MADNESS IN MANHATTAN
We have all had moments that define who we are. I think that’s why many of us are drawn to triathlons, marathons, and ultramarathons. At some point the question will be posed: what are you made of? Thursday, June 21st, Summer Solstice 2007, in the middle of Times Square, was one such moment for me.
It was 7:00 PM, and I wanted to stop. Every cell in my body was screaming to stop. But stopping was the wrong thing to do. In my soul, I knew that.
The stakes were high. I’d been flown to NYC to run for 24-hours on a treadmill in hopes of breaking the current world record. A special platform had been built in the middle of Times Square for me to run on, and my effort was being broadcast on the huge street-side light billboards for millions of passersby to see. Press had converged on the site and the story had been covered by many media sources across the country.
At the twelve hour mark, all was going seemingly well. I’d coverage 80 miles. The current record stood at 153.76 miles, so there was a nice bit of cushioning built in on my existing pace. Then the sun hit me, and things began to deteriorate.
The platform I was running on felt like a microwave oven. The heat sucked in upon me, and despite efforts to get fans in place, nothing could bring reprieve. The huge Light Emitting Diode signs all around me felt like sunspots every time a new image appeared. The heat radiated off these signs, sending bursts of hot rays in my face, making me wince with queasiness.
The exhaust from taxis and buses on the street choked the air. I became nauseas. The black rubber deck of the treadmill smelled like burning rubber. I doused myself with cold water, which made the deck slippery and hazardous. My toes were being mashed into the front of my shoes as I desperately attempted to maintain stability. On and on this went, hour after painful hour.
After eighteen hours, at 7:00 PM, I was cooked, entirely spent. Now what? The easy answer was to stop. Everyone surrounding me could see the toll the past eighteen hours had taken upon me, and they would have let me off without question.
We all have moments that define who we are. This was one of them. I decided to keep going.
It wasn’t pretty. I staggered, I walked, I nearly stumbled dozens of times. The embarrassment was dreadful, there were people everywhere watching. But I wasn’t going to stop. I had signed up for a 24-hour run, and I was damn well going to make it 24-hours.
Eventually, after the initial shock of seeing me continue in such a state of ruin wore off, everyone surrounding me regained enthusiasm. I had swallowed my pride, but was going to keep my dignity. Step by step I kept going. When the clock struck the 24-hour mark there was great celebration. I hadn’t broken any records, but the public display of courage and the ability of the human spirit to persist when all hope seems lost was a universal message that could be celebrated by all.
The final mileage read 128.75, though I was just happy to still be standing. I gave it my all, and as a wise coach once told me, your best effort is always a success.
Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. What makes me proudest is that we were able to raise awareness and donations for Athletes for a Cure and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. My pain pales in comparison to the millions of my fellow countrymen who have been afflicted by this disease. Hopefully in my lifetime we will find a cure, and I am proud to have played a small part.
Sitting in my hotel room in Manhattan typing this blog, I realize that while I didn’t set any world record, I did set a unique PR. Never before have I lost all ten toenails in one run. Yep, all of them are coming off. Anyone know a good pedicurist in the city?
Your hobbling and humble friend,
Karno
Way to go Dean!!! It's nice to see that you are actually somewhat human! I still cannot fathom running that long on a treadmill...YOU DA MAN BRO!!!! By the way I'll be in NYC tonight if you want to join up with a Bachelor Party!!(267-446-7807) Good Luck at the SF Marathon next weekend!
Today I went for a ten miler and witnessed something we have all seen and something many of us have never seen.
We have all seen a deer get hit by a car. But today, while at mile 6.5, I saw Bambi get hit by a truck and the truck kept driving. I stopped running to see if the deer was okay. As I approached where the deer got hit I saw the little guy rolling around on the ground. His back right leg appeared to be completely busted. I was hoping he was just in shock but after watchiing him for a few minutes I realized hew was in trouble.
