The Marathon Chronicles, Part II: Wanna Make a Bet?
Today, I am going to violate one of my own cardinal rules of blogging: “Don’t blog about blogging.” There’s a very good set of reasons for this rule, not the least of which has to do with the potential triggering of a catastrophic time-bending recursion paradox.
But the more likely scenario of blogging about blogging is that you become so self referential that you forget that all the interesting things in the world happen when you’re nowhere near a computer.
Still, rules were made to be broken. Well, actually that’s just a feeble excuse frequently offered by people who are about to arbitrarily break a rule, but there you have it.
Oh dear. I seem to be breaking another of my cardinal rules: “Don’t let the introduction go on too long. Get to the topic at hand as quickly as possible.”
Well, you know why I’m breaking rules willy-nilly? Because I’m feeling dangerous, that’s why.
Our Story So Far
Yesterday, I posted a story about how I ran 13 miles on Sunday, and how it hurt and I farted a lot and my nose ran and stuff.
This 13-mile run was part of my crash-training program toward a trail marathon less than a month from now.
Touchingly, many of you showed concern for my welfare. Sample comment excerpts included:
It’s madness in its purest form. The pain will last a lot longer than you think. The chance of injury is nearly 100% (no, this is not an embelishment).
And this:
No offense, giving onself a month to train for a marathon sounds really stupid. I envision total disaster, as well as serious orthopedic injuries.
And this:
Fatty, forget about the girlfriend for a second and listen to me: you shouldn’t be doing this race. You’re not ready. And you’re going to hurt yourself in ways that will take a lot of time to heal. I know, it hurts the ego to admit that, especially when you factor in The Runner. But if she’s really a serious runner, she should know that and should be talking you down from this, not letting you do this to yourself. That kind of mileage takes months to build, so your bones and musculature have time to develop the strength to take the pounding. It’s not the same as the bike, ask Lance!
…
Be careful. It’s not worth crippling yourself over, man!
And this:
Most of your reaction to 13 miles is normal, but think again what 26 will be like if you haven’t had a chance to either do (or recover properly from) anything approaching 26 miles. Most training programs limit the longest long run to 20, but none would try to shoehorn that in your timetable.
I’d question shooting for that marathon on such a compressed training schedule.
And this:
in theory of course, your cycling legs give you the lungs and strength to do some damage. You really need to build up to the pounding to your bones and joints that distance running does to you.Sounds like you can do a 1/2 but 3wks till doing a full could be ugly.
And one guy posted a link of his story of how he did a marathon on eight weeks of training, the telling of which reads like “Ernest Shackleton II: This Time It’s Personal and Pretty Darned Angry.”
There is more, of course. Lots more. You should read all the comments, if you’re in the mood to be persuaded to not do something.
I Know Something You Don’t Know.
By nature or culture or choice, I am an over-sharer. It’s a useful trait for a blogger; I’m able to comfortably talk about things most people wouldn’t. Here’s the thing, though: I don’t over-share everything. At least, I haven’t yet.
One of my traits I haven’t really delved into so far, for example, is that I am in reality fairly tough-minded. I stick things out. Finish them.
Another of my traits is that I do these things cheerfully.
And I generally do them my own way, without taking a lot of stock in expert opinion.
And — maybe least important — I have one hell of a set of lungs and a pretty decent set of legs.
I am willing to bet these attributes, combined with my lack of training, against anyone who thinks I can’t or shouldn’t do a full marathon.
Here’s my specific bet: I will finish the Death Valley Trail Marathon (all jeep road, 2000 feet of climbing), and will beat the time I finished it last time I tried (4:39), seven years ago.
Seriously. Bet me. Tell me how much you’re willing to bet that a guy named Fatty who’s trained for practically no time at all won’t finish, or that I won’t finish in 4:38 or less. Tell me how confident you are in all your experts and experience vs. my pigheadedness, massive quads, and big lungs.
Whichever one of us loses donates that amount at the other’s LiveStrong account — or if you don’t have an account or want to have me donate to another worthy charity of your choice, note that in your comments and we’ll work something out.
Gauntlet Thrown
To make a long story short, I’m ignoring everyone’s advice. I’m doing this race, and I’m foolish enough to believe that I will do it faster than the year I trained for it. And I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is.
Are you? Or are you chicken?
Post your bet in the comments section. I’ll reply with either an accept or decline (with explanation) for every serious bet.
Bear in mind though, one stipulation: Just as I — if I lose the bet — will pay up and will write a lengthy post about how wrong I was, if you lose the bet you must pay up and write a lengthy comment about how wrong you were.
Regardless, a few weeks from now we’ll have raised some money in the fight against cancer, and either I or a lot of you will eat some humble pie.
Mmmm. Pie.
PS: If, on the other hand, you think I can do what I’m saying I can do, feel free to leave a comment saying that, as an incentive, if I finish the marathon in 4:38 or less, you’ll donate $X.XX to my LiveStrong Challenge. That would be very cool of you.
Comment by MOCougFan | 01.12.2010 | 12:18 pm
I’ve seen you ride. Your good for the miles. Have some bannana cream pie instead. I won’t bet against you.
Hope that doesn’t mean I can’t call you an idiot for WANTING to run 26 miles. OUCH!
Comment by bikemike | 01.12.2010 | 12:23 pm
pain is a four letter word, just ignore it.
Comment by ALgoat | 01.12.2010 | 12:24 pm
that is not a safe bet for anyone but you.
Nobody’s more exposed by this bet than I. Everybody else bets against a single person and stands to lose no more than one bet. If I lose, on the other hand, I have to pay against several bets. – FC
Comment by Tim | 01.12.2010 | 12:25 pm
If you’re so confidant fatty, you should love this.
For every minute you beat 4:39 by, I’ll donate ten bucks. For up to 100 dollars.
How do you like the sound of that?
I love that. You’re on. Thanks! – FC
Comment by GenghisKhan | 01.12.2010 | 12:28 pm
Never bet a Fat Cyclist when Death Valley is on the line–go Fatty!
You have no idea how much it warms my heart to see someone recognize a Princess Bride quote and respond with one of their own, altered to be contextually relevant. Well played, sir. – FC
Comment by cyclingjimbo | 01.12.2010 | 12:28 pm
My son did the Chicago marathon with no specific marathon training just because a friend was running it and wanted some company. He (my son) was a rower at the time and in pretty top overall condition. If your base is good, you’ll get through it – you might not do fine, but you’ll finish.
I won’t bet against you, but if you finish in less than 4:39 I’ll donate $200 to the fight against cancer. (Is that a bet for or against? No matter. The money is on the line.)
That’s incredibly generous! Thanks. – FC
Comment by thinktran | 01.12.2010 | 12:28 pm
I’m not going to make a bet because I’m sure you’ll do just fine. But I did want to say that I’m kind of in the same boat. Not that I’m running a trail marathon with very little training.. but I am running a regular road marathon the same weekend with perhaps an equal amount of training time as you. I am attempting the 20 mile run this weekend with having not trained much over the last couple months. I anticipate a lot of walking.
