Ross: Running A Marathon

1:26:10 AM CDT

 

By Ross Forman

 

            I thought the 2007 Florence (Italy) Marathon, which I finished last November as part of the National AIDS Marathon Training Program (NAMTP), would be my one-and-only marathon, ever.

 

            Hardly.

 

            Let’s see, on April 26, I ran the Nashville (Tenn.) Marathon, and was able to cut 25 minutes off my Florence time. And now I’m back training along the lakefront in Chicago with the NAMTP.

 

            My goal this time: finish the Amsterdam Marathon on Oct. 19 in my best time ever, and I’m quite confident that I can do it.

 

            I’m completely sold on the NAMTP training program, which is a mix of running and walking. I’m not winning the race, but I’m finishing. That’s most important. (And after the Nashville Marathon, I actually walked with Coach Katie and Coach Dan of the NAMTP from the finish line at LP Field to our hotels in downtown Nashville, about three miles away - after running 26.2 miles. Maybe a $10 cab ride would have been preferred, but it wasn't neccessary.)

 

            I never was a long-distance runner. I was, instead, the one who questioned the sanity of all the marathon runners.

 

            After training once with the NAMTP, and then training for Nashville by myself (though with the training techniques of the NAMTP), I am convinced that anyone – yes, absolutely anyone – can complete a marathon or half marathon with the training techniques of the NAMTP.

 

            So, if you’re even remotely considering the 26.2-mile challenge, give it a run … you might actually like running.

 

            My running and training is done to raise funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. I’dbe grateful if you’d consider sponsoring me and, in the process, helping AIDS Foundation of Chicago.  So, please go to my website (www.firstgiving.com/rossruns08) and help the AIDS Foundation of Chicago while I run to Amsterdam.  Thanks,

 

Ross.

Written by wrestle1112 Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 0 comments: Add your own

12:51:40 AM CDT

I ran the Country Music Marathon in Nashville on Saturday, April 26, 2008!  Next up: Amsterdam.

 

  

 

  

Written by wrestle1112 Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 0 comments: Add your own

11:04:27 AM CST

Dear Friends and Family, Thank you very much to all of you who supported me as I participated in my first marathon last November in Florence.  It was an amazing experience, and I could not have done it without your support.  Well, I'm ready to do it again and run another marathon!   That's right, I will be participating in the Amsterdam Marathon on October 19 … running 26.2 miles. I am once again training and will be running a little farther each week as I prepare for Amsterdam.  In total, I expect to log nearly 500 miles during training. Running a marathon is an amazing experience, and since, well, I'm a writer, I will be keeping this Journal to keep you updated on my training progress.  It's all part of the National AIDS Marathon Training Program, which raises money for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to fund direct medical care, food, housing, and other vital AIDS services — to help keep people with HIV/AIDS alive until there's a cure. This is why I am committed to raise at least $8,400 (and hopefully more) … and I'm asking for your support. I would be so grateful for any donation you can make to help me meet this goal. It's so easy to make a donation (so no excuses!). It only takes a few moments to make a contribution.  Donations are tax deductible, and all contributions benefit The AIDS Foundation of Chicago, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Together, we can take pride in improving the lives of those less fortunate.  As you can probably imagine, this is an extremely physically-challenging task, but I am confident that, with your support, I can make it to the finish line. Thank you so much for supporting me in this huge undertaking. When I cross that Start (and also the Finish) Line in October, I'll know that you helped and motivated me. Thanks, Ross Forman. P.S. For those of you who are still having trouble believing that I ran (and finished) the Florence Marathon in November, the proof is below and at about the 5:50 mark in this clip.

Written by wrestle1112 Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 0 comments: Add your own

2:23:12 AM CST

 

Photo Courtesy: Bowdoin Su 

By Ross Forman

 

            FLORENCE, ITALY - Well, it’s over and, yes, I completed my first 26.2-mile marathon, held here on Sunday, Nov. 25.

 

            I couldn’t be happier.

 

            And that’s just the start of emotions I experienced during the five-hour journey along the mostly flat course that was filled with cobblestone streets.

 

            Finishing the marathon brought pride, joy and honor, not to mention pain and a few tears.

 

                I ran the first 90 minutes with Tim, a 45-year-old from San Francisco who I met and first ranwith in California in September.  We went at a four- or five-to-one ratio, mixing running and walking. Tim then broke away, opting to jog the rest of the race as opposed to the run-walk training method that we learned during the six-months of training with the National AIDS Marathon Training Program (NAMTP).

 

            At the two-hour mark, the outside part of my left knee started aching, forcing me to slow down to ease the pain. About two-and-a-half hours in, the knee was really hurting, forcing me, at times, to walk a little longer than I wanted to.

 

            The rest of the marathon, I was slowed significantly by the injured knee, even though I had iced daily leading into the run.

