Lake Tahoe Marathon

Marathon #4 is in the books! I had to pull out all the stops to finish this race. Lake Tahoe kicked my Endorphin butt. I had to deal with altitude sickness and "The Hill From Hell" and at times, I seriously considered the DNF. However, I kept plugging along and finished this grueling marathon in 8:53:47. Not bad, considering that I walked the final nine miles!

It was a beautiful morning in Tahoe City. I got up at 5am and didn't freeze! I had my long sleeve tech shirt underneath my Marathon Maniacs shirt, but I removed it because it was so nice out. When I arrived at the start line, I was greeted by two of my favorite marathoners, Yolanda and MG. You may recall, these two helped me get across that Extraterrestrial Highway finish line. Just when I thought I was going to lose it at mile 25, these two came back out to walk me back to the finish. Guardian Angels, I'm telling ya!



For the first mile, I walked with Christine Clark, one of Endorphin Dude's honorary "Moving Molecules". Christine attempted to complete the full marathon, but by mile 12 or so, she cramped up so bad that she couldn't move anymore. She ended up pulling out at the halfway mark, which was the smart thing to do. Christine could have put herself in serious danger climbing "The Hill From Hell". I had a rough time with it, and I am not asthmatic like she is. I'm glad she listened to her body. The awesome news is that Christine did finish the half marathon, and Lake Tahoe was #6 for her! Congratulations Christine!

The first half of this marathon was a lot of fun for me. I loved running along the lake and soaking in the scenery. Every so often, I would stop at the aid stations and schmooze with the volunteers. It's really funny to me when I see people do a double take when I run by. It must be the cape! I was cruising along the first 15 miles, chilling out and having a good time. Then I saw the sign: "6300' Welcome Hill From Hell." Really Tahoe?




Of course, the race directors taunted us further with the following signs:



It was awful. But I kept plugging along and eventually I made it to heaven. Ah, heaven. Unfortunately, it didn't feel too much like heaven because the altitude got to me, and I started to feel a little light headed. Nonetheless, I kept plugging along.



At about mile 17, I had to pull over. I sat on a tree stump rested for a bit when I heard my name. I turned around and saw Marathon Mitch, a fellow maniac! Marathon Mitch said he spotted the cape and had to stop to say hello. I had never meet this guy in person yet, so this was perfect timing!


Unfortunately, after Marathon Mitch and I greeted each other and took our picture, the altitude really got to me, and I had to let it all out. I spread endorphins all over Lake Tahoe! Unfortunately, those endorphins came in the form of GU, Cytomax, and other various aid station snacks that I shoved down my throat. My body was not liking the altitude. The embarrassing thing is that I really didn't have any privacy. But marathoners understand, so I received a lot of support from the runners. One lady even stopped and gave me ginger to calm my stomach. Of course, I had to take a picture with her. Thanks random lady!


After my little episode on that tree stump, I had to listen to my body and stop running. I knew that if I continued to do so, I would put my health in serious danger. I seriously considered the DNF, but after a few deliberations in my head, I decided to just walk it off and take it easy. I strolled along and took pictures of the lake.


Unfortunately, I made the mistake to eating some candy at the aid station near Emerald Bay, and as a result, I had to pull over again to release some endorphins. So much for keep Tahoe blue! The scary thing is that I did so on the section of the road where there was no shoulder. I felt like I was hurling over a cliff.


After I finished my business, I used my Endorphin Dude head band to clean myself up. I know that was probably too much information, but I'm stating this because it's relevant. When all was said and done, I put the head band back on upside down! That's how out of it I was. I looked like a sad little super hero.


By mile 20, I knew that I just had to stay focused and keep plugging long. I only had a little 10k left! So I kept inching along. By this time, the road was reopened for oncoming traffic. I made sure that drivers saw me as I walked on the side of the road. Mentally, I started to crumble, and physically, my body was shot. What saved me was seeing fellow Marathon Maniac, Xtreme Mike, at mile 23, a random geisha at mile 24, and the family who walked a bit with me towards the finish line. These people got my mind off my pain and helped push me along.




By the time I reached mile 26, I collected the little energy I had left to jog to that finish line. I couldn't believe I did it. Lake Tahoe was by far the most difficult race to date, and it took me nearly 9 hours to complete it, but I did. What got me to that finish line was not my legs. It wasn't even my mind. My heart got me there. I never gave up. And now I have a shiny piece of hardware in the shape of Lake Tahoe hanging around my neck.


Giving up is not an option for me. I knew I was in trouble, but I listened to body and and made intelligent decisions. I don't care that it took me an eternity to get there. The important thing is that I got there, and I did so safely. I am very proud.

