2011 Austin Marathon

In February 2001 I ran my very first Austin marathon. It was the Austin Motorola Marathon. I ran it in 4 hours, 30 minutes and 19 secs. It was an amazing experience to actually finish 26.2 miles. I was so excited. I cried at the finish line! A few days after the marathon I looked back at all the finishing times and ages of the runners and right on top of my name was a 72 year old man who finished in 4 hours, 30 minutes and 5 secs! WHAT!?...a 72 year old man beat me!? AWESOME! From that day on I made a personal goal to run one marathon every year until I'm 72. When I'm 72 I'm going to beat a 22 year old! It's going to be sswwwweet!

Well I'm still at it. I completed the 2011 Austin Marathon. This year I finished in 4 hours, 3 minutes and 9 secs (which is actually my personal best). I had a great time training with Gilbert's Gazelles. I met and trained with two wonderful ladies, Katie Jan and Lauren Moser. I'm so blessed to have met them. All those long Saturday runs wouldn't have been the same without them. You can learn a lot about a person running the streets of Austin (literally).

Every year I dedicate the marathon to someone or several people. This year I ran in memory of Raul Castillo, a friend who died in a car crash this past October. I also ran in honor of my friend Eliza De Los Santos, who would have ran the half if she wasn't in the same car crash as Raul. She is healing fast but can not run at the moment. It was so awesome to see her at the race.


This marathon was just a stepping stone towards Ironman Texas. It was my foundation for what lies ahead. I'm glad that it's over. Bring on Ironman training!