 

            Others, thus, passed me and I struggled.  But no way was I gonna stop. Quitting was not an option. I trained too hard, for too long and too many supported me and the cause to say, ‘I’m done.’

 

            I ran the second half of the race chatting at times with an Austrian couple, a girl from Georgia and others, including many of the 250 NAMTP runners who came herefrom Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

 

            I saw Michelle, a Chicagoan in her 20s who I trained with extensively over the summer, struggling even more than me with, oh, about 10 miles to go.  As I approached her, clearly seeing she was dealing with legs woes, I saw a man approach her from the right. As I later learned, Michelle’s near-60-year-old angel spoke barely any English, yet was driven to make sure she finished. Michelle cried as she later told the story; I was honored and amazed I saw it materialize right before my eyes.

 

            I saw Coach Katie with about four miles to go and that brought a huge smile to my face. She ran with me for a while, maybe 10 minutes, offering encouragement and jokes the whole way. She eventually broke away to ran back to other NAMTP runners behind me, but not before reminding me that, when – not if, but when - I finish, she’ll have Rice Krispie treats waiting for me. And she did. We toasted the marathon that night with red wine and a Rice Krispie treat apiece. That was awesome!

 

            When Katie left, I knew I was on the home stretch, that the 42-kilometers was almost done. Tears were swelling, knowing I was about to do what so few others worldwide attempt, let alone accomplish. I thought about those who have supported and encouraged me since day one of my marathon journey, including Hector, Dell, Mandy, Lodi, Kevin Nash, Jeff Jarrett and the rest of the TotalNonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling family.

 

            With about half-a-mile to go, I caught up to Dan, a Chicago NAMTP runner in his 20s who also was struggling. I told him we had to kick it in with so little to go, that we couldn’t walk anymore, that we had to run the rest of the way home, first passing fans on our left, including many who we knew and cheered for us by name, then a throng of fans on both sides as we approached the finish line – while running on a red carpet, fittingly. It was an awesome feeling.

 

            We crossed the finish line together. Actually, I crossed a second before Dan, on purpose, which he and I joked about later since he noticed. I got the medal draped around my neck, then a hug from a NAMTP runner from Los Angeles who, well, I don’t even know her name. But we had run together for a little with about 10 miles to go and though I made a joke about how Chicago is better than Los Angeles (which it is), I told her that, I sure hope she still meets me at the finish line with a hug. More motivation, I thought … and it was so cool that she was the first one who hugged me. I actually was shocked she remembered, but boy was it cool to see her.

 

            All of my close friends and training partners finished the marathon,including Chuck, Rob, Dru, Bobby,Carrie, Michelle, Robert, Kevin, Janelle, Ray and, actually, everyone I can think of.

 

            Six months ago, I never in my wildest dreams thought I could finish a marathon. Heck, I thought 10 miles would be an impossible task, let alone 26.2.

 

            Now, though, my thinking is, where is my second marathon gonna be?  The Chicago division of the National AIDS Marathon Training Program supposedly will be training runners for 2008 marathons in Chicago, Honolulu and Amsterdam.  So, I guess I better get out the sunscreen and flip-flops for few days in and around Waikiki next December.

 

            Running a marathon? That’s not a problem for me.

 

            And it shouldn’t be for anyone. As the saying goes … if I can do it, you too can do it.

 

            Oh yeah, the $1 that Chuck promised me lastJune if I finished the marathon, well,he came through and presented it to me that Sunday night in between sips, er,swigs of Italy’s finest red wine.

 

All of the running and the countless hours training was done to raise funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. I’m so grateful to all who sponsored me and, in the process, helped the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.  You drove me to finish the marathon and, more important, helped me be Chicago’s top fund-raiser, at least as of race day.  Donations are still appreciated for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago at:  www.firstgiving.com/rossruns

 

           Ross Forman can be reached at: Rossco814@aol.com.

 

Written by wrestle1112 Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 1 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

11:49:13 AM CST

By Ross Forman

 

            It’s the home stretch for the 2007 Florence Marathon, set for Nov. 25 in Italy … and I feel ready.

 

            The last major training run as part of the National AIDS Marathon Training Program (NAMTP) was Nov. 3, along the lakefront in Chicago. Some ran 26 miles, while I ran my scheduled 24 miles.

 

            Actually, we all ran the extra .2 miles as well, naturally.

 

After finishing the 24 miles, I looked a little further north and spotted a balloon arch and heard the NAMTP coaches, organizers, volunteers and other runners cheering for me, by name, no less. What a cool feeling, so I ran the last .2, with cheers and ultimately hugs all around. Coach Katie hung the NAMTP medal around my neck … that was a special moment I’ll never forget.

 

Never in my wildest imagination did I think I’d run 24 miles. But, through the NAMTP’s training regimen, which is based on a run-walk theory, I know I’m ready for the 26.2 miles that I’ll run in Italy. No problem with that, and no worries.