Lake Merced Half Marathon

Did I seriously just run my 24th half marathon in less than 12 months? I indeed did! The Lake Merced Half Marathon was special for me because it took place in my back yard. I didn't mean this literally, because my back yard is quite small. If I were a snail, then it would probably be considered 13.1 miles to get from one end to the other. Lake Merced is a hop, skip, and jump away from my apartment, and I was excited to run three loops around the lake. I train here, so I know the course quite well.


This race was also special because my running club was the one who put it on. I joined Dolphin South End Runners last year, and it was the best thing I've ever done for my health. Sure, I run half and full marathons all over the United States, but it's all these DSE 10ks and 4 milers that get me prepared for those longer distances. It's also nice to have such a supportive and fun group of people whom I get so excited to see every weekend!


The Lake Merced Half Marathon was not an easy run for me. I have to admit, I got a little cocky this morning. I thought that I would not have any problems with this course and that I was easily going to PR. Boy was I wrong! I cramped up early on, so I had to do a lot of walking to get my legs back into the groove. I also got a little dehydrated, which, in the end, slowed me down further. Thank Goodness there were water stations near by! I struggled a bit, but the important thing is that I pulled through with a 2:45:36. When I cramped up at mile 2, I was only aiming for a 3 hour finish, so I was happy with the 2:45 finish! This gives me confidence going into next weekend's Lake Tahoe Marathon. Wow, two lakes in a row! I'm still scratching my head.


I have to ask this question again: Did I seriously just run my 24th half marathon? I sure did! WOO HOO!!

Virginia Beach Rock & Roll Half Marathon

I traveled to the other side of the country to run a half marathon this Labor Day weekend. I think this may be a sign that I am addicted to running. Who goes across the country to run a race? Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs, that's who!

The Virginia Beach Rock & Roll Half Marathon marked my 23rd half marathon in 11 months. The funny thing is that one year ago, I ran my very first 5k. I've come a long way! This half marathon also earned me the Super 6 medal for having completed six Rock & Roll events in one calendar year. Another milestone to add my list of accomplishments! I am now only one race shy of taking home that much coveted Rock Legend medal, and I will be doing that in San Jose in four weeks.


Getting to Virginia Beach was a huge challenge for me, thanks to Hurricane Earl. Unfortunately, all flights to Virginia were canceled on Thursday night due to weather, so I had to spend the night in New Jersey. I returned to the airport the following day at 6am hoping to get on the 8am flight. No luck. So I waited around to catch the 12pm flight. No cigar. Thankfully, I was confirmed for the 3:30pm flight. The only problem was that it was that the expo closed at 6pm, so it was going to be a mad dash to get to convention center from the airport. Luckily, I didn't get too lost and was able to make it there on time! Very stressful. My original plan of flying in on Friday night and spending all day Saturday hanging out in Virginia Beach got foiled by Earl! Damn you Earl! Oh well, can't really fight with Mother Nature.

I have to admit, I was pretty tired on race day. On top of wearing myself out, running around from terminal to terminal and gate to gate hoping to catch a flight, I had also just run two consecutive marathons the previous two weeks. By Saturday night, I felt beat up. I knew coming into this race that I was not going to put up the kind of numbers that I am used to seeing. Nonetheless, I was very excited to run my 23rd half marathon, and the added bonus came in the form of two Rock & Roller friends of mine, Katie and Kevin, whom I finally got to meet in person. These two are superstars. They are completing the entire rock & roll series this year!


For the most part, I felt comfortable on the course. However, by mile eight or so, it began to get really hot. I didn't want to put my body at risk, so I slowed down to a walk and continued to hydrate myself. At times, I really wished I had my Camelbak with me, but I made do with the aid stations, which were awesome.

I had a lot of fun with the spectators and volunteers too, often stopping to take photos and high fiving them. The crowd support was overwhelming, especially when we reached the final three miles. Seeing and hearing them cheering all the runners on helped propel me to that finish line.


When I crossed the finish line, I was greeted with cheers and congratulations from the folks at Rock & Roll. It's funny, I've seen these people at every single one of these events. We've talked to each other on many occasions. I know them by name, but they only know me by my moniker, Endorphin Dude. I'll take it! One of the guys took my picture and a few hours later I see it pop up in their photo gallery. Score!


All in all, I had a great time running this race. I thought I had finished well over the three hour range, but to my pleasant surprise, my final time was 02:49:56. I'm getting pumped up for San Jose. That race will mark some major milestones for me. First of all, I will be receiving my Rock Legend medal there. Secondly, it mark my 25th life time half marathon. Furthermore, I ran my very first half marathon in San Jose, so earning the above mentioned will be special. Finally, I'll be running the San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon with my sister Diane. This will be her very first 13.1 miler, so I'm excited to pace her. It's going to be huge in San Jose.

