THE MARATHON AND WINTER REMINDER

This past weekend I ran in the Abby's Run for the heart and would have set a new world record if it wasn't for the kids sprinting, stopping and trying to tackle me. I only tripped 3 times. Of, course I am kidding. 1,500 of us in our hats and gloves ran a really flat and easy 5k for research into sudden cardiac death in children. It was a balmy 33 degrees. I found myself below.


Photo by Susan Pfannmuller

As we get close to winter its time for that last run of the year, the Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon this coming Saturday, October 17th. According to twitter, the marathon, half marathon and 5k are expecting a combined 10,000 runners this year. There is still time to register.

This year the running and cycling hit full stride by the end of March and beginning of April. This is a quick look back. The first run I did with our running club, The Lone Rangers, was the Brew to Brew 44 mile relay at the beginning of April. For the third year in a row, it was a great start to the running year.



After the first run it was more about Pearl (my bike) and cycling than running this summer. Living in the city there are a lot of roads to travel and lots of places to see. The riding began. I rode from Missouri to Kansas, from north of Weston to central Missouri, the Tour of Missouri Stage 7 route and to work and back many times. I also took an exciting cycling trip through Missouri's wine country near Hermann, MO. Below is a picture of a training ride with some friends we took mid summer through the central and southern part of Kansas City. The total mileage was over 1,500 miles for the summer.



Last month, however, ended the cycling season (unless there is a warm day or two) with the Bike MS ride. The ride was 180 miles over two days to bring awareness and fight MS. A total of 11 hours of cycling was slowed on the second day by a 20-30 mph headwind. Below is my friend Ryan and I setting the pace on day one.



As the running and cycling come to an end for the season a new season full of mountains and woods are waiting to give me new challenges. The picture below is me this year skiing in Colorado. Because the trees like to sneak up on me, this winter, a ski helmet will be warn.



Even with all the fad diets and p90x's out there nothing beats a good ol' get together to run or workout with friends. Keep it up this winter. Stay fit america, get out and play!