Dallas White Rock Marathon December 13, 2009

Two of our Teammates (Ann and Brian) along with Dr. Benton Middleman accompanied blind runners Harry Cordellos and Mike McAviney thru the White Rock half marathon course. Here is Ann's story; "I have known Harry for over 20 years. When I was first asked to run with him I had to do a 44 min 10k at the end of his marathon(I didn't do the whole thing) to keep up with his pace. That's when he was the blind national champion runner and was the first blind person to ever finish Ironman. He has run over 150 marathons and several under 3hrs. Now, at 73, Harry has slowed to a walking pace, which is a lot less dangerous than running at a fast pace. When running arm & arm I must be his eyes, telling him about bumps, etc in the road. His ears can hear way before mine, in that he can hear highways, aid stations, and finish lines before I get close to seeing them. He has composed 3 or 4 songs about the White Rock Marathon and sings and tells a lot of stories along the way. I have been privileged for many years to get to run with him at White Rock."

Justin's account: I finished in first even though I had been sick with flu like symptoms all week. I was not able to get to my goal time, but was happy just finishing with the week I had and the heavy fog which causes traction problems on the push rims. I also had a rear flat with a couple miles to go and broke my disc wheel. It was making all kinds of noise, but it held together for the rest of the race. I then went back to my truck and duct taped the carbon splinters back together and put a new tire on so I could go back and do the last leg of the relay with ( 8 year old) Cody. It was going to be his longest distance he had ever gone in a racing chair. He did the whole entire 10k with a giant smile on his face, and the amount of cheering people were doing for him was amazing. He loved it and is now hooked. He said that next year he wants to try and do the half at white rock. Also Dusan was doing his first marathon since being in a chair. He was more than ready for the distance, but suffered a front flat at around mile 8. He decided to continue, but he also had a rear puncture a few miles later and decided to abandon the race. I have no doubt that he will seek his revenge on this course next year. Willy's account: I qualified for Boston on Sunday (3:55 even). I ran the whole race with my Vibram Fivefingers ( I was planning to switch at mile 12 but did not connect with my helping buddy). Yet, I have the easiest recovery ever. No blister, no black toe nail, no knee pain. Just some mild right foot soreness. I'm a barefoot runner convert. Gary chimed in: Nothing exciting. I started out on the first 18 miles at a 3:30-3:40 pace but finished at 4:03. Had a great time and had a chance to chat with numerous people from all over the country during the race. Korey: First ever half marathon for me-1:22:38, 38th overall.