Quite a while ago, a few (12 total) law school classmates and I booked our yearly pilgrimmage to Las Vegas. Shortly thereafter, Dogman signed up for the Twin Cities Marathon. After putting down a decent time in the Dam to Dam race and Okoboji Half Marathon, I ran a few numbers in my head (for those of you that know me, which is probably the 7 friends/family members that read this, I'm terrible at math, but I digress), I thought if Dogman ran a near perfect race he could have a chance to qualify for the Boston Marathon. Well, suffice to say he's even better than that!
The above picture is the start of the race. Damn that's a fine looking jersey. Pretty cold at the start. All pictures are courtesy of Princess. Technology is amazing, but I do not possess anything with enough power to take a picture of this quality from Vegas.
To qualify for Boston, he would have to run a 3:10 marathon. I knew he had it in him, but it would be difficult. Unfortunately, the Twin Cities and Vegas trip fell on the same weekend. Dogman printed off a solid training program from Runnersworld.com and for the most part, hit a good portion of his workouts. I of course got on his case if he didn't do one and he would respond that his warm-up pace was my sprint...no comeback from this guy. Leading up to the week, I would watch the weather (yes, since I can't run this fast I live vicariously). Chance of rain and temps in the 50's.
My plane from Vegas left at 7:45 a.m. Sun. morning, so I sent out some quick text messages for updates, since Dogman was going to start soon. Just before the start, I was informed the weather was cold and a bit windy. Then, I learned that it was a downpour. Not good I thought. Right as I was about to hop on the plane, the family said Dogman had just passed the 11 mile marker and was looking good. The Accelerade Warrior called and said he just saw Dogman about 6 minutes or so ahead of the 3:10 pace group and looking really strong. Huge shout out to The Warrior for making it to the race and I know Dogman was really glad to see another friendly face and Tri Team member.
Above, It's Mister to You! getting ready to cheer on the BQ'er.
At this point though, I was a bit worried that Dogman started off too fast. He was in the second corral and started 3 minutes behind the 3:10 pace group. For a good portion of the plane (save for when I was trying to catch up on lack of Vegas sleep), I was concerned that he would hit the wall. As soon as the plane hit the ground (fastest landing ever, no joke), I turned the phone on and got the following as a text message...
3:04. Hell Yes!!!!! Dogman 1; Twin Cities Marathon 0. Can you say going to Boston baby? The Boji Tri Team now has a Boston Marathon Qualifier. Second marathon and 55 minutes faster than his first. On another note, I am going on a two dessert per week diet starting Monday.
Finally, I would like to give a shout out to the Accelerade Warrior, Princess, It's Mister to You! and Sue Money for their attendance. I'm also trying to decide who was the bigger star and endured more pain, Dogman for the race or Princess for cheering in the pouring rain/wind/cold. I would also like to give a shout out to Burrito for showing the world that not only does the Boji Tri Team dominate the race scene, but the Vegas scene was well.
The picture on top, It's Mister to You! offering some support as Dogman's looking strong. I later came to find out that Dogman had a bathroom break at about mile 20. For the Ironman, I'm pretty sure I'll pee on the bike. Not gross, but awesome. He should try this strategy while running, maybe save some time. Ok, that's a joke, kind of.
I love the bottom picture. You can tell he's got that feeling that he's just realized his goal. I wrote him a note before I left for Vegas telling him to smile when it started to hurt. The hurt's what he trained for, what he's done all those long runs for and what he's giving me all his dessert's for (ok, that's a lie, he likes dessert just as much as me). Seriously though, you put in the time and effort for moments like these. The finish line is in sight, the clock's where you want it to be and you're just about ready to finish what you've started. Mission accomplished!
Well done Dogman, well done.
15 comments:
Way to go Dogman! I'm glad I got to see a few seconds of your domination of the most beatiful urban marathon in America. I had no doubts you would make the Boji Tri Team proud. And yes, you did have the best looking jersey out there.
Dogman. Well Done.
Dogman. Great work. Big bro was excited about it and wishing he could be there. He was so focused on your upcoming run that he drafted 6 centers in our fantasy basketball league, despite the fact that we only need to have 1 (on roster of 11). Clearly, his mind was elsewhere. You are free to call him Andris Bierdrins anytime you like. Frankly, they have similar FT shooting form.
Dogman----you da man.
Re: "I wrote him a note before I left for Vegas telling him to smile when it started to hurt. The hurt's what he trained for, what he's done all those long runs.... you put in the time and effort for moments like these. The finish line is in sight, the clock's where you want it to be and you're just about ready to finish what you've started. Mission accomplished!"
Lookin Good, Feelin Better, are you making exta cash on the side as a motivational speaker? I don't know about everyone else but I'm ready to go!
Yours Truely,
Tony Robbins
ps...hats off Dogman
We should also be taking our hats off to It's Mister to You! I believe he was the only spectator on the entire course to be wearing shorts on that cold and wet morning. Mere mortals were wearing many layers of warm clothing and/or rainsuits. Way to show your support for the runners!
To the one and only accelerade warrior:
Thanks for the comments. YOU are always welcome at Okoboji.
to the accelerade warrior:
the fact that you weren't wearing your usual skirt is not indicative of mister to you!'s ability to withstand the grueling conditions faced by Dogman- instead, it illustrates his penchant for displaying his legs.
I am so glad to hear from dsm (IN LOVE) 911. I thought the bliss of new found love had totally taken him from us. I now see that we are forced to again endure his distorted and disjointed attempt at humor. I can only say that Kate must truly be a saint to claim him. Also, any one with bird legs had to wear long pants Sunday. Does the glove fit?
addressing mister to you!: your veiled shots at the accelerade warrior's legs are most unfortunate. I would ask the blog moderator to please address mister to you!'s callous remarks.
I would like it to be made of record that I generously offered my umbrella to Mister to You on mile 11 during the pouring rain. Sue Money and I pulled our hoods up and braced ourselves against the torrential downpour and freezing conditions. It was not until later, after being resolved to the fact I will never not be soaking wet and cold did Mister to You! inform us he had a stash of umbrellas and blankets in the trunk. Well played Mister to You!.
WAY TO GO DOGMAN!!! Proud of you!
Also, way to go Accelerade Warrior, Mister to You!, Sue Money, and Princess for braving the elements! Really, is anyone surprised that the Warrior came through in the way he did and that Mister to You! was the manliest man there? Is anyone also surprised that dsm911 has once again proven he is not manly?
Burrito, you are also welcome any time at Okoboji. I do agree 100% with your assessment of dsm911. Love does strange things to male. dsm911 is a prime example.
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