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Like a fine red wine, this was a vintage 14 months of marathoning for me. It
started In January of 2002 with the Disney Marathon, then I did Motorola
Marathon In February. Followed by the Flying Pig In Cincinnati in May. Took a short
break then did the Chicago Marathon in October. In December, January and
February I did in succession the Dallas Marathon, Houston Marathon and finally the
Austin Motorola Marathon.
A lot of people ask why? Answer is: I'm not sure of the answer. It just kind
of happened. I was planning on doing the Disney Marathon and the Motorola
Marathon. But, friends wanted a spring marathon to do and I decided on the Flying
Pig, unfortunately all of those friends, with the exception of Jennifer
Houghton, dropped out. So, on to Chicago which quite a few of us did. After that I
just said what the heck and decided to get Dallas and Houston out of the way.
The fun thing about the 7 is that I didn't run them to test how fast I could
run. Other than Motorola, where I missed a PR by 24 seconds, I ran all of them
relatively slow. Chuck Denny always ask me how can I run a 5+ hour marathon
when I can run one in just under 4? It's easy really. There is fun in both. The
fun with running fast is knowing all you could give the run was left on the
course. It's a test of not only how physically ready you are but also how wise
you plan to developed the proper strategy to not hit the sag wagon due to the
dreaded bonk. That breeze from running faster feels very good too. I've only
once had the marathon where there was absolutely no tightness during the run.
It was such a fantastic feeling to sprint the end towards a finish of under 4
hours at 3:56. The endorphin rush lasted for weeks after that run.
Ahh, running slow has many rewards as well. I take in more and see a
different type of marathon struggle. Most in the back pack don't have the time in a
schedule to run a lot during a work week or the physical makeup it takes to be a
fast runner. 26.2 isn't just a marathon, it's a day. The struggle to just
finish last longer. The wall hits harder and sooner. There is more sweat on the
brow, there is more tightness in the legs, there is probably more appreciation
of crossing that finish line. You see more anguish on the faces, wishing that
the cramps go away but knowing that it won't go away until they cross that
finish line that can be 10 miles away or more. It's hard to smile at that point.
To see the perseverance to press on and not stop is a reward in itself. Watch
a Finnish of a slow marathoner. You could build a lake with the amount of
tears that are out there from well wishers as well as competitors. The fun thing
about the 7 is that I had the pleasure of helping or being apart of 4 first
time marathons. Mike Wilson in Cincinnati, Emma Tuel in Chicago, Stephanie
Thompson in Dallas and Diane Daniels at this past Motorola, will always hold a
special place in my heart along with Josolyn Krohmer, the first person I ever
helped with a marathon. It happens to the majority of us in a marathon but it's
interesting to watch the transformation from happiness to anguish when it's your
first time. Jeckle does turn into Hyde. You know that point in a race where
whatever anyone says, it doesn't help? At that point it seems the middle finger
is used to make a point or give directions, F bombs are blasted and shut up
is the conversation of choice. Almost all first timers go through that. It's
just a right of passage.
Each of the 7 was special in many ways. All were spent with good friends and
good times. When I ran Disney I told friends I was going there to find Minnie
Mouse and I did. Taking pictures along the course with the Disney characters
was a blast. Cincy had beautifully scenery. Cincinnati has more parks per
capita than any city other than Paris, France. Chicago combined a great city with a
great run. Definitely one worth repeating. Dallas was scenic as well, great
weather and taking pictures with Dinty Moore on two outside urinals makes me
laugh every time I look at it plus helping him help his niece Stephanie run her
first. Houston was so much fun. Similar to Chicago as it was a flat run but
the weather was perfect, the support was good and the finishing area was
awesome. My only complaint is the identity crisis I developed as I've heard way too
many Go Diane, Go Stephanie, Go Mike, Go Emma, Go Diane (different Diane) I
think next time I'm going to wear on my shirt, what about Pat!
Motorola always has it's very special charm since it's my home town run. It's
a great feeling to hear my named being called without having to wear a go Pat
on my shirt or forehead. The first Motorola was nice because I did it under 4
for the 3rd time and just missed a PR. The 2nd time around was memorable for
helping Diane and having my three angle cheering squad of Janet, Sheila &
Emma. Well, maybe 2 angels and a devil as Sheila carried MY whip. (inside joke,
it's her whip...and she's getting better at it) Plus, seeing runners that had a
different type of bravery in coming out there to support fellow runners when
injuries prevented them from playing with the rest of us.
Several people to thank for the 7. My family, I always wear my niece's
bracelet to help provide strength to fight her MS disease and my father's old
military handkerchief which I unfortunately lost in this past Motorola Marathon.
These items are always a source of motivation. Josolyn for the nice gift in
Chicago and for getting me into this running thang. Dinty, Diane Coe, Michelle
Visel for the help with the rooms on these trips. Jennifer Houghton for
practically organizing the Cincinnati trip and doing all 7 as well, Janet Pichette for
introducing me to Mike & Wendy Wilson and then being able to run with Mike.
Then Mike and Wendy for coming to Chicago to root us on. The 4 rookie runners, 3
angel cheering squad, 2 turtle doves and a partridge in a pair tree. Finally
to the good folks in Austin Fit, particularly in the Yellow group. Every year
it puts a smile on my face to be apart of your marathon dream. If you ran this
year or didn't run this year I thank you for the experience of spending August
through February with you. The bond of running we have is interwoven tightly
with the bonds of friendship that are made. Thank you very much.
Pat Burch
A/F Class of -96
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