My FIRST Marathon! Knoxville 2007!

HI There, Sorry I haven't been around in a few days. I guess that the closing days up until my marathon I just needed to focus. I had some major stresses during the last few days up until the race. 3000 miles plus bouncing in a "Big Truck" and a last minute run up near Washington DC which got me home Thursday morning with a soar and cramping lower back to name a couple. BUT, all worked out great! I had a REIKI Session on Friday morning and just spent the day trying to and then successfully relaxing, I mean as much as I could before my first Marathon ;). I would just let the idea of running it pass through my mind and get a funky case of "Butterfly's". It was AWESOME!
I had to go to the EXPO the day before (Saturday) and pick up my race pack. I had a feeling that my downfall during the race would be if I started out too fast. So, I picked up a Forerunner 101 GPS wrist unit to wear during the race to help pace myself. I knew that I really had not spent enough time during my training to recognize my true pace with the excitement of the race and all, so this was a good option. A well spent $99, I now highly recommend this tool. The reason I mentioned this is, of course I had to try it out before the big day. Well I got caught up reading about the options, then for a short run, stretching, shower, packing all the needed stuff, ect ect.... I ended up leaving at after 4PM only to be 120 miles west of my where I was! Through the "gorge" I sped, on I-40 into Tenn... Well I was going a bit too fast 65+ in a 55 zone and..... There HE was, waiting for me. A Tennessee State Trooper. I knew what I had done and was ready to receive what I deserved... After over 1,000,000 in an 18 wheeler with no tickets. Here I sat on the side of I-40 with "Blue Lights" behind me. Bummer. He told me the reason he pulled me over I was clocked at 67 in a 55 zone. Bad DC, No donut. I told him that I was sorry and that I knew that I was going "pretty fast", He asked if I could tell him why and I responded that I was going to run in the Marathon in Knoxville the following morning and I needed to be there to get my race packet, without it I could not race. And that I had left the house late. He asked me if I could slow down for the remainder of my trip, I said Yes Sir, he responded with "Then have a safe trip and be careful". I WAS SO THANKFUL! I did not get your name officer, but thank you for your Mercie and understanding, I was without a doubt guilty of what I had done, Thank You Officer!

Once in Knoxville, I found the Expo Center, located my name on the list, got my bib # (470), received my goodie bag, time chip and t-shirt. Then took a few minutes to look around and browse through the different vendors. I stocked up on CLIFF Bars, SHOT Blocks and "super" Jelly Belly" Jelly Beans and headed out. I googled for the closest Dicks Sporting Goods Store, called them and got lost Ha! A lost truck driver! Can you imagine? (Just kidding of course, I STAY LOST!) Just down the block from Dicks I found a chines food restaurant (had to have chicken fried rice) then, across the street, a reasonable motel room and headed off to bed.

I woke up 10 min before the alarm went off, then my Dad gave me a call to wish me a Good race and my day was started! Showered dressed, gas in the car, boom parking garage, short walk to the starting line. I had decided not to go with a bright fluorescent 100% cotton tank top, something just said don't. Instead I choose my Nike wind/rain jacket which weighs about as much as a paper plate and decided that my "Alterra Camel Pack" would be best with 500 ml water phone to send blog updates,and carry the shot blocks, jelly beans and jacket when the rain stopped and got warmer. All of which happened and it was needed. I found that sometime you just need a sip of H2O to wash the "Blocks" down. 3 min before the gun the sky opened up, and with a dark morning sky, began to rain soft then it came quite a shower. Enough to completely soak you. The jacket kept me dry and warm, that was so cool.

