my sleep. And I knew I'd need some the next night. Even though I made the request online months before they had no room for me on the second floor. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Ok</span></span>, I'll need to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">change</span></span> rooms tomorrow though. </div><div><br /></div><div>I checked in to my crummy first floor room, complete with a tube <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tv</span></span>, drippy faucet in the sink and lack of shampoo. That's what you get for $45.99 a night. </div><div><br /></div><div>That's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ok</span></span>, because I got a response from one of the 2 dozen local Arizona reporters I emailed 2 days earlier. She loved my story and wanted to meet me and interview me right away. Great! </div><div><br /></div><div>Elizabeth Erwin was running herself this coming <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sunday</span></span> doing the half marathon, which was a different course than the one I was taking. She was a one woman army. She drove up in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">KPHO </span></span>5 CBS van by herself. She pointed out a good shady spot for me to stand while she opened her van doors and dug around for camera equipment. She pulled out a tripod, set it up and mounted a camera, brought a lav mic to me and asked if I could hide the wire under my shirt. She was incredibly pleasant and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">frantic</span></span> at the same time. </div><div><br /></div><div>It looked like she was set up. She stood behind the camera and began her questions. She looked at her readings on the camera almost every time I was answering her question, but I could tell she was trying not to. I was amazed she had no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">camera</span></span> man or even a driver to help her out. After several questions she set herself up in front of the camera to make it look like she had a camera man. It was quite impressive actually. She took some close up shots of my hat, shoes and cane and I grabbed a quick pic with her she wished me luck and was off to who knows where. The whole thing took ten minutes I'd say. She said the piece would air at ten that night. Cool!</div><div><br /></div><div>HERE IT IS...</div><div><br /></div><div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.kpho.com/global/video/videoplayer.js?rnd=8983;hostDomain=www.kpho.com;playerWidth=630;playerHeight=355;isShowIcon=true;clipId=6639134;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlay"></script></div><div>The rock n roll marathon had been advertising a concert that night at cityscape. I had planned to attend. But I also knew I wanted to get over to the Torch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Improv</span></span> theatre that night too. I was hoping to do both. </div><div><br /></div><div>The said online the doors opened at 430. So I was. There not ling after that. I took a cab. And cabs ain't cheap in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">AZ</span></span>. I was walking around outside where the concert was going to be taking <a href="http://place.it/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(237, 28, 36); ">place</a>. It's a band I never heard of but they also advertised food. What else did I have to do? Everybody seemed to still be setting up and getting ready. Setting up tables, sound checks on stage. Strangely there was booth where a guy was smoking a cigar, with good reason, he was selling cigars. really?! Cigars? Isn't this a concert for marathon runners? </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I floated around a<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">nd</span></span> tried to waste some time. And after over an hour of barely anything changing I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">said</span></span> screw this. And I hoped in a cab over to the Torch theatre. I knew they had a 7 pm show that night and I could grab a bite to eat around there before the show. </div><div><br /></div><div>The theatre is a modest very cool black box type theatre. I immediately felt at home. Maybe it was because of all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">blackbox</span></span> theaters I've been around the last 15 years. The ticket guy, Shane, pointed out a place to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">eat</span></span> across the street. I had about 45 minutes to kill so off I went. </div><div><br /></div><div>After drinking a beer I'd never heard of and a cup of white bean chili with chips I was full. I watch the 7 pm show where. Group of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">improvisors</span></span> encourage audience members to cut up newspaper clippings they supply and tack them to a board on stage before the start of the show. I put up three articles. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">improvisors</span></span> grab an article at random and read all of, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">itt</span></span> seems, of the article to the audience. That then inspires scenes. Several articles were read within the hour.great idea. Great fun. </div><div><br /></div><div>I talked with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">jose</span></span> who'd I'd been in contact with on twitter.he's a founder of the theatre and runs the twitter account and has been hugely helpful tweeting about my race and even volunteered to try to get some footage of me running in the race. What a great guy! To make him extra great he said he'd drive me back to my motel so I didn't have to get yet another expensive cab. So I watched his 2 person show, which I enjoyed greatly, and he gave me a lift. Thanks Jose!!</div><div><br /></div><div>I made it back to the motel in time to see me being advertised on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">tv</span></span> fir the upcoming news. I watched the 2 minute piece and I liked it overall. Would've liked the website, <a href="http://wwwcurechm.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(237, 28, 36); "><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">wwwcurechm</span></span>.org</a>, up there but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">ok</span></span>. Still good stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>I has to get to bed ASAP, because I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">was getting</span></span> up at 5am to get me set for Sunday. