Monday, May 6, 2012Hassan HaydarFour down - Twenty Two to Go!
Charming weather and precise arrangement for the 4 of 26. Chris Baker, our van driver pulled in to the parking lot half and hour earlier that 6 am. Josh Nemser was 15 minutes earlier and Bill McCabe showed up at the door at 10 minutes to six.
By 6 am, all aboard and we were on our way to Hopkinton. Does Chris know the way by now? You bet! we need not to say anything in form of directions on the way out, also on the way in as he precisely knows where to drop us off and where the replenishments stops are. At mile 4, mile 7, mile 11, half way, mile 17, mile 21 and at the finish line. It is now down to the minute!
Once again the invitation is open to any one who would like to join us either for the entire 26.2 or as George Cataldo did last week and also this week in joining us at mile 16 for the last 10 miles. One of the good things about jumping in at later mileage, you got to show off as the legs are still fresh and you will be able to do all the talking as well. George is a great runner, good talker and has stories to share. Come along and tell us what is on your mind?
We are truly impressed of how accommodating the motorists are, how friendly the people reaction as they are either taking their morning walk, heading out to church service, or aiming for caffeine morning fix. At this level America shows its beauty as well.
The host of the sports show at 1510 radio station called in as we were making our way to mile 12 for on the air conversation, Josh and I were able to chat with him a bit, all good. Also we were pleasantly surprised to see a friendly face at mile 15. Bill Hartford was there riding his bike. Thanks Bill for your support and offer of water.
We admire our friend Josh Nemzer, but as he turned it on a bit at the second half, we started to question our thinking? we kept on reminding ourselves to stay connected, but as the mileage started to disappear behind us and Josh was not coming back to his senses, we began to doubt ourselves and the bad thoughts began creeping in our thinking. Thankfully we were able to stay connected as we saw the overpass of the Mass pike. Mile 25 mark came and gone and we were still able to hang on and finishing the second half in 1:48 vs 2:12 for the first half. Four hours marathon to the minute is what the intention was from the beginning. Perfect! What is there to complain about?
Thank you Josh for a remarkable run, you have the smallest head, but the smartest mind. Also I admire the fact how people react to you along the way. You are known by so many, respected by all and proud to call you a friend!
"Finish what you started"
