"I run like I mean it"

Most of you have heard of Dean Karnazes. He is the ultra-marathoner who is running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. I know it sounds crazy (which it is), but Dean is actually a pretty down-to-earth kind of guy.

He has a daily blog, complete with photos the he writes after each marathon. You might expect the blog entries are all about Dean, but they are not. They are all about the people who are running with him. Every day 10-30 runners show up in a different state to run with Dean. The group for the most part runs together and crosses the finish line together. They run an official course, but normally not on a race day.

Many people are running their first marathons, and get pretty emotional when talking about it (there is a video clip too as well as pictures). Others are like John Tracey who run marathons all of the time.

If you are looking for inspiration to get you ready for your marathon, I recommend checking Dean's site out each day to read about the latest marathon. It will open take a miute or two to read each entry. I found one day in particular put a big smile on my face. Here is an excerpt.

At mile 10 the course does a lap around the famous Drake University track, and standing there to meet us were the Drake University Mascot and fifty elementary school students from nearby schools. The kids ran the lap around the track with us, cheering and high-fiving much of the way. I’ll never forget a quote from one little boy who I complemented on his swift pace, "Mr. Karnazes," he said between pants, "I run like I mean it."

http://enduranceis.typepad.com/

Be sure to check out some of the 1 minute video clips. You will see the running through down poors, and people finishing with tears. All great stuff! Here is a direct link to my favorite clip.