Hi all, I haven't been around much. My surgery was late 2008, I hit my goal weight in the summer of 2009, and have stayed within 15 pounds of it since. Sure would like to get back to that weight again. Anyway, I thought I'd check in for a while. I've done 7 half marathons and I'm 3 weeks away from completing my first full at the Columbus Marathon. I'll let you know how it goes.

That is freaking AWESOME, Bill!!! Please do let us know how it goes.

I can't wait to paste that "Goal Reached" banner on my signature! Woooo!

I ran 20 this weekend, looking forward to the actual marathon.

Awesome Bill! I am 50 or so days away from my 2nd half marathon.. I would love to one day run a full marathon..

Best of luck! let me know how it goes...

Awesome Bill! I am 50 or so days away from my 2nd half marathon.. I would love to one day run a full marathon..

Best of luck! let me know how it goes...

I will, after checking the full off my bucket list, I'll probably stick wiht the 1/2. I love the half and there are many close to me.

When's the date of the marathon?

About a week left.. hows it going?

When's the date of the marathon?

Sunday OCt 16th at 7:30am. Columbus, Ohio.

About a week left.. hows it going?

Good, having a light week in preparation. I have lowered my expectations somewhat. When I signed up I hoped to run this in 4 hours. Having done a 1:48 1/2 marathon, it seemed possible, but the heat and back issues slowed me up a bit. I'm just going to try and cruise in at around 4 hours and 30 minutes. I'm taking Monday off to recover next week, so I'll probably post something here.

Wow! Fantastic time on the half!!!! I have done one so far (which I didn't train for...stupid me) and it took me 2:43. Just did an 8k this past weekend and it was great. I will try one more half and seriously train for it next year. I really admire you crazy runner folks doing a full marathon!!!! It amazes me how anyone can run 42K. Have a restful week Bill and ROCK the marathon!

Its incredible isnt it. I have two issues with running the really long ones - I find the training so booooooooring and my body tends to break down. So 10K is my distance! I just cant face running longer than an hour. I am happy that I've done one half but it took me about four weeks to recover from physically and since chemo and all that stuff, probably wont do one again.

Best of luck Bill, you're an inspiration.

Its incredible isnt it. I have two issues with running the really long ones - I find the training so booooooooring

Joining a local running group really helped, I actually look forward to the weekend runs with the group. Its a big group and almost anyone can find someone that runs their speed.

Well BillOh, how did it go????

Checking in.. how did it go????

Hi folks, thanks for asking! It went well, really well, i am so glad i did it. I've ordered pictures from the event, and I'll post a couple when I have them. I mentioned my goal was to run the marathon in 4:30. The race provided experienced pacers and one of them was designated to run the race at that exact pace. I found this guy and my plan was to stay with him for 20 miles and see how i felt for the last 6. I did that, cruising with this group of about 10 people for about 16 miles and having a good time. His philosophy was to walk for about 30 seconds at every water stop to allow the group to catch up and re-group, but at mile 16 I was afraid I would start to stiffen up by walking so at that point I went ahead of the group and in 3 miles put 3 minutes between me and them. 18 miles was the longest I had run. I breezed past 20 and all they way to 23 miles. Miles 24 and 25 were the longest miles of my life, but I pushed through it. Thoughts of the Battan Death March were going through my heads. (Apologies to any veterans who may be reading this) I saw friends at mile 26 who motivated me to the finish where I met my wife, who is also a weight loss surgery success story, she had competed the half marathon I did come in at 4:26 4 minutes ahead of my goal. Pictures to follow.

Amazing story! Congratulations!!!