Santa Rosa Marathon

I ran my third full marathon today. That sounds so absurd to me. THIRD FULL MARATHON. How did I do at this race? THIRD. Third overall!!! Yup, you read that correctly, I finished THIRD overall! Third from the bottom, that is!! Yes, I struggled to get to the finish line, but I got there. I say all the time that I am not the fastest in the pack, but I always finish, and when I do, I feel like I've won the Boston Marathon. That's right!


I'm quickly becoming a regular on the marathon circuit! I like that I see familiar faces at these events. For the second straight week, I got to see Yolanda "Walking Diva" Holder. This lady is a big inspiration to me, so seeing her instantly motivated me! By now, I may sound like a broken record, but Yolanda is pretty amazing. This woman is walking her way into the Guinness Book of World Record. By the end of this calendar year, she will have walked 101 marathons. Never underestimate the marathon walker. These people are athletes.

The other person I bumped into was an old college friend. I had not seen Kathy in about 20 years, so it was a very pleasant surprise to see her at the Santa Rosa Marathon. The funny thing was that I recognized Kathy pretty instantly, so I called her name. She kinda looked my way but went on her way. I then called her name again and she looked again, so I knew it was her. I then approached her. What a small world. We ran together for the first mile before I had to bail. The girl is fast!

Finally, the last familiar face that I saw is a face I see quite frequently! The half marathon poster girl, Christine Clark, kicked some major butt and scored a PR at her 6th half marathon. I bumped into her at the cross over, and she looked strong. Christine did not look like she broke a sweat. She's been working very hard and the dividends are really beginning to show. Next up for Christine: The Lake Tahoe Marathon. Yes, you read that correctly. Christine Clark will be doing a FULL marathon.

I love seeing people I know on and off the course on race day. It always gives me that boost to keep plugging along.


I really enjoyed the first half of this race. 13.1 miles has become pretty routine for me, so I knew what I needed to do to get to the halfway point. I was actually doing pretty well all the way up to mile 17. My problems started at mile 18. I'm not really sure what it was, but I experienced a colossal meltdown. I believe it was all mental. I walked for about four miles and then something happened at mile 25 that I did not expect.

After I took a little break at the aid station, I picked up my sluggish body and embarked on that final mile. I turned around and noticed someone struggling just like me. Introduced myself to this person and he boldly said to me, "let's just do it!" With that, my tired legs became a non-issue. The two of us picked up our pace and plowed our way to the finish line. I swear, we were like soldiers in combat who saved each others' lives. Seriously.

Marathon guardian angels come in many different forms. At the Modesto Half, I had Erin Hardie Sperry. On the Extraterrestrial Highway, there was the Walking Diva. In Santa Rosa, an IT guy from the Silicon Valley saved me. Thanks Pete, you're my hero.


I am not bothered by the fact that it took me 6 hours and 45 minutes to finish. I'm new to this marathon thing, so every race is a learning experience. I've mastered the half marathon, so now I just have to work on the full. The good news is that I improved my time by a full hour from my last race, so I know I'm doing something right.

Wow. Endorphin Dude finishes his third full marathon. By crossing that finish line in Santa Rosa, I not only get another cool medal, but I earned my credentials. I am now officially a Marathon Maniac. I am very excited to be initiated into the insane asylum as Marathon Maniac #2810! I worked hard for this, and I deserve it.

Run For The Blue & Gold 5K

I am deviating from the norm with this post. No picture of me. I'll wait 5 minutes for you to get off of the floor and recover from shock ..... ready? Ok.

So as I was saying, I am deviating from the norm and posting a picture of my friend Michelle. This girl did something spectacular this morning: Michelle ran her first 5k, and she did it in a little over 42 minutes! I ran by her side and paced her, and throughout the whole 3.1 miles, she focused on the task at hand and ran the distance. You have to understand Michelle's background to fully appreciate why this feat is so spectacular. Long story short, Michelle's health was quickly deteriorating, so she made some healthy changes in her life. She started the Couch To 5k program and is now training for her first half marathon. On October 17th, Michelle will be running her first 13.1 miler at the Nike Women's Half Marathon, and if she does what she did today on race day, she should have no problem crossing that finish line.

Congratulations Michelle on completing your first 5k! Keep up the good work. Fans and supporters of Endorphin Dude, please check out Michelle's Team In Training site, and please feel free to throw some coins at her.

Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight Marathon

For my second full marathon, I wanted something unique and quirky. I got exactly that on the Extraterrestrial Highway in the Nevada desert. How could I go wrong with a description like this?

Running along the fringe of the mysterious Area 51, this stretch of highway (375) has an overwhelming number of reported UFO sightings. So much so, that in 1996 the federal government officially named highway 375 the "Extraterrestrial Highway". The ET Highway has become a gathering place for UFO enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With elevations ranging from roughly 4000-5600 feet, the high desert will enchant you with gorgeous vegetation, surrounding mountains, and stunning vistas. An additional treat is the cooler temperatures. Rachel, NV is generally 15 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley; coupled with a midnight run, temperatures should be in the 60's in August!

