2002 Portland Marathon

My third and final marathon transpired near home, in Portland, Oregon. My goal was to qualify for the Boston Marathon--which I did in all three of my marathons--so I could run in that historic race. My other goal, which will haunt me to the grave, was to run under three hours.

The race started right at 7:00 a.m., and the weather was perfect--overcast with temperatures that started in the mid 50's. The starting line festivities got my adrenaline going; a troop of drummers beat a rhythm that made me think I was going to battle--and battle with the road I did. I placed myself near the front of the start line, which led to thousands passing me within the first couple of miles; I would reel them all in later, of course, as I finished 90th overall (86th male, out of more than 3000 finishers).

I barely crossed the line in 3:00:39--that's right, just 40 stupid seconds kept me from my goal.

The only consolation prize I could think of was that I was the top dog from Salem.