Drew, Andrea and I before the race in dark Cobo.

26.2 miles.

It’s approximately a trip from my hometown of Harbor Springs, around Little Traverse Bay, through Petoskey and to Charlevoix or it’s almost exactly a trip from Farmington to downtown Detroit.

It’s also the distance that I ran (partially hobbled) for the first time in my life Oct. 16 as I completed the Detroit Marathon.

One year ago, never in my wildest imagination did I think that I’d run a marathon in my lifetime. When I randomly picked up running seriously in 2009-2010, my intentions were simple. Run for fun, run for exercise, run for something to do.

But the more I ran, and almost all runners I’ve met can attest to this, the more I craved it. First it was a 5k, then 10k and then a half-marathon.

This year, it was a marathon.

Training

Along for the bumpy, but enjoyable ride again this year was my friend Drew, as well as his sister Andrea. Drew ran the half-marathon in Detroit with me in 2010, sticking with me throughout until we both finished together. It was no different this year.

We trained together, even from different cities, Andrea from Seattle, by using the same training regiment and trying to keep each other updated on nearly every run, reassuring each other that what we were doing was doable. There were peaks and valleys — especially during the hot summer days when running 4 miles seemed to be pushing it. We realized how soothing and bug-filled night runs are. We fought injuries, dehydration and attempting to help our body get used to longer distances.

We pushed to distances we had never reached before, 14, 15 and 16 miles. It wasn’t easy. There were several training runs that didn’t go well and were cut short. We had planned to run the Ann Arbor to Dexter Half-Marathon, but an aching knee injury after a long run forced me to forgo that race. The last month of training wasn’t pretty either. I ran out of gas in the final weeks after running constantly for four months. There were a couple weeks close to the end where I only ran once or twice.

Even with all that, however, I was excited for the race. I was healthy, rested and mentally prepared. I honestly had no doubts that I would finish and do well.

We rested the day before the race, drank gosh knows how many glasses of water and found our way to sleep before 10 p.m. in Farmington. We even quit on the Tigers early (usually unheard of) to ensure maximum possible rest.

Waking up at 4:30 a.m. wasn’t early at all on Sunday. I didn’t have a sick feeling of nervousness like I did before the half-marathon in 2010. I was excited. I was much more ready in 2011.

I was hoping that it would transfer over to the race.

It did. For awhile.

Race day

We showed up to a dark Cobo Hall (power was out) around 5:15 a.m., well before the start time of 7 a.m. We stretched, watching the people trickle into the building from all over the place, watched the cars stream by and did some more stretching.

Andrea and the Towlertons made their way in a little after 6 a.m. The night before at dinner, Andrea was openly nervous about the race. She had suffered a cracked hip during her training in Seattle.

She was back to her energetic, insanely positive self the morning of the race, ready to go. It was a good sight to see. It answered the “Are we about to do this?” questions Drew and I kept running by each other that morning.

We made our way out to the start line roughly 5-10 minutes before 7 a.m. It was surprisingly warm, I thought. Maybe my adrenaline was keeping me warm.

Pre-race, roughly 5:15 a.m. as they set up the balloons.

The four of us — Andrea’s friend Katie with us as well — stuck together in the same wave (they went off every 2 minutes). For those of you that don’t know as well, the start line is right next to the Detroit Free Press, very cool for a journalist like me.

We began our 26.2-mile trek about 12 minutes after the first wave went off. We ran at a slow pace to start and actually split ways with the two girls almost immediately. Drew had to stop to use the restroom. We hadn’t even passed the first mile marker yet. We knew that the girls would probably take off at some point anyways, so told them that we’d see them at the finish.

Early on in the race we found the 9:55-pace group and decided to stick with them. We decided that a 4-hour, 30-minute marathon pace would be an excellent choice for our first time out. We stuck with them for a long time, actually.

The wind was whipping as we climbed the Ambassador Bridge and crossed over to Canada. Halfway over the bridge is roughly the 3-mile mark and we did that in about 29 minutes.

Everyone in Canada was very courteous once again. Scores of fans were lined up like in 2010. The run through Canada was enjoyable. This is where we saw the “Worst Parade Ever” sign (best sign I saw) and the first time we located the barefoot runner (we actually saw him multiple times).