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday my alarm went off at 5am sharp. I did mot wake before like I sometimes do. I pulled myself out of bed and did, what I've been doing a lot of, and that's jumping on the social networks and emails. Reading encouragement from others and posting about myself and the latest with me ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>I tried to find the best breakfast place in the area and, sadly, it was a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">mcdonalds</span></span>. I have been doing great the last 2 1/2 years avoiding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">mcdonalds</span></span>. I do look at them as a big contributor to poor health in this country and now all over the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">world</span></span> because they have spread to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">their</span></span> countries..... But I wanted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">some</span></span> eggs so I took the very cold walk from my motel to there. It was about 6 am and still dark. </div><div><br /></div><div>Afterwards I wasted. Lot of time watching the office on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Netflix</span></span> streaming but the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">wifi</span></span> quality in the motel was not great so Michael Sc<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">ott</span></span> and the Office people ended up looking like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">claymation</span></span> characters. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I got the call from Luis that my new room on the second floor was ready. I packed then unpacked in the new room. </div><div><br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:arial;">took a break from writing in the car and now <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">im</span></span> home. this blog is becoming more epic than i planned. if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">youre</span></span> still reading i admire your dedication :)<div><br /></div><div>After packing the next step was to wait for Patrick and John. Pat and John are a couple guys from LA helping me to document my races. They also help drive me around when I need it, which I did. They brought me to the airport to pick up Janelle. Janelle is my guide for Arizona. She was also my guide for the Chicago marathon I did. She's also married to my cousin, Keith. I keep describing her as Wonder Woman. She is always doing some crazy endurance challenge. She s a great guide. </div><div><br /></div><div>We got her stuff dropped off at the fancy Motel 6 and headed off to the Expo. I met a very nice woman that saw my Dr Drew appearance and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">weve</span></span> exchanged hellos on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Facebook</span></span>. :) But we needed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">carbs</span></span> and needed them quick. It was kind of a trek to find Z Pizza, is what we settled on. </div><div><br /></div><div>We settle down and wait for our meal outside and minutes later <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">theres</span></span> a tap on my shoulder and a pretty and familiar voice said something to me i wish i could remember. Something like "any room at this table?" or "Hey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">dont</span></span> i know you?" something like that. And to my great surprise it was the prettiest face <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">ive</span></span> ever seen in my life. My girlfriend, Deborah. She drove all day from LA to surprise me. She had worked the day and night before and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">thats</span></span> why she <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">wasnt</span></span> set to come with me originally I was totally blown away. Not many people surprise me. </div><div><br /></div><div>We ALL sat and ate and at least Janelle and I over loaded on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">carbs</span></span>. Its about 6pm by then and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">im</span></span> already thinking of going to sleep. Deb and I get in the room and I lay down on my heating pad and try to settle my mind as best i can. I dosed off watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">tv</span></span> and the woke up and changed positions to sleep, and turned the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">tv</span></span> off. Bit then my mind was racing a bit. It did that for at least an hour before i fell back to sleep. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">thats</span></span> at about 10pm. </div><div><br /></div><div>Marathon day... January 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">th</span></span> 2012</div><div><br /></div><div>My eyes popped open at 415 am. And as much as i wanted them to close again, they were wide awake. I grabbed my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">iPad</span></span> right next to the bed and did my usual checking up on all the sites I usually do. Tweeting about going to run today. Deb was up too. She <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">didnt</span></span> too well either. We start getting ready and get Janelle and the guys. Luckily Deb had bought us some breakfast which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">consisted</span></span> on bananas, bagels, peanut butter, water and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Gatorade</span></span>. I loaded up my utility belt and we took two cars to the start line. Actually Janelle, Patrick and I were dropped off while John and Deb figured out parking. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was still dark when we got to the start line. And not nearly as crowded as I was expecting. All the Chicago <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">marathons</span></span> (2 halves and a full) were BIG and crazy crowded. We had heard the day before that there were only 5,000 people running the full. And 20,000 or so running the half . Both on separate courses so this was going to be different. </div><div><br /></div><div>We found a piece of concrete in a parking lot to stretch. its a city where we started so grass was non <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">existent</span></span> from what i could tell. </div><div><br /></div><div>We got in line close to 730am. That's the set start time. I put my blindfold on said good bye to my girlfriend and folded up my cane. the sun was almost up by now but it looked like it was going to be overcast. I was all set to go. we all were but there kept being announcements of delays. They ended up delaying the race a half an hour. I heard it was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">cuz</span></span> of pace truck, i heard it was because of the light rail (train) that ran through the city. Who knows. They finally started. And I crossed the start line at 8:06:14 am. How I run is i hold on to the forearm of my runner. I have tried other ways and that seems to be best for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had a sign on my back "BLIND RUNNER!! with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Choroideremia</span></span>. 