Key West, Florida, Pelicans #5

Key West, Florida, Pelicans #4

Key West, Florida, Pelicans #3

Key West, Florida, Pelicans #2

Key West, Florida, Pelicans #1

Virginia Beach, Virginia #5

Virginia Beach, Virginia #4

Virginia Beach, Virginia #3

Virginia Beach, Virginia #2

Virginia Beach, Virginia #1

Virginia Beach Surfer, Virginia #2

Virginia Beach Surfer, Virginia #1

Shamrock 8K, Virginia Beach, Virginia #7

Shamrock 8K, Virginia Beach, Virginia #6

Shamrock 8K, Virginia Beach, Virginia #5

Shamrock 8K, Virginia Beach, Virginia #4

Shamrock 8K, Virginia Beach, Virginia #3

Shamrock 8K, Virginia Beach, Virginia #2

Shamrock 8K, Virginia Beach, Virginia #1

Seagulls, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Robin, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Virginia #2

Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Virginia #1

Shamrock Marathon
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sunday, March 22, 2009

The Shamrock Marathon which was held on Sunday, March 22, 2009 in Virginia Beach, Virginia is one of the few marathons that have a race walk division and I managed to come in third this year after finishing first last year. I was beaten by two of my race walking friends, Alexis Davidson from Brooklyn, New York and Larry Liszewski from Saint Louis, Missouri. Another of my friends, Larry Macon from San Antonio, Texas, who finished a McGuiness world record, 105 sanctioned marathons in 2008, finished this marathon which was his 24th marathon in 2009 and puts him ahead of his 2008 pace. The day was cold with the temperature ranging from 30 degrees to 55 degrees: however, since the skies were sunny and there was only a little breeze, the coldness did not seem as bad as it could have. The course, which was completely closed to traffic and controlled very well by the police, is extremely flat and goes along the boardwalk, on Atlantic Boulevard, and through two military installations. Water/Gatorade stations were located every two miles and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. As always the race was extremely well organized and very enjoyable. I would recommend this event to anyone.

Vice President Joe Biden comes to Little Rock, Arkansas

Arkansas State Capitol, Little Rock, Arkansas

Desegragation Memorial, Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock Central High School, Little Rock, Arkansas

Governor Mike Beebe's residence, Little Rock, Arkansas

President Clinton Library, Little Rock, Arkansas #8

President Clinton Library, Little Rock, Arkansas #7

President Clinton Library, Little Rock, Arkansas #6

President Clinton Library, Little Rock, Arkansas #5

President Clinton Library, Little Rock, Arkansas #4

President Clinton Library, Little Rock, Arkansas #3

President Clinton Library, Little Rock, Arkansas #2

President Clinton Library, Little Rock, Arkansas #1

Bart Yasso of Runner's World and his wife, Laura, at the President Clinton Library, Little Rock, Arkansas

Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas #7

Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas #6

Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas #5

Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas #4

Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas #3

Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas #2

Old State House Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas #1

Arkansas River, Little Rock, Arkansas

Little Rock Marathon
Little Rock, Arkansas
Sunday, March 15, 2009

When I began race walking the Little Rock Marathon in Little Rock, Arkansas at 8:00 AM on Sunday, March 15, 2009, the temperature was about 50 degrees (where it remained throughout the race), the wind was calm, and the sky was very cloudy. This was the fourth time that I have done this event and it was excellent as usual. The event advertises that their finisher’s medal is the biggest of any event and it weighed over a pound. Each year there is a theme for the race and this year’s featured a circus. Water/Gatorade stations were located no more than two miles apart and were manned by plenty of enthusiastic volunteers. Police and other volunteers were located at the numerous intersections and completely controlled the traffic. The course has many hills and winds through North Little Rock and Little Rock, letting the participants view most of the local attractions, including the Clinton Library, the Governor’s Mansion, Little Rock Central High School, the Capitol building, and the Arkansas River.
There was a post race party that was held at the Clinton Library and feature BBQ that was delicious. Everyone was allowed to tour the library and view the exhibits related to the Clinton Presidency. It was a very interesting and wonderful event that had a live band for those who wished to listen to music or dance.
My friend, Bart Yasso from Runner’s World, and his wife, Laura, were at the event. Bart was selling his book, My Life on the Run, at the exposition. The book chronicles Bart’s exploits as a runner who Runner’s World sent to participate in and write about some of the most challenging distance races throughout the world. On race day Bart announced at both the starting line and the finishing line. Laura ran the marathon. My wife, Gerda, and I were able to spend much time at the post race party socializing with them.
I had a wonderful weekend.

Key West, Florida

St. Petersburg Beach, Florida

Tampa, Florida #4

Tampa, Florida #3

Tampa, Florida #2