Before we knew it we were turning to the tunnel (roughly mile 7) and making our way back to Detroit. I was dreading the tunnel. It ruined my race in 2010. I was out of breath and very light-headed after finishing the tunnel last year.

This year was different. We took it nice and slow and I feel as though I was much more prepared for it. There isn’t a much better feeling when you leave the tunnel and that cold breeze hits your face. One of the funny things we noticed leaving the tunnel was how many U.S. Customs officers were checking to see if there were any non-runners attempting to make their way into the U.S. as we exited the tunnel (at least that’s what we believe they were doing).

I struggled through the final miles of the half-marathon last year. I was almost walking, barely running in the last few miles. There was no sign of that in 2011. We put it on cruise control, ran through Cork Town, laughed at how we struggled last year and finished the first half in about 2 hours, 12 minutes, actually a little faster than I thought we would (we finished the 2010 race in 2:24).

Fan Club. My parents on the left, Lange clan next to them.

Drew’s parents found us before we made the turn to head out on the second half of the course, encouraged us. Drew and I were hoping to see someone we knew at that point and we’re glad that we did.

We entered into unfamiliar territory as we entered the second portion of the race. We were halfway done, but not still had 13.1 miles to go. I had also never been in that part of Detroit before.

The first few miles after the halfway point were peaceful. There were just handfuls of people around us and oftentimes we were alone for stretches. It was pretty flat, pretty straight for awhile.

It all went well until about Mile 16. That’s when I had this terrible sensation in my right knee. Nothing popped, nothing snapped, I just all of a sudden had a feeling like my knee was in serious trouble. I was forced to stop running.

This wasn’t something I wanted to do. I knew that eventually we might have to take a break, especially in our first marathon, but I was hoping it wouldn’t be that early. We still had 10 miles to go.

I was hoping it was something that would go away with some easy walking. It wasn’t.

I struggled to get going for long distances as it would always creep back and I would almost feel like my knee was going to explode.

We ran half-a-mile, walked a quarter mile, etc. I felt bad for Drew, my injury hindered him, but he was also undoubtedly the man because he stayed with me.

I tried to not let it bring me down. Drew and I joked throughout the race, talked about random things, chatted with random runners and made sure that we didn’t miss the beer (we encountered two tables in Indian Village with beer, one with PBR) and conversed with many who were cheering along the streets of Detroit.

The last few miles dragged, but were enjoyable because we knew we were close. When we hit Mile 25, we vowed to not stop until the end. I was expecting fireworks from my knee as we rounded the second-to-last last corner with the small hill, but instead got an explosion of cheers from Andrea.

She was draped in her space cape, standing right on the course, screaming, rooting us on. She rounded the final bend with us and she was just the beginning of family members and friends that we saw on that final stretch.

Finished, in more ways than one.

My parents, who totally missed me pass them in 2010 (I still give them a hard time), didn’t miss me this year and my mother made sure to snap seemingly a dozen photos as we passed. The Lange family and company were next and finally Drew’s parents were right next to the finish line. It was extremely amazing to have all of them there.

Drew ran and I limped across the line, finishing at just over five hours (5:03:33). We were positive we would be way under five hours at the halfway points and even after I wrecked my knee, thought it was possible, but finished just over. Time didn’t matter though. We finished. A great accomplishment for anyone. Not bad for a couple of marathon first-timers. Like in 2010, we exclaimed the same thing once we finished, “Never again!”

Of course, that’s not true. Even later in the day and the next day we were talking about the next marathon or what state we should hit next.

Post race

I didn’t feel as bad as I thought I would afterwords. Walking for portions of the second half and the cool temperatures most definitely helped. We located everyone that came down, made our way for food, beer and later on in the day, a seriously long nap. I had high expectations for the day and even those were exceeded. Not even a bum knee could bring down my spirits.

Looking back, there’s no way we can be disappointed. We completed 26.2 miles. We made it to our goal. It was our first marathon. Now that we are no longer rookies, we can look to PR that time the next time out.

I’m still not sure what’s wrong with my knee, but getting it examined might be the next step. I did test it — unintentionally — when I was running through Central Michigan’s campus late for an interview earlier this week and it ached and felt “off.” I’ve never had many injuries, never broken a bone and I’ve definitely never had knee problems, so this is new territory for me.