 

After the training run, we relaxed, stretched, ate bananas, bagels, peanut butter, Rice Krispie treats and, well, just about anything and everything around. Including some Oreo cookies, my favorites.

 

And that was just for an appetizer. I went with fellow runners Richard and Brad, and volunteer Andrea, to Moody’s, where we all devoured cheeseburgers and fries, and a pitcher of beer. Boy did that burger taste good, and I never thought once about the countless calories and enormous amounts of grease and fat I was putting into my body.

 

The last major training run also was a downer of sorts. Fellow runner Rob, who is one of the top runners in the NAMTP, had to stop after 21 of his 26 miles due to a knee injury. Hopefully he’ll on the path in Florence.

 

I’m always asked how I feel after the long runs and, well, I feel fine. Credit the training method, or whatever, but I truly felt fine. After lunch, I drove home and just continued my day as normal with no lingering after-affects of four-plus hours of running.

 

All of the running and training is done to raise funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. I’d be grateful if you’d consider sponsoring me and, in the process, helping AIDS Foundation of Chicago.  So, please go to my website (www.firstgiving.com/rossruns) and help the AIDS Foundation of Chicago while I runto Florence.  Thanks,

 

Ross.

 

 Ross Forman (pictured in the middle above, in case you were unsure) can be reached at: Rossco814@aol.com

Written by wrestle1112 Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 1 comments: Show Recent | Add your own

12:59:03 PM CDT

By Ross Forman

 

           SMYRNA, Ga. - My toughest challenge to date was Oct. 13, when I ran 21 miles by myself along the Silver Comet Trail, starting here in suburban Atlanta.  I began at the 1.2 mile-marker and knew that, when I saw11.7, it’d be time to turn around and head back to my car.

 

            And then go to work for Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling.

 

            The course was perfect: mostly flat and, because of the large trees that surrounded the path, mostly shaded.  There were some inclines and a small bridge that I literally had to run up and over, but for the most part, this was the second-best place to run. Behind the ever-scenic path on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, of course.

 

            There was, though, one major flaw: water. Or lack thereof.  There was a bicycle shop about two miles after starting, but I didn’t need any water then; I had my water bottle (filled with a hydration mix) and was carrying a 32-ounce plastic bottle of orange-flavored Gatorade. (I never like carrying bottles when running, but I wasn’t gonna risk it since I didn’t know what was, or wasn’t, out there to drink.)

 

            When I hit the 11.5-mile marker, there was a bathroom and water fountain … but the water fountain didn’t work. “Oh @#$#%” was basically what I said at that point. Luckily, though, one of the resting cyclists showed me that, to get the water fountain to work, I had to push the button three times, then water would flow. Sure enough, there was water.

 

            The second-half of my run was fairly, well, boring.  There weren’t many people out there to people-watch, though the groups of roller-bladers who skate in a formation are kind of amusing, at least to me they are.

 

            When I hit the bicycle repair shop with about two-miles to go, I bought two bottles of water and a energy bar.

 

            Ultimately, I finished in, oh, about 3:45 – running about half-a-mile past the 1.2 starting marker to complete the full 21 miles.  I’m actually just estimating the time since this was my first run that I forgot my watch – and was very frustrated throughout for forgetting.

 

            The iPod is a blessing and I listen to everything from 2Pac to U2, 50cent and Eminem to Neal Diamond and Barry Manilow.  I ended the run, fittingly, with Kenny Loggins’ This Is It.

 

            I have only one more long training run: a 24-miler on the first Saturday in November. Otherwise, it’s just 8- or 10-miles on Saturdays, building up to Nov. 25 when I’ll be running 26.2 miles through the streets of Florence, Italy.

 

            My running and training is done to raise funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. I’d be grateful if you’d consider sponsoring me and, in the process, helping AIDS Foundation of Chicago.  So, please go to my website (www.firstgiving.com/rossruns) and help the AIDS Foundation of Chicago while I run to Florence.  Thanks,

Ross.

 

 

  Ross Forman can be reached at: Rossco814@aol.com

Written by wrestle1112 Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 0 comments: Add your own

4:34:35 AM CDT

By Ross Forman

Written by wrestle1112 Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 0 comments: Add your own

8:44:56 PM CDT

  

Ross Forman (who isn't spending much time with Ronald McDonald these days since he's training for the marathon) can be reached at: Rossco814@aol.com

Written by wrestle1112 Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 0 comments: Add your own

1:03:33 AM CDT

By Ross Forman

    Ross Forman can be reached at: Rossco814@aol.com

Written by wrestle1112 Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 0 comments: Add your own

1:05:52 AM CDT

Written by wrestle1112 Permalink | Blog about this entry |  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this This entry has 0 comments: Add your own