Mesa Falls, Idaho DONE!!! 8 down, 4 to go (August)

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. 

Mesa falls, Idaho

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. 

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. 

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. 

That's right. Mesa falls then 21 days later, Dayton and 22 days after that is Chicago. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

 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.  

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 :)

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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?). 

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. 

Please donate to my goal, I'm almost half way there! But more than half way done with my runs. Check out my website www.ejscott.com. 

Follow me on twitter @ejscott

I'm on the Facebook. Support any way you can. Thanks.

Ej

8 down! 4 to go! 

SALT LAKE CITY! DONE! 7 down, 5 to go!!!

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!


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.

Saturday
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.

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.

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.

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!

Sunday
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.

Monday
 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tuesday

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Best
Ej



I'm running 12 marathons in 12 states in 2012 blindfolded!
Check out my www.crowdrise.com/ejcurechm
Twitter...
@12marathons2012
@ejscott
7 down 5 to go!!
www.ejcurechm.blogspot.com
Next up, Mesa Falls marathon in Ashton, Idaho!
Www.ejscott.com (Work in progress)

Seattle!! Done!! 6 down 6 to go!!

Seattle
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 .

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.

The woman , who has massaged me before, would hit spots my back that would make me wince. She told me I should take medicine.

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.

Thursday

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.

I flew in to Seattle and was greeted by my cousin Brian. I was staying with him and his family close by in a town called Redmond.

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. 

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.

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!

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.

Friday

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!

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.

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 Seattle so he had to bus it in every time. What a trooper! And basically did this for no money.

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.

I think the day before Cameron broke his thumb playing at a friends house. Poor kid. He seemed real down about it.

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...

Saturday

I got up to pee at 12:20 am 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yeah I know, too much info, ej! Believe me I would've preferred None of that happen, but it did.

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.

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.

We got as much footage as we could. Janelle and I took some footage on our own and Brian caught some too.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My compression socks were great!

Sunday
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.

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!

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.

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Thanks!! Next up Salt Lake 

FARGO!! DONE!! 5 down 7 to go!!!

Fargo Marathon! Done!

I'm listening to the new TenaciousD album. One song inso far so good :)

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

Thursday
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Friday

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Saturday
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sunday
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.

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.

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.

Fargo was great. I hope to visit again sometime. Anks guys!

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Tell your Friends and family about what I'm doing. Thanks. 12 marathons in 2012

Ej



I'm running 12 marathons in 2012 blindfolded.
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Next up, Seattle, WA!