Chicago Marathon 2007 Summary - How hot was it?

The marathon with an asterisk - now I know what Barry Bonds feels like :>) The Chicago marathon or the "Chicago Death March" as it is now known was all over the local and national news so I'm sure you heard about it; due to the extreme heat and humidity it was cancelled before thousands of runners could finish.

Starting the race was a real adrenaline rush - I felt like I was in the Olympics; thousands of runners taking off to cheering crowds. I was really psyched at the start and stayed that way for the first 4 miles. We skipped the 2 mile water station because folks were lined up 20 deep waiting for some water; we figured we'd get some at the 4-mile stop. At the 4 mile stop we noticed that water was no where to be found and were told to "keep going" to the next stop; apparently the first 15000 runners consumed more than expected and there was literally none left for us "slow pokes" My daughter Cara and I were unable to get any water until the 6 mile marker and unable to get any Gatorade until mile 8. That put me in a bad way right off the bat; my body was crying out for hydration. Local residents and business owners were bringing out their garden hoses to help cool off the runners. I saw runners running into local 7-11s buying water and Gatorade (note to self - bring money next time) and some even ran off the course for a short while to a local park to cool off in a public "wishing well".

I did fairly well to the 13 mile halfway point. I tried to run in whatever shade I could find. Most of the course after 13 miles was in direct sun with very little shade. The temperature was bad but the humidity was even worse - stifling. I didn't experience any cramping; the only thing that was "hurting" was the bottom of my feet. The pavement was so hot that my feet were "on fire". At around mile 15 I walked for a while. The race actually started to look like a "walk-a-thon" more than a marathon - everyone was walking. At mile 16 we began to here rumors that the race was being called off and that we should leave the course and make a beeline to the finish. We ignored their advice and continued on the course since we thought it was just a "rumor". At mile 19 the rumor became the truth. Imagine if you will police officers shouting at runners to "walk the race is over!!"; yes that was what happened when anyone attempted to run to finish the race after they passed the word it was cancelled. We joked with other runners we saw starting to run by yelling "Stop running, what do you think this is a marathon" :>) We walked some more.

When I reached mile 20 we were told that there would be no more water stations and that we should get on a bus or "walk at your own risk". I followed the crowd and got on a bus back to the park. After getting off the bus we ran the last .2 mile to the finish line. It was a very unfulfilling feeling crossing the finish line and getting the medal knowing I had not "fully" finished the race.

Besides not completing the race and running under extreme conditions, the race experience itself was awesome and the "fans" were great. Running through all the Chicago ethnic neighborhoods throughout the city and hearing live music in each area was really cool.

I also have a new nickname. The name on the front of my shirt it appeared like RAYA instead of RAY. Throughout the entire race everyone was cheering "GO RAYA" - my daughter and I laughed each and every time (1000's). We ran together for the first 10 miles and then lost each other. She was actually able to complete the entire race in 5 hours and 35 minutes.

I have posted some video of the race on http://www.youtube.com/. If you type in "Chicago marathon 2007" in Youtube's search window it will bring them up. Look for those posted by "rbaum0519"
The silver lining for all of us Team in Training runners was that regardless of the race outcome those with Leukemia and Lymphoma benefited from all the donations you made to the Team. There were over 1000 Team in Training runners who raised over 2.5 million dollars in this one race; our St Louis chapter raised over $100K; that was the main focus of the race anyway. In spite of all of my whining the real goal to help those struggling with these deadly blood cancers was accomplished - Thanks again for all your support.

My goal to finish the race was secondary and not really important compared to the real reason for the race. I'd like to challenge all of you to get out there and "make a difference".

Check out the Team in Training web site to see what may be going on in your neck of the woods; you won't be disappointed.
http://www.teamintraining.org/firsttimehere/tnt20/?KNC-TNT20

Remember, I was a couch potato severely out of shape and a "non runner" who was able to do it; if you are like me you can do it too. If you don't like to run they have "walking" programs too. You will meet some of the greatest people and make some new friends for life.

