Well, it has come and went. 26.2 miles of sure bliss. Now that the soreness is gone and my appetite has returned, it is time for me to do my final reflection of this journey. So here you go!!!

Katie, Jake, and I ventured up to Chi-town on Saturday afternoon. We were in no real hurry. We just had to get up there in time to register for the race. So our first stop once we entered the angry confines of Chicago, was to head straight to the expo to register and look at all the exhibits. I did buy one long sleeve running shirt. It is red with the Chicago skyline in black. It says "**** and back, 26.2 miles." I found it comfortingly humorous. Katie, I must tell, went to town on picking up some new running gear. I think she getting prepared for the mini training in a few months. In that gear, she will most definitely knock the mini out. Here is a picture of the expo....it was huge; with each major brand having huge exhibits and gear for sale.

After the expo we headed to the hotel and then off to dinner for the last supper. I was not in the mood to venture to far out in the city so we actually stayed and ate at Shula's in the hotel. It was quite the tasty meal. I stuck to chicken and bread mostly. Jake ate 1/2 a cow, a broccoli bush, and 3/4's of a hashbrown that was bigger than 3x anything you get at Waffle House or Hinkle's (how about that for a shout out....Hinkle's....and for all you DPU folks out there....Hinkle's was Hanover's lower end Marvin's.....the cooks name was Bubby...really....Bubby....one time I asked to see his licence....and it said Bubby). Katie had a mean (as in good) red snapper. After dinner, I headed up to the room to chill and the Giesting's hit the town. I think I was asleep by 8:30 Chicago time and up 5:45 am.

With a shower, the application of Glide (to all the appropriate spots), and cereal bar with peanut butter; I was soon out the door. I met up with many members of Team McGraw at 6:15 am in the hotel lobby and we walked over to Millennium park to meet all the other members of the team. In total, we raised $49K for brain tumor research and assistance. That is pretty sweet. After a picture, some barking orders of encouragement, and a many smiles, we all departed on our own way; to our unique place in the starting gate.

It was at this moment...about 7:15 am that I thought - "wow..here I am...back in Chicago...alone with 45K folks...all about to run this crazy distance." It was kind of sweet and calming. You know, I never got nervous during the days before the event; not even the night before. I didn't get nervous at all, the entire time. Finally I made it to the place I wanted to start; the 3:55 starting area. The gentlemen next to me was with his wife. Come to find out he was from Texas and sold for Titleist. Well, there you go. We quickly had a great conversation. And amazingly enough he knows a guy that I went to high school with that works for Titleist out in Boston. Crazy small world, right? All of a sudden I no longer felt alone. And soon enough the wheel chair athletes were off, then the elite runners and we were next.

It was 21 minutes after the sound of the gun, that I finally made it to the start line. It was humorous that right before the starting line people were jumping the fence and running to the trees to urinate. It was boys, girls, men, and women of all ages; just dropping trout (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=drop+trout) in front of everyone to relieve themselves. Different breed runners are.....but in a way I understood it....at this point in time and with all the build up and training....who cares.....so I joined the fraternity and jumped the fence with them and relieved myself as well. ("All the cool kids are doing it" anyone name that movie????)

Well the start was kind of slow b/c of all the weaving in and out of people. It kind of reminded me of the traffic on 465 or 65, going into work. I think that the same people that ride the left lane and never get over were also running this marathon. But after mile 2 I was off well and under a 9 minute pace. Soon after though I hit my first obstacle. Literally I hit it....the pavement that is :o). Somehow I stumbled and landed face down on the pavement. Luckily no one ran over me....that would have hurt. No, the only thing hurt was my pride.....a early race/little humility check I guess. By mile 12 I saw Jake and Katie. I remember running over to Katie and giving her a hug (poor girl, I had to stink)....I guess I was feeling lonely.....Jake jumped in and ran a little bit with me there to see how I was hold up....I told him good...and off he went

So, everything is going smoothly. I finish the 1/2 marathon in 1:50 (a 1/2 PR for me) and was feeling really confident that I would break 3:40 (My goals were 1) to finish, 2) to break 4 hours, and 3) as a stretch, break 3:40). I should have known better. Mile 17 or so came and right there some dirty-little-something must have came out of one of those dirty-little sewer holes and sucker punched my achilles....or at least that is what it felt like.....SHARP pain. And here is were the competitive juices dumbed the little bit of rationale left in my brain....my exact thought was "well, just grin, bare it, and if it ruptures, well then so be it...keep going till it pops or you see the finish line." Not smart but I had come to far not to finish this thing. So I slowed down a bit and changed my stride. By mile 19 I was still confident that I would easily break 4 hours as long as I could keep up this pace.

