I didn't notice the spelling on the title of my message - looks bad for the Snail. My bad, sorry folks. lou

Believe it or not, there has been a marathoning snail sighting in Somesville.

The Snail is back!!! Lou "the marathoning snail" is back.
I'll be running the 2009 Boston Marathon for TNT. As most of you know, TNT is the athletic fund raising
arm of the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. 97% of all funds raised goes directly into research.

This is an important event for me. Not only am I raising funds to continue life saving research but this is MOST likely my marathoning swan song. The body has spoken. (the confirming word on this will be heard sometime in January in the middle of a long run in sleeting conditions).

Start getting worried kiddo. I'm in Kenya running the Rift Valley with those skinny record holders.

Well not exactly. I am in and on the edge of the Rift and I was able to run once with my Kenyan friend. All the other ideas I had about running here were just pipe dreams. Either the roads are so poor I can bearly walk on them or there's a curfew and just to dangerous. But the 5-6,000 feet of elevation will help.

Great job 1st Striders! I was impressed by your running but more by your attitude. You're all winners! It's an honor to share the course with you. Lou

Sorry to hear about your marathon. Bad days are just bad days nothing more. You'll make Boston!! It sounds like we ran the same type of race. I did the portland marathon and had the same experience. Finished just under 5. At the half i was thinking about a PR, but that only lasted a half mile longer. My pace crashed, GI stuff and nausea became my main concern and then I kept staggering off the course to the right. Walked miles 23,24 and part of 25. Gotta love the pain.

Morning Brian,
I'm listed on the JR age group standings but not in the overall listing. Did I have to sign up or something like that? Have a great day. Lou

Why didn't someone tell me that running 2 races on the same weekend was goofy?
Well I did it and I'm even pleased with my times.
The half on Friday was foggy at 6am and didn't burn off till around 8. Thankfully I was done. I planned on going slowly, 2 1/2 or even slower. Was planning on pushing the marathon a little bit depending how I felt. So much for plans - the TNT coach is this cute little running machine. "Mind if I run with you" she says, a guy is a guy even if he is almost 60 - of course you can, but I'm planning on going very slow. Forget that idea, 2:05 or so and we're done. Exactly as I planned it, right. The best part was being able to talk through the entire race - a 1st for me.

Thanks guys for the advice. Sometimes knowing better doesn't make it happen - a reminder always helps! Thanks again.Lou

I'm 2 weeks away from my marathon and a half and I think I killed my body. No joke! Last weekend I did 10/20 milers on Friday and Saturday. This week I did my usual stuff - monday just 3 miles easy, tues cross trained, wed a tempo run. I don't feel very well - tired all the time, morning pulse up almost 20 points, actually fell asleep for 3 hrs in the middle of the day and my legs and feet just plain hurt.

I've heard the sugarloaf marathon no longer exists.Is this true? LOU

Don't ask me why but the NEH 5 miler was the most enjoyable race of my young running career. The weather was great, the course is beautiful, the companionship was warm and comfortable but that doesn't do it.

This was the first race that I actually enjoyed! Can't explain it. I have always just done races, feeling good about finishing, enjoying the weight loss, trying to feel like a runner but trying hard for something I wasn't sure I could find.

Chris G
The next time you work at the hospitl could you please bring an xl singlet. Just call me at extenson 640 and I'll pick it up. Thanks.
Best of luck at sugarloaf, that also goes to all of you running. Lou

I'm looking for info on a 20 miler this month (25th I believe) in or around Boston. Anyone have any info? Thanks. Lou

I'm not following all this political bunk but I would like to propose a new name for the club - the DEAD CROWS!! That way all of those with tattoos can keep them and just add a stake into the heart of the bird.

I haven't met all of you, but those that I have met seem pleasant, friendly and sane. I've enjoyed your tolerance of my "speed" and the friendly advice offered and gratefully accepted. But I must have missed something.

Congrats to Mary and Dave on your California adventure. I can't believe you actually swam to San Fran across the ship channel infested with sharks (the big ones).

Sounds like your times were great. Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Lou