Good luck!
Comment by Kyle | 01.12.2010 | 12:29 pm
If you do it in less than 4:15 I’ll do $100 to your Livestrong and $100 to mine.
and yes, you can do it. because you’re a rock star.
Wow. 4:15? I’ll try, but like I said: wow. – FC
Comment by Mike | 01.12.2010 | 12:30 pm
Pain is just fat leaving the body. If you beleive you can do it you will be fine.
Comment by Kevin Vigor | 01.12.2010 | 12:32 pm
Dude. Now you’re giving yourself a significant financial incentive to damage yourself.
Unwise.
Or you’re giving yourself an excuse not to make a bet. BAWWWWWK bawkbokbokbokbok. – FAC
Comment by dug | 01.12.2010 | 12:38 pm
“if I lose the bet — I . . . will write a lengthy post about yada yadda yada”
natch.
Comment by Keenedge | 01.12.2010 | 12:40 pm
Fatty,
My comments, which you actually posted, where not a vote for you not having the will power/pain threshhold to finish. I actually believe you could finish with very little training considering the amount of road miles you put in. They were more of a risk/long term pain ratio. That being said I’ll bet $75.00 that you finish. Another $75.00 if you break the 4:39. I’ll be pissed if you don’t finish the race and expect you to beat the 4:39 mark.But if you have to seek rehab of any kind and or have to stop training for more than 3 weeks you have to match. Hows that sound. Good luck.
That is an awesome wager. You’re on! – FC
Comment by NYCCarlos | 01.12.2010 | 12:42 pm
Because I’m slightly poor, mine won’t be a big bet, but Fatty… here’s what I’ve got:
If you finish less than 4:38, I’ll give you $25. If you finish in less than 4:00, I’ll give you $50. If you finish in more than 4:38, you give me $25. If you don’t finish (or finish in more than 6 hours – aka you walked half!), you give me $50.
sound good?
The sub-4 is not even in the universe of possible outcomes, but the rest sounds fair. You’re on. – FC
Comment by Al | 01.12.2010 | 12:47 pm
I did my one and only marathon on 8 weeks training, so I’m sure you can do it too.
I couldn’t walk the next day, but who cares what happens AFTER the race. Oh, and I was 18 at the time, but that shouldn’t make a difference either.
GO Fatty!
Comment by Jorge | 01.12.2010 | 12:48 pm
Here are two carrots for you:
I’ll donate $50 if do the marathon under 4:39, but
if you do it under 4:35, I’ll donate $100 instead.
Good luck with the training.
An extremely generous carrot! Thanks! – FC
Comment by John | 01.12.2010 | 12:50 pm
I think you’ll do it dude , but it will hurt.
I’m a few hundred into LiveStrong on your account already (and STILL no custom painted Wonderbike??) but I’ll throw down $50 if you make it with the following bet to make it interesting.
If I am in your neck of the woods in UT someday (not impossible since I live in CO) and you miss your time, you owe me a trail run. If you make the split, we’ll go for a bike ride on one of your choice trails.
Awesome. You’re on! – FC
Comment by Micah | 01.12.2010 | 12:54 pm
Anyone who doubts your ability to go under 4:39 is crazy. Of course, you may not walk for a week, but that’s not really the point. $200 to Livestrong if you go 4:35:59.99999 (10 1/2 minute miles) or better.
$200 is a lot to wager. I hereby make 4:35 my new goal! – FC
Comment by Chuck | 01.12.2010 | 1:07 pm
Elden, you’re a bad ass.
Oh, my ass isn’t that bad. – FC
Comment by AngieG | 01.12.2010 | 1:07 pm
I know you can do it. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind!!!
That being said, here is the deal: If you are 4:38 or under you get $200 of my hard earned dollars into your LiveSTRONG account. If you don’t make it in 4:38 or under, I get $200 dollars of your hard earned money into my LiveSTRONG or $100 dollars and you come out to Cali and ride Levi’s Granfondo. (You get out here and I will cover your lodging)
“So tell me punk..do ya feel lucky….Well do ya!”
That’s a big bet. You’re on! – FC
Comment by andy | 01.12.2010 | 1:11 pm
If you were able to run 13 miles on your first training run — it’s impressive and think you have a shot. Your aerobic base seems pretty good but marathon training is also about conditioning your body. Cycling is not a high impact sport.
Here’s a quote for you: “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” – Ghandi
Yes Fatty, will it. You have no other choice
Or you can quit and give a marathon the respect it deserves. FATTY GOTS THE RUNS
Comment by Scotty | 01.12.2010 | 1:20 pm
I love it, you are the newest unofficial member of the D.U.C. – Dangerously Unprepared Club. I have followed your training regimen closely and have similarly finished several long runs, including the Leadville 100 (the REAL Leadville 100, not some silly bike ride). As an athlete, I trust you know the difference between pain and PAIN, and will make the right decisions in the race. You finish in 4:39 you get $50 to livestrong, you don’t you still get $25, and either way next time you are in Colorado Springs let’s ride, or run (on dirt) Go DUC’s
Sounds great. Thanks! – FC
Comment by Eric | 01.12.2010 | 1:42 pm
Eldon – I, too, test high for being pigheaded. I’m betting regardless of training, you’ll finish, so I don’t want to bet against you.
Finish it under 4:39, and your LiveStrong account gets $25 from me. I’m counting on you to make me pay up.
Excellent. Thanks! – FC
Comment by enretard | 01.12.2010 | 1:43 pm
Yeah booiiiyyy-back on track, so to speak.
Comment by TomInCO | 01.12.2010 | 1:45 pm
I firmly believe that you can do it. I ran 3 legs of the CO relay last year on exactly 6 trail runs prior to the race – total distance of my part of the race – 24mi. Oh, and one leg was the Georgia Pass leg – 13mi with 2K climbing and topped out just shy of 12K’. Oh, and I pulled my quad on a very cold day hiking Mt. Humboldt 12 days before the race and didn’t run for that period. And like you, I wasn’t a runner before being suckered into that little pain-fest…and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Beat your best marathon time and I will donate $50 to your livestrong challenge. PS – I am much older than you as well.
You are hardcore, man. I’ll do my best to earn that $50. Thanks! – FC
Comment by Chris B | 01.12.2010 | 1:47 pm
How depressing. I trained 6 months for a marathon a few years ago and ran 4:27. It was probably the flattest certified marathon course in the world too (Christchurch New Zealand) with a total elevation of about 90 feet! I dare not take your bet because I’m darn sure you’re going to do it, you have history on your side (try not to trip on it when you run!). So $20 from me if you make it sub goal.
