2007 Portland Marathon

October 7, 2007

I finished the Portland Marathon today.

Glenn and Corinna hosted me at their house overnight in Beaverton, Oregon.  They took me to a great Italian restaurant for my pre-race carb load at Nonna Emilia's in Beaverton on Saturday evening.  It was wonderful place to eat and the food was GREAT!  I got to bed a little past 9:00 PM and was up at 4 AM doing my pre-race routine.  Glenn and Corinna got me to Portland around 6 AM in plenty of time for the 7 AM start.  Thanks Glenn and Corinna for taking care of me this weekend and thanks for being a vital part of Loving God Fellowship.

There were 9,300 runners today in the marathon!  The spectators were out  and lining the streets shouting their support along the way.  The 80 bands and groups along the way were great.  The 4,000 volunteers made it a very smooth race for all.  It was a great marathon.

I ran injury free and my legs felt great.  There were a lot of hills.  I didn't hit the wall until mile 23.  I hit it and a strong head wind very hard.  My legs were doing good.  My heart and lungs were doing good. But my ankles and feet were in tremendous pain from mile 23 through the finish at mile 26.2.  Each step was very difficult.  I focused on why I am doing what I'm doing and was able to press through the pain to the finish line.

It's looking like I will lose a toenail.

If that picture of my foot grosses you out, be reminded - (Romans 10:14-15 NIV)  "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? {15} And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (emphasis added).

Pictures of me finishing:

Some more pics:

I had a lady ask me about my tat at mile 5.  A man asked me about it at mile 22.  I was able to tell them both all about it and Loving God Fellowship.

My next marathon is the 4th Annual Marshall University Marathon on November 4, 2007.  To keep updated on my marathon a month progress you can Subscribe to GAJohnson.org | Hebrews Twelve Two .

Know that you are loved,

gaj