First Marathons:Rick Dunbar

I started my run addiction probably later than most at the age of 55. Ran a few 5k's then 10k's. Ran my first half marathon and as I reached the split for half/full marathon I told myself there's no way I could do a full marathon. Then I ran a few more half marathons and I vowed to run a full marathon if I ran three half marathons in one calendar and stayed injury free.

After the third half marathon in 2016 I told myself and my wife that I was going sign up for the St Jude full marathon in April of 2017. Dedicated the next 5 months to make sure it would be a successful marathon. Living in Illinois I did indoor treadmill and winter outside runs when ever possible.

Fast forward to April 2017 I was physically and mentally ready doing 26.2 miles for the first time. A friend of the family ran the 5k and we enjoyed Nashville for a few days with our spouses before race day. Race was on April 29 and unfortunately the weather forecast called for hot/humid conditions. They moved the race time up a hour because of expected temps around 90 degrees.

Now standing amongst the thousands of half/full marathon participants a chill crossed my body. Was excited that my months of training got me to this and was proud ofy old self to do a marathon. I'm the only one in my family that has done this. Start temp was a humid 75 so my goal changed from around 4hrs to finish upright haha. Felt good until around the 16 mile mark. Tried to stay hydrated and fueled throughout run but the heat was getting to me. Jog/walked the rest of the way but I finished at 4hrs 50 minutes. It was in the low 90's when I finished.

Found out later they closed the course for safety reasons due to heat. Forced everyone to finish line at the 19 mile mark.Heard ambulances throughout the run probably for heat related issues with other participants. Was glad I was able to finish the full marathon.

Since the marathon in Nashville TN I've done 2 more full marathons, Monumental on Indy and Air Force Marathon in Ohio. In total I've completed 15 half marathons and 3 full marathons along with numerous 5k/10k's. No plans on stopping except I'm maybe done with full marathons.

That's my story.