Since I did not "officially" finish the race I still have the desire to run another marathon. Running for a charity is such a win-win opportunity I've signed up to run the Disney World marathon on January 12th 2008 for another cancer-related charity. The charity is the A-T Children's Project.

What is A-T? -- Imagine a disease that combines the worst symptoms of muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, immune deficiencies, and cancer. Children with A-T are usually confined to wheelchairs by age 10 and often do not survive their teens. Because A-T is a multi-system disease, scientists believe that A-T research will help more prevalent diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, AIDS, and cancer.
I'm not going to keep "bugging" everyone for donations - you've already done your fair share by supporting me in Chicago. If you are interested though you can go to:

http://www.communityatcp.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=243&srcid=259&frsid=651

Cheers
Ray Baumann - Marathoner wannabee

Week 20 - Ready to race!!! - Chicago marathon 2007

Hopefully your next marathon-related e-mail from me will contain a picture or two of me at the finish line. This past week I've been in "conservation mode"- we ran 8 miles on Saturday and will run 3 miles on Tuesday and Weds of this week.

We received our "race" jersey this past week along with all the other "things you need to know".

We (wife Betsy and son Zach) will be leaving for Chicago on Friday and try to do a little site seeing before Sunday without spending too much time on my feet. The weather is forcasted to be pretty nice (high of 76) but that could change.

Saturday night , Team in Training will host a "Pasta Party" for all of its participants - a kind of last supper for the runners. In addition to the carb loading a guest speaker will talk on the "real" reason we are running the race to inspire us even more. They also host a "victory" party on Sunday night for those that can still walk :>) The race begins at 8am for those at the front of the starting line. I think it will take about 30 minutles before those of us in the back begin the race.

Training for this marathon has been a long journey and I want to thank all of you for being a part of it ; having y'all behind me makes this "extra" special. - you guys are great!!

If you'd like to track my progress during the race you can sign up for automaitc e-mails that will e-mail "live" split times to your inbox at: http://www.doitsports.com/results/MSG-signup.tcl?sub_event_id=2161

I'm forcasting a finishing time of 4:59:59 - I want a sub 5-hour race

As much as your support has meant to me; it will mean a whole lot more to those who depend on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for support while fighting these deadly diseases. Team and Training will raise over a million dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma research from just the this one race.

Week 19 - Chicago Marathon training update

Well, I'm definitely into the home stretch. Only one more week of training before the "big one". I ran 9 miles early on Saturday morning and then drove over to our downtown area where the city hosted a 5K race as part of its annual "Italian Fest". My goal in the 5K was to break 30 minutes and was able to complete the 3.1 miles in 29:27 - it was a little tough after running 9 miles just 30 minutes earlier. It was a fun little race even though many runners of all ages were passing me by. The last and only "real" race I had participated in was back in 1984 when I ran a 10K in San Antonio while in the Air Force's Officer Training School.

There's not a whole lot more to say other than to say I'm mentally ready and anxious for the race. After putting in over 325 miles of training I feel I've done the necessary prerequisites to accomplish the mission. I completed runs of 13, 15, 16, 18, and 20 miles so if I'm not ready now I will never be.

I purchased a minature video camera to carry during the race so I can capture a "bird's eye" view of allot of the race; I'll post it up on youtube for everyone to see - it should be an interesting video.

I want to continue to thank all of my race sponsors - I have well over 60 sponsors so far. If you want, there is still time to get your name added to Leukemia and Lymphoma’s “Team Baumann”.

I have surpassed $5000 in donations and want to thank all of you (again) for your generosity. As much as your support has meant to me; it will mean a whole lot more to those who depend on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for support while fighting these deadly diseases. Team and Training will raise over a million dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma research from just the this one race.

