Spring Marathons 2007
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Dubai, Austin, Seoul, Boston, OKC

Dubai Marathon (01-12-2007):
Tom Briggs: "...the marathon was not world-class. There were some 482 finishers in the marathon. The start was in the morning half-light, with excellent conditions (50’s F) and went smoothly. At about 5K we got to the coast of the Gulf, but couldn’t see much because the road was fully developed on both sides. The few spectators were enthusiastic. But a rather boring course, flat as a pancake (even flatter than the Lake Hefner Trails!), straight, the tedium broken every half mile or so by an attractively-designed mosque. All in all, though, it was a fun trip and successful run."
Editor's note:  Read the complete detains in the February Newsletter.

Austin Marathon (02-18-2007):
Richard Tate: I appreciate the club letting us share our experiences. I love my friends I have made… I had a PR (barely) over my NYC Marathon time. The [Austin] course this year received a lot of complaints from runners. It was somewhat brutal from mile 9 to 18. It was all uphill and was a significant challenge. The weather was perfect. I talked with several runners at the airport waiting for our flight that shared with me that last year’s course was a much better course but that last years weather conditions were horrible.

David Wray: Running his first marathon, David qualifies for Boston with a time of 3:13:08! Way to go!!

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Seoul Korea Marathon (03-18-2007):
Mario Abramson: "Mario runs the Seoul Marathon. He wore his Landrunners singlet to pay tribute to those who inspired him to run a marathon."

Boston Marathon (04-16-2007):
Tom Briggs: "My experience at Boston was only so-so: Rotten time (but at least I finished), due to: (1) Half an inch of water to walk through to reach the tent that was supposed to shelter us from the rain; feet and shoes soaked and heavy even before the start. (2) Chilly enough to wear tights; I've found in training that I never run well in the cold and wearing tights. (3) Head wind most of the way, though the rain had largely stopped when I started in the second wave. (4) Possible error in training: I concentrated on hills with not enough long runs."

Doug Cunningham: "I tried to run conservatively, especially for the first few miles, so I could basically remain strong throughout the race, and try to finish under 3:45, and even better, at 8:30 average pace. I started out faster than that, but ended up slower on the 4 Newton Hills, including Heartbreak. But because I was a bit conservative, I was able to run a steady (even though slower) pace on the hills, and had enough left in me to go fairly fast for the final 5 miles or so to the finish. My net time for the whole marathon was 3:42:12 which is about a 8:28.5 minute per mile average pace."

Bill Goodier: "Nothing compares to the thrill of running Boston.  This year the weather added to the challenge.  However, I still had an awesome time!  When in Boston, make sure you go sight seeing - don't miss Cheers-"Where everybody knows your name.", Bill Rodgers Running Center, The Freedom Train Walking Tour, Wrigley Field...there is so much to see and do ."

Joanne Jackson: "Weather was actually "near perfect" conditions for me. I felt great- ran the hills without stopping and requalified on the course for the very first time. 5th time there, 50th marathon!! "

Steve and Jodie Spielman: "The pic with Steve's green rain slicker tells the anticipation before the race for the "Nor'easterner" or what ever that was they were calling the blowing wind and rain! Despite the weather, we had a great time in Boston. On Sunday Bill, Steve and I ran the 2 1/2 mile "Freedom Run" through downtown Boston, very good for us, since we had never been to Boston before, we pretty much ran by alot of the sight seeing treasures the city has to offer. I met new friends from Boston while I was volunteering at the finish line and my "job" officially was over about 30 mins. before the elites came in, so the added bonus was getting to see the race from the VIP seating in front of the Boston Library with my new official orange volunteer marathon jacket! I got to see Steve and take his chip from him and then get him back to the hotel to dry off and clean up. Steve ran an awesome race and in spite of the down hill start he ran a negative split---go figure that! Our son David came in on Tue. and we spent the rest of the week looking at colleges around Boston. There was plenty to do and so much to see, we had a great time and would love go back to visit and perhaps Steve may run another Boston!"

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Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon (04-29-2007):
Kevin Lynes: "I had a very dear friend killed in the bombing and I ran the marathon in her memory. Her name was Leora Lee Sells. I told her husband, Roy that I was running for Lee and he was very honored. I found her banner at 27th and Classen.  This was my reason to run and I could hardly wait to get to mile 23 to take the picture. The next 3 miles was like Lee was running next to me and kept me going. It was an awesome experience of which I will never forget."

Chris Kish: "I finished and that is all that matters right now... I am just glad I got the green finisher shirt and medal."

Anne Wright: "Sandy Pace and I ran slower because of the heat. We ran smart- walked the hills, ate pretzels, drank Gatorade plus water, and ate our Sports Beans. We both marveled at how good we felt through the whole thing except, of course, for the last two miles when we just wanted to get it done."

Frances Williams: "The run started out great but became hot quick. I was not anticipating coming in sooner than 5:00. But something was working right and I drank at every water stop and ate pretzels. I think that saved me and the 4:45 pace group that I joined at the lake. I have never run with a pace group and it was great. Those 3 wonderful people pulled me through."

Cara Jackson: "I had an amazing race today. It was my first, so I didn't know what to expect, but everything worked in my favor today and I beat my goal of qualifying for Boston and also beat my "dream time" of 3:35 and ran a 3:28:37 (chip time.)"

Kresta Logan: "It turns out I finished at 2:15:36, and was I elated. I had great friends along the course cheering me on... and was so happy to reach the finish area that when one of them called out my name as I made the last approach, I started crying because I was so happy."

Sharon Haley: "I love the technical finisher shirt! This marathon is well organized, and I had a really good time."

Heather Patterson: "The OKC marathon was also my first. I finished in 3:32. When I started the training, I wanted to finish in 3:30, so I guess I was close enough. I qualified for Boston and that is the ultimate."

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