1st of 12 marathons in 2012. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">CURECHM</span></span>.org"</div><div><br /></div><div>The race was peppered with people saying really encouraging things to me as they ran by me or vice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">versa</span></span>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Biggest disappointment for me was the amount of pee breaks I took, which was strange because i didn't drink much at all before the race. and most of the breaks were early on. But if that's the worst of it then that's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">ok</span></span>. 5 breaks altogether. I told Janelle the plan was to run to the mile marker and then walk for a minute and keep going til the end. It went pretty well. I started feeling like i was running after mile 10. My left shoulder was starting to hurt bad by then, i think because of the tetanus shot i had a few days earlier. By mile 11 I had to change sides. So now i was holding onto to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Janelles</span></span> left forearm with my right hand. That was much better. </div><div><br /></div><div>I ate Cliff <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Bloks</span></span> and fruity jello block that is meant to supply energy, and id fuel up on water and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Gatorade</span></span>. Every so often there were live bands set up to play and massacre covered songs, but mostly they were good :). I only heard about 30 seconds of each of them anyway. </div><div><br /></div><div>Because there were s few people running was much easier, mentally and physically. Same with the side lines support. Far less people than Chicago so there were big stretches of calm silence which i greatly appreciated. It made the occasional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">WOOHOOOing</span></span> that much more meaningful. That was hard for me during the Chicago ones. I was often overwhelmed audibly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">forthose</span></span> races. Since i cant see and have to listen for instructions it was a bit crazy. In Chicago I had a bad mental break at about mile 22. After running past mile 20 in Arizona, sure i was tired and feeling soreness in my shoulders, neck and legs but my mind felt strong. I told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">janelle</span></span> after mile 22 id like to walk a minute run for 5 and so on. And we did that for a couple miles. And by the time mile 24 rolled around i could feel the finish line and i said no to any more breaks. It was hard and those last two were the hardest ones. There soreness and some sharp pains here and there that would make me make a "ah" or "ugh" sound. But I was so close!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Janelle would tell me when we were getting closer and the people were higher in numbers as we got closer. I could hear music, people cheering. Janelle said she saw people with finishers medals. We rounded a corner and Janelle said we were 100 yards away. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">THe</span></span> crowds at that point were loud and cheering and it gave me an extra shot of adrenaline and life. I heard an announcer say my name over a PA system and where i was from and what i was doing. That was a surprise too. I crossed the finish at 5:34:42. I purposely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">wasnt</span></span> asking about my times as I ran. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">didnt</span></span> want to try to break any records so i can just run without that pressure. BUT it turns out i did beat my record by 3 MINUTES! Not too shabby.</div><div><br /></div><div>Immediately after crossing the finish I heard the announcer mention the man finishing behind me saying it was his first marathon at age 75. Way to bring me down announcer guy. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hugged Janelle and thanked her. I got a water and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">gatorade</span></span> a bagel a banana, i devoured all of it. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">wasnt</span></span> too sweaty <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">cuz</span></span> there was a nice steady cooling breeze all day and that sun was mostly covered by clouds. Fantastic running weather. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took my blindfold off but had to wait to actually open my eyes. That takes some adjustment. But then i got to see my girlfriend and get pics taken and feel that runners high people talk about. I only feel it when its over. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Deborah was great. She popped up a few times along the way and gave me a boost in my mood. I'm glad she surprised me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hobbled to the car. I called it my Frankenstein walk. The 5 of us piled into Johns tiny 2 door. And drove back to the hotel (deb and john went to get her car). Janelle and i took turns showering and then she had o go and catch her flight back to Maryland. She'll be doing a few more races with me this year. Shes amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Patrick and John drove back to LA shortly after. Pat was driven around on a motorcycle for a lot of the race so he could get footage of me running. And I know Jose from the Torch Theatre was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">oyt</span></span> there grabbing some footage too. Thanks to those guys. I cant wait to see it and show people. </div><div><br /></div><div>Deb and I drove back today. It was a long ride I was very sore and Deb ended up getting sick (she may have allergies? we're not sure). But It was a great experience. I did feel afterwards like "yeah i gotta do that 11 more times." so my victory was short lived. :)</div><div><br /></div><div>Next Stop Austin, Texas February 19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">th</span>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I havent hit my $144,000 goal yet. Maybe you could help? Also still need some press. Know anyone in Austin to help with that?</div><div><br /></div><div>You can donate at the PayPal button on this page or go to www.curechm.org. Thank you!!</div><div><br /></div><div>EJ</div></span></span>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-66901900758024656952012-01-13T12:45:00.000-08:002012-01-13T12:46:54.827-08:00I will be done running in 48 hours!!! NEW BLOG!!I'm writing this blog on the 940 am flight out of lax. I gotta write fast it's a short flight to Phoenix Arizona. I put down the Hal higdon, a major runner and marathoner and I'm listening to the raconteurs last album.