If you are still interested in donating there is still time

http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun

Week 18 Chicago Marathon training update

WooHoo!!! I completed 20.2 miles this past Saturday and I can honestly say I felt like I could have completed 6 more miles. It was a very cool morning so that contributed to the good running. I actually had a second wind at mile 16 and started running faster the last 4 miles; I was sore after the run but no more than usual. During the run I thought back to the early stages of the training where the long runs were 2 and 3 miles; I remember struggling to complete 3 miles on a mile and a half track justr 4 months ago - our whole team "has come a long way baby!" The Team in Training organization has been the catalyst to getting us all to this point - they really can build you into an endurance athlete.

This week I also recieved my race registration and bib number in the mail so I'm pretty excited. A couple other milestones this past week were surpassing over 300 miles in training, surpassing $5000 in donations, and I now have over 60 sponsors!!!

Here's a link to a preview of a marathon documentary being made to showcase the "everyday" marathon runner. I relate to the guy who says "I'm doing it for the T shirt" :>) - it may inspire you to get off the couch.............

http://www.marathonmovie.com/home.html - you'll also notice the vast sea of humanity that'll be participating in Chicago - its really unbelievable.

I want to thank all of my race sponsors - I have well over 60 sponsors so far. There is still time to get your name added to Leukemia and Lymphoma’s “Team Baumann”. I’m going to look like one of those NASCAR drivers with the names of sponsors plastered on every inch of my uniform. Those guys (and gals) are lucky though – they get to “drive” the long distances.

I have surpassed $5000 in donations and want to thank all of you again for your generosity. As much as your support has meant to me; it will mean a whole lot more to those who depend on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for support while fighting these deadly diseases. Team and Training will raise over a million dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma research from just the this one race.

If you are still interested in donating there is still time
Click here to donate online:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun


For those of you who would rather donate by check, you can send a check made out to LLS and mail it to me at 440 Bunker Hill, Collinsville, IL 62234.

Until next time

Cheers
Ray Baumann

Week 17 - 2007 Chicago marathon training update

This past week was another good week of running. Our group was scheduled to run 14 miles this past Saturday and I exceeded the goal by running 14.2 :>) I like to exceed the goal to gain a little confidence; I know I’m going to need every ounce of confidence to complete the 5 hour 26.2 miles. I’m told the marathon will test your mental endurance even more than your physical endurance. A confident attitude will help you keep going when your reach the “wall”. I figure if I give in when my mind says “I want to stop now” during the long training runs it will be too easy to give up during the marathon.

I am nursing a sore and infected “big toe” though. I saw a Dr on Friday and he gave me some antibiotics to fight the infection. It’s not too painful while I’m running so I hope it doesn’t get any worse. The race is less than 30 days away so I do not need anything to interrupt the training.

This coming Saturday is the “big test”- our group is scheduled run 20 miles. This will be the longest training run before the marathon. After that run we are supposed to “taper” the training in order to give the body a chance to heal before the race.

If you haven’t already acted there is still time to be a part of this historic event. I could be the first 54 year old, retired Air Force, 6’1, 195 pound, former coach potato, with size 13 shoes, to run a marathon with absolutely no previous running experience in the past 20 years – it should definitely be some kind of world record.

I want to thank all of my race sponsors - I have well over 50 sponsors so far. Time is running out to get your name added to Leukemia and Lymphoma’s “Team Baumann” I’m going to look like one of those NASCAR drivers with the names of sponsors plastered on every inch of my uniform. Those guys (and gals) are lucky though – they get to “drive” the long distances.

I am close to surpassing $5000 in donations and want to thank all of you again for your generosity. As much as your support has meant to me; it will mean a whole lot more to those who depend on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for support while fighting these deadly diseases.

