The Boston Beard

I've qualified for the Boston Marathon five times (missed the cut twice, finished in 2017, signed up for 2018 and qualified for 2018). Current PR is 2:42:46 from February in Phoenix. I've run 45 total marathons, with sub 4-hour times in 35 different states so far. I grow a beard until I BQ each time. Counting down the days until Boston 2018.

[thebostonbeard]

Marathon No. 47 and state No. 35 checked off this morning at #BayOfFundyMarathon. #Canadian hills are no joke. (at West Quoddy Head Lighthouse)

[thebostonbeard]

Head up, heart strong: only you can change your life soundtrack

"Down in a hole." I let the lyrics grab and hold me. I repeated them in my running cadence with each step. They lined up with how I felt about my life: trapped down in a hole. Then I realized. I can change my life soundtrack.

It’s been a struggle to stay positive lately. Hoping to focus on each day and start moving in the correct direction.

[thebostonbeard]

What an incredible experience. Finding victory out of misery.

[thebostonbeard]

Today’s #BostonMarathon wasn’t easy. In fact, it was harder than anything I can remember completing. The weather was ruthless and never relented. I left everything I had on the course, emotionally and physically. But it’s never easy. And the struggle makes us stronger. I’m going to celebrate this one for a while. #Boston2018 #Top300 (at Boston Marathon)

[thebostonbeard]

2018 Mesa-Phoenix Marathon — a good day in the desert - Long run life

The Mesa-Phoenix Marathon has become my hometown race (from afar). This year, in the middle of the fastest marathon I've ever run, I fought off a barrage of negative thoughts. I ended up running a PR by four minutes and 25 seconds, but I know I still have much work to do when it comes to mental strength.

It’s about a week late, but here is my race report from the Mesa-Phoenix Marathon. I’m incredibly pleased with my PR in 2:42:46. Now to push for sub 2:40.... 

[thebostonbeard]

Wherever I may roam — mindset and heart mean more than location

"Wherever I may roam." I've claimed Metallica's words as my own. After spending my first 30 years living within a small circumference of the world, I've made two gigantic moves in less than two years. I've learned mindset and heart mean more than location.

It's been a crazy few years, and I'm still scared and unclear about the future. But I've learned that mindset and heart mean more than location.

[thebostonbeard]

Happy with a 2:48:42 and age group win today at #OuterBanksMarathon. Not a PR, but close. And a solid #BostonMarathon qualifier for 2019. Not bad, #NorthCarolina. (at Outer Banks Marathon)

[thebostonbeard]

One wrong turn can turn a special race into a nightmare

One wrong turn can end the highest of running highs quickly. Sunday, a race mistake led to a self disqualification and a failed West Virginia trip.

Got lost on course and ruined my race today. Now I’ll have to return to West Virginia to complete my 50-states quest. Was running well until my wrong turn. All I can do now is move on and run harder, though.

[thebostonbeard]

Enjoying the unexpected PR, and donuts - Long run life

I showed up for donuts and ended up with an unexpected PR. Running is crazy like that. Sometimes it's better to clear your mind and run free.

I had a great running weekend. Now if I can just find a donut marathon....

[thebostonbeard]

42nd Marine Corps Marathon, an honor and a challenge - Long run life

Marine Corps Marathon is called "The People's Marathon." The race earns its moniker with throngs of runners and deep, loud crowds.

What an incredible race. Marine Corps Marathon didn't disappoint. I would love to run with the Marines again one day. Even on a day where I wasn't happy with my finish time, I could never be down after running through the streets of our nation's capital and seeing so much support and love and reverence for our military members and the sacrifices they have made to protect our American freedoms.

[thebostonbeard]

#MarineCorpsMarathon is such a special race. It was an honor to wear the #TeamRWB #Eagle out there today. #MCM (at Washington Monument)

[thebostonbeard]

Preparing for MCM, raising money for Team RWB - Long run life

I'm training for the Marine Corps Marathon and raising money for Team RWB, which does an amazing job helping our veterans connect with the community.

I can’t wait to put on the Team RWB Eagle singlet for the Marine Corps Marathon.

[thebostonbeard]

Winning the inaugural Fleet Feet San Diego Slurpee 10K - Long run life

It wasn't easy.

This is today’s post. I had WAY too much fun with this one .... spoiler alert, I didn’t have anyone racing against me. But it was more fun to write it up like a super serious race recap. 5K, Slurpee, 5K.

[thebostonbeard]

Willpower is making tomorrow happen today - Long run life

My weakness is follow through. If willpower is making tomorrow happen today, I lack it at every turn. The good news? I know exactly what I need to do.

I need to get back to writing a lot more. This was my first blog post in more than a month. 

[thebostonbeard]

Such a beautiful day for adventuring. #trailrunning #seenonmyrun #mammothmountain (at Mammoth Lakes, California)

[thebostonbeard]

Coeur d'Alene Marathon: keep your head down and power through

What do you do when your race plan falls apart? I had to find an answer at Sunday's Coeur d'Alene Marathon, and fortunately I came away with an overall win.

Idaho, my 31st marathon state, treated me well. It wasn’t easy, but I scored my first ever overall win in any distance race. I’m still flying high two days later.

[thebostonbeard]

Big Sur Marathon review: beautiful and brutal - Long run life

After a whirlwind two weeks of racing, here is my Big Sur Marathon review: beautiful and brutal. And well worth the effort.

It’s been a fun two weeks. Life changing.