26.2 this Sunday & the birth of Team 464
I contacted the race director of the Mardi Gras Marathon around a month or so ago via email asking him if there was any way possible that I could get the bib number 464. I briefly explained my story to him and what the number 464 meant to me. 464 was my starting weight, the beginning of my journey and the turning point when I realized that it was time to do something about my weight. I guess he was touched with my story because he put some media outlets in touch with me and I ended up sitting down for an interview with one of the editors from the New Orleans paper, The Times Picayune. They are now doing a two page story on me on the day of the race, this Sunday, in the paper detailing my journey and my quest for a marathon. What's really neat is I was invited to attend a press conference earlier this week where the race director introduced me and presented me with my bib number... 464. A New Orleans radio station and a local TV station pulled me aside and interviewed me after the press conference too. It was a really cool experience. I guess what all this means is I HAVE to finish now no matter what. I'll miss the qualifying time for Boston by 45 minutes or so but I'll be damned if I don't cross the line in under 4 hours or close to it!
So for all of this Team 464 was born. (www.team464.com) I designed the logo and my girlfriend printed up a bunch of t-shirts for friends and family that will be there cheering me on throughout the course. My training parter busted his knee a few weeks ago so Team 464 will be represented solely by me on Sunday but that's cool with me. I'll post a race report Sunday evening along with some pictures. Hopefully I'll have some presentable pictures of the finish line and not all of them I will be crying like a little ***** with a skinned knee. Unfortunately I see that happening. I think the emotions when I cross over the line are gonna be pretty intense.
That is awesome Chad! I have never been a runner and don't forsee ever being one, but I did enjoy weight training and walking prior to my heart attacks. You definitely are an inspiration to me and others here. When I read your posts, I get excited about being able to get back to the gym after surgery. Good luck and go get 'em!
Best of luck. There is no stopping you now. Link to my running journal
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1303681
4 full's - 14 halves - 2 goofy's and one Mt. Washington!





CB 
