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Day 50 - New York City Marathon in New York City, NY

I too would like to echo “Koop” in his blog “Thank You” to the road crew.  So, thanks to you Jason Koop (the Coach and Trainer - thanks for running with us in NJ), to Garrett (the Event Manager and Chief Water/Cytomax captain for coming back to check on us every time we fell behind), to Robin (the queen of administration and testosterone control, who greeted us with a smile day after day, and ran with us in NH), to Jimmy (the quiet but ever present North Face rep who made us feel like part of the team), to Jim (the Squires Group manager back in the Dallas Office for his tireless efforts on our behalf), to Cory (the photographer, who got mad that I didn’t warn him I was going to do a cartwheel at the Finish Line in Maine), and to JB (the Director who knows how to ask the right questions, and let the answers unfold).

And, thanks to the Family, Dean’s parents, wife, son & daughter who lived the dream with him, and provided the support that only family can.  But, most of all, thanks Dean for the chance to be part of your campaign to “Never Stop Exploring” … Congratulations, you can now join the Marathon Maniacs at the 10 Star “Titanium” Level.

- Bekkie & Joe from CT

5 Boroughs - 5 Bridges
to the tune of Simon & Garfunkel’s 59th Street Bridge Song - “Feelin’ Groovy”

10:10 - It’s time to go
from STATEN ISLAND on the VERRAZANO
North on 4TH to BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
now you’re runnin’ NEW YORK CITY

First though, Red Hook - that’s the 10K
And Fort Greene Park - that’s at Mile 8
Take a Right on Lafayette
and you’re runnin’ NEW YORK CITY

Ba da, Ba da, Ba da, Ba da...NEW YORK CITY

Williamsburgh South & North, and up to Greenpoint
The 20K’s past now, a bridge is in sight
It’s PULASKI this time - Halfway -
now you’re in QUEENS
3 Borroughs down in NEW YORK CITY

QB to 59TH Street
The East River under your feet
1ST Ave, you’re in MANHATTAN
in the heart of NEW YORK CITY

Randall’s Island off to your right
WILLIS AVE - Mile 20 flies by
Now the BRONX to 21
Yeah, you’re runnin’ NEW YORK CITY

Ba da, Ba da, Ba da, Ba da...NEW YORK CITY

MADISON AVE then 5TH takes you South to Midtown
Through Harlem, the East Side, and Central Park South
The Statue of Columbus - Tavern-on-the-Green
and you’ve just run NEW YORK CITY

CONGRATULATIONS, 50 STATES, DEAN!

Day 48 - Philadelphia Marathon in Philadelphia, PA

I am beat to hell. At mile 16 my knees were grinding in pain. I had met another runner early on in the day and we shuffled on together no more than 20 ft back from the group. When the police blockade gave way we became seperated and I struggled on alone. I found mile 20, made the turn and was starting to feel that "home stretch" feeling. I didn't matter that I may not finish with the group for this would be my second marathon ever, both in only three weeks time, and as I told new friends I met along the way this had nothing to do with running. This was about taking myself to places I never imagined I could go. Just as important, if I continued at this pace I would defintely PR. Around mile 22 or 23 my engine began to sputter. I thought it was just muscle fatigue so I'd give myself a few seconds to walk and pick up the running at the next tree or sign. I remember telling myself "only three miles to go. You can do three miles!" I continued the on-again-off-again walk/run cycle until I mentally could not force myself to run any further. The sputtering of the engine was actually my body running out of fuel. There was nothing left inside me and I hadn't seen the SAG vechile since mile 15. I found it hard to form coherent thoughts and wobbled back and forth along the path in search of water. I knew there was a water fountain somewhere not too far away and if I couldn't find it I was going to have to stop a passing cyclist to beg for sip. I walked for what felt like 5 miles to find it but in reality it may have just been 5 or 10 minutes. Still unable to even speak I filled by bottle four times and put the last Powergel into my mouth. The lightbulb in my head flickered back on and I started to feel alive again. A few minutes later I spotted a Cytomax bottle sitting on the stone wall. I hobbled over to it hoping to take in a few forgotten drops but it turned out to be completely full. What are the odds? Whoever left this bottle there saved me that day and I am beyond greatful. I had the fuel I needed and I knew I was close. A few minutes later I looked behind me and spotted another Endurance50 bib and walked back to him. A fellow Connecticut runner, he was watching me weave back and forth across the path, as if drunk and ready to fall over. I remember him saying I really didn't look good and I became even more thankful for the Cytomax that jump started my brain. He gave me his gloves and we continued on together. He was a cynical man, much like myself and I appreciated his bitterness in the dull pain of the last two miles. I needed him just as much as I needed anything that day and in the end he embodied the entire experience for me. This was about people inspiring people -- the marathon was just the medium. As we approached the finish we made a quick dash by the Rocky statue, something he said I had to see while in Philadelphia, and the two of us crossed the finish line together. Many of the new friends I met along the way had left by then but it didn't matter, we all did it together. Thank you Scott for being there for miles 3 - 19 and I hope you decide to run Phoenix, Ed for the last 2 and Dean for inspiring all of us along the way.

