I just can't help myself--I am running the 2011 Chicago Marathon and raising money for World Vision!
In 2004, my friend Britt Talley came to Chicago to run the Chicago Marathon. His training buddy was registered but was unable to race because he was being shipped to Iraq. So on Friday night I decided to run as Josh Lueker. At that time I had not ran so much as a mile in over 10 years. I had to go purchase shoes and running clothes that night and invented a 36 Hour Marathon Training Program. I finished that race in 5:34:18.
I retired from Marathon racing last year after completing the race with my dad. I have not trained for a marathon. But I have been training for a couple big hikes and this past weekend did canyoneering, Rock Climbing and Mountain Summitting (13,000+ ft) in Yosemite. On Monday, my mom, dad and I climbed Mt. Dana taking 9 hours to hike 6 miles starting at 10,000 and climbing to 13,000 ft. I am still a little bruised and scratched up but I think I can finish and hope to break my previous 36 hour Training record.
So my intent was to be a spectator at this years marathon but Britt had another friend drop out. The last couple years I have ran the Marathon and raised money for World Vision. Britt Talley has registered as a World Vision runner so if you are interested in donating to a very worthy cause please visit this link:
http://support.worldvision.org/site/TR/TeamWorldVision/General?px=1171642&pg=personal&fr_id=1430
The Race is officially less than 36 Hours away--I am now in training!