Rehoboth and End of Year Wrap Up

As always, first to recap the numbers:

- Due to the host site for donations changing halfway through I don't have an exact amount raised but it's at least $7000! That's more than double my initial goal of $3000!

- One guess within 2 minutes and four within 1 minute which I doubled for a total donation of $280.

- 12 marathons complete, cumulative time of 35:39:43, average time of 2:58:19. That locks the average finish time at #Sub3ForPtR and 9 out of 12 have been under 3 hours. Recap of all 12 finish times below:

- January: Chevron Houston Marathon 2:59:39 (official pacer)

- February: Mercedes Birmingham Marathon 3:06:49

- March: Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon 2:59:20 (official pacer)

- April: Boston Marathon 2:59:01 (the frigid down pour)

- May: Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon 2:58:16 (official pacer)

- June: Banff Marathon 3:00:11

- July: Jack and Jill's Downhill Marathon Snoqualmie, WA 2:40:29 (1st place)

- August: Humpy's Marathon Anchorage, AK 3:00:50

- September: Erie Marathon 2:59:09 (official pacer)

- October: Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2:57:29

- November: Monumental Marathon Indianapolis, IN 2:59:19 (official pacer)

- December: Seashore Marathon Rehoboth Beach, DE 2:59:11

I chose Rehoboth for the last one based on convenience, pressure from my buddy Gar, and because Dogfish Head brewing is the finish line party beer sponsor! It was a chilly but calm morning that started with a stunning sunrise. The course was almost completely flat and spent a large part of the first 16 miles in the beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park.

I felt pretty relaxed and comfortable most of the race and just let the pace evolve naturally. By mile 20 I had plenty of cushion to get under 3 hours so I eased up and cruised it in to ensure I could thoroughly enjoy the post race festivities.

I had the opportunity to run on the Dewey Beer Running Team and meet the owners Brandon and Holly Smith. My buddy Gar and I also worked together to coach Brandon for the Rehoboth marathon and I'm proud to say he crushed it and finished with a huge PR! Their beer's not too bad either :)

So it's been quite a journey! My body held up well and most would be surprised that I didn't run as many miles this year as I have in most previous years, logging just under 2,500. Typically I log more than 2,500 and have logged over 3,000 a couple times in a year.

I was an official pacer for 5 of the 12 marathons averaging 2:59:08. I logged marathons in 7 new states and my first international marathon (Canada). I also bagged my first marathon victory with my 3rd fastest time ever. I really wish I had broken 3 hours for every marathon but a bit of carelessness on my way to the airport in February derailed that intention essentially right off the bat. So averaging under 3 hours was a good back up goal that I was able to make happen.

But more importantly I greatly exceeded the initial fundraising goal of $3000 thanks to everyone's support! I also feel that I've raised awareness of Pumped to Run to a lot of people and hopefully inspired others to get involved with this great organization.

Now that this journey is over and the fundraising is complete I am resting up a bit and then getting back at it to train for Boston 2019. As for PtR, I am going to get more involved and hopefully become a board member so that I can continue to support this organization in its noble efforts to help people in our Pittsburgh community find stability, strength, and purpose in their lives again. And I hope that you can join me in that effort in whatever way works for you.

My deepest thanks again for following this journey and all of your support for PtR!