- Eric Roth

Day 47 - Delaware Marathon in Wilmington, DE

Dean Karnazes is an awesome individual.  Having only known of Dean for four months, running with him yesterday in Wilmington, Delaware was like being with a best neighborhood buddy for the day.

Dean’s continuing story has motivated me to run farther distances and to push myself to my limit, as you will read in my tale of the Wilmington run.   I am, also, privileged to have a running partner, Mike, and together we’ve been keeping each other on a regular training schedule.  At this time last year the furthest I’d ever run was a 10K.  We decided to train for the Baltimore Half Marathon in October; his idea.  However, we got so caught-up in the passion of Dean’s Endurance 50, that we also signed up to run a whole marathon with Dean in Wilmington, only 2 ½ weeks after our half marathon; my idea. Not having adequate time to train, we thought that since the course in Wilmington was 4 laps, we could beg off at any time, and at least we would have had the wonderful experience of meeting, running, and talking to Dean, while not actually completing a whole marathon.

Mike and I did what we could to prepare for our run of number “47” marathon with Dean.  Ten days prior, we ran a 19.4 mile trail run; the longest distance that I’ve ever run…it almost killed me.  I experienced major leg cramps for half an hour after that run.  As time drew nearer, and the memory of the 19 miler wore off, we each had privately decided that we were going to run every step of Dean’s 47th marathon (this revelation came out in the rainy, two-hour car ride to the start).

We live on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a flat piece of God’s country surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean, fields of grain and geese, and small historic towns which are connected by the Bay’s rivers, creeks, and coves.   I am a wooden boat builder and preservationist.  I am also an avid sailboat racer.  I’ve seen my fair share of rough weather here on the Bay, as well as on the ocean, but I certainly prefer sporting in bluebird weather.  As we were driving to the start of “47” in bitterly-cold driving rain, Mike and I said to each other how no one else in the world, other than Dean, could get us to drive through this horrible weather to the dark industrial dockyards of Wilmington, Delaware to run a marathon.  Go Dean!

In the middle of a huge, cold, gray wet parking lot the new white pick-up truck rolled up to the crowd where we were waiting.  The passenger side door opened and Karnazes, pretending to be already exhausted (right!), rolled out of the truck head first, leaving his legs in the truck and catching himself with his hands on the asphalt.  Electric shot through us all.  One could imagine him doing one-armed push-ups in that position for the rest of the day.

In a blur the cannon thundered, our legs got to work, and the clouds parted leaving us with brilliant sunshine for the duration.  Within the first six miles Mike and I came along side Dean and started to chat with him.  It was like Dean had always been with us on our jaunts back in Maryland among the cornfields and creeks.  He made us feel a part of the “running world” with his easy manner, effortless running style, and inviting personality.  We were going to run a whole marathon.

About three-quarters through the run my body was telling me that it had had enough.  My “mind” on the other hand, had a different idea.  My mind pulled my body through to the finish, some twenty minutes behind Dean and company.  My eyes welled with tears as I finished the hardest physical effort I’d ever put forth.  My legs were wasted as I walked around the crowd.  My running partner and I did a heartfelt congratulatory hug.  But my legs got worse, to the point where I was going to fall if I didn’t sit.  Within thirty seconds of sitting, all my muscles grabbed my body and held it captive as I sat there unable to move.  My body had reclaimed itself from my mind.

I managed to get the attention of one of the kind North Face guys and slurred to him that I think I needed help.  I sat on the announcement stage with my toes on the ground and my arms straight out behind me, holding my torso in an upright position.  My calves “Charlie-horsed”.  My abdomen muscles clutched at my front.  “Was I having a heart attack,” I asked myself?  When the paramedics ran from the on-station ambulance over to me, I told them I couldn’t move.  They asked me to remove my sunglasses.  That was impossible for me.  They quickly put me on oxygen and warmed me in the back of the ambulance.  Dean left the crowd and came over to us.  He made me feel like a hero, even though I was sitting on a stretcher.  He’s truly gifted. In fifteen minutes I was on my feet again, feeling better, and standing in line to get Dean to autograph his book.  Mind and body had worked out a deal.