Assuming it’s not permanent and that I’ll eventually get it remedied, it’s the current reminder of the effort it takes to finish a marathon. There’s no doubt that I’ll be back for more, hopefully once again in Detroit.

My sister is already talking about running the half-marathon with in Detroit in 2012. I will no doubt be there to run it with her.

A lot of my time has been spent running. I’ve been on that wagon again this summer, with my target goal the Detroit Marathon in October. We’ve stepped up our 13.1-mile adventure from last year to a 26.2-mile monster this year. There’s no two thoughts about it. It’s definitely just that.

A monster.

And while training has been going well (even though the heat is trying to throw a wrench into our plans), it’s only going to pick up in intensity. Drew and I have been doing the same schedule like last year, but this year’s schedule started in the tail end of June and has seen us already traverse distances of 10-plus miles. We still have 10 weeks left, with distances reaching 18-20 miles forthcoming as we near race date. I’m optimistic about the race. I suffered a knee injury early in training only to see it completely disappear.

Maybe fate is on my side.

While running is consuming my life once again, the summer is nearly over for this sports writer. High school practices start next week, meaning the season is around the corner and calls and scores need to be reported to someone. I’m actually glad that it’s getting back to the next school year. I’ve missed being busy and having something to look forward to every day.

I’ll enjoy these last few summer weeks and weekends, but getting back to the grind and to writing is something I’m looking forward to.

That’s the update for now. Running or not, working or not, the summer has been terrific and I’m looking forward to another fall.

Also thinking about joining a bowling league. I wonder if my wrists are strong enough to throw a spinning, 14-pound ball?

Almost there!

:Published in Thursday, May 5 edition of The Saginaw News:

Adam Bouton | The Saginaw News

SAGINAW — The Cinco K Run started just one year ago, but already it has helped inspire many in the Great Lakes Bay region.

One of those people is Monica Reyes, who has used the race to not only get in shape, but stay in shape. In turn, she’s inspired and helped others train for the race in 2011.

“My husband and I decided that this would be our new thing together,” Reyes said. “Last year we ended up doing seven races and after each one, I felt like I was making progress. I didn’t realize how much running had changed my life until these last few months. I have been encouraging a lot of friends to get their body moving.”

In its second year, the Cinco K Race is expected to double in numbers. The 5-kilometer run/walk had 150 participants last year and 250-300 people or more are expected Saturday.

Registration for the race is 7:30 a.m. Saturday at Anderson Enrichment Center. The race is set to take off at 9 a.m. Race day registration is $25 and runners and walkers also can register at www.cincokrun.com.

“We’re definitely past what we had last year,” Race Director Joe Stricker said. “I definitely know the word is getting out there. People were very impressed with how everything was last year. And a lot of that was because of Amber Reno. She did all the registration. It was really well organized. That’s why a lot more people are signing up this year.”

Reyes, 55, knows the impact that the race has had in the Saginaw community. Proceeds from the race go to scholarship money as well as Hispanic juvenile diabetes.

“It’s great to see the community come out and celebrate Hispanic Heritage but more importantly, it is a great program that gives the community exposure to healthy living and exercise,” Reyes said. “I think it is so great that there are so many kids participating.”

Reyes quit smoking more than three years ago and is leading a healthier lifestyle. She stayed true to her word in the past year and feels great because she started running.

“I feel like I have come full circle — 30 pounds lighter. But more important, I dropped several sizes and am in the best shape I have been in for more than 20 years,” she said. “Seriously, for all those years I would try to diet, or I would try to exercise, with little or no success. But it didn’t matter because I would always gain anything I lost back fast and I just gave up. I didn’t realize how much running had changed my life until these last few months.”

The Cinco K Race should prove to be a little tougher test for runners Saturday.

It starts with a jog west over the Court Street Bridge next to Ojibway Island and then takes a turn down Michigan Avenue and past Covenant HealthCare. The course then loops around and finishes with another climb and descent over the bridge to where the race started.

Reyes feels that the race is an important aspect in the celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Her hard work has paved the way for success.