This weekend is the deadline to donate

Click here to donate online:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun


For those of you who would rather donate by check, you can send a check made out to LLS and mail it to me at 440 Bunker Hill, Collinsville, IL 62234

Until next time
Cheers
Ray Baumann

Week 16 - Marathon training Update

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. It was a beautiful 3-day weekend here with very nice “running” weather. On early Saturday morning our group (of 4) met at the local bike trail and ran a half marathon (13.1 miles). We were only scheduled to run 12 miles but decided it would sound cool to say “I ran a half marathon” rather than say “ I ran 12 miles”.

It’s hard to believe the finale to this journey is now just over 30 days away. It seems like only yesterday the crazy idea to run a marathon and raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society crossed my mind. It’s actually crossed my mind to attempt another marathon in the winter to take advantage of all the training I’ve done. I’m hoping that thought will go away soon :>). Certain parts of my body are starting to feel the wear and tear of the over 260 miles I’ve run the past 4 months. Currently my ankles and knees are starting to remind me that they are not happy about the abuse.

I received another letter inspiring me even more to “tough it out” when I feel like this is too "hard". Here’s an excerpt from a letter I received this week: “Rose was a very dear friend of mine- she was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2005 – never leaving the hospital she died Nov 27, 2005, leaving 3 children and me (her very best friend), she was only 44. I miss her so!” What I’m going through doesn’t compare to those that suffer or have suffered at the hands of these diseases.

On another sad note, the keynote speaker at our first Team in Training organizational meeting back in May died this past week. He was 32 years old and left behind 2 kids. For all of those that are successful in beating these diseases there are those that become victims. The sad thing is it can happen to anyone; it’s good to know the money raised through this event will go directly to those trying to find a cure. Your donation is definitely needed and will definitely make a difference.

I have surpassed $4000 in donations and want to thank you again for your generosity. I know everyone is solicited for donations from lots of deserving organizations and there is just not enough to go around. If you are still interested in making a donation I have until Sep 17th for any online donations and all “mailed” donations need to arrive by Sep 12th in order to have them processed by the deadline.

To make a donation click below:
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/SeeRayRun

Week 15 - Marathon training update

18 Miles!! WooHoo - I’m happy to report that the old man’s legs lasted 18 miles Saturday. Although 18 miles is a very long way its still not 26.2; I don’t think I could have made 26 miles. I was pretty fatigued the last 2 miles; it was starting to get very hot and humid. This track had some significant hills so that added to the challenge. This coming week will be a recovery week with a 12 mile run on Saturday. Its hard to believe the summer is pretty much over – time flies when you are not having fun :>)

I’ve never had any problems with cars or dogs while running until last week. Normally it’s still dark during the beginning of my early morning runs. One day last week, I was running against traffic in my normally quiet neighborhood and saw a car coming towards me. I ensured that I stayed in the “gutter” area and kept my eyes on the approaching vehicle. Right before the car reached me, a dog came running at me from my blind side with a vicious bark and startled me so much that I came very close to jumping right in front of the approaching car. If I die tragically that is not the way I want to go. Dying while exercising just causes too many people to say “I told you exercising was not good for you”

Like most sporting activities there are a million products out there making guarantees of better performance. Nutrition is one area allot of companies target runners. In addition to Gatorade and Power Bars everything from Sport Beans to liquid carbs is marketed to runners. Recently, in addition to the sport beans, liquid carbs, and power bars (yea, I’m a sucker for anything that promises to make running easier), I’ve been trying a new product called “Joint Juice”. Supposedly it helps keep your joints “lubed” while running. It tastes a little like WD40 so maybe it really does work.

I had another good week as far as donations go; several who told me early on they’d be making a donation came through; just like the miles the donations are beginning to “pile up” – so thank you. I now have over 48 individuals who’ve made donations from as far away as Hawaii and even Iraq. It feels good knowing all of you are behind me; you really provide allot of motivation. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is for me to get out of bed at 5am each morning and begin pounding out the miles in the dark. To keep from rolling over and hitting the snooze button I imagine I have 48 people reminding me to get up and get with it.