I want to give Dean and the North Face crew my “heartfelt” appreciation for giving my mind, body, and, especially, spirit incentive to never stop running.  Mike and I are looking at tackling our first 50 miler in 2007.  Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

Michael J. Keene
Wittman, Maryland

Day 46 - Baltimore Marathon in Baltimore, MD

(As I’m writing this note – I’m proudly wearing my newly acquired 50 Endurance T-Shirt!)

My name is Bodhi. A little bit about me first. I recently moved to Baltimore, my hometown, about 6 months ago to pursue the next phase of my life, which includes pursuing a career in medicine. Being 52 years old, it will be an immense undertaking – after 25 years in the health field, including 12 years of being a Chiropractor (sorry Dean, that you didn’t get an adjustment this time.)

An interviewer asked me why I was doing this race and I said it was a perfect metaphor for my latest undertaking and would help me balance out my goals and studies for the future. The marathon takes a completely different mindset and physiology. As a track runner in high school (mile and half mile) the races were quick and over in a few minutes. Running has permeated my life since then, but I left the racing scene soon after college. After meeting Stu Mittleman – the 1,000-mile American record holder 6 years ago, Jeff Galloway – last year and now Dean – Ultramarathon man, my running has evolved into an important part of my mental and spiritual health as well as physical.

As you saw from Dean’s blog – we ‘ran’ into a precarious situation 2 miles into the race – we saw the smoke coming out of a third story window of a burning row house. Within a few seconds, flames were shooting out as we ran by. We stopped, momentarily, but moved on as the flames burst the window. The police escort quickly went work pulling out, as we found out later, three people, and one being a child. This ‘timing’ would not have happened if we weren’t delayed 15 minutes or so at the start. As we waited for the police to return I said to Dean – “Divine Intervention!”

The race was already ‘showing’ itself as more than just running – it was becoming an event. I first read about Dean sometime in the summer and decided to try to make it – to my first Marathon and join in. Not being in very good shape at the time, I had to begin a quick study in getting the mileage up – 3 months prep instead of the recommended six. However, reading the blogs everyday got me motivated, finally, reading his Ultramarathon book, and seeing that the field was limited to 50 people I finally committed 3 weeks before the event.

I finally ran a 26-mile training run 2 weeks before the race – so I thought I could do it. However, the race is another thing. I wasn’t use to all the noise, talking and pace – which picked up after the 6th mile – so I thought I was slowing down and was getting discouraged. (Dean ran 3:49 not the usual 4:15). It was amazing to watch Dean run – like a metronome – perfect stride and form. It was amazing as he appeared to be running in slow motion compared to the other runners – in another time-frame, loping along, even as he picked up the pace.

As it was 10 degrees hotter than normal, I had decided to drop back as I realized that Dean had previous time commitments and probably had to make up the lost time, there were a few others also dropping back and we eventually got behind the SAG wagon. They soon decided not to finish the race – so I journeyed on alone.

I was actually enjoying the ‘alone’ run without all the noise and talking. But, then I followed, who I thought was a runner in the race down a wrong turn somewhere at mile 13 or 14. I finally caught up to him and asked him if we were on the right street and he gave me a puzzled look then I realized he wasn’t a participant - I was off the course.

I was turned around and got back on track somehow, and then got into a very positive mind mode of being the pioneer (in the rear) and trying to pursue the group. And, at the same time I had to pay attention more to my bearings, and water supply. I knew that if I could get past mile 19, it would be downhill. I started to hit the wall about mile 18 and went into ‘finish mode’ adding more walking in. Dean’s book came in handy at this point as I started to get worried about the time. His Dad’s advice to him - “If you can run – run, walk – walk, crawl – crawl, keep moving forward.

Finally, 3 miles from the finish, even if I had to hobble in. At this point, I was running 100 yards and walking 30, and my water ran out. An obviously drunk, street person started yelling at me “Get out of the street you dummy, the Marathon was 2 weeks ago!”
The comment was so ludicrous I started to laugh and it gave me an uplift.

Then I got turned around a half dozen times and it seemed like the closer I got to finish the further away I got. Plus, all the stopping for traffic finally got to my legs as they began cramping. Time moving on and my thoughts were that Dean was probably gone by now and my ride was worried and waiting alone in the parking lot. A very low point and at this point I was looking for a cab - but kept on. Another angel appeared – a woman with a Down’s syndrome child started to ask me a question, I thought was directions – I just said I was lost and didn’t want to be bothered – all she wanted was the time.

