Fergus Taylor at Chicago Marathon; Challenge Redux

 

This write-up is about my father Fergus Taylor (age 68), and an uncommon persistence to complete a marathon.  Five years ago my father, at age 63 completed his first marathon (Grandma's Marathon in June 2005.)  Having never been a runner until his sixties, he enjoyed it so much he signed up for another marathon (Des Moines Marathon, November 2005.)  At mile 18 of that race, he actually BROKE HIS HIP...then FINISHED THE LAST 8 MILES. 

I don't know where he got the idea to be that hardcore, but besides the normal marathon finisher medal he received some additional metal in his hip:

So now fast forward 5 years later, he has recovered the strength in his hip, picked up running again, and completed a few half marathons.  But he could not stay away so he signed up for Chicago Marathon.  Susan and I signed up for the race too so we could be there to support him.

Evidently this year's race was held on 10/10/2010...wooooo....coincidence?  I will tell you this...the expo before a major marathon is as tiring as the marathon itself.

Major races like Chicago have a well-developed warning and alert system.  The day started out at Green (nice and cool.)  By the time I was done it had elevated to Yellow (getting warm,) and by the time Fergus was in the later miles it was Red (as in, "please don't close the course before Fergus finishes!!!")

We all tried to execute a well-paced race, but with the rising temperatures the walk-run strategy yielded to mostly walking.  However he kept a good steady pace.  Note: I think The Fergus is one of the coolest Swiftwick-sponsored athletes around!  He loves the shirts and socks.

Sure it was no problem to run the marathon competitively, then jog back and finish the last 5 miles with Fergus (okay I was tired.)  My eyes were opened to all kinds of stuff that goes on after I have had a couple beers, a shower, a nap, and so on.  On track for a 7 hour finish, Fergus experienced aid stations that were closed up and he had to complete part of the course on the sidewalk.

But at the end of they day he made the finish and got the medal.  We all worked hard together on this race, including my cousin Wes who is a new runner (and walked the last 13 with Fergus) and Susan (who achieved her first marathon finish at this race.

If you can't tell I am very proud of The Fergus.  But more importantly, here is a guy who never did any running before age 61.  Then he did some marathons and had a major setback to say the least.  You may never desire to run a marathon or do a triathlon, but don't think you have a carte blanc excuse to let go of your health.  THERE IS NO EXCUSE.  Persistence pays off, smart strategy, good techniques, patience and persistence. 

Trampled By Turtles

I'm not sure why but every so often I just have to throw a music video on this blog....this is a band called Trampled By Turtles that I heard of when I was in Duluth for Grandma's Marathon around 6-7 years ago.  I never heard their music until just now, and now I am sharing it with you.



Sometimes a hit of bluegrass is just what you need. 

Never Stop Practicing the Fundamentals

Here is a quite funny video that I discovered.  This is from a Triathon World Cup race at the swim-to-bike transition area, where the racers mount their bike and start pedaling.  Notice the total chaos and mayhem that occurs...



As a coach I am often in the position of trying to get my more experienced athletes to practice fundamentals that they believe they have already mastered.  I have watched--painfully--on numerous occasions while these guys and gals make rookie mistakes.  Just like the women in this video--you have to have excellent credentials to participate in a world cup race--and they blotch the transition worse than a beginner. 

This is why I encourage all my athletes...even the ones that think they "have it"...to keep practicing the fundamentals:



I screw up plenty on my own too...I am not perfect...but here is an example of a transition that I did:



Practice practice practice...and when you think you have it, practice some more.