“I think that the race is a nice touch to the celebration of Cinco de Mayo because it is so important to promote healthy living and exercises to the community,” she said. “I don’t think I will ever win a race, but I will keep working at it. I’m satisfied trying to beat (my best time).”

:Originally published April 17, 2011 in The Saginaw News:

By Adam Bouton | The Saginaw News

MIDLAND — Steve Hansen was the master of his craft.

He had been an all-American swimmer at Mott Community College, earned a scholarship to Eastern New Mexico University, swam for years in the U.S. Masters Swimming championships, finishing as high as fourth in 1996.

But a herniated disc forced the 59-year-old Midland resident to trade in his swim goggles.

So he decided to excel at a new sport: running.

Hansen transitioned to running and made the transition successful when he finished at the top of his age group in the 2010 Grand Rapids Marathon in October.

What made it even more impressive was that it was his first marathon.

He also qualified for the historic Boston Marathon in the process by 23 seconds. Hansen is one of six Midland residents that will make the pilgrimage and run Monday in the Boston Marathon. He joins Mark Weick, Michael Ehrmantraut, Craig Finkbeiner, Ben Stuart and Bill Pritchett as the runners from Midland.

“I’m humbled by being able to go,” Hansen said. “I had been a competitive swimmer my whole life. Then I had an herniated disc in my neck. I just kind of stumbled upon running. It never was my intent to run marathons. The more I ran, though, the more I enjoyed it.”

While Hansen will be competing in his first Boston Marathon, fellow Midland resident Bill Pritchett will be making the return trip.

Pritchett, 48, ran the Boston Marathon last year and returned to running just a couple years ago after a 22-year gap. Pritchett suffered a broken hip in 1988, but was determined to return to the sport.

“I remember one doctor in particular that said I wouldn’t be able to run marathons,” Pritchett said. “I figured I would never be able to. But years passed and the hip felt good all those years. I ramped up my mileage and thought maybe I could do this again.”

He came back and did, running in the 2008 and 2009 Detroit Marathon. His first marathon back marked 22 years to the day from his first-ever marathon.

Pritchett knows and has run and trained with one of the other Midland runners, 33-year-old Ben Stuart.

“I know Ben through another runner,” he said. “We all trained for the Crim together last year. He’s a little younger. He’ll run 3:05 or 3:10. He’s faster any way that you look at it.”

Pritchett finished his race in 3:25 at the 2010 Boston Marathon and is pushing for a better time in 2011.

Both Hansen and Pritchett are caught up in the lore, prestige and history of the 26.2-mile run.

“I’ve done a lot of reading on it,” Hansen said. “This is the 115th year that they are running this. It’s about being apart of history and soaking in the moment.”

Boston Marathon-veteran Pritchett knows that it’s unlike any other race in the world.

“Most people don’t realize, that it starts out in Hopkinton and runs through the other six little towns in Boston,” Pritchett said. “It’s Patriot’s Day in Boston. Everyone who lives there is out there and you just feed off that support. The kids are looking for high-fives.

“The camaraderie is so strong. Everyone understands the sacrifice every other runner had in getting there. Just to say you ran it in your life is a significant accomplishment for anyone.”

At home right now for Easter weekend. Still chilly up here in Harbor Springs, but no snow and spring weather is in the forecast for next week. As I had mentioned in my last post, I have moved all my belongings (and myself) to Bay City — actually Essexville — which is about 5-10 minutes outside of downtown Bay City. Nice area. It’s been good so far and nice to have a roommate again.

The trip to work is much shorter, too (I work at the Bay City Times for the most part).

Running has become a big part of my lifestyle again. Drew and I have decided to take the next step this year and we’re currently training for a full marathon (Detroit in October). We have a lot more time to prepare for this one, so we should be ready when fall rolls around.

Just ran a 5K today which was literally about 1/2 mile-mile away from my apartment. The last half of the run took us through a trail. Windy and a little cold, but it was good to fun with the masses again.

Still have been writing plenty, although bowling season is wrapping up. Should be some down time this summer, but it shouldn’t be too long before fall sports are shaping up and we’re right back at it again. Not sure what the summer has in store besides a lot of golf, running and Tigers games.