Chris
Awesome. You’re on! – FC
Comment by Alyson | 01.12.2010 | 1:49 pm
So you have PREVIOUSLY run this marathon – a fact that may have produced a totally different reaction from all your concerned fans. Consider yourself truly scolded on that one!!! I had a sleepless night worrying that the Runner was trying to legally kill you! Shame on you Elden for worrying an old lady!!:-)
[Just watched a special on the Cameroon Marathon on Halo ~ now there's a real challenge for you buddyboy!!& the Runner]
Anyhoo, if you break your record $100 to your LiveStrong account. If you just complete the marathon, $50.
Know you can do this but Good Luck anyways!!
“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” Yogi Berra
Hey, not only did I mention it yesterday, I linked to the writeup! I hereby demand you retract your scolding. – FC
Comment by Sasha | 01.12.2010 | 1:57 pm
Dang pig-headed, stubborn man. :) You are on! I wish I could make a big bet. We are on a get out of debt plan and all my donations to you or members of FatCyclist teams in 2009 caused me a great deal of pain when my hubby found out. Not physical, but mental anguish. If there is any man on the face of this planet that can make you feel horrible for being irresponsible for making several donations, it’s my hubby. He is VERY serious about getting out of debt. Though he does like the causes and thought the thank you from World Bicycle Relief and sticker were cool. He doesn’t mind donating, but he wants me to be more responsible since I’m a spender (that is a major understatment).
That said, if you finish under 4:39 and you don’t seriously injure yourself, I will deposit $25 into your Livestrong account. If you finish in under 4:39 and you injure yourself to the point you must seek months of rehab and you can’t make the Livestrong ride in Austin 2010, you must deposit $50 into my Livestrong account. :) I have no doubt you will finish and probably finish faster, and that you are in far better shape than most athletes, and this is a trail race (no pavement Yay! I think…) so pounding shouldn’t be too bad, but I can’t count the number of people I know who were in great shape who injured themselves by lack of preparation.
I DO believe in you, but I’d love it if you had more training under your belt so it could be a lovely experience and not a painful, I’m gonna do it to prove them wrong no matter what the cost to me physically, kind of race. Cause, I’ve grown very fond of your blogs and of you and your family and your extended Fatty family. I would like to consider myself part of the extended Fatty family someday. Which means a healthy, uninjured Fatty is my strongest wish for you. :)
PS I might be able to do $50 if I sneak it in over time so my hubby won’t notice as much. Maybe we can work out a payment plan? ;-)
I think it’s incredibly generous of you to want to donate even when money’s tight and you’re working on a worthy goal like getting out of debt. I’ll take your lopsided bet! – FC
Comment by ALgoat | 01.12.2010 | 2:18 pm
i meant because you won’t stop. i don’t know gambling…
Comment by Mary Sue | 01.12.2010 | 2:20 pm
*shakes head* It’s a sucker bet.
I mean the fools betting AGAINST you are suckers. As my great-grandfather (a wise and holy man) often said, “Fools and their money are quickly parted”.
Well, he used a lot more swears in that sentence. You get the point.
Money’s tight at la Casa de Mary Sue (considering that the Casa is moving in a couple weeks, first-last-deposit is a massive chunk of change), but how about this bet– if you do the marathon (I mean you don’t hurt yourself training or falling down a hill and just show up to the race), $25 for LiveStrong, and if I somehow miraculously get any or all of my deposit back from my current landlord, that money will also go to LiveStrong.
That’s very generous. Thank you! – FC
Comment by T Foster | 01.12.2010 | 2:22 pm
About this trail…What is the rag-doll factor?
Comment by skippy | 01.12.2010 | 2:27 pm
i don’t know this marathon but the time that you are talking about means it is seriously difficult.
riding the tdf etappe martigny-bourg st maurice and then riding back to the start to collect the car was a serious days work. see http://www.parrabuddy.blogspot.com i backed up the next day by riding into bourg then the etappe to gran bornand, luckily the time trial follwed so i had a chance of recovery.
4 1/2hrs on the feet is severe punishment and i would not even consider it, riding 12+hrs including HC climbs i can hack with preparation.
pain does the soul good they say, do not repeat do not hurt yourself regardless of the stakes offered,we have plenty of ops. to contribute to “cancer causes” with you in good condition.
Fatty you have spirit enjoy your decision!
Comment by Cyclin' Missy | 01.12.2010 | 2:28 pm
I believe you can finish the race and even beat your old time. Just don’t hurt yourself! Good luck!
Comment by DailyBeerProject | 01.12.2010 | 2:37 pm
I believe you can do it, but why would you want to?
Comment by Clydesteve | 01.12.2010 | 2:40 pm
Elden, I am against your training plan. So, I am not going to bet against you, I am going to bet against your stoopud training plan. Better to just do it cold, entirely on guts.
I think you stand a good chance of re-injuring the achilles tendon if you work up to 20 miles in 3 weeks.
But if you agree to limit your longest run between now and marathon time to 10 miles, I think you can beat your old record.
So….I’ll donate $100 in April to your Seattle LSC fund if you do beat it. <4H-38m, right?
But if you persist in this insane training plan and reinjure your achilles tendon, you donate $100 to mine, if that reinjury causes you to not race or DNF.
If you finish slow, with or without injury, I donate $50, just to be a good guy.
You’re the original good guy, Steve. This is a great wager. I’m in! – FC
Comment by DrBryce | 01.12.2010 | 3:02 pm
I have no doubt you are determined enough all by yourself, with or without money on the line to finish. Even more determination to beat your goal because of the Runner!
That being said, I’m still afraid you’ll suffer an injury due to your dertermination.
I have $50 bucks for LiveSTRONG if you’re not injured, knees or achilles.
I have $450 in complimentary diagnostic services to insure that you run with a completely even gait and balance and are injury free, if you are willing.
I’ll take that $50. And the diagnostic stuff sounds interesting. Email me. – FC
Comment by eandjmum | 01.12.2010 | 3:04 pm
LMAO – both sides of the fence covered – hard arses who want to see you beaten by this and softies who want to see you win – the winner will be LiveStrong…
I will donate $10 for you completing the marathon in UNDER 4hrs 38mins. If you come in over that time or do not finish then YOU donate $10 to LiveStrong on my nana’s behalf (I don’t have an account so it can be your account!!! I trust you will donate!!!)
Accepted! And thanks. – FC
Comment by jarviscera | 01.12.2010 | 3:12 pm
I do believe the naysayers fail to understand the difference between trail running and road running. They are entirely different beasts, trail running being the way cooler beast. The physical and psychological experience is totally different than a road marathon. I vote Fatty succeeds.
Still, everybody should donate.
Comment by Kamala | 01.12.2010 | 3:18 pm
My prediction? Pain.
No action for me. In November, at 70 lbs overweight, someone talked me into running the Seattle 1/2 on 3 weeks notice. Prior longest run? 5.5 miles.