Somehow, that interaction showed me my shortcomings and I started to really reflect on my life. I finally realized the power of this event and began to move into a profoundly altered state of consciousness, as the whole race flashed in front of me and all the experiences – all the city people, sites and the pull of the group at the finish line and all of their life stories, especially a Marine and his time in Iraq.

I finally got to Camden yards and saw the two filmographers from the Swiss TV station – they said, “Straight ahead.” Wow slow close – so I ran and then saw nothing, thinking everyone left and stopped and reread the directions and realized I was not at the right stadium – after a few minutes I figured it out and ran on and saw the finish line – as the group cheered me on. As my natural comical nature came out, I ran straight into the pylon and fell back and then crawled and rolled over the finish line – what fun!

I had finished my first marathon, and in style, and gave everyone a good laugh. Thanks Dean. – What an amazing adventure, the beginning of a new adventure and memories for a lifetime. I grew up in Baltimore, but this was the first time I really ‘saw it’ in this way – as part of the bigger picture, and to know what was important – the people and the humanness of it all.

Thanks again to the whole support team and the other runners – hope to see you again!
Bodhi

P.S.
A special personal thank you to Dean.
You were worried about me getting home and wanted to make sure I was safe on my drive home and even offered me some coffee. This is after your 46th Marathon and signing books and taking pictures for an hour. Thank you for your kindness and attentiveness. (An extraordinary man – to be able to take care of all involved in the event.)

Day 45 - Triple Lakes Trail Marathon in Greensboro, NC

My name is Rob and I drove down from Philly on Monday so that I could run my first trail marathon with a group of like-minded athletes at a pace that looked to be perfect.  The added benefit of running with Dean was that any time I felt weak or tired or uncomfortable during this trail run, all I had to do was look over at him, with his bandages, scrapes and bruises and see for myself what endurance is.  The guy is tough as nails with an optimistic positive attitude.  A great role model, and I am 47 years old.

The organization of this event was simply amazing.  Confirmation and pre-race emails from Jim Anderson were detailed and informative.  The shuttle bus from the VF parking lot to the race start was a luxury bus not a school bus - that was a really nice detail.  The starting area organization was amazing.  Everyone on the Endurance 50 team did a professional job - all details were taken care of.  The nature center bathrooms were opened early for us runners.  That is a small but very important detail.  These staff people all maintained their positive attitudes.  This is after 45 consecutive days of traveling and organizing.  They all should be commended for their professional and optimistic attitudes.  I wish that I could list all of their names but you know who you are and THANK YOU.

Thanks to the young man from Greensboro who went out on the trail Monday night to mark the course.  It was well marked with yellow arrows.  I am sure that on Monday (mischief night) that was not too much fun in those dark, creepy woods.  Thanks to the Greensboro police and townspeople who came out to help us negotiate this very challenging course.  The aid stations were well stocked, plentiful, and in my opinion placed at the right spots.

The post-race event was first class - the VF CEO and Mayor of Greensboro both came out to congratulate Dean and the runners.  The entire VF corporation was in the parking lot for the festival.  We runners also were allowed to go to the front of the line to have Dean sign our books, numbers, hats, etc.  Dean maintained a calm, positive, optimistic attitude the entire day, whether addressing the runners, running the trail, or being interviewed by the press.  His family also should be commended for their excellent support.  They are his ever-present support team and energy force, but they never put themselves in the spotlight.

The other runners were a mix of ages and abilities.  From beginners to experienced and professional triathletes.  Running single file for 4 hours with 50 of your closest friends was a neat experience because there were some really funny and interesting stories being tossed around.  Speaking of tossed around, there were more spills and wipe outs from these runners than I could have imagined.  I had a nice face plant at the 22 mile mark, but luckly at that time no one was around to witness!

This was a peaceful, quiet run through some of the most beautiful scenery on a pristine trail.  The last three miles seemed endless, but at the same time I kept thinking that I was sad that it was almost over.  It was a surreal Tuesday morning - a break from the rat race.  Good luck with the final five marathons which will all be in major cities and through densly populated areas.  None will be this quiet and peaceful.  So Dean, thanks for the experience and enjoy the next five days!