I went to the nearest house and luckily there were two gentlemen who knew a thing or two about this situation. Remeber I live in PA, there are plenty of ''woodsmen'' here. Needless to say we went up to the deer and one of the men checked him out and determined that his right rear leg was completely detached from the socket and broken in a few places.
The man did his best to calm the deer, spoke to the deer and apologized to the deer a couple times. Then took his knife to the deer's neck and let it bleed out.
My first thought was, ''No don't do it!", but after thinking about it for a minute I realized it was the best thing to do so that the deer would n't suffer.
I continued my run, thinking about the deer the entire way, and felt amazed about the timing of my run. Had I not left when I left, ran the pace that I ran, ran the distance that I ran, there would be a deer laying in the woods suffering right now.
Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying there weekend or running/racing. It is exceptionally beautiful here in the NE part of the country.
-BillyO
Yikes. What a torturefest. Congratulations on toughing it out, and thanks from the daughter of a prostate cancer patient :)
All I can say Dean is, "Wow!" I had no way of knowing watching the webcast what was causing the distress you were going through, but I could certainly see the couragous spirit that kept you going in spite of it. Great job, brother and God Bless You and your family.
Great job Dean. I can imagine something like running on a treadmill for 24 hours isn't all that attractive to you, but being for a good cause, more power to you. I hope Accelerade paid you well for your effort! I bet you would of rather run Western States this weekend and used that effort to raise the money, right?
Have you ever tried barefoot running? On a treadmill especially, would of saved those toenails! Give it a try if you have not already. It is great!
Take care and good luck with you upcoming runs!
Dean- Way to go! "Never ever give up!" I only wish I had read your new post before our 10k this a.m. I can relate to the heat on your feet issue. We ran a "Run the 210 freeway" race today and boy was it a hot one! We started at 9:30 a.m. and the heat got to me. I am sad to say that my running streak (17 straight wins) ended today. Yes, it is true, Dan whooped on me by 36 seconds. I do believe I need to get in some heat training now! Anyway, I can understand how the heat emitted by all of the lights and the
treadmill motor, can take a toll on you. It was still a very exciting event and many people will be talking about it for years to come. Bummer about the toenails, I hate it when I am down one, muchless 10! Thanks for reminding us, to find that inner strength to push on and perservere. Today I needed that push! "The Relentless Man-Slayer," will have to step down now! But I'll be back!
Take it easy,
Vickie
Dean,
Outstanding run my friend, I look forward to catching up with you soon (saw a rumor that you are running across the country next spring??). BTW, my father was watching late in the evening and said it looked like your dad was on the other treadmill. If so, sounds like a great way to finish another outstanding accomplishment. All the best to you and your family.
Woody
Dean,
It is what we do in the face of adversity that defines us. Congrats on your perseverance! You could have taken the easy way out. Instead, you chose to serve as a positive example of the human spirit. Toenails grow back in a short time, your influence will last a lifetime.
Give us a post of what you saw and what you dealt with psychologically during your 24 hours.
BillyO- that was some story. I see deer every run so it hit home. Thankfully I see them along a path and so the likelihood of any of them getting killed is low. Did you get any of the meat? Venison chili is very yummy!
John
Holy moly! All ten toenails?!!! Ouch!!! I was worried about you for awhile. It looked like you were hurtin'. I could tell that there were times when you couldn't maintain a straight line. And yet you kept going.
Dean, it is the attempt, the determination and your "I'm not quitting" heart that inspires us. I ran my first 50K a couple of months ago, three weeks after the GA Marathon. I thought I was going to die. The last three or four miles were painful. I tried giving my legs the "what would Dean do?" pep talk. It worked for awhile ... but it finally all comes down to finding that thing deep in my heart that wouldn't allow me to quit. You inspire us to get out there when we hear your tales and adventures. You insprire me even more when I see you fall while the running the E50 in Atlanta and I watch you bleed for another 20 miles but keep going. And you certainly inspire us when we see you struggling on the treadmill ... we can tell the heat is getting to you . ... the exhaust had to be horrible ... and yet you keep going and going like the Energizer bunny. I didn't think you could impress me any more that you already do ... but on a treadmill in NYC you did just that. Kudos to you for a job well done.