At the sound of the gun we were all off. I was so surprised at the pace so many were trying to hold. I kept looking at the 101 GPS saying to myself, "Slow Down Man", "Too Fast, Relax". Below is a list of actual times for each mile as recorded. Within around three miles I had settled in. I met a gentleman from Virginia who's name was "JR" and we began to talk. We were very evenly paced, and as we talked the miles just flew by, Really. The course was so beautiful. The first being along the river, then into the what I call the "Victorian" section of town. The mansions exquisitely kept lawns, polished cars and smiling faces! These people were outside on their lawns having a danish and coffee as we ran by and at the same time cheering us on! I thought it was awesome! From there we eventually ran down to a paved bike trail which I must say was unbelievable. Now, during all of this is one hill after another, at this point rolling but still working our whole leg, so to speak. Soon before the half we made it to the older industrial side which as I could see was quickly being turned into a sort of "luxury condo section" There was a young woman who was close behind JR and I, who I thought was going to pass us, who jokingly said "don't worry about me, I'm just back here drafting of you two". Her name was Silke. We all ran for a while together, talking away. Then we made it through a water stop and right around the half JR had gotten 50 to 75 yards ahead uf us. We began to talk. I shared that this was my first marathon and found out this was her second Louisville being her first. We had such great conversation that again the miles just flew by. We passed the half at 2:04:21. I was very happy with the time, though a little concerned that It may be too fast. Miles 14,15,16,17,18 we just cruised. This was my first experience really running with someone and falling into a steady stride, where as you run you sort of "feed" off each others momentum. At around the 20 I could feel that the back of my right thigh was getting tight. I even told Silke, "If I stop, I'll see you at the finish line". With NO hesitation she turned and said, NO Dennis, let's get going, you are fine. That was all I needed. The right words at the right time. I will be forever grateful for the encouragement and compassion that she showed/shared at that moment. Looking back, I know that I was ready to walk and if I had it would have been very difficult to get back up to pace. Though from there we again just cruised along. We passed many other runners whom we both gave encouragement. What an awesome feeling to see them at the end of the race and see the look of accomplishment and satisfaction on their faces. At around the 24 I could feel that Silke was feeling as I was just a bit earlier. She also tried to get me to go on, " No, we're in this together, no let's get going, you can do it" We talked only in brief sentences, but we kept each other going. We got within a half mile of the finish and she basically demanded that I go ahead, she said "it's only a few seconds, now go". "I will not walk I promise" When I asked her again she promised again, so Reluctantly, and I really don't know how, belted out as close to a sprint as I could passing a few at the end, I mean, my stride was like I had NEVER felt in my time on earth, zig zaged three blocks, glances at my HR it read 172 I thought my heart was going to explode rounded the corner and down the "Shoot" into the stadium there stood a woman with a small sign that said "Slow Down, Slick, It's Wet" the look on her face as I was sprinting had to have matched mine. I just glanced and saw that to the right along the chain link sides it was dry. I never missed a beat. Then... BOOM onto the field of the Tennessee Volunteers. Which I have seen on TV so many times. All that I could see was the stop watch on the 50 yard line. I honestly forgot to look around and take it all in! I hit the line with a Negative Split! I finished In 4:07:46 (Actual Chip Time 4:07:40) The second half was 00:01:10 faster than the first! There was people asking if I was OK and trying to get the chip and handing me power aid. They wrapped a Mylar blanket around me and sat me down. They were so nice and supportive. Within a minute or so I got my senses back and stood up looking for Silke, after she came across the line, and got wrapped up I gave her a big hug and thanked her all of the support while on the course. I really could not have done it with out her. Again a HUGE Thank YOU Silke! I also met up with JR at the finish line. Who paid me the biggest compliments. I had passed him just as we passed the starting point, I can hear his words.."your looking strong Dennis, you can do it!". He also, after the race reminded me that this was a very hilly course and that if I choose to run a flat course he See's a 3:30:00 ahead for me... (Gulp!) Mabe someday JR, Thank You So Much for the good conversation and helping pass all of those miles with me.

I then saw my wife, little girl and dad waving and waiting to congratulate me, what a feeling! My Dad gave me a beautiful box chain necklace with a mini "dog tag" that commemorates the first running of a Marathon! It was such a special moment. Thank you Dad! I want to thank my Wife and Little Girl for all of the time given to let me get out and train while I was home from the road. The support you have given me has been such an encouragement to me. Thank you Roo for all of the "Run Daddy Runs" I have heard in the last several months.

This has been a wonderful experience. Hopefully the first of many. I can see many things ahead for me. Running really IS a metaphor for life. The more that I run the more that I understand life, and what it take to "live well and be a good animal".

A special thanks goes out to Steve Runner for his podcast "Phedippidations" Thank you Steve for all of the great information that you have shared with me through your outstanding podcast. Check it out at www.SteveRunner.com or search ITunes for the free downloads each week.

AND Thank you for taking the time to read a little collection of my life's experiences while running down the roads of America called DCTheRunningTrucker.com . It means so much to know that you are out there. Have a Great One, DC

dctherunningtrucker@yahoo.com

Silke and JR, drop me a line at the above address, unfortunately I did'nt get a link back to you yesterday God Bless, DC