<br /><span></span><br /><span>I'm thinking about a few things, one is I just learned at the gate waiting for my plane, a guy I knew just died of cancer. His name was mike, and although I didn't know him very well and we never spent much time together, I knew he was a really great guy and talented improvisor and my first teacher when I moved to Chicago three years ago at iO. I was coming in at the tail end of a eight week class, but I felt welcomed. So I'm a bit sad for him and his family and friends and the improv community. He wad a young guy. Nobody deserves that. RIP mike.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>My eyes popped open several times during the night, a restless mind nervous about missing the alarm. I didn't of course. I was up a half hour before it even went off. Made some eggs and toast, checked my online social network sights and finished up my packing I started the night before. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I over packed. Wasn't going to check a bag, but I packed so much, I had to. Over did it with running gear; clothes, cliff blocks, jelly belly energy (yum), waterproof tape, my laminated signs I will run with pinned to me, my new running "utility belt" that will hold my water bottles, energy stuff I'll need before and during the race, maybe a phone or wallet. And, of course, my blindfolds. I'll be using two this time. A dark bandana will go on under the giant white cloth I've used in past races. The bandana is a new edition. We'll see how that works out.</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I'm excited..... Really.... I am. Ok sure, I'm nervous. Mostly of getting injured. But I should be ok, if I don't try to show off. I gotta listen to my common sense and my body. I'm not trying to break any records (but it would be nice to do better than my last time of 5 hours 37 min and seconds that I forget. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>But really I have 7 hours from the last person crossing the start line to finish according to the rules. Plenty of time. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I've already gotten way more press and attention than I did for Chicago. So we are off to a fantastic start. Already raised over $20,000 since announced this in the summer. A long way to go and almost a whole year to get there. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I said goodbye to my sleepy, yet shockingly beautiful, girlfriend when my ride came. I'll be able to talk to her on my new iPhone. Upgraded from my piece of shit sprint flip phone, thank god!</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I'm sure it'll be really emotional this whole year for me. Just the support I've been getting through Facebook, emails, twitter, texts and actually voice to voice and face to face interactions have been incredible and so moving for me. Puts a smile on my face every time. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Whenever I tell strangers or new people what I'm doing their reactions are great and they're usually shocked. I'm accused of being crazy and then they wish me the best of luck. </span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Maybe I am crazy. Maybe I'll contact Guinness. What's the record for miles run in marathons blindfolded? There's got be a category right? Maybe they'll make a new category :)</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>I'll be in touch. Follow me. </span><br /><span>@ejscott</span><br /><span>@12marathons2012</span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Donate here on the blogspot ...</span><br /><span><a href="http://Www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com/" detectors="true" result="1">Www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com</a></span><br /><span>Or <a href="http://www.curechm.org/" detectors="true" result="2">www.curechm.org</a></span><br /><span></span><br /><span>Even your loose change can make a difference and please retweet or post or email or whatever you can do. Also still looking for sponsorship and press. Thank you. We are about to land. </span><br /><span></span><br />Ej<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: medium; "><br /></span>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-87243700800476057452011-11-13T10:40:00.000-08:002011-11-13T11:18:21.621-08:00Been a while since I blogged. Here's an update....Well, I've grown 8 inches taller since my last blog... What!? I'm just being silly. Sorry. <div><br /></div><div>Weighed in today at 211.4 lbs! I've lost about 26 lbs sinc July. It's been really tough and portion </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "> control remains a hugehallenge. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm training at a local gym who shall remain nameless because when I told a few workers there what I was training for they got excited at the idea of the gym jumping on board and helping in possible sponsorship. When I contact Andrea in marketing she shot me down cold. Saying it isn't in their budget. Really? Because one thing I suggested is totally free, by including my info in your emails to your members or even allowing me to put up some literature of what I am doing. Btw all free. Ok it's la fitness. They are the closest gymto me and it would've been great if they could've helped out. Anyways this isn't a bash lafitness blog. That's the next blog :)</div><div><br /></div><div>So my training is going ok. I'm traing a couple times a week with a personal trainer at lafitness to help strengthen my weak back. And im back following Hal higdons novice marathon traing schedule. I'm slightly behind but was able to get to13 miles on the treadmill yesterday. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've got my girlfriends publicist who is trying together me some publicity and my girlfriends agent trying to help me get the marathons made into a documentary. There are some great possibilities if some of this stuff could happen. I have to be careful not to get my hopes up too high. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today I have cross training to do. And I get a rest day tomorrow. Instill hoping to get my weight down to around 200 by January. I've got 9 weeks from today. 9 weeks til the first marathon in Arizona. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm still looking for all the help I can get,soif you or someone you know can help get thewordoutplease let me know. Thanks!!</div><div><br /></div><div>And please donate! Any amount is a huge help. </div><div><br /></div><div>Best toyou. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ej</div>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-39368840471252591112011-08-11T13:41:00.000-07:002011-08-11T13:53:00.318-07:00Pilates!!! OUCH!Had my first pilates class on Friday and am just about recovered. Its the kind with the machines. My girlfriend took great delight in my anguish and pain. (I'm so nice to her). My next class is tomorrow. Hope it goes well. <div>