Great job Dean. Way to work through a the tough stretches.
DS
Next time we are at a race, doesn't matter how far or short, and we find ourselves crashing and burning. . .there is an honorable lesson here to be learned. And sometimes I wonder how much thought we really devote to our races where the proceeds are health related. PRs, and world records, are important, but an extra nickel and dime for those who might not see the year out is an effort that lives through the ages.
DEAN!!!!!
Congratulations!
I was able to tune in a couple times the other day and I was so inspired! I couldn't get past the 78 degrees. I had just read the blog and someone asked how you were going to use the bathroom...almost minutes later there you were stepping off and into the zip-up tent! I too wanted to know who the lady was running on the other treadmill? I was on my way to do a run and when I got outside the temperature read 80 degrees! I wasn't out there nearly as long as you were up there I know how tough my run was...and I still couldn't possibly imagine how you felt after running for much longer, much faster and with less sleep! Hats off to you Dean...sneakers too :o)
Hello to everyone! Happy Summer!
Watching you online was really cool though, I'm about to check out YOUTube for a few clips! Thanks for the tip!
Dean:
Reading your post I was struck by how many of the wonderful quotes from your book came into play in NYC. The quote from Teddy Roosevelt on page 173 of the book about the credit belonging to the man in the ring; T.S. Eliot's quote about "only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go"; Churchill's "when you're going through hell keep going"; "success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go"; your dad's saying "if you can't run, then walk, and if you can't walk, then crawl; do what you have to do, just keep moving forward and never, ever give up"; "what counts most in battle is what you do when the pain sets in." I could go on and on.
Many thanks from all of us who have prostate cancer survivors and patients in our families. You are an inspiration and motivation to us all. Please post a note when you are going to be in Dallas again. A lot of us would love to see you again and are hoping that you come back in November for the Ultracentric.
Anything unattempted remains impossible.
Thanks again and God Bless!
Jim Baudhuin
The good news (for Dan) - Finally a victory!!!! Congrats to Dan on braving the heat and coming through for the guys!
The bad news (for Dan) - Hell hath no fury like a woman who has streak of 17 straight wins snapped! I fear you are in for a butt whoopin' in next week's race! Sorry Dan, but I'm putting my money on Vickie. But ya never know. Miracles happen. It's theoretically possible that you could win two in a row, Heck, even a broke clock has the right time twice a day!
Spurgeon-Thanks for the good cheers for both of us. Although my spirit has been temporarily broken, I am planning my comeback. I bought a new book, The Athletes Way, and I plan to learn some new strategies. I can't bear the thought of losing my title, "Relentless Man-Slayer!" I must redeem myself! Don't worry about Dan, I have given the praise he deserves, so life hasn't been to bad here at the homestead. I am a good loser! Seeing what Dean has accomplihsed, only pushes me to be my best. He is the ultimate motivator, if only he would get his next book written! Well I hope you all have received some new motivation for althletic endevors, and are all out there doing some exciting events. Keep on truckin'!
Vickie
Way to go Dean :) That is stil an awesome accomplishment. Running through the pain and not giving in and stopping might be more of a ongoing inspiration then had you broke the record. Some point you should go for the record again, in a slightly more ideal environment.
Looking forward to hear about the further adventures of Karno :)
Dean you will need the protein in the new drink to build new toe nails! Mate that was an amazing thing you did to keep on going. Wow.
you done it again! you filled me up with more
running fuel! congrats on your outstanding
performance! as far as the toes go you wont have to worry about ingrown toe nails :) once again your my hero and insperation! wishing you a speedy recovery!