Well, here is where the it all changes. It was like I was running this nice race in Eden and suddenly I was running on Mars. You see the first 15 miles or so....it is a nice, friendly, shady, run. The tall builds are blocking the sun, the friendly folks of Lincoln Park are cheering, jumping up and down (hey, it didn't really take them long to get over the Cubs..did it?) and drinking, and the temperature is still down from the morning start. Well....all that changes in this race. When you run south and west, the builds shrink dramatically. On this day the crowds diminish (still significant and important....but much smaller). And the temperature increases sharply; particularly in a bright, no cloud in the sky, day. Well, by mile 20 the signs of dehydration were evident. It first came with a cramp in my right hamstring. I stopped briefly to stretch it out, then continued on - on the lookout for more water and banana's. Next came the right quad.....oh no! Then came the left quad and the left hamstring. So both legs were cramping and I still had many miles to go. So I had to keep stopping and stretching....my time went really north and my confidence went south. I remember saying a few prayers and thinking about all those folks that supported me along the way. Grin and bare it again. What the heck now. The good thing was that the pain was significant enough to doll out some the achilles pain....yeah buddy. I saw people falling off a lot during the last 6 miles....mostly cramping. I hope they were able to finish.

With a mile to go I was at 3:50. Somehow I found a little 50 cent on the ipod and it became motivating. I don't know how...but I was able to kick it a little bit, block out the pain, and finish in 3:58 and change. I remember passing folks and just looking at the ground a lot. Particularly b/c there was a hill right at the end.....that is bogus. There wasn't a hill really the entire race and somehow there is one at mile 26.....barf.

So, obviously I finished and made the long walk to find Katie and Jake. I was so happy to see them. I am not really sure what I would have done over the weekend without them. They were great support and amazingly encouraging and energetic the entire time. Big Thank guys (btw...they are currently on their honeymoon in Turks and Cacaos) and a monster hug.

So after finding them, we headed back to hotel. After a quick shower and 10 minutes on the bed; we got the rock out of Chicago. Once we crossed the border and returned to the friendly Hoosier Homeland, we stopped for a bite and a celebratory drink. WOW! those beers were tasty. I think Jake and I both had a Shiner and Sam Seasonal (pumpkin:o) It is amazing what 2 beers feels like after a marathon ;o) You all should try it sometime.

So, when I got home, I was a little bumbed. I know....come on Brandon. I really thought I could get 3:40. Under 4 is good for your first time....I know....but darn it. So, I put together a little analysis b/c I had to visualize what happened to me and how close I really was. I guess it gave me piece of mind and some motivation for next time. That yellow line spike is amazing and still irks me!

What is next? Well, I remember thinking at mile 23...."I will never do this again." It took me all of about 1 hours post race to start thinking about doing this again. It was quite an amazing feeling to cross the finish line and to think about all the months of sacrifice that led to that one little moment in time. Many folks have asked if I would do it again. No doubt. But maybe I will do it in Alaska where it is guaranteed to be colder? I do plan on continuing to run. I have signed up for the Nashville and Indy 1/2 in April and May. I am planning on running during the winter....indoors....I don't do exercise outside sub 40. I would like to keep the endurance that I have built up. So what is next....I don't really know (hoops, racquetball, pilates). I think it will be weird in the morning to not "go long." I had convinced myself that is what Saturdays are for. It is also weird that this is my first Friday in which it would be feasible for me not to stay in and go to bed early....yet here I am...writing this final blog post...and chill'n. Oh well, I am sure I will miss it. I will definitely miss the long saturday runs in which so many of you jumped in, passed the baton, and shared many stories with me. Those will be good memories for a long time.

Finally, 1 last thanks to all of you. The family, the friends, the runners, the donators, the readers, the encouragers, the doubters, the comedians (Applegate), the cooks, the knowledge sharers, and many many more. Thank you all.

Brandon

Well, the time is almost here and soon Katie, Jake, and I will trek up to Chicago to enjoy a Saturday in the windy city and finish this thing?

We had a little "thank you" gathering for all of those supporters that were in Indy last night.  It was a great time shared by all and last well into the night.  (maybe it should have ended a bit earlier ;o)  We had good food, good tunes, good laughs, good games, and just good people "buddy."

