Clarence Harrison DeMar (June 7, 1888 – June 11, 1958) was a U.S. marathoner, winner of seven Boston Marathons, and Bronze medalist at the 1924 Paris Olympics. He was known by the nickname “Mr. DeMarathon.”

 

DeMar won his last Boston in 1930 at the age of 41. His record of seven wins has never been broken, and he remains the oldest winner of the event ever.

In my quest for 100 marathons, have double/tripled & even 12x run my home state & neighboring others.  Costs, time off from work – additionally not as tough to bounce back physically when travel is minimized.

This weekend my third marathon in New Hampshire – different story.

Hadn’t been to a 50 State Marathon Club reunion since receiving my award last August in Santa Rosa.  Reunions rotate among the 50 States – hence, this weekend’s race in Keene, now my third 26.2 in NH.  Enjoy the camaraderie, LOVE LOVE our tight-knit community.

Reunion attendance Con?  Most active runner in your hometown (BIG FISH) sitting in a room with folks who have finished 200 & even 300+ marathons in their lifetime (now a LITTLE FISH).  300+ marathons, insane?  Nope, addictive.

Left Saturday’s reunion MOTIVATED to complete a 2^nd rotation of the US by 2019 year-end.  Heaven help me – LOL>  That said, SUPER THANKFUL to be cancer-free.  Can’t wait to see where/what towns my 50 State Déjà Vu tour will take me 🙂

Bib pickup, tried the Captain Crunch dog (skip it).  Leaf peeping (2 weeks too early), early to bed.

You are all aware of the forecast for tomorrow and the impact on your run. Tomorrow is not your PR day or your BQ day. Those plans evaporated with the high temperatures you’ll run in tomorrow. We are taking all reasonable precautions to create the safest event we can for you, but it is now all up to you. Any decision to black flag the race before everyone finishes will be less about the temperatures or our wet bulb reading than it will be on how our runners react to those conditions. If too many of you require emergency medical attention, our medical resources will be at risk of being overwhelmed and will force us to make that decision. If that happens, we urge everyone left on the course to respect that decision, and cooperate with our protocols to bring you safely to the finish line.

Marathon morning.  Received another email warning ‘bout the unseasonable heat.  Low 90’s, late September.  Ugh.

90+ marathons completed, first time I forgot my race Bib.  Noticed it missing 10 minutes before the Start.  Remember looking inside my swag bag (nite before), saw the long-sleeve race shirt (too hot to wear long sleeves) – totally forgot about the Bib.  Double ugh.

Small town race, Race Director +++  Wrote down my name, provided a spare Bib, later (while I was actually running) fixed/updated my registration online to reflect the new Bib #.  Very very much appreciated.

Started far from the back, jogged/chatted first 7 miles with my Maniac buddy Stacey.  Comfortable early temps, leafy-canopied course.  It’d get super warm on the back-half…but no regrets.  Not a PR day.  Goal was to enjoy the run – and FINISH.

First 15-16 miles, picturesque New England.  Gilsum to Surrey Dam to Greenlawn Cemetery.  Heat (& East Coast humidity) dialed waaaay up before the first Half.  Salty & light-headed, puked throughout the Cemetery (mile 22).  Hate heat.  Residents water-sprayed runners & provided ice – most EVERY street ‘til the Finish.  AWESOME acts of kindness.  New Englanders, the BEST!

Ugly finish, just under 6 hours.  3 of my 50 State friends – Dan, Seth & Cade – greeted me at the Finish (& asked what happened).  Some days you’re the windshield, some days you’re the bug.  Can’t change the weather, all part of the journey.

Drama on every United flight home – been added to my (3^rd strike) Frontier/Spirit DO NOT FLY list.  Kept a smile on my face, thankful not to walk in their shoes.  Must be a crummy job to maintain that level of unhappiness on a daily basis.

Home sweet Colorado Home.  40-degree temperature drop, snow in the mountains ❤

iResultsLIVE! Alert!

Event: Clarence DeMar Marathon
Name: K R Haga
Bib #: 430
Time: 5:55:39 (Net Time)