Dean -
I watched your effort for basically the entire 24 hours (I was awake working) and all I could say was that it was gut wrenching. A bunch of us were emailing back and forth on the Ultra list and just as you said, you looked strong those first 90 miles and the record seemed in jeopardy.
And then, those of us watching saw a runner start to disinegrate in a way most of runners have before. For me, it was gut wrenching watching you basically "Death March" for all to see while you were in obvious pain and knowing that your body is capable of much more (your 130+ mile 24 hour effort on your run home after the 50/50/50). I was able to identify with the pain I saw in your face as I death marched those last 8 miles with a fractured tibula at Umstead.
I'm almost happy you didn't break the record and a lot of people got to see a side of DK that's more human than the PR machine many mistake you for. I know I got to see DK the runner, the human, struggling and fighting for every tick on that huge billboard.
Thank you for your money raising efforts and hopefully you'll get a crack at this record again.
HI... HOPE EVERYONE IS DOING WELL (ESPECIALLY YOU DEAN... WOW, WHAT AN AMAZING JOURNEY YOU TAKE US ON)!! THANK YOU !!!
I AM ABOUT TO PAR TAKE ON A JOURNEY MYSELF... I AM RUNNING THE NY MARATHON AND I AM RUNNING FOR THE FARM SANCTUARY... The Farm Sanctuary is a national, non-profit animal protection organization. Each year they rescue, rehabilitate and provide lifelong care for hundreds of animals rescued from factory farms, stockyards and slaughterhouses. In addition to operating the shelters, they work to gain legal protection for animals used in food production and to raise public awareness about factory farm cruelty and cruelty-free alternatives. SO NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS, PLEASE TAKE A SECOND AND GLANCE AT MY PAGE. HOPEFULLY YOU WILL HELP THESE WONDERFUL ANIMALS AND PEOPLE WHO CARE FOR THEM.
THANKS JACKIE AMAROSA
http://www.firstgiving.com/JACKIESRUN
Dean has been nominated for one of ESPN's ESPY Awards. Stands for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards. You can go to this link and scroll down to Best Outdoor Athlete Hosted this year by Jimmy Kimmel and Lebron James. GO VOTE!
http://espn.go.com/espy2007/index.html#/vote/
Greg OU, I tried to go and vote but I do Not see the Best Outdoor Category? what am i missing here?
btw, Dean, u ROCK! as usual you inspire my runs with your determination, strength and personality. thank you
Great job, Dean. I ran with you in MO. and OK. during your Endurance 50 as part of my own charity event (I have been on a monthly marathon streak since the time you started in MO) Here is more information about my charities and upcoming races in case anyone is interested in donating and/or running with me: www.myspace.com/troyrayg . Once again, Dean, take care. You are my idol.
Geag- I didn't find Dean on the ESPY, as an option to vote for him! Where is he?
The ESPY Vote: If you go to that link, the page ought to show Best Male Athlete on the left and a number of categories from top to bottom on the right (best male athlete to best upset). Next to those categores should be a vertical blue line (or bar). You can point your cursor to it and scroll down. Best outdoor athlete is about 6 up from the bottom. It puzzled me, too, the first time until I figured that you could scroll down that blue bar. Don't want a hanging chad problem here : )!
Brother Dean,
Your efforts are helping me beat the dragons within.
Thank you for you efforts,
I think if Dean can, I can.
My first 50 Miler coming up, & that is 100% because of you.
Deal with that brother ! Deal with the fact that what you have done is helped others ! Helped me!
Cheers mate
Dean,
As always a fine display of tenacity in all conditions.
Bonza work mate!
Cheers Adrian
He's got my vote! It was hard to see the blue bar on the side of my screen. It was hidden and we had to change the screen size in order to view it. I cast my vote and so should everyone else. We all know why we visit this site! Dean is our master of motivation. He truly deserves this honor! So start pounding away.
Dean,
I hate to tell you this, but you may have lost your toenails for no reason. I can't find a 7-11 store that has the Accelerade. I have called just about every store in the NW suburbs of Chicago and no luck.