The big surprise came when Katie and Jake busted out T-shirts for everyone.  I think Quinn had a lot to do with this also.  Obviously you can see them from the pictures - "Team Monk" on the front and "You Go, We Go" on the back.  And that really has been a theme for my training the past 18 months.  Team is the theme and I could not have done this without all the love and support of all my family and friends.  I was counting up all the people that ran beside me during this training and thought about all the quality time we have gotten to shared together.  Well over 20 of you have went stride for stride with me at some point over the last few months.  INCREDIBLE!  It is so amazing and a true testament to generosity and character of everyone in my life.  I truly am blessed to stand beside you all, not just for this marathon but everyday (anyone hear that tear drop...sorry,).  

Anyway, time to pack the shoes, the glide, the bad male running shorts, and shove off.  I am ready to get this show on the road...literally.

And it is time to BRING IT!

Here is the quick weekend update...the last weekend before the race.

Ps (current forecast is high of 69 and cloudy for Sunday...that brings a smile :o)

Friday

In the spirit of laying low on Fridays, I talked Wes into going to the Ryan Adams show in Cincy.  It was a good show.  For those of you unfamiliar with Ryan Adams, I would suggest giving this singer/song writer a shot.  He is kind of a cross between Beck, Tom Petty, and Mellencamp....with a twist of Weezer.  I guess that puts him in the Alternative-Country/Rock category.  

We ditched out a bit early so we could make it back to Indy in a reasonable hour.....what.....we are 30 now!....that is not lame.....is it?

Saturday

Up at 6:45 for the last saturday long run.  This was only a little 8 miler (shout out to Detroit).  Kimmie ran the entire 8 and Jake met up for the last 4.  He now is in training also (b/c he swears he is going to jump in for the last 5 miles in Chicago).  I am sure Jake and I were slowing Kimmie down.....what...we are 30 now!.....and she is not.  Plus, she is an elite Big Ten athlete and Jake and I are washed-up/has been's that have to resort to ping-pong these days.  After the run, and what has become custom, we finished the breakfast of champions at Einstein's.  They have the best OJ and it has to be at least 500 calories.  Carbo loading time.  They will miss in there I am sure.  It is a rowdy crew on saturday mornings....us runners are so crazy;o)

For a warm down, I played my usual 18 holes out at GCI, and what has also become custom, I had to pay up to Applegate at the end of the round.

Now here is one I have never done.  Mother talked me into going to Home-a-rama.  Wow!  Not that was like  holiday shopping for home buyers/owners.  These houses were great and I was able to take away many ideas...but just like holiday shopping, I was somewhat annoyed and ready to roll as soon as I got there.  Sorry mom :o)  I mean it is Home-a-Rama....and I am only 30!  

Sunday

I don't know if I felt like I needed more torture or more challenges during these last weekend before the race.  Maybe the tapering is just annoying to me and I feel like a caged animal at this point.  Anyway, Applegate, Chad, Drew, and I had a 8:45 tee time at Bearslide.  First of all...it was 38 degrees at 6:30am.  Then there was frost.  Finally, the greens out there are about a 15 on the stimpmeter and just for fun the superintendent placed all the holes on crazy-whack-funky slopes.  Needless to say....it was an adventure.  

Speaking of crazy....how about the crazy Colts victory.  Take them how we get'm I guess.  I think I just picked Sage up on my fantasy football team.

Monday

On this Monday, training day off, I was able to play in the Butler Basketball Golf outing.  I was joined by my high school basketball coach (infamous for his touch around the greens and Yoda like demeanor), my father (famous for hitting recovery shots from Guam and for carrying more clubs in his bag than Carter has pills), Jake (infamous for nothing related to golf....though he did smack it around today and eat 84 snickers), and Phil (rather famous as a comedian, diplomat, and for wearing shoes older than his clubs....and for those golfers out there, he still hit persimmon woods).  Eleven under couldn't bring home the hardware but it did get us lunch, dinner, and lots of laughs.

6 days to go...I am not nervo.  I am ready and a bit anxious.  26.2.....Bring It!

Mix a little George Clinton, 60 degree's, 4:45am, and you get poof magic on a perfect morning. 

There is, however, something a little spooky about running in town when there is no motion or sounds stirring up.  Before the birds awake, before the mothers begin cooking the morning breakfast (remember when we were excited about Eggo's, Pop Tarts, or Toaster Studels); everything is still, silent, and calm.  It makes running this early a bit magical and a bit insane.  Hey, I couldn't sleep anymore.  Maybe it is the mounting excitement of only having 12 days left or maybe I am just a bit nuts ;o)

"You work when you are tired and you play when you are hurt."