Rock it, Fatty! And I’m sure you’ll be getting more money from me and not into my own Livestrong account with 100 Miles to Nowhere and whatever other awesome fundraisers you come up with this year. I know you’re going to crush this, so I’d rather spend my $$ on at least the glimmer of hope that a new bike is headed to my house!
Comment by Matthew Weinberg | 01.12.2010 | 3:29 pm
Sir:
You are on. $1000 it is. My charity is BuildingSteps, a group that helps under-served youth get into, got to college and prosper thereafter. I am pretty sure you’ll do it, because frankly, 4:39 is doable. But either way, the greater good wins. And I would be happy to discuss this with you at any time.
Wow. $1000?! That’s huge. I’ll take it.
This is getting INTERESTING. – FC
Comment by Mandy | 01.12.2010 | 3:31 pm
Hey Fatty, I LOVE your attitude. Thanks for the laugh.
Who the heck would bet against you? Finish the marathon (and I know you will) then write a blog that makes me laugh, and I will give $25.
I would invest in some ice packs, pain relievers, and massage time, but you will totally do it. Kick some butt.
Cheers,
Mandy
Comment by Alyson | 01.12.2010 | 3:53 pm
Oh dear…egg on face!! I just saw the word “Marathon” and freaked…didn’t see the fine print that said “second time”, or for that matter, the link to really well, well written chronicle [does sucking up work for you??:-)] on said marathon!:-)
Please accept my humble, humble apologies and TOTAL retraction of scolding! [Should I perhaps change it to a spanking??:-) Joke...don't want to be beaten up by the Runner!]
Grovelling deeply,
Your humbled old fan
Comment by Pat in Oak Ridge | 01.12.2010 | 3:59 pm
Fatty, the only way you won’t do it is if you get hurt. I’ll donate either way. Good luck, take lots of pictures and have fun!! I can’t wait to read all about it. Love you!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Pat! – FC
Comment by Isela | 01.12.2010 | 4:03 pm
You will finish it. Anyone can finish it, you may have to walk a portion of it (or half of it) but you will finish it. The problem will come afterwards, that afternoon when you can’t move or the next day when you can’t go down the steps or get out of bed, or throughout the following month hehehe. Have fun running/walking :). We’ll be cheering you on.
Comment by Nahh | 01.12.2010 | 4:04 pm
Crazier things have been done (but this ranks right up there)You can probably do it. There’s blind people that have hiked the AT and people that have never ridden a bike ridden across the US with no training. There’s plenty of crazy people, and you’re probably one of them with that training schedule.
good luck!
Comment by Matthew | 01.12.2010 | 4:08 pm
I say you can run a sub-four, Fatty. After all, you the man.
Comment by Jenni | 01.12.2010 | 4:11 pm
Wait a second, wait a second. We’re all forgetting to also harass The Runner. What’s her time goal?
The Runner intends to stay with me. She wants miles, not a race, that weekend. – FC
Comment by donbiker | 01.12.2010 | 4:13 pm
I read yesterday that running shoes are designed all wrong. Increase your speed by running barefoot.
Comment by Sara Smiarowski | 01.12.2010 | 4:21 pm
You’re on! $50 says you won’t…. and if you don’t, please feel free to contribute $50 to The Esplanade Association (http://www.razoo.com/story/Sarasmiarowski) — the charity for which I am running the Boston Marathon to raise funds and awareness.
And if you beat 4:39, I’ll give you a big cyber high five and bust out my credit card for your LiveStrong account.
gee, it’s only 26.2 miles. If Lance can do it, you can do it….. ;)
Deal! – FC
Comment by Kathy McElhaney | 01.12.2010 | 4:27 pm
I read your recap of the previous marathon. I now have no doubt you will finish, especially with the Runner leading the way.
Man you’re really making me think I need to sign up for a marathon!
Comment by Rob Churchill | 01.12.2010 | 4:28 pm
I sincerely hope you make it Elden, but I’ll take that bet: $25 if you make it in 4:38 or less, otherwise you stump up $25 to Marie Curie Cancer Care http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/
Good wager! I’ll take it. – FC
Comment by Marlys | 01.12.2010 | 4:48 pm
GO FOR IT FATTY! I think you should do it! You said last week you were going to take more risks this year. Me too! I believe you can finish as you are persistent. You do have a cheering section!
Marlys
Comment by Bill | 01.12.2010 | 4:53 pm
Fatty-
You’re missing the point! You will finish, and could very easily finish in <4:38. But are you willing to seriously screw yourself up?
Trail running is a softer pound than road. No question. Agreed, you have the quads for it. But this is still unadvisable.
Comment by Doug | 01.12.2010 | 5:14 pm
No doubt you’ll finish, probably better than your previous time but if I was betting it would be on weeks of training missed or number of trips to the physio afterwards :) That said good luck man :)
Comment by El_Animal | 01.12.2010 | 5:17 pm
“Today, I am going to violate one of my own cardinal rules” …. first cardinal rule, cyclists don’t run. Yikes.
Comment by Randoboy | 01.12.2010 | 5:42 pm
I’m a randonneur who’s ridden over 750 miles in 80+ hours. I crewed for a two-man team on RAAM, riding fixed gear bikes across the country in just over eight days. As Jafar said in Disney’s Alladin, “You’d be amazed what you can live through.”
You will make it. If you do, I’ll donate $100. If you don’t, I’ll donate $100. If you tie your record … nothing! (OK, I’ll still donate $100.)
That’s an unimaginably cool thing to do. Thank you. – FC
Comment by Andrew | 01.12.2010 | 5:54 pm
Fatty,
I rode across Michigan with a buddy of mine who was a far more experienced cyclist, and was in much better shape. A few people told me that I was not going to be able to do the 4-day, 80 miles a day, mini-tour. (I realize this doesn’t sound like much riding, but for me it was). I made it, with minimal pain, and no lasting injuries. (My right knee hurt for a couple days after, and my fingers were a bit numb).
Whatever you want to do, or believe you can do, you can do. My theory is that physical challenges have as much to do with your state of mind as they do with health and fit.
GOOD LUCK!
Comment by Kyle | 01.12.2010 | 5:56 pm
Better not hurt yourself-we’ve got our Ibis “contest ride” to do this year.
Comment by Sasha | 01.12.2010 | 6:05 pm
Actually jarviscera, having done marathons and trail runs (not marathon length though) I would have to say trail runs are much harder. Pavement pounds the heck out of you, but the trail running is far, far more technical – there are so many variables surface (muddy, clay, wet, dry with pebbles, rocks, tree roots, etc.). I would say trail runners are FAR tougher than road runners. They are also not skinny little things that could blow away in the wind. They are made primarily of lungs, quads and hamstrings. And I always fall victim to the scenery on a trail run. We have one up in Alaska called Crow Pass Crossing that is one of the toughest races out there. It brings really, really elite athletes to the brink.
