Addidas Vancouver International Marathon Pics ...

[Mark Wagner]

Hi Everyone,
There will be a total of 5 pics below. It was great fun, especially where it was my Dad's 70th birthday the day before. We had dinner Saturday night at TGIF, with a beautiful view of the mountains. Some of these pictures you will see the flags in the background. The flags of the different countries from marathoners participating were displayed. More pictures are being sent to me from my sister later. I hope you enjoy. I sure did. :)

Mark

PS Tonight is my first night back to work .... :(

[Mark Wagner]

The above shot is me with my Dad, and this one here is Dad holding out my medal.

[Mark Wagner]

The next two shots are me coming around the corner right at about mile marker 25. My Dad is standing off to the right. Just over a mile to go!

[Mark Wagner]

Mile Marker 25

[Mark Wagner]

Last one ... me with Chicken. I think it was their as some kind of protest. I got a shot with him anyway, then went to lunch and ordered a 'chicken sandwich! :D

You can see I was pretty tired and just wanted to go jump in the tub. Well that's it. I hope you enjoyed.

... Mark

[SJJ]

Mark,
I dunno, I thought you had pretty good looking' legs....but now I've seen the chicken's, I'm somehow strangely attracted.....
Sue ;)

[tommy]

I see all of these runners grimacing and toughing out their last mile. Then there's Mark with the biggest smile on his face, greeting his dad. A proud moment for both of you. There I go getting weepy again.

[Raverlaw]

Mark-

Wow! I just can't picture 26 miles. I ran 1.6 this morning (about 10:30 pace) and then walked 1.6 back home (about 15 min pace). Going and going for 26 miles is just beyond my comprehension right now. I think I'd stiffen up and fall over and not be able to get up! ;)

I'm back on Lipitor after a 2 week hiatus (a little trouble getting the 'scrip renewed) and I had leg cramps this morning. I never noticed them before, but I started the Lipitor in the hospital the morning after surgery, when I generally felt like crap and wouldn't have noticed a little leg cramping. I don't know if the cramping is from the med or all the running/walking I've done this week.

You and Tom are my inspiration. I don't know if I'll ever be a marathoner, but your spirit and drive are catching....

[Mary]

Mark,
Great pictures of your race. It's one thing to know someone has accomplished a feat; it's another to actually SEE them!
I've been thinking, since I swim maybe I should set my goal as being part of a triathalon with those of you who run or bike. You were the first VR to run a marathon, do you know if there are triathalon teams out there composed of VRers?
I know, I know. There are a few minor obstacles in the way. Distance, my own crudey valve, etc. but I'm going to start thinking about it. Do we have any bikers on the forum? We really could probably get some sort of a team together.
Mary

[hensylee]

Thanks for sharing, Mark. I kinda like the sexy guy standing next to you holding your medal - sorta looks like you.

[Harpoon]

All this running is gonna make me go wiggy....


Or maybe do something my family will kill me for... :D


There's a benefit 5k run that's held every year here to raise money for ALS it was started several years ago with the help of a guy who had the disease (he passed away two years ago) and his family and it's a pretty big affair...

Over the past few days I've been digging up archive photos for a summer tourism section the paper is doing and some of the photos that are running are from last year's ALS run.

Granted, I'm not in any kind of shape to be a marathoner but I guess I got time to work up to it... Maybe not run, just a fast walk kind of thing, or just jog it... Hmmm...


I need stuff to get myself off my arse. Keep motivated with clear goals and the like.


What all would it take to START getting into shape to handle (even at a walking pace) a run like that????

[Mary]

Harpoon,
You could do it, and the preparation would be much easier and more enjoyable than what you might expect. If you have a pedometer, you might wear it around for a few days to see the actual distance you're covering in your day to day routine.
After you get a baseline for what you're already doing, you could go up in small increments until you feel like you can move more rapidly. As long as you're monitoring your heart rate you would do great.
A 5K sounds like alot, but it's within your reach. Especially when you're getting ready for a good cause like it sounds like you are. I've never been much for running, but every year I did a 11 mile walk for MS. One of my friends suffers with it, and I felt like I was making a small contribution to finding a cure.
If you decide to start, let us know how you're doing. One person's success helps everyone else.
Mary

[tommy]

Harpoon,

My mother in law died of ALS. It's a really tough disease for the person and for the family. It would be a good thing for you to participate.

Typically, charity events draw people of all walks of life and all phases of fitness. Many simply walk the entire 5k. You can participate at whatever pace you are ready for.

My first 5k was 5 months post op and became my goal for feeling like I really had overcome the surgery. The charity was the local community outreach. I walked the first mile and then jogged/jogged intermittently to the end. 36 minutes was about last on the scoresheet, but it was a great victory. BTW, I ran the same race last weekend - 25:42 (#31 out of 143).

Someone posted the phrase "exercise with a purpose". I like that. You can do it. Just do it at your pace. Make finishing your goal. It's a win-win.

[Granbonny]

Great pictures..Who were taking them? Wife....Hope you have a good night, tonight, back driving the truck. Be careful out there on them there roads. :eek: :eek: Bonnie

[Mark Wagner]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. During the course of the next year, I plan on adding a routine involving lots of 'speed work' with a goal of breaking a 4 hour marathon in 2005. (Whom knows; Boston may be around the corner! :) Okay I can dream!!!

Sue, now I am jealous! And I thought I was special.

Tom, I do have a wonderful Dad. Words could not to him justice, so you will have to take my word for it!

Bill, It takes time, and does not happen over night. Just stay with it. Your doing great!

Ann, My Mom thinks Dad is pretty sexy too! ;)

Granbonny, My brother took the pictures.

Thanks Mary, your an inspiration. ... Harpoon, get started and keep at it. Make it fit too your schedule.

Thanks again. ... Mark

[Glenda]

What great pictures and you even have a smile on your face. You accomplished so much, keep up the good work. I'm in awe! :) :) :)

[Granbonny]

I would love to see you run the Peachtree Road Race the 4th of July in Atlanta. Me, Sue, Julia, Ann, Carla...and all the other lovely Southern Belles would be your #1 cheerleaders. ..We may could design a cute little cheerleader outfit. :D :D with red hearts on it..We could hollar..Go, Mark, Go..You are our HERO..Go Mark :p :p :p :p :p Go.Bonnie

[Mark Wagner]

These photos were online. To get higher quality pics, you have to order them. I will probably order the shot where I am crossing the finish line. :cool:

[Mark Wagner]

Start of the marathon .....