Following is a letter from Al Chan's family:
Dear Fathers for Fitness:
We want to give a big shout out to you guys for finally getting my husband Al in good enough shape to finish the Rock and Roll Marathon and motivating him to continue the training regimen as you have recommended. I want to let you know how far Al has come since you have given him the motivation, camaraderie and endless encouragements to keep going - here are some highlights of Al's past attempts at getting in shape:
Now, he can add "finishing the Rock and Roll Marathon" to the list :) Fitness and health truly are a gift - take it from someone who had a bum hip for 40 years and finally got the hip replacement 5 years ago, and have been thankful to be able to run with the kids, walk on the beach, and stroll along the seine with Al without my hip locking up on me.
The gift of fitness keeps on giving - now my daughter, niece, and sister all want to do the next 5K and may join you all at the marathon next year - we are so happy to see the whole group finish and share in the joy - keep up the good work!!
Sincerely,
Kelly, Makenna and Kellen
Congratulations Marathon Men !!!
Thanks to Robby’s mentoring & leadership we all completed our 1st marathon – we are no longer virgins !!
As I recall the race I must admit I was impressed with our pace and endurance for the first 18 miles. We kept up a great pace and I felt fine for the first 18 miles. Around mile 18 I started feeling the blisters on the balls of my feet. Nothing too bad, but a reminder of how bad they were going to look at the end of the marathon. As my wife, Jane, had told us, “the marathon doesn’t begin until mile 20”. How true this would become as Robby left us to find Greg and Craig’s grunting became louder and louder. Even Al started complaining on how bad his feet felt. My encouragement in telling these guys to just put it out of your heads was quickly met with, “it hurts too much to put it out of my head”. In talking with Al yesterday he put it right that the last 4 – 6 miles was all about pain management. It was the last 6 miles that, in retrospect, I had some of the most fun (O.K. maybe not fun, but trying to put the pain out of mind). We came upon a lady singing out loud with her ipod. She said that she had to sing out loud so as to not feel the pain. We joined in with her to a Bee Gees song (right up my alley being from Brooklyn in the 70s) and later on to “When I need you”. Honestly, I can’t really recall any of the songs from the bands until the last 6 miles. I guess by then I was trying to listen to everything so as to not think about the pain. Al & I started singing the Steve Miller Band song, Joker, that one of the bands was playing - that got us another 200 yards closer to the finish line. We even finished up with the Tommy Tutone song 8675309/the end we persevered through it all and are now officially Marathon Men.
I was hurting big time at the end of the race. The blisters came alive and my calves were sore to the touch. A day later I’m like a new man, thanks to rest and Advil. The blisters are still there and they will heal with time, but the memories of accomplishing this feat will last a life time. Again, I would like to thank Robby for putting us up to the challenge and thank all of you for your friendship and spirit of getting through this challenge. I do intend to go on from here and do other races -probably ½ marathons for awhile and maybe another full marathon road. I would be honored if you all would join me for these future endeavors.
Jim O'Hara
That's funny [what] you say that about the last six miles. I updated my facebook account and sent some email to some friends and family and said the exact same thing. The last 6 miles were a challenge but the last 3 miles were incredibly difficult. Given that I fell behind you guys pretty quickly after the marathon began, I'm pretty proud that I only finished about 19 minutes behind you. I think if I drop some more pounds, I can really pick up the pace. I stated to some friends that I may be more of a half-marathoner. But you never know. I may try it again especially since my sister said she would do it if I do it next year. Like Robby said, ya gotta try to give something back and try to inspire somebody else.
I actually didn't really mind walking alone since that is mostly how I trained. I think I kind of got in to the introspective aspect of the whole thing by walking by myself. Its kind of peaceful and lets you focus a lot more. Also, walking alone, you end up talking with a lot of other people which I found really fun and interesting. I do want to really thank Robby for coming back to walk in with me. I'm sure I would have made it even if I was alone since I was really determined. However, it was really fun coming in to the finish line with him. He really talked it up the last few hundred yards with the crowd.
Anyhow, my feet (blisters) will be healing for a few more days at least but other than that, I seem to be pretty good. Again, a real learning experience for me. Not only a learning experience about how to do a marathon but a learning experience about myself and what I can accomplish if I put my mind to it.
Thanks all...especially Robby!
Greg Harabedian
I still recall goading Jim into a short 2 mile walk on a Saturday instead of sitting around doing nothing while our kids practiced basketball. The next day, Jane thanked me and asked, “Can you get him to do that more often?”
Monday came with the bombshell. “This guy I know is getting some dad’s together to walk a marathon. Let’s do it!” My initial thoughts were:
1) O’Hara has gone mad.
2) One short walk and we’re marathoners?
3) No freakin’ way.
4) Who is [this] Robby Boyd guy anyways?
A day later and $100 poorer I commit. I didn’t know Robby, but I liked his very positive message. Although I needed to walk earlier in the day most Saturdays, Robby’s weekly emails along with Jim’s enthusiastic calls every Friday provided the motivation and encouragement I needed to keep up my training. Hearing from both of them was something I looked forward to. During the week, Kelly happily kept track of my progress; it was comforting to know she was with me on this.
Four pairs of shoes later (long story), there I was zigzagging along with the rest of you on a perfect day for a marathon. I was amused by something we also witnessed on our training walks – other runners or walkers saying hi to Robby. But the car that zipped by at around mile 17 with the a person hanging out the window shouting “Go Robby!” made me wonder out loud, “Does he know everybody?”
The support crew was excellent during the 20 miler and on Sunday. Seeing the families cheer us on gave me a boost and it was something I looked forward to during the walk. A big thanks to our wives and children for supporting us on our endeavor!
The final 6 was truly challenging. I agree with Jim, it was tough but in an odd way enjoyable and satisfying. Jim, Craig, and I were three grumpy old men trying to get through it, and I remember having some good laughs along the way.
Physically, I feel great with the exception of a blister on my right foot. Strange, the left foot is okay.
Too my fellow first timers – We did it! It’s been an honor walking with you. We didn’t see too much of you Greg, but all of us kept looking over our shoulders for 26.2 miles hoping to see where you were. Chris, I am impressed. I’m still stunned you ran for 15 without doing any training runs.
With many miles on my feet, I am very happy to know who Robby Boyd is now along with his beautiful family. I am grateful for the positive influence the Boyds have been on me in a very short time. Robby – I tip my marathon hat to you.
Other observations:
Al Chan #23013
Carlsbad, CA
Age: 46 Gender: M
Distance | MAR |
Clock Time | 6:47:04 |
Chip Time | 6:37:57 (6:30 was the goal) |
Overall Place | 12477 / 13291 (Okay…whatever) |
Gender Place | 6607 / 6828 (uh huh…) |
Division Place | 662 / 677 (Are you kidding me?! I almost came in last in my division!?) |
Age Grade | 33.8% |
Pace | 15:11 |
Ttlrace | 13291 |
Ttldiv | 677 |
Ttlsex | 6828 |
10 Km | 1:29:34 (This is too easy.) |
Half | 3:10:36 (Not just feeling good, feeling great!) |
21 Mile | 5:13:44 (What’s that in my shoes? Are those blisters forming on the balls of my feet?) |