Three Days

The Wall!! Dammit! We've been so busy that Ken Lusk, our course guy, once again forgot to put in the wall at mile 20. Too late now. You'll just have to deal with it.

Here's a couple things for you--While you're sipping coffee at your hotel Sunday morning between 6 and 7, you can catch a preview of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon on ABC affiliate, channel 13, WZZM-TV? Alan Headbloom, our press guy will be giving interesting facts/tidbits and useful information for their early-morning jog through our neighborhoods.

And then, on the drive in, between 7 and 8, catch live coverage of the race on News Radio WOOD 1300 AM.

RACE DAY IS ALMOST HERE!!

After the race, be sure to enjoy the food and hospitality. And, perhaps a beer or two from New Holland Brewing Company.

The top 5 tips for beginners (thanks for the contributions, guys) I sent to Gonzo:

5. Start out slower than you think you should. It's easy to get caught up in the rush. Here in Grand Rapids, we have our Celebrity-Pace Pace Teams to help with that. You join a pace group and shoot for the same time as Oprah, P Diddy, George W, and other famous marathon runners.

4. It still counts if you have to walk part of the course. Most people in the universe will never even THINK of covering 26.2 miles on foot. Crossing the finish line any way you can do it is still a major accomplishment.

3. Lubricate or tape everything that rubs. It'll make those late miles (and the hot shower afterward) feel so much better. Try Sportwax, the official sports lubricant of the Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, available at our expo.

2. Learn to identify poison ivy leaves before you head off into the woods for a pit stop.

1. Don't worry! Your toenails will grow back.

Listen to my race week Marathon Minute on marathonminute.com as well, for a little more inspiration. (Or whatever.)

Oh...stop asking me about the weather. You're already on the Internet if you're reading this. Go to woodradio.com. They're a much better weather source than I am.

Can't wait to meet all of you! It's gonna be fun!
and the adventure continues....
Don Kern
www.cooladventures.net