That seems to be the Monk family mantra.  Whether it was late nights studying (shout out to the Hanover Library and the MIT E52 ), long hours wasting away in a cube (shout to build 328....may it rest in peace), or painful struggles on the athletic fields (shout to Fite for breaking my nose with his boney elbow sophmore year and then Amy the trainer stuffing a cut-up tampon in my nose so I could keep playing, to Quinn for purposely throwing at me during a HS baseball game....and then giggling about it, to Drew to jumping in the middle of the IABA fight and taking a black eye home for it, to Jen for fighting through her senior soccer year with a grade 2 ankle sprain, to Bomberger for printing "Penn" between my eyes with a forehand, to Matt Clark for playing on a broken ankle and telling Duane just to wrap it up tighter, to Brown for getting knocked out during the semi-state soccer tournament and coming back in for the second half, to Wes for take a Titleist ball right on the bum and finishing the 18 holes ...wow..that was bruise, and to all the other warriors out there who we have done battle with or against, who have bled, bruised, up-chucked (I remember Aaron O'Donnell throwing me a towel during a dead ball in the 3rd quarter while playing Danville and me throwing it back to him with chunks...hey, I didn't want to come out :o), sprained, or broken; then refused to come to out or remain on the sidelines.....all for the love it.....).  I reckon this mantra has pulled me through this training as well.  

On Wednesday, lets say I "tweaked" my hamstring.  Probably a slight pull but right now I am a little paranoid that all this training could be for not with a last minute injury.  So instead of doing the, probably, smart thing and lay low or taking it easy today...the mantra and all those warriors of the past were screaming "just wrap that thing up tight and get out there."  So that is what I did.....probably not the right thing....but hey, I told you I am novice at this running game.

Anyway, it ended up fine.  With a tight wrap, I really could feel it much....just a little tight hameeee.  But otherwise during the 12 today, I felt great.  So good that I kept having to pull back on the reigns. !http://www.dargate.com/249_auction/249_images/4351.jpg!  For some reason my body and legs are wanting to go faster.  That is probably what got me in this mess in the first place.  I ran quickly on Tuesday cause I felt so good and ironically Wednesday is when that "tweak" occurred.  DumDum!  It was like a little Troll came out of the woods and sucker punched me in the back of the leg.  Stinking Troll.  "That's pretty low, mister! If I had a rubber hose, I would beat you into a..."....well, I would have beat'n that Troll.  (can anyone out there name that move....bonus points if you can)

Mike McMahan and his bicycle joined me on the trail today for 6 miles. I am pretty sure he only had to peddle 3 times.  But hey, it was great to have someone to talk to.  Dr. Jake (the dentist) also joined us for the last 4 miles.  We talked politics, economy, colts, and ideas for the evening.  After the run, Jake and I ventured to the usual Einstein Bagel.  That bacon, egg, and cheese really hits the spot after a long run.  Heck, I don't even mind their $4 OJ at that point.  

Not a whole lot new to report.  I spent my 5 miles on the Monon tonight....scouting out my path for the big 2...0...on Saturday.  After a quick run in my new Saucony's (except mine are orange with black laces)

...I hustled up to Jake and Katie's for Thursday night dinner.  It was definitely a carbo/fat load for me.  Katie had a fantastic spread which included hummus, salad, mexican lasagna, corn, and butter loving chocolate chip cookies.  Yum huh?  

Needless to say I am full.  After a few games of ping pong with Jake; I was ready a dormirse!!!  So I am setting here writing this post, listening to a little Kate Nash and Sugarland (2 very different artists, but somehow they mix well with me tonight), and I am realizing how fast the last 9 months really have gone and truly how much has changed.  huh!  I better sleep on this one before I get to deep ;o)

It is good to be home!

Yesterday, I made another attempt to find the wall.  So at 6:30am I headed off to Broad Ripple to make my attempt at 20 miles on the Monon.  The plan was to meet all those joining in with me (BIG thanks again to those who did, have, and will share these long training runs with me....you ALL have made it so much easier and more enjoyable) at 62 street, right next to the Monkey's Tail, and run 2 miles up (or down) from that point and 2 miles back.  And we couldn't have asked for a better day.  It was going be 65-70 degrees during the entire run time.

Tarak, my Hanover College friend and brother, started the journey with me.  We hadn't seen each other in maybe 10 months; so it was great to catch-up and rehash some old days; while looking forward to more frequent interactions in the future.  After 4 miles, T passed the baton

onward to Brad.  We decided to venture up the Monon at this point; where we are stormed by the Indy Runners (http://www.indyrunners.org/) clubs and many many bikes.  But we had a great run and, as always, a good time talking hoops, family, friends.