I’ll try and get some of my work on here again soon. You can always hit the link to the right ———> for some of my articles.

About to sign up for another half-marathon — probably in the summer. I want to do the Detroit Free Press half-marathon or maybe full marathon again this year, but want to add another big race to my schedule as well. I’ve been training and running throughout the winter, so I feel as though I’m ready for an additional race. Excited to step up my running.

Been covering a lot of wrestling this winter/spring. It’s actually been a breath of fresh air. It’s something that I had never covered before and it’s pretty addicting once you start covering it. Here is my most recent article.

Bart Didluch hopes to cap trek from Poland to Frankenmuth with wrestling state title

:Originally published February 17, 2011:

Adam Bouton | The Saginaw News

FRANKENMUTH — Bart Didluch has adjusted well.
Four years ago, the Frankenmuth senior was living in another country, speaking a different language and had never heard of wrestling.
Since moving from Poland to Michigan before his freshman year of high school, Didluch has participated in his first form of team sports, become versed in English and has usually found himself with his hand raised in the air after winning wrestling matches.
He has become a force to be reckoned with on the mats for Frankenmuth, going 49-6 in his senior season.
Didluch earned a Division 3 individual district title Saturday at Mt. Morris and will look for more of the same at the regional tournament Saturday at Williamston. He’s one of the top two seeds in his weight class at Williamston and is ranked No. 5 overall at 189 pounds by michigangrappler.com.
He made it to the state finals as a junior and is hoping to get there again Saturday. He’s also looking for a higher place at the state finals.
“When I went to states last year, the level of competition skyrocketed,” he said. “Everyone is good at states. I had two matches, and I didn’t place. I’m prepared this year. I’ve been planning on it from the beginning of the season. I’ve worked hard all year. My goal is to place in the top three (at states).”
Didluch is making his mark as one of the best ever to wrestle for Frankenmuth, which has only had a program since 2001. And he’s done it through hard work, including bumping up to 215 pounds when necessary.
“Every year, he has gotten better,” Frankenmuth coach Mike Stuart said. “Just making it to the state meet last year was surprising.
“ We’ve asked Bart to take every hard match that’s come along. He wants the toughest match. A few of his six losses have come at 215.”
Didluch defeated Carrollton’s Justin Fabin in the district finals Saturday, avenging a loss from earlier in the season. He lost the lead as Fabin forced overtime, but turned the tables when it mattered.
“Bart didn’t beat himself,” Stuart said. “It looked like he was going to give it up when Fabin tied it 3-3. Fabin made a mistake, and Bart capitalized. I think he could write his own ticket.”
Didluch moved to Michigan before his freshman year of high school. His dad lives in Frankenmuth and works as a doctor in Flint. He’s done well both on and off the mats, carrying a 3.6 grade-point average.
“He managed to do it well,” Stuart said. “He’s respected by his peers. He’s a really good kid. You can talk to him and he can somehow get the attention of the underclassmen. When he speaks, they listen.”
He’s received a lot of wrestling help from former Frankenmuth standout and assistant coach Cameron Thomson.
“He’s the only one he could work with in the room,” Stuart said. “If it wasn’t for coach Cam, I don’t think he would have made (states) last year. They weightlift together. It’s amazing the intensity that they have. Bart couldn’t have a better workout partner.”
Didluch isn’t certain about his next step after high school, although going to college for engineering or to be a pilot are options. For now, he’ll settle for more accolades on the mats.
“I couldn’t have got to where I am without my team,” Didluch admitted. “I couldn’t make it by myself. It’s pretty cool to be a part of a team. It’s been a huge part of my life. I definitely want to win a regional title. My goal is to place first.”

I’m hoping that I can lengthen those strides in 2011.

I’d like to do another half-marathon and there’s plenty here in the state to look into. One that I’m currently looking at is the Bayshore Half-Marathon in Traverse City at the end of May. The course looks cool (jogs around the bay), it’s flat, close to home and would be a nice change of pace.

Other races on my mind are the Detroit Marathon (or half) in October and the Crim in Flint once again. All these are races that I’m targeting this year. Of course, I’ll participate in whatever else comes my way, as well.

Also found this: http://warriordash.com

HoPsLaM!

Here is the photo from Day 1. All done!