<br /></div><div>Figuring out these 12 marathons are a bit of a pain. My wish list is as follows...</div><div>
<br /></div><div>(in no particular order)</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Seattle</div><div>NYC</div><div>Los Angeles</div><div>Chicago</div><div>Austin</div><div>Phoenix</div><div>Las Vegas</div><div>Miami</div><div>Philadelphia</div><div>New Orleans</div><div>Washington,DC</div><div>San Diego</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Because a few of these marathons are too close together I wont be able to do New Orleans or Washington DC. Im also going to have to skip Philly and San Diego.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Im working to figure out which ones would be good to do instead. July August and September are a bit tricky. Looks like Ill have to do much smaller marathons for these months. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>As of now it looks like this...</div><div>
<br /></div><div>Jan - Phoenix, Az</div><div>Feb - Austin, TX</div><div>Mar - Los Angeles, CA</div><div>Apr - Las Vegas, NV</div><div>May - Cleveland, OH</div><div>Jun - Seattle, WA</div><div>Jul - ?</div><div>Aug - ?</div><div>Sep - ?</div><div>Oct - Chicago, IL</div><div>Nov - NYC, NY</div><div>Dec - Miami, FL</div><div>
<br /></div><div>I am already signed up for Phoenix and about to buy Austin and LA. Wish me luck. And please help spread the word. Trying hard to get publicity for this stuff. thank you. </div><div>
<br /></div><div>EJ</div><div>
<br /></div><div>www.curechm.org</div>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-88791230060556427742011-07-07T11:37:00.000-07:002011-07-07T11:56:27.337-07:0012 MARATHONS in 12 DIFFERENT CITIES in 2012 BLINDFOLDED!!I'm fat again. Not as fat as I was last time, but fat none the less. On July 1 two years ago I began losing weight (70lbs). And I did it in just over 8 months. I ran a marathon this past October and since then I have put back on about 40lbs. Food is an evil tempting bitch who I have a very strong love/hate relationship with. There's a lot of passion there. <div><br /></div><div>So this past July 1 st (just a week ago). I went back to being a good boy. No bad stuff for me. I was at 237 ish and today I'm down to 230lbs. Down 7 lbs in a week. Hopefully I can keep it going because I have decided to run 12 marathons in 2012. I must be out of my mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>I got some publicity in Chicago for the one I ran in Oct and hoping to get a lot more for next year. I'm trying to raise $144,000 by the beginning of 2013. That's an average of $12,000 per marathon. (is the theme too subtle?) </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm in need of publicity. If you know someone or are someone that can help, please let me know. I can be contacted pretty much anywhere. </div><div><br /></div><div>I already signed up for my first marathon in January 2012 in Arizona with my running guide, Janelle. She helped me in Chicago for the October run. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'll be keeping blog updates here on a semi regular basis. So please come back and visit and let your twitter followers and facebook friends know. </div><div><br /></div><div>THANK YOU!!!! </div><div><br /></div><div>EJ</div>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-45470484748165133112010-10-14T15:56:00.000-07:002010-10-14T16:57:59.139-07:00The Chicago Marathon BLINDFOLDED!!! 10/10/10It's Thursday now. 4 days after the marathon I trained 9 months for. I thought I'd write sooner but I'm finally healing. :)<div><br /></div><div>Last monday I was in the bathroom and thought I should start getting my apartment ready for visitors. As I was cleaning the bathroom sink something pulled in my back. Spasm might be a better word. Luckily I had already made an appointment with my chiropractor for that same morning. My history of back pain goes way back, but training for this marathon has aggravated it quite a bit. I went every day last week Mon-Fri for adjustments. Never feeling 100%, but feeling better. I was concerned about my back for the race. Thats the last thing I need, is a bad back for 26.2 miles.</div><div><br /></div><div>My training was now getting affected. I had to skip a few training days due to fear. Fear I would damage myself too much to participate. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was lucky enough to get CBS news interested in what I was doing. And Megan Mawicke came to my gym to interview me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was interviewed over the phone by Kyra Kyles for the RedEye and that finally came out the Friday before the race. </div><div><br /></div><div>Steve Johnson took me to dinner at the Hopleaf and recorded our 2 hour interview. The pay off was a tasty dinner and the cover of the Chicago Tribune. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jenna Marotta interviewed me and I got a little write up on an online Chicago Mag blog. </div><div><br /></div><div>My girlfriend came into town on Thursday and my cousin Jenny and Aunt Karen came on Friday (they stayed with friends close by). My mom, Aunt Diane, Aunt Beth (no relation), brother Kevin and his girlfriend Megan came on Saturday. I met with Janelle (cousin in-law) at the airport on Saturday and we headed off to McCormack Place to get our packets for the race. 15115 was my bib number. </div><div><br /></div><div>All week I was changing my sleeping patterns so I would be ready to wake up at 5am on Sunday. I was as ready as i'd ever be. I woke u on my own at about 3:45am and stayed up. With only 6, or so, hours of sleep I got up and started getting ready. My back felt ok, but I was skeptical. None of it matters at this point. Its happening one way or another. </div><div><br /></div><div>Janelle stayed with Deb and I. After some fruit for me, a bagel for Janelle, and I'm not sure what Deb ate, we were off. A 15ish minute walk to the redline. Where, with every stop, the cars got more and more crowded with people wearing bib numbers and eating bananas. We got out at Jackson along with the majority, and looked for a place to meet up with everyone else that seemed to be scattered amongst the city. </div><div><br /></div><div>I stretched out on the grass with thousands of others, also stretching or waiting on line for a porta potty or already set at their assigned corrals. The sun was peaking its head above above the trees which meant it was about time for my blindfold. It's probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 7am now. </div><div><br /></div><div>I get a round of hugs and good lucks from my support team and Janelle and Jenny and I head for the start. On the way into the open corral CBS news stops me and asks some questions. I talk quickly about my brother, nephew and I losing our sight to Choroideremia. And reason why I have to run with the blindfold and have Janelle and Jenny run with me. I dont know if any of it ever made it anywhere. </div><div><br /></div><div>I had a laminated sign pinned to my back with my disease on it and a warning to other runners that I am indeed blind. I was going to hold onto Janelles forearm while Jenny would politely ask runners ahead of us to move over because I'm blind and coming up behind them. It all seemed to work out pretty well. </div><div><br /></div><div>The roads were awful. All the different textures made it especially difficult. Around mile 3 I needed a pee break and it just so happened we were passing a gas station. Perfect! No line for the bathroom and it was alot cleaner than a porta john. That would be my first and last bathroom break for the next 5 + hours. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was certainly nice to hear people on the side lines or even fellow runners telling e they read about me in the paper or saw me on the news and best of luck and all sorts of kind things. Sometimes I even had people I knew yelling encouraging things from the sides. My girlfriend and family even caught up with me a couple times. </div><div><br /></div><div>I beat my previous half mile time (even with a bathroom break) by about 1 minute. Not bad. But that was only 13.1 miles into it. We still had another 3 hours to go. </div><div><br /></div><div>After the 20 mile mark I felt ok I guess. My back was holding up quite nicely and so were my nipple guards, also a concern. Chaffed nipples can be awfully painful and make a long day much longer. It was getting hotter. It probably around noon by now and I still had another 6.2 miles to go. I have never run more than 20 miles in my training and I had always heard the 20 mile mark was the toughest part mentally and physically. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was around mile 22, i think, where I started wanting to cry. Not because I was in so much pain, because I wasn't really. It was 5 hours of being blindfolded and thinking about what that means and what I'm doing and why. My body was getting tired and fighting tears was hard. I was blindfolded so I don't think anyone noticed but I almost shut down completely verbally. Only talking in whispers... "water", "keep going", "thank you". I fought off tears and just total breakdown for the next 2 or 3 miles. </div><div><br /></div><div>A couple times my cousin asked if I wanted to stop at the water stations and I didn't even talk I just threw my hand forward to keep going. I was holding my cane folded up the whole time. I did that for the other half marathons I ran too. It works for whatever reason, I like holding it as I run. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was taking walking breaks pretty much every mile, but that last one. That last one I wanted to run the whole thing. I had heard the last mile goes uphill a bit and what I heard was true. We were going uphill for what seemed like most of it. After I hit 26 miles I tried to increase my speed. Not to show off, but to end it. It was now over 5 1/2 hours of running blindfolded and I had had enough. </div><div><br /></div><div>My time was 5:37:23. I was hoping to be done by 5:30, but no big deal. It was a hot day and I did my best. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took my blindfold off but couldn't open my eyes because of how bright it was, even with the sunglasses. I had to keep them closed for a long while. I almost cried when my crying girlfriend hugged me and then my crying mother. It was pretty wild. I was spent and ready to go home. I said my thanks and good byes with my eyes closed and Deb and I took me home. Took a while, but it was nice be back. My legs were sore and behind my left knee felt real bad and tight. Walking up and down stairs was anything but easy. Its finally feeling more seco<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16.2037px; ">nd nature now. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>I said I'd never run another, but you never know. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to everyone that supported me and continues to. I greatly appreciate it. </div><div><br /></div><div>please donate to my $100,000 goal. I'm at around $45,000 of that goal. Thanks so much!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Much love,</div><div><br /></div><div>EJ Scott</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:9.83796px;"><div class="detail-box box-splits" style="margin-bottom: 15px; min-height: 110px; "><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="list-table names" style="width: 496px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(99, 99, 99); border-right-color: rgb(99, 99, 99); border-bottom-color: rgb(99, 99, 99); border-left-color: rgb(99, 99, 99); clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><tbody><tr class="list-highlight" style="background-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); "><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">05K</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">08:28:25AM</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">00:34:50</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">34:50</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">11:13</td><td class=" last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">5.35</td></tr><tr><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">10K</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">09:08:18AM</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">01:14:43</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">39:53</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">12:51</td><td class=" last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">4.67</td></tr><tr class="list-highlight" style="background-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); "><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">15K</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">09:42:08AM</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">01:48:33</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">33:50</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">10:54</td><td class=" last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">5.51</td></tr><tr><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">20K</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">10:20:24AM</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">02:26:49</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">38:16</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">12:20</td><td class=" last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">4.87</td></tr><tr class="list-highlight" style="background-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); "><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">HALF</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">10:27:46AM</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">02:34:11</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">07:22</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">10:48</td><td