I care about Fatty aka Elden even though we’ve never met and I don’t want him to get hurt. I have no doubt he can do it and will do it. I could do it, but it would probably take me the allotted 8 hours cause I’m not in running shape. However, I WANT him to succeed. I really do. Just without pain or injury. I want him to have fun, but maybe fun for him = pain? :)
I think a better bet would be how much faster is The Runner going to be? ;-)
Comment by bobbie | 01.12.2010 | 6:27 pm
Git ‘er done, and I’ll donate $50 to your LAF…
Promise.
Thanks, Bobbie! – FC
Comment by Nick | 01.12.2010 | 6:37 pm
Fatty,
I learnt very early in life to never bet against anything that can talk.
If you think you can do it, who am I to tell you can’t or shouldn’t?
$100 donation to LiveStrong if you finish – I don’t care how long it takes.
Thanks, Nick! Very generous of you! – FC
Comment by Philly Jen | 01.12.2010 | 6:53 pm
I know you will finish in under 4:39. Because if pigheadedness could fly, your feet would never touch the ground — and I mean that in a good way.
I do wonder how quickly you’ll be back up on your feet afterwards, though. So here’s my “Ouch-to-5K” bet: If you can put in a post-marathon 5K jog to flush out your legs before Valentine’s Day, I’ll drop $26.2 into your Philly account. If not, it’s $26.2 into mine.
I don’t care what your pace is, or if you walk-jog. In fact, slower is almost certainly better. Just on your feet and continuously moving forward (Scout’s honor) for 5K, on or before 2/13.
Look at it this way: If you lose, that’s clear evidence that you need to be, ahem, nursed back to health on Valentine’s Day. Just sayin’.
Genius. I’m in. – FC
Comment by SuomiTri | 01.12.2010 | 7:14 pm
Having trained for and run in a half-marathon (only) in a relatively short time frame, and finding the experience excrutiatingly painful as a result, I don’t want to encourage you, so no bet from me. I wish you and your various body parts the best of luck though.
Comment by Dobovedo | 01.12.2010 | 7:16 pm
It’s your body, do what you want with (to) it. All I can say is.. good luck with that. I’m not betting because win or lose, either way I lose.
Comment by sarge@mach5 | 01.12.2010 | 7:33 pm
Just remember Fatty, whatever doesen’t kill you makes you stronger… or kills you.
Comment by Triflefat | 01.12.2010 | 7:43 pm
Fatty,
My estimate is that you’ll be able to run at 5 mins/km for 32 km and walk at 12 mins/km for the remaining 10 km. That will leave you 2 min over the time and 195 metres short.
So my $25 says an exquisitely fine and painful “NO” to you making it. My charity is not really a charity. It’s Kiva, in which you loan the $25 to someone to start up a small business.
I’d suggest you make a Kiva loan to someone in Africa, where, like any sane person, they run only because they have to. I’ll bet those kids who got the free bikes via you and Johan Bruyneel and the Fatties won’t be foolishly ignoring their beautiful machines and resorting to (shudder) running.
The twist in the tail of this bet is that, unlike some less-than-prime mortgage holders, these poor people WILL pay you back. Then you’ll have to reloan the $25 again… and again…..
Sounds awesome. You’re on! – FC
Comment by eleki | 01.12.2010 | 8:00 pm
Ummmm…”Pain is weakness leaving the body?”
Comment by Razor | 01.12.2010 | 8:04 pm
I’ve seen a guy run a marathon without any specific prep as a bet and he wasn’t as fit as you are.
I understand why people see a high chance of you getting injured but I think that they are unintentionally overeacting because of your hypothermia story (now that could have killed you!). The fact that you have previously run a marathon makes a huge difference. I beleive that the body has a sort of long-term memory. Once you’ve done one, you know you can do it again.
I reckon you will do it. I suggest a very light program with a longish taper so you go in very fresh.
Good Luck.
Go hard or go home!
Comment by Razor | 01.12.2010 | 8:09 pm
Also, a mate of mine who ran the Barcelona Marathon and then sat on a plane the next day for 18 hours flying back to Australia without seizing up recommends ice baths for the legs post-race.
Comment by Shawn | 01.12.2010 | 8:52 pm
Good Luck Fatty-
Go for it…cant wait to here how it goes!
Comment by Karl Murphy | 01.12.2010 | 8:55 pm
Fatty, screw the naysayers..arguably a big hairy goal that will cause some pain…but you seem aware of that…but what the hell…you wanna…go kick it in the ass. Though I am a supporter….I’m in for $20.00 wager to the keep your motivation up…to Lance’s org.
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Karl! – FC
Comment by Jen Gatz | 01.12.2010 | 8:56 pm
7 years is a long time in between marathons, particularly when you are a cyclist for the majority of the time. I hope that other readers, some of which really look up to you, do not get the idea that running a marathon on 4 weeks or less of training is a particularly good idea. Even if money goes to a good cause. You may or may not injure yourself, I just hope no one else jumps on this train. If it were a half marathon or under I would consider betting on your time but the marathon is a distance that deserves some serious respect, regardless of how willing you are to punish yourself on so little training.
Comment by Clericeric | 01.12.2010 | 9:08 pm
I bet you just love having 71 mothers.
Comment by Ted Heise | 01.12.2010 | 9:25 pm
My money’s on Fatty. $100 to Livestrong if you meet your goal.
Very very generous. Thanks! – FC
Comment by hilary | 01.12.2010 | 9:29 pm
It ain’t much, but here’s $20 to Livestrong that you’ll beat 4:39.
All those $20 add up! Thanks very much. – FC
Comment by BamaJim | 01.12.2010 | 9:33 pm
We are men of action, lies do not become us – so as posted yesterday, I expect you to finish the marathon, and most likely beat your previous time. But, just for fun, I’ll donate $25 to your livestrong challenge if you finish the marathon (again, which I expect) and you donate $25 to children’s relief charity World Vision (www.worldvision.org) if you don’t.
Have fun storming the castle!
Awesome. I’m in. Thanks! – FC
Comment by Michelle | 01.12.2010 | 9:36 pm
I believe in your guts. $20 to your account for doing. Another $20 if you really make a shirt that reads “Fatty Gots The Runs”.
Comment by Sean Cormack | 01.12.2010 | 10:30 pm
Yeh
Lance Armstrong has no chance of living and will never get on a bike again.
A black man will never be US president.
Sean will never eat that whole pie on his own (i did, it hurt, but I did it….i rock)
Fatty, never let the non believers, as educated as they are, put brakes on your spirit.
You say you can do it?
Do it….
(is there meant to be a ‘just’ in there somewhere)
I’m right behind you, cheering you on from the Middle East
ALLEZ FATTY, WIN WIN WIN
Comment by justrun | 01.12.2010 | 10:34 pm
Hey now, no bet here. And I didn’t tell you not to do it. That would break my only rule of blogging/blog commenting, and that’s to not dole out unsolicited advice. And, as a rule of life, I don’t tell adults what to do. And… AND, you are badass and will be fine. I’m certain.