Brad had to leave the baton with me, as the next 4 miles would be on my own.  I dip-thonged it and forgot my ipod; so I was in need of a little internal inspiration for miles 8-12 (since there would be no AC/DC or LL Cool J or Pearl Jam or even Sugarland to get me moving).  So thought back to a classic movie and insistently, my stride was lifted.  If only I had that famous waffle maker ;o)

Soon, I was reunited with company, as Jake (remember...the dentist) picked up the baton and we headed north again.  We had a lively conversation (which I truly needed at the point).  I think we talked about teeth (image that), football, hoops, Jake's chinese from the night before, Nintendo Wii, his wedding, and definitely Sarah Palin. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKgNrb3baNM

The final pass of the baton (miles 16-20) was exchanged to Wes.  It was key to have someone to run with this last leg.  Mile 18-20 were a bit of pain.  I started getting aches in places I have never had before....Like my left hip and left achilles.  Heck, my stomach was even become ticked off at me (I think Tubby (nickname for my gut) was just hungry).  And so, up and back we went; Jake even joined us again for the last mile.  Huge!!!  Maybe these guys can jump in during the marathon to do the same.

After the run, Wes, Jake, and I went to Einstein's Bagel for a little breakfast treat.  That was the best bacon egg and cheese bagel sandwich I have ever eat'n.  Then I went back to Jake's to shower and go shopping with the newlyweds (they make lots of return/replace stops at Crate and Barrel these days....as one could imagine).  I myself had to buy some skibby's and work garments.  Somehow I ended up also buy a pair of jeans, a couple non-work shirts, and a new pair of running shoes (ouch!!!).  But my clothes are falling off....and I don't want to get yelled at by my mother anymore... "you look ragged and baggy."  Then it was off to watch a little football; followed by dinner back in Broad Ripple at the Canal Bistro Mediterranean Grill.

And then off to the Monkey's Tail for a little live blues; then a swing by OPT's just for old times sake......asleep by 1am.....and I guess I will call that a good day!!!!

Go Colts!!!!!

I guess I don't really subscribe to the philosophy of resting up on the weekend.  At least not these days.  It seems I am constantly trying to see how much I can pack into a 24 hr. weekend day.  I guess it is fun that way....but it sure does make the time fly.  Let just look at yesterday as an example.

Prairie View Golf

A group of us are playing every morning during this holiday break.  It is kind of a tournament of sorts, with a dummy trophy going to the winner.  So at 7:48 am, we tee'd off with fog covering the course like a blanket. 

Prairie View is one of the better courses in Indiana.  I believe it is the only Robert Trent Jones Jr. track in the Hoosier state.  However, it might be my least favorite course with 100 miles.  I swear Mr. Jones must have had a wicked slice, cause the entire course is laid out for a banana ball of the tee.  The exact opposite of my ball flight....so that makes for a long day...and it was....shot a 94; fought to get that.  94 - incredible and ouch!

Monon Trail

After a horrific experience on the course, I could think of nothing better to do than drive over to the monon trailing and getting in my 13 mile run for the weekend.  Sounds good!!! It would give me a chance to blow off a little steam, right?  Problem is, I was mixing bad elements; hindering a good run.  First of all, an hour before, I had a bud light (hey...the gentlemen with the best round of the day had to buy a round...can't really refuse that), a chicken wrap, and some frites....let alone 18 holes of what I would call hell.  Mix that with 90 degree, good Indiana August humidity, and limited water stations - and that is a cocktail for disaster.  But the monon was great (15 miles of paved path starting in Carmel and going to downtown Indy -  that formerly was a railway) and I survived my stupidity.

US Nationals

I guess it was now time to relax with some top fuel cars that moozey down a straightway at 330 mph.  I think more impressive than the speed and the sounds is the raw power.  Your body litterly shakes as these beast jet by you.  It is quite an experience that everyone should witness at least once.

Karaoke

And what would an evening be without a little karaoke to top it off.....right?  I probably haven't done this in 6 years years or so...and I know then I did not sing.  However, I met my boy Aman and crew out, first in fountain square for a little vino and then off to some joint called Olly's.  Wow!  I must admit that it was fun.  I feel sorry for all those that had to hear my shaky voice (especially, Aman, Beth, Kim, and Susan).....but I guess that is the point.  Here is Susan (with a local karaoke star - lets call me JT), Aman's wife, really embracing the experience (it was her first).

Well, it is 8am again, and time to get back to the course.  Looking for a sub 80 score today, just save face.  We are playing a place call Plum Creek.  Immediately after that round, I will race over to GCI to get another 18 in, then off to dinner with friends.  Guess today will go just as fast as yesterday.  Should be fun.