Dean's Version of the run in Wichita

5 DOWN, 45 TO GO…
Wichita MarathonNumber of Runners: 21Time: 4:23:18Weather: 62 degrees, gale winds and driving rain
I’d like to personally thank each and every runner for your bravery today. The weather was nothing short of intense, with driving rain and torrential downpours. Kansas is know for its wind, and today was a monumental display of Mother Nature in all her glory.
With the long drive last night and just a few hours of restless sleep, I was hoping today would be an easy one. Such was not to be the case.
The rain began just before the start, and when we entered McConnell Air Force Base at mile eleven the showers had begun to intensify. We were met at the gate by twenty military officers and personnel who ran the eight mile section through the base with us. And that’s when things got really interesting. By mile 14, the rain was coming down sideways, stinging your face and body as it hit. The wind was whipping across the open expanse, making forward progress nearly impossible in some stretches, and blowing you off course in others. Trying to open your eyes to see where you were going was a painful experience, so we ran with our heads down, tracking off the line in the road to keep your bearings.
The group showed a grit and resolve that goes beyond words. During the peak of the torrent, we would just exchange periodic glances as a way of reaffirming our commitment to keep foraging onward. No words were necessary. When the rain finally did let up at mile 21, running the last five miles together seemed more like a victory march than a run, as though we had prevailed through the worst conditions imaginable and emerged intact and still moving forward.
Three first-time marathoners crossed the finish line. How they were able to accomplish this remarkable triumph in conditions that tested even the most experienced runners is astonishing. They say the human body can only go so far, well today the human spirit showed us all that nothing is impossible.
Thank you to the great athletes and people of Kansas. Heading down the highway toward the next marathon, your spirit lives on in my heart.
Warm regards,Dean

Photos from IM WI 06

Endurance 50 - Wichita, KS 9/21/06

Today was cold, wet and rainy - but I think we all had a great time.

Everyone was pretty pumped up after a pre-run pep talk by Dean about 15 minutes before we began the run.

We started right at 7 and mother nature acted up right away, but we all kept plugging away.

One of the highlights of the day fro me was at mile 11 when we entered McConnell AFB and were joined by a dozen or so Air Force men and women. It was greta to run with them on their base and have the opportunity to thank them for what they do for all of us. They ran with us from mile 11 to about mile 18.

By the time we left the base we knew we were on the down hillside of the marathon, so I know I was excited. The group spread out a bit, but we grouped back up at the end and about 10-12 of us all crossed the finish line at the same time with Dean. There were a couple of dozen family and friends cheering us on.

By this time, we were all excited when Dean suggested we take the post race festivities inside to warm up.

All in All - it was a great expereince and one that will rank near the top for me.