As for the ESPY, I cannot think of a more derserving "outdoor" athlete. I think you earned this honor with your blizzard running during your run home!
Cheers,
John
John- I read somewhere that Accelerade is only available in sports specific stores , But soon to be readily available, in convenience stores. hope you are enjoying your miles!
Vickie
Had you done a 24 hour run on a track, I'm sure you would have gone much further than the 153.76 miles. But on a treadmill you surrendered your own sense of pace to the machine's demand. And what's with the black nails? My guess is the treadmill forced you to an unnatural short-step or stutter-step gait for 24 hours rather than your natural pace. That forced your toes into the front of the shoes, similar to running down an incline. Either that or electrolyte imbalance led to lower leg edema and swollen feet. Just a guess, as someone who has run 90 miles a week on a treadmill. (But never at one time.)
Kevin
Who thought running in Manhattan in June would bring anything close to good running conditions?
Was there even a fan blowing on the treadmill?
IMO the attempt was doomed before the start.
Way to go Dean! I wish your feet a speedy recovery. Thanks for continually inspiring us all to get out there everyday and enjoy life through running. Take care!
- Andrea Hamel ('Team VSP')
Amazing Dean, great 24 hour run in NYC!!! Jason
Way to go Dean! And i feel your pain. Like you, I attempted 24 hours on a treadmill this year for charity. It was also my first attempt at anything over 8 hours and over 44 miles. I felt great the first 12 hours (I hit 50 miles at the 10:00 mark), but the wheels started to come off in the wee hours of the morning. Don't believe what anyone says, a treadmill is HORRIBLE on the body. Another friend ran it with me who had completed other 100s on trails & the road. She said the treadmill was harder on her body than the others.
I finished with 81 miles (most I've ever run) even after getting sea sick from the continuous motion of the treadmill, requiring that I liie down for an hour during the night.
I would hope that Dean can address why he was schedled to run at Western States 100 that weekend and decides to schedule this event on the same weekend.
From the surface this is very unprofessional and shows no respect to WS.
Tony
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Dean K wrote: Tony, I will let you know that this was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make. I spoke to the Race Director of the Western States personally to express my regrets. The Western States is a race I greatly look forward to every year, even after 11 years of running it. It was the sponsors decision to hold the treadmill event on summer solstice, two days before Western States. In the end, I thought the decision to raise tens of thousands of dollars for charity was the right thing to do. Again, it was a very difficult choice to make and it weighed heavily on me.
Dean, great achievement. You must draw great strength from looking back at the periods that required such mental focus to pull through to the end. A sturdy well done.
I am contemplating a 12 hr treadmill run for charity earlier next year and would welcome some more information on the following topics please.
Details of food/drink consumed during this time.
Did you change socks/shoes? At what points and how was this acheived given you are on a treadmill in motion?
Bodily functions? How are these managed also??
Forgive me asking, but I can't find these answers.
Hoping you can help.
Kindest regards,
Carl.
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Dean K wrote: Hey Carl, you ask some good questions. I was primarily getting my calories and hydration drinking Accelerade. Because it has protein, I found it both filling and minimizing muscle damage. I was pretty nauseas because of the heat and diesel exhaust (I wouldn’t recommend doing your 12-hour run in Times Square), so I ate no solid food. I changed my shoes once, just jumped off the back of the treadmill and quickly put on new shoes. There was a portable toilet position right behind the treadmill. Obviously when you’re drinking all that fluid, you’re got to relieve yourself somewhere.
Hope that helps. Basically the clock starts ticking at the start and you can do what you need to do to get through it, but the clock is still running even when you use the bathroom. The art is to be fast, without getting your shoes wet (hee! hee!).
Thanks for the speedy response. Very useful info. Amazing that you ate no solid food! I have never used Accelerade, but will check it out.
My questions have been answered, for the time being, many thanks once again!
Here's to dry shoes!
Carl.