Comment by justrun | 01.12.2010 | 10:35 pm
But of course I’ll donate to your challenge. You didn’t need to run for me to do that. DUH.
Comment by pmyers42 | 01.12.2010 | 11:34 pm
If you don’t finish, you donate $10 to my LiveStrong. If you finish, I donate $10 to yours. If you beat your old time, I’ll donate an extra $10 to each of ours.
I like it! I’m in. – FC
Comment by Heidi | 01.12.2010 | 11:38 pm
Quoting Annie Savory from the movie Bull Durham: ”
Oh, don’t be such GUYS!”
Comment by Bicycle Bill | 01.13.2010 | 2:47 am
Raise some money for LiveStrong; run a marathon; and (after you’ve abused your body) collect a bunch of “oh, you poor boy” remarks and various other forms of tender ministrations from the Runner. Not bad, Fatty — clever like a fox!
I will actually be riding about 26 miles in Iowa on BRR — the Bicycle Ride to Rippey (http://www.bikeiowa.com/asp/features/featuresdisplay.asp?ArticleID=1035) — about the same time you are pounding your way through the same distance in CA. But I’ll still give you $25.00 for finishing, and $1.00 more for each minute by which you beat 4:39.
“BB”
Thanks, Bill! That’s a great incentive! – FC
Comment by Grueny | 01.13.2010 | 6:34 am
Fatty … Training is HIGHLY over-rated. I did my first 150 mile bike ride with very little training before it. I did my first super-sprint triathlon with very little training before it. And last year I completed the Chicago Triathlon with very little training before it. And I do not have the “tough-minded” quality you have.
So W-H-E-N, not if, but W-H-E-N you finish under 4:39, I will donate $26.20 to Livestrong. And for every 10 minutes under that time, I will donate an additional $26.20 to Livestrong.
Dunno how many of those extra ten minutes I can pull, but I like the wager. I’m in! – FC
Comment by Brian Sherry | 01.13.2010 | 9:16 am
Fatty-
First – the post about your 13 mile run made me laugh out loud – I can identify on every level as I predominately cycle – but also regularly run to change it up. My schnot trail resembles that of a snail and there are definitely some strange sounds that come out of my body in the process.
Second – I think you will definitely complete in your desired time – it is not overly ambitious – say as if you were projecting sub-3 hours – no matter the amount of training time as you are already quite fit. Sure you are going to have trouble walking the next day but you will be happy as a clam when you can finally shuffle over to your computer to start typing out I told you so’s.
Third – I am down with a buck for every minute you finish under that time.
Get em Fatty.
I like it — a good incentive to go fast. I’m in! – FC
Comment by Allie | 01.13.2010 | 9:22 am
Alright Mr. Not-so-Fatty (Fat headed – definitely!) – since you remind me so much of another supremely fat headed stubborn person (that would be me), I can only stand back and admire your bulging cranium, chutzpah and complete disregard for 26.2. So…given my current unemployed state (woohoo global economic crisis!) I’ll (1)toss out $25 to Livestrong provided you beat your 4:39 by two minutes. Here’s a secondary incentive: Having run a bunch of these myself, I know one can will the body to finish anything, so (2) within 24 hrs post masochistic pain-fest, I would like to read your declaration of how much fun it was, what you will do differently in preparation and what your next marathon will be in 2010. Immediate registration is preferred provided it is open. If you do that I’ll toss in another $25. If you miss out on (2) it’s your $25 contribution to make.
As always, should you or any of your IM force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. Good luck Mr. Phelps.
I’m going to need a diagram on this one, but I think I’m in. – FC
Comment by eugie | 01.13.2010 | 9:31 am
What the hell, give it a shot…what other plans do you have for that day? It’s just a 4.5 hour run. No biggie. Sure you’ll hurt, but so what…live on the edge, now go crush it. Don’t listen to the haters.
Comment by Neil | 01.13.2010 | 9:38 am
I hope you don’t end up unemployed in Greenland!!
The Princes Bride is on my top 10 movies list for sure!!
Go Fatty!!
Comment by surlyrider | 01.13.2010 | 9:52 am
Screw the experts. Screw what people say. You know your body…go for it. I love that attitude. I believe in it 100%. I think experts hold us back from our true potential.
$20 if/when you beat your time.
Stay upright, will yah? No falling off of cliffs this time.
Good advice. And I’ll take that bet. Thanks! – FC
Comment by Nic Grillo | 01.13.2010 | 9:54 am
Elden,
I’ll keep it simple. I know better than to bet against you, so when you make the 4:39, I’ll donate $25 to Livestrong! Remember, 800mg of Ibuprofen is a runner’s best friend.
Thanks, and I agree 100% re the ibuprofen. – FC
Comment by James | 01.13.2010 | 10:32 am
I give $100 to my livestrong account if you beat 4:35.
You give $1.37 to my livestrong account if > 4:35.
You give $100 to my livestrong account if injured or DNF.
i’m in! – FC
Comment by DrBryce | 01.13.2010 | 10:44 am
I have $450 in complimentary diagnostic services to insure that you run with a completely even gait and balance and are injury free, if you are willing.
I’ll take that $50. And the diagnostic stuff sounds interesting. Email me. – FC
You’ve got mail from drc AT utahchiro DOT com
I consider it an honor to help you continue to live your life to the fullest and continue to dominate the blogo-sphere !!!! :)))
Comment by Carl | 01.13.2010 | 10:53 am
Fatty,
I will donate $100 to your LIVESTRONG account when you beat your time.
Comment by Mike E | 01.13.2010 | 11:01 am
Fatty, hopfuly the runner has taught you how to run properly without knackering your joints. If you’ve done this then the people who say you’re going to make your knees explode etc are just plain wrong!
Ofcourse i say all this thinking i’ll be jinxing you now. (touch wood I wont)
Regarding your issue with the flat running (yesterdays post). Don’t think of it as flats like when your on a bike, its just normal running. I.E. Normal people don’t RUN up hills. Thats just mad!
Comment by Andy | 01.13.2010 | 11:10 am
Fatty,
I’ll do $25 to your LIVESTRONG if you beat your time, vs. you doing $25 to my American Diabetes Association fund raising. Deal?
Andy
http://main.diabetes.org/goto/AndyMcKay
Comment by jayman | 01.13.2010 | 11:14 am
oh running- the fat will just melt off FC! you may have to change your handle to skinny fat cyclist.
i’m in for $25, only condition is if you finish.
Comment by CB | 01.13.2010 | 11:16 am
Yo Fatty – big fan, Big fan here.
It never surprises me how far we dudes will go to chase a skirt. Wishing you a speedy recovery if you indeed run/walk.