So here's my weekend schedule: fly into Las Vegas Saturday afternoon, jump on the bus to the start line in the evening, run the race at midnight, cross the finish line at the crack of dawn, jump back on the bus for the 2 and half our drive back to Sin City, and fly out Sunday afternoon. Busy itinerary, yes, but tis the life of the marathoner! With the exception of my flight being two hours delayed, everything went as planned.

When I arrived in Vegas, I was greeted by 100-plus degrees of fiery Fahrenheit hell. I'm from San Francisco, so I'm not used to this kind of boiling point heat. Thank God this was a midnight marathon! If I had to run in this heat, I probably would have melted into a puddle of Vietnamese GU.

After stepping off the plane, I quickly made my way to the Thrifty Car Rental, got my economy car, and jetted off to The Hard Rock Casino for the Expo. The first person I saw there was Yolanda "Walking Diva" Holder, my marathon hero. This lady is going for the Guinness Book record for most marathons walked in one calendar year: 101. This Extraterrestrial Highway marathon will mark her 72nd for this year.

I also made some new friends at the expo--Ray, Sarah, and Hector--all from Long Beach. While we waited for the bus, I got to know these three, and it was great hearing their stories. I know I will be seeing these folks on the SoCal circuit in the fall, starting with the Long Beach Marathon.

When the shuttles arrived at 9pm, we all got on the "quiet" bus so that we could rest. It was a two and half our drive to the start line, so any second of shut eye I can steal, I will!

Being out in the middle of the desert in the dark was fun. All you could see were neon glow necklaces! At 12am sharp, the race director shouted out "GO!" and we all took off. I was feeling pretty good the first 6 miles, but once I hit mile 7, the altitude sickness started to kick in. We were at about a 5000 feet elevation and I was really beginning to feel it. I got very light headed and I had a very hard time breathing. So I listened to my body and walked the next few miles.

Along the way, I bumped into Yolanda and a bloke from Down Under named Anthony. Anthony is from Sydney, Australia, and is on holiday in the states. He decided to run this midnight marathon while in Vegas for the weekend. The poor guy blew out his knee at mile 6 and had to walk the rest of the way. By mile 11, he was feeling pretty delirious from the altitude, just like me!

As the sun started to rise, I continued to plug along. After mile 8, I walked about 10 miles with slight bursts of jogging here and there. My legs were fine and under other circumstances I probably could have run to that finish line. However, the sleep deprivation and exhaustion got the better of me. I still was able to get a good shot in front of the Rachel, NV sign!



I kept plugging along, but by mile 23, I was really beginning to lose it. Runners and walkers were passing me up one by one. My eyes were throbbing and my head felt like it was about to explode. I couldn't breathe. I removed the Endorphin Dude head band hoping to get some air circulation to my head. It took me 24 minutes to get from miles 24 to 25, and 31 minutes to get from miles 25 to 26. The remaining runners and walkers who passed me were concerned and asked if I needed medical attention. One runner, who is a nurse practitioner, even stopped to take my pulse. I was grateful for all the concern, but I was so close to that finish line. I thanked everyone for their concern and continued to inch along the Extraterrestrial Highway.


Just when I thought I was about to collapse, who do I see? My marathon guardian angel is who. Yolanda, who had finished an hour before, walked out to the the 25.8 mile mark with her friend MG to escort me back! I couldn't believe it. Seeing Yolanda and MG gave me that second wind to jog those final .4 miles to the finish line. The Walking Diva said to me, "Good Work Tony! You made it this far! You can do it. You're almost there. You are so close to completing your second marathon!" She then snapped a picture of me and continued to cheer for me as I desperately jogged to end.

When I finally made it to the finish line, I pretty much collapsed. There was nothing left in me. I'll be honest and say that I really did not experience any runner's high, for I was too exhausted. That, however, does not mean that I am not proud. Believe me, Endorphin Dude pulled out all that he had to complete this arduous race, and I am damn proud of myself for finishing!

Yolanda later sent me the picture she snapped when I struggled at mile 25.8. She wrote a little inspiring note on it, and I choked up a bit when I read it. I'll be honest and say that E.T. kicked my ass. I wish that alien would just phone home and go away! It took me 7:46:48 to finish this grueling race. I learned something valuable this weekend: don't expect a PR on the Extraterrestrial Highway. The high altitude, the gradual incline of 1000 feet over the first 13 miles, and sleep deprivation, don't really make for ideal marathon conditions. I also learned that it's not a good idea to attempt to stay up through the night a few nights before. On Thursday and Friday nights, I stayed up to 3am, but as it turned out, my internal clock automatically woke me up at 7am. In the end, I lost sleep, which negatively affected my performance. In spite of all this, I still crossed that finish line and earned my second 26.2 miler medal. Woo Hoo!