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