Comment by James | 01.13.2010 | 11:25 am
Hey Fatty – I am one of your biggest supporters so please don’t take this the wrong way. I have been following your blog for a couple of years, and am a really big fan of it and you. The stuff you have done to drive cancer awareness and to raise money for Livestrong is incredibly laudable. People should and likely do see you as a role-model. You may not see yourself that way…
So that brings me to my point. Be careful of the cowboy attitude with regard to running marathons. Its not whether you can do it or not, because I am pretty sure that you can and will likely not permanently injure yourself. You are obviously very fit and lead a fit lifestyle which justifies some bravado with regard to engaging in these types of moderately ill-conceived endeavors. Its just that there is a phenomena going on in marathonning right now where more and more poorly trained, unfit people are attempting marathons. Course closure times are being extended out to 7 or 8 hours, and people are having heart attacks and dying. This in turn, puts pressure on race organizers and their insurers, and well – you know the drill.
Comment by James | 01.13.2010 | 11:29 am
continued… So maybe a little disclaimer would be good, so people get that running a marathon should really only be attempted by people who are capable? And I am giving $100 to livestrong right now. Good luck and aren’t runner chicks awesome?! Have a good one.
Comment by Gary | 01.13.2010 | 11:56 am
I did my first marathon, Wild West Marathon out of Lone Pine, CA, with only 8 weeks of training. It was also a trail marathon with 5500 ft of climbing. It is entire ably possible. I had done many long distance mountain bike rides which were measured in hours and climbing so I felt confident I could do it if I ramped up the hours of a once a week long distance trail run gradually. I simply divided a realistic time of 6 hours to complete the marathon by the number of weeks to train and starting out at 2 hours increased my runs by 1/2 an hour and the proportionate amount of climbing/distance each week. I only did one or two other easy runs during the week between endurance runs and these involved beer(hash house harrier runs). I met my goals for finishing the marathon under 6 hours and more importantly had fun and camaraderie training and doing it. Two weeks later I entered a street marathon only a couple hundred feet of climbing and finished under 4 hours. I was sore for two weeks.
Comment by Maile in FL | 01.13.2010 | 12:12 pm
My mother taught me never to bet money, and I don’t think I’d bet against you when you’re being bloody-minded anyway. So, $25 to your Livestrong account just for starting the race. You don’t even have to finish.
Comment by Mia | 01.13.2010 | 12:20 pm
I have complete and utter faith in you! I’m running a 25K trail run on Sunday with ZERO run training. I have lungs and legs from cycling and I believe they will carry me over the river and through the woods 16.1 miles! Count on my donation!
Comment by Mike Robson | 01.13.2010 | 12:21 pm
If/When you pull this off you can add another superpower to you list.
Comment by Puncherelo | 01.13.2010 | 12:39 pm
I bet you can do it… but will you do it uninjured ?? That’s another questions.
Comment by Mike Roadie | 01.13.2010 | 1:00 pm
I’m in for $50…your account vs mine.
And good luck, amigo!
FLS
Comment by Frankenhip | 01.13.2010 | 1:14 pm
It appears from all the above comments that betting against you is unwise. Still, here is my bet:
– $25 to your LS account if >= 4:39
– $25 to my Seattle LS account if < 4:39
* if I don’t finish the 70 miles in Seattle,
I’ll give the $25 back to you
Good luck, no matter the bet I am hoping you do it (without injury!).
Comment by azcyclist | 01.13.2010 | 1:17 pm
Fatty, I’ll donate $20 either way. Good luck!
That’s so cool of you. Thanks! – FC
Comment by RachelGio | 01.13.2010 | 1:32 pm
yer funny when yer stupid
Comment by RachelGio | 01.13.2010 | 1:32 pm
ps good luck and don’t kill yourself
Comment by Andrew | 01.13.2010 | 2:06 pm
Fatty here is the deal. If you finish the race I’ll donate $25 to your Livestrong, another $25 if you finish in under 4:35. If you don’t beat 4:35 you owe my mother in law a personal email requesting she join Team Fatty in for the Seattle livestrong challenge.
I’ll take that challenge. But I’ll be happy to email your ma in law even if I win the bet. – FC
Comment by John | 01.13.2010 | 3:42 pm
Here is some wisdom from the ‘Born to Run’ book I referred you to. When running think Easy, Light, Smooth.
Easy is first ’cause if that’s all you got, that’s not so bad
Light comes next, like a shadow across the trail. If you have a choice of 1 or 2 steps between the rocks, take three
Smooth will come once you have the other two, and you are never done getting smoother
If you get those three things down, you’ll be plenty fast…
Comment by Paul | 01.13.2010 | 4:03 pm
I recommend stashing a bike in the bushes at mile 18 – just in case.
Be sure to read that article about Lance running a marathon a couple of years ago. Was it in Texas Monthly? Anyways he couldn’t walk out of his hotel after the race and his buddy had to push him out to the parking lot on a bag carrier.
Comment by Andy | 01.13.2010 | 4:26 pm
I worry about you bikers and your spongey bones. But as a distance runner, it’s against my nature to argue against a bad idea. Good luck, and I’ll donate 50 bucks if you finish, or if you don’t.
Comment by Margo | 01.13.2010 | 4:38 pm
Fatty,
I was going to offer to pay you for each minute you finished under 4:38 on an increasing Fibonacci scale, because I am a nerd and figured it would make you go faster. However, that means I’d either end up donating a really small amount of money – or a really huge amount of money (ten thousand dollars if you beat your original time by twenty minutes, for example), and I’d rather know what I’m getting myself into. Plus, I don’t want to encourage you to rush if you end up doing lasting physical damage to yourself.
So, instead, how about this?
1. If you finish the race, I’ll pay $25 to your LiveStrong account.
2. If you finish in less than 4:38, I’ll sign up to ride the LiveStrong Seattle ride (probably the 45-mile distance, as I prefer to ride my bike from my house than drive to the race) and pay $25 to each of our accounts.
3. If you can’t run a 5k by Feb 13th (which you already have to attempt for an earlier bet), you pay $25 to my LiveStrong account.
Comment by OziRider | 01.13.2010 | 5:06 pm
Ah Fatty, the old chicken threat ehh? Can I suggest you partake in a modified version of the ‘Lance Armstrong drinking game’ whereby, for each fart you eek out (silent ones count) during the race, you must donate a dollar to my chosen charity (Australian Conservation Foundation (http://www.acfonline.org.au/default.asp). 5 bucks for each fart directly commented on by fellow runners….. As you can see, this ingenious plan serves the double purpose of 1. generating cashola for an awesome charity and 2. by concentrating on your farts, you create a much welcome distraction from certain agony. 48 hours pre-race you must adhere to the following diet: broccoli, bran straws, eggs, red meat, cheese, baked beans and lentils.
