last update 1/20/2007

Welcome to the ECCP Marathon page. If you know us and you run a marathon, you can get on here.

For each person who makes it, you'll at least get your time posted. If we can get pictures they'll go up too.

And if you send us a story we can add that.

1/14/07

Latest Update: Alex Moore goes out strong in his debut Marathon, but he bit off more than he could chew.

He went out in 1:13 which is 5:34 pace, but it wiped him out as he finished the second half in 1:36, 7:20 pace.

The balls were put out on the table and we respect that. ECCPOLL welcomes Alex to #10 on the Performance

List. He was able gain some invaluable experience and is upbeat about going for it again, see his recount below.

12/23/06

We got us a trials qualifier now. Andrew Cook will be competing in the big daddy race come fall 2007.

Latest info on the trials from http://www.usatf.org/events/2008/OlympicTrials-Marathon-Men/

Text Box: The New York Road Runners (NYRR), the organization behind the world's largest marathon, leading advocate of American long distance running, and organizer of a year-round calendar of races in Central Park, will host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Men's Marathon during the New York City Marathon weekend of November 2, 2007.

The course is expected to be a criterium-style course in Central Park that will start and finish near Tavern on the Green. It will be the reverse of the loop used when NYRR hosted the USA 8 km Championships from 2002 to 2004. Athletes will run the loop five times, with distance added to complete the full 42.195 km of the marathon.

Tamara's dad, the 2:17 Croatian marathoner of the '70s said that the key to marathoning is to run 35k twice a month.

He said that it doesn't matter how fast you run it, because you are just getting your body used to the distance,

and this helps prevent the wall at 20. Well, we're obviously not that fast yet, but Cook is damn close.

Marathon Top 10 Performance List

1

Andrew Wade Cook

2:19:48

Austin 2006

2

Scott Lengefeld

2:35:47

Chicago 2003

3

Vance Reyes

2:36:59

Austin 2004

4

Richard Begin

2:37:13

Sacramento 1999

5

Stephen Grease

2:38