class=" last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">5.56</td></tr><tr><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">25K</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">11:01:35AM</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">03:08:00</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">33:49</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">13:57</td><td class=" last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">4.30</td></tr><tr class="list-highlight" style="background-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); "><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">30K</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">11:43:28AM</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">03:49:53</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">41:53</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">13:29</td><td class=" last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">4.45</td></tr><tr><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">35K</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">12:28:25AM</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">04:34:50</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">44:57</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">14:28</td><td class=" last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">4.15</td></tr><tr class="list-highlight" style="background-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); "><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">40K</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">01:13:31PM</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">05:19:56</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">45:06</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">14:31</td><td class=" last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">4.13</td></tr><tr><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">Finish</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">01:30:58PM</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">05:37:23</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">17:27</td><td style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; ">12:48</td><td class=" last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">4.69</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="detail-box box-features" style="margin-bottom: 15px; min-height: 110px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:9.83796px;"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="list-table names" style="width: 496px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(99, 99, 99); border-right-color: rgb(99, 99, 99); border-bottom-color: rgb(99, 99, 99); border-left-color: rgb(99, 99, 99); clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; "><tbody><tr><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">place (M/W)</td><td class="f-place_all last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">17291</td></tr><tr class="list-highlight" style="background-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); "><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">place (ag)</td><td class="f-place_age last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">2939</td></tr><tr><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">place (total)</td><td class="f-place_nosex last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">29530</td></tr><tr class="list-highlight" style="background-color: rgb(241, 241, 241); "><td class="desc" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(222, 222, 222); font-size: 11px; width: 100px; ">time total (netto)</td><td class="f-time_finish_netto last" style="padding-top: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 4px; border-right-width: 0px; border-right-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; font-size: 11px; ">05:37:23<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div></span></div>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-30778178627830707062010-08-02T12:21:00.001-07:002010-08-02T12:24:01.484-07:00I ran 13.1 miles on Aug 1st BLINDFOLDED for a cure!!<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I had tried to change my sleeping pattern so that when the day came I would be at least a little rested. I was only able to do it for a couple days prior, usually just going to bed very late and waking up early. So the night be fore I got real lucky and fell asleep at 8:30 pm. Sweet!! Then I woke up at 2am and couldn’t get back to sleep. Not sweet!! So I had 5 ½ hours of sleep to run 13.1 miles blindfolded. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My breakfast was light: 2 bananas, a handful of starwberries and a handful of blueberries. Ryan, my cousin of 23 (almost 24) years came in the day before to guide me through it. He has been running many years and often runs up to 13 miles just for shits and giggles. I’m just doing it for shits. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I wasn’t as nervous as I was expecting. I was feeling ok actually. Ryan and I walked to the red line train at about 5am-ish. I wasn’t sure how trains were gonna run on a Sunday, but it came reasonably quick. And as we got to each stop the train was filling up more and more with people wearing ballcaps, running sneakers with orange bands on them, skimpy shorts and ipods attached to their upper arms. It was a bit on the chilly side but still fairly humid. Ryan and I decided to wear clothes over our running gear and find a place to hide it at the start line and hope it would still be there after, but the clothes we wore we didn’t care too heavily about so if it disappeared no big loss. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We got off at Jackson, as most of the rest of the passengers did as well. We followed the herd to Grant park where you could hear music blaring from giant speakers and you could wait on long lines for the army of Porta Potties occupying much of the space of the grass. People were everywhere. Hundreds…. Thousands!! After a trip to the good ole PP Ryan and I got ready. I doused myself with sun tan lotion, used an anti chaffing roll on my hard to reach places and topped it off with some nipple guards to avoid that pain. Ryan packed a plastic bag up with the lotion and extra clothes and hid it in a tree. Hope its there later. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I didn’t know what “corral” meant when I read it on my registration email I was sent. I was corral 24. Ryan was 21. They place you in different starting areas—“corrals”—depending on how experienced or fast a runner you are. We walked up to path where the runners were been caged, it seemed cage like anyway. We found a good spot for us to start stretching. They had already started letting the first corrals through at 6:30 am. But we had some time til they got to us. I was still feeling pretty good. I took out my blindfold which is something my girlfriend cut off of an old curtain I think, I may be wrong. Its cloth, but reminds me of canvas but softer. Very long and thin. I wrapped it around my eyes three times and still had enough to double knot it. I made sure I could not see out of it and that no sun could get in. In doing so, the wrap covered a good portion of my face and even my ears. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I put my hands on Ryan’s shoulders and we shuffled into the crowd. There was a man and woman (John and Anne) hosting the event and announcing each corral as it crossed over the start line. They sounded like bad morning talk show hosts, “Good Morning, Chicago!!”. That type. They were trying to do rhymes with the corral numbers: “Corral number 8, you guys are great!!”, “Corral number 9, looking fine!!”. That type. I couldn’t wait to start running just to get away from them. It was slow moving. We were in Corral 22 even though neither of us was 22. Finally we were next!!...... Can’t rhyme 22 guys? Okay. Here we go!! 7:08 am we are off!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My goal for the race was to not be eliminated and finish. I didn’t care if I was last. But secretly I wanted to break 3 hours. We were running pretty good. I go fairly slow. On the treadmill when I train I go about 5mph. My hope was to do a mile and walk for 60-90 seconds every mile. Unexpectedly we took a PP break at the first water stop. One mile in and I’m already behind. Then we took another PP break at 4 mile mark I think, maybe 5. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I learned early on that my original idea of holding Ryan’s elbow wasn’t going to work. I had to hold on to the top of his shoulder. And in my other hand was my folded up cane. Ryan had written “curechm.org” on both of my arms with marker, but the suntan lotion faded it. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The difficult parts of the race were when I wanted to run faster and couldn’t because other people were going slower in front of us. Zig Zagging in and out and around people is more difficult when you are two people wide and one can’t see. So I was getting more and more frustrated with stopping and starting and being dragged in all different directions. That stuff was really hard. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The things I was most worried about were my back and feet and cramping. In my training I ran 11 miles once and when I got off I could barely move because my back was so messed up. Since then I’ve been going to a chiropractor on a semi regular basis. My feet have been bothering me for years. But when I lost weight they were feeling better, until I started running long distances. Then they started hurting and throbbing again. I got new insoles on the advice of Cathy from Runner’s Edge. Thank you Cathy. They helped a lot. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As we ran people were coming up to us and telling us how great we were doing, they used words like “amazing”, “inspiring”, etc. Was I the only one out of 20,000 people running blindfolded? I guess so. Those words were great and very helpful. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I must say that by the 10<sup>th</sup> mile I was anxious to get to the finish. I’ve had a lot of water and GU packs (energy shots). And although I was feeling fairly good physically I think mentally I was working to keep it together. Being blindfolded and not in control of anything was kinda hard. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oh I forgot about my neck! I was noticing while running that my head would fall back and I had to be conscious of keeping my head straight. It was feeling tight and that made me worry about that. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Anyway, I had abandoned the 3 hour finish half way through the race. But when we were coming up on the finish line, I extended my cane, and tripped over the finish line. But I made it!! And I made it in 2:59:55. I beat the time I wanted by 5 seconds!! Sweet!!! We got some water, a popsicle and our bag was still in the tree. All in all a very triumphant day. Now I’m thinking of doing the Chicago Half Marathon on Sept 12<sup>th</sup>. I just need a running partner. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thanks to all those who have been sending kind words and donating money to the cause. You can still sponsor me at </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com">www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com</a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">and if theres a problem with that please go to.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">www.curechm.org</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thank you so much. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Much love</p> <p class="MsoNormal">EJ</p> <!--EndFragment-->E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-6826854420565898732010-07-28T22:11:00.000-07:002010-07-28T22:16:12.550-07:00HELLO NEW READERS!!Maybe you read Nikki Reeds blog or maybe you found this some other way. In any case thank you for taking the time and an extra thanks if you have donated to the cause!! The above Paypal button is directly linked to the Choroideremia Research Foundation. I am trying to raise at least $100,000 for sponsorship on my races. Please donate what you can and please let your family and friends know about what I'm doing and about Choroideremia. Are YOU running any marathons or involved in a situation where you would be able to raise money for charity? Well please consider the Choroideremia Research Foundation. We thank you so much for your support and good thoughts.<div><br /></div><div>All the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>EJ <div><br /></div><div>www.curechm.org</div></div>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-20220277156852957522010-06-10T13:33:00.000-07:002010-06-10T13:34:07.025-07:00Here is a link to the blog that explains in more depth where the money would go and who would benefit from the research. Thank you.<div><br /></div><div>http://curechm.blogspot.com/2010/06/stephanie-andrew-choroideremia-chm-word.html</div>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2091926460401196534.post-32106115216704080512010-06-10T13:24:00.000-07:002010-06-10T13:26:37.156-07:00Raising money for what exactly?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; border-collapse: collapse; "><div><div>"Well, we're raising money right now to fund the preclinical work to get us to Phase I trials, and then raising to fund the trials themselves. Estimated total cost is about 2.5 million dollars, so I think it's safe for you to say you're raising the money to get us to Phase I trials that can potentially save what sight you have left." -- Cory MacDonald, founder of the Choroideremia Research Foundation.</div></div><div> </div></span>E.J. Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04748732046593897016noreply@blogger.com0