Now, fair’s fair Fatty; if you finish the race in under 4:39 I will donate $25 to your Livestrong Challenge, if not, you betta be tallyin’ those farts MQ (‘Massive Quads’, your new Australian warrior title). OziRider
Comment by Chad | 01.13.2010 | 6:02 pm
Hi Fatty,
I read your post yesterday and thought to myself “Well, that might not work, but good luck to him”. Pooh on people who send you messages of dire warning. I hope that if you ARE hurting too badly you will throw in the towl, but I am confident that you can finish, in pain, and be happy about what you did. I ran my first (of 4) on significantly too little training, but was SO hopped up on the idea that I set a PR I have yet to come close to (and am unlikely to ever best).
I have donated to several of your awesome fundraising events in the last 12 months, and did not plan to donate any more for a while, but I would be happy to add to your incentive. I am confident you can beat your previous time, and Ill believe you when you say you cant break 4 on a trail marathon right now. How about if you break 4:20 Ill donate $10. No reverse bet. Good luck.
Comment by barb | 01.13.2010 | 7:13 pm
Hi Fatty,
I was given similar warnings this summer when I proclaimed “no way am I backing out” of a century ride to raise money to cure type 1 diabetes, which one of my 9 year old twins has. With very little training in my legs I had to have unexpected surgery to remove a melon sized tumor from my gut. 8-weeks later I was on that bike at the JDRF Ride to Cure. Unfortunately due to overall slowness and a mild hurricane I was turned around before making it to the 50 mile check point and came in with a 65 mile day. It was not the smartest move I ever made, but it was one of the best! I’d do it again in a minute. One comment that I found helpful was one of the coaches said “remember there is a difference between an endurance event and a survival event”. Take care of yourself out there and I will gladly pledge $25 to your LiveStrong Account however you finish up the day. Good luck.
Comment by Ronna | 01.13.2010 | 9:25 pm
That sounds great! I have little doubt you will finish when you say you will. I’m in for $25 if you beat your previous time! By the way, I was inspired by your snow biking blog and tried it over here in Evanston, WY. Loads of fun! Thanks!
Comment by John M | 01.13.2010 | 9:44 pm
A trail marathon on just about no training? I feel like I am paying someone to try to run themselves to death here. Um, that’s awesome!
So here it is – finish in 4:38 or better, I donate $100 to your Livestrong account.
Finish in 4:38 or higher, but have a great story about it – I donate $100.
Fail to finish, but have a great description for the epic fail – I donate $125.
If the epic fail includes any of the following – sobbing, crawling, hallucinations or IV drips – I donate $150.
Comment by OziRider | 01.13.2010 | 11:06 pm
Fatty, on a side note. At no point in my original post (blunt as it was) did I suggest that you couldn’t do it, merely that you shouldn’t do it. It was a statement of facts. By your own self admission you are pigheaded- a gross understatement in anyone’s book. In fact, you are a stubborn mule, a clydesdale if you will, grinding through any pain presented. I admire this. Ibuprofen by thy friend…….OziRider
Comment by Sara | 01.14.2010 | 12:03 pm
I’ll donate $10 if you finish the marathon and another $10 if you finish at or under 4:38.
I did the Vegas Half in December and can’t imagine doing a marathon on this little training.
Don’t forget to stretch after running! Or ice minor injuries! Think positive!
Comment by Sunny | 01.14.2010 | 12:33 pm
I believe in you! I’ll donate $25 if you make it, and another $25 if you beat your previous time AND another $25 if you beat your previous time by more than 15 minutes. Good luck!
Comment by Andy R | 01.14.2010 | 1:57 pm
Cyclists and runners….two very different animals. I love riding, despise running. You gotta lotta guts, bro. But I think that you’ll pay for this one. In more ways than one. No matter if you make your time or not, I’ll chip in 25. Good Luck!
Comment by Jim | 01.14.2010 | 3:39 pm
You’ll do it. When I ran my first marathon, I had never run more than 25 miles in a week, and had run more than 6 miles in a day exactly once. I finished the marathon in 3:43 and felt great. The reason was simply that I was already had a good cycling base before starting to train for the marathon. So like I said, you’ll do it. Just remember that, on every training run, you must be prepared to bail in order to stay injury-free!
Comment by rookieroadracer | 01.15.2010 | 10:30 am
Fatty,
I’m sort of broke these days, so I can’t bet much. That said, I think you can do it, and beat your previous time. I’ll bet you $25, if you beat the previous time, I donate it to your livestrong. If you don’t do it, you can either donate $25 to your own livestrong, or if you are too bombarded with debt from all these bets, I’ll just let it slide. Game?
-ddk
Comment by anji | 01.17.2010 | 12:22 pm
Hey,
Most of my friends are being the same way. Last June, I was almost 270 pounds. I decided to join the army. I’ve since lost 50 pounds and hoping for an intake date of April/May/June. A lot of my friends aren’t supportive. A lot do not understand. In the past year, I’ve had a gun/machete pointed at me, I had to quit my job (that was in my classroom, I was a teacher at the time) just to arrive back from the isolated community to discover my ex was cheating on me. Then, I ended up losing that relationship and my home. I’m now living with my “mommy” again … then, two days after Christmas, I survived what I was told, could have been a fatal accident. I was lucky. Beyond luck, actually.
I’ve been blessed. But, I’m not giving up despite having lost everything I worked hard for… even my car which was a total loss and all I had left over.
So, now it’s me, my dog and my cat… versus the cruel world. But, I’m still going on.
And, I’m doing the impossible over and over.
You go do your impossible, okay?
I’m sorry, I don’t have any money to donate (but have donated in the past to your stuff)… until things get settled here, I have not a dollar to spare. But, I promise I will one day, when the money is flowing again.
Until then, think about the 220 pound Canadian girl who is STILL going to join the army… who will be with you in spirit as you cross your impossible finish line. And, when you turn around and say, “I told you so”, to people… remember they may not truly realise how much “hope and faith” can get you through anything. Instead of gloating, use it as a teaching tool :) I know I will be!!
Double-time!
Comment by Laurie | 01.18.2010 | 8:22 pm
Training helps, but a marathon is truly a mental test.
You’ll do it…and after you do, get thee into an ice bath, pronto. It works wonders!
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Spin Class | 01.25.2010 | 2:41 pm
[...] should have been the source material for Part III of The Marathon Chronicles (read Part I and Part II here) — the part where The Runner dragged me on a fifteen mile [...]
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Ruminations on Prime of My Life (The Marathon Chronicles, Part III) | 01.29.2010 | 12:10 pm
[...] next part of my optimism comes from a pretty serious incentive I’ve rashly given myself: I have made $3902 worth of bets that I will beat my previous time (4:39, seven years ago) at this [...]
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Surviving a Mile at a Time (The Marathon Chronicles, Part V) | 02.8.2010 | 7:08 am
[...] Those of you who bet or otherwise incentivized me (you’ll find your bets here), please click here to donate to my 2010 Seattle LiveStrong Challenge. [...]
Comment by zbsports | 08.9.2010 | 7:27 am
awesome marathon chronicles…That is a great record…thanks for sharing such a great post…:D