Best Regards
Rob from "Philly"

Day 45 - Triple Lakes Trail Marathon in Greensboro, NC

My name is Jason Whitler and I ran a mile for the first time in June of this year.  I have always been athletic but never particularly in shape.  I have recently devoted myself to becoming fit in large part because of reading Dean's book.  His fitness is well documented but his attitude and approach to life is what really drives people.  In person he is just as genuine, energetic and positive as you would imagine.  He really appreciates each and every person that comes out to run with him.  When he signed my book, the lens cap from my camera was falling off my pile of swag and he actually made sure that I didn't drop it.  This guy has run 45 consecutive marathons and he was looking out for my 10 cent lens cap!  I only made it 16 miles of the trail marathon but this was still about twice as far as I had ever run in my life.  It would not have been possible without you Dean.  Thanks.

Day 42 - Tampa Marathon in Tampa, FL

Since you published my blog on the Atlanta run, here is my two cents on Dean's next challenge.

I believe a run accross america would be the best choice.   it has been done by several back in the 1990s when i believe runners world was a co-sponsor of the run accross america.  My friend did the run in 1994 and said it required about a 41 mile a day pace, this could obviously be altered in any
manner.  The great advantage over the 50 in 50 in 50 states is that you are at your rest site at then end of each day,  i.e. no 7 hour drive to get to the next start point.  Dean could cover about 90 days worth of promotional running so it can amost double or can actually double the number of days
where runners can register and run with Dean.  It also leaves itself open for a "Forrest Gump" type run that crosses The United states twice!! this would give Dean 180-220 days of promotional running and probably a true record in distance.  Again, the good news would be a 7 hour reprieve on the
daily travel so he could rest better and not be as uptight on time schedules for interviews and the like.    If Dean wanted to do the cross america in 26.2 mile increments then that would aid him as well distancwise, however, how about 100 Ultras in a row, all with 50 or so slots for runners to join
him.  He is the Ultra marathon man, and 28 miles is an ultra, so a 50 miler or 50K is not required, only something greater than 26.2.  Again thank Dean for the opportunity, and i hope he decides to do something like this again soon.

Steve Seal

Day 42 - Tampa Marathon in Tampa, FL

Hi. My name is Jim McDannel. I've been running for about 3 years now.  This was the fourth marathon I have completed.  I bought Dean's book about 6 months ago and have been following his career for the last few years.  It was a great honor to meet him and be able to run beside him.

The course was well planned, most of the run was on a quiet trail and neighborhoods with a small portion on Gulf Blvd.  We seemed to have a crowd of runners of all ability levels. The weather was somewhat hot with windy conditions throughout the race.

The SAG vehicle and staff were fantastic.  They also have had 42 races and were still upbeat and friendly.

I'm glad I was able to participate and had a great time.  Best of luck for the remaining 8.  I'll be looking for What's Next!

Day 41 - Georgia Marathon in Atlanta, GA

My name is Steve Seal and I am a retired Navy captain and now JROTC teacher in Georgia.  I picked up Dean's book about five months ago and the result has been a renewed desire to just get out and run.  After joining him today for the Georgia Marathon course in downtown Atlanta, I can say that although he cannot help but impress anyone who has run a marathon, ultra, or even ironman (we had some of all of these running in Atlanta today) but the trait that may have impressed me most today was that for the 41st time he has run a marathon, in sometimes very challenging conditions, today was certainly no exception, and yet hangs around for an hour, or maybe two making 50 fellow runners feel special.

Today it was rain from start to finish, sidewalk running due to Atlanta rush hour traffic and a spill by Dean onto the pavement resulting in some nice road rash and blood loss on Dean's part.   His comment after the race finish, "now I have a tattoo to remember the Georgia run".   One ultra runner today summed it up best by saying it was like a "trail run with cars to avoid". This was my 8th marathon and I ran about half the race with a young man from Augusta, Georgia whose wife and 18 month old son were there for the rainy start and finish, he was determined to not quit.   Dean is correct, the will and enthusiasm of the runners is a powerful force and in Georgia today that force was a major part of why 50 souls ran in weather that was perfect only for Ducks or fish.

Talking with Dean's dad and for a short minute his mom, was a highlight. They beam with obvious pride in Dean but probably not his running ability as much as the kind of guy he is.  The Endurance50 support team is superb, and you didn't hear them griping about the horrible weather they had to endure to hand out water and food to we merry band of 50. All in all if you read this and believe you can run the distance or just want a memorable experience and can only run a portion of the marathon, you only have a few opportunities left for a great time. You will enjoy Dean and the Endurance50 crew, his parents and hopefully the act of becoming more healthy through fitness.

Steve Seal
McDonough, Georgia