A Review of the Decade
Your decade of running+ and racing
After a successful, pre-internet running period, the prior decade had been more focused on an annual triathlon, building up to a few half-IMs. With some thoughts of a full Ironman, I figured I’d better do a marathon first to see how that would go. I did my first marathons in 2007, but it was really summer, 2009 and the Chicago R&R HM (with
@gruecd,
@wraith5, and
@2Young2BBald) that launched a new focus on running. It’s been a good “run,” to say the least. Looking back (via Athlinks), the decade featured 26 golds, 10 silvers, and 11 bronzes, which includes placement in a couple of marathons and triathlons. I also picked up an age-adjusted first place plaque in my only ultra (50K). Add in some participation awards for HMs, marathons, relays, and tris, and the basement walls are getting crowded! But the marathons are the interesting story and trend. For my 12 marathons to date, if I extract the three Bostons and three clear bonks (two of those bookending the 3 marathons/40 days nuttiness), here’s the trend:
3:46:38 May, 2007 (Madison, WI)
3:41:30 Oct, 2009 (Grand Rapids, MI)
3:36:59 May, 2011 (Big Sur)
3:33:29 Sept, 2013 (Fox Valley/St. Charles, IL)
3:28:58 Jan, 2016 (Houston, TX)
3:28:27 Oct, 2019 (Washington, DC)
Through the decade, my training, knowledge (moxie), and confidence improved, and the times steadily came down. Even this fall's 5K, with moderate effort, was my best 5K in seven years. How low can they go (before age really does catch up to me)? I am aware I've had a few different injuries over the past five years, so I need to take care with my overall conditioning and health.
All in all, an enjoyable and gratifying decade of running experiences and races with tons of incredible memories!
Notable memories of other FBG successes/experiences
I’ve really enjoyed getting to meet and become friends with a number of guys from the thread. With our near-daily interaction, these relationships are truly meaningful. Over the years, I’ve met about two dozen of you goofballs! A goodly number comes from the relay races, particularly the Bourbon Chase some years back, a now-recurring Dances with Dirt in Michigan, and more recently, the St. Louis extravaganza.
@gruecd was the first guy I met. I was worried that if I introduced myself to an internet guy using my nickname for ‘Richard,’ he might find that a bit weird, so I borrowed my son’s nickname, Wally, and that’s stuck in my running circles.
Beyond the relays, it’s been a joy to catch some runs and races with the guys around here (
@Juxtatarot,
@Brony, and
@gruecd), to support a couple of former FBGs during their first Ironman event in Sandusky several years back, to cheer on
@mr furley in his first 5K, and particularly to support
@SFBayDuck during his Western States race. That Western States event was so epic ...the cross-country chatter throughout the race and
@BassNBrew accurately projecting the result. I also want to mention how much I enjoy seeing new participants in this thread as they listen and learn; train and race – and steadily improve their times as well as their health, in many cases. It’s been tough, though, to learn of the injuries that have sidelined
@Hang 10,
@Ned, and
@Brony to various degrees.
Life in general during the 2010s
Early in the decade, I pursued an on-line doctorate degree (2011-2014), which allowed me in 2015 to transition to a full-time faculty position. The doctoral program was an incredible challenge, but I’m so glad I pursued it and positioned myself where I am today, doing what I most enjoy in academia and benefitting from the increased flexibility. Outside of work and running, my son got married in 2015 and we now have two fun grandsons (and the three year old
loves chances to run with Papa). My wife retired a few years ago, but I’m in no hurry. With our flexible time, now, we have had some great travel in recent years (adding a few more countries to my running list and another ocean and sea to the swim list).
Anticipations for the 2020s
We’ll begin the 20’s with our daughter’s wedding in November, and we’ll spend time relishing time with the grandkids as they grow (more are expected at some point).
Running-wise, I’m strongly focused on Boston, 2021. Beyond that, I’m not sure ..other than to hopefully keep running strong and be ‘that guy’ in the age group. I expect to lay off marathons after 2021, and then ideally pick it up again in 2026. At some point, I anticipate catching some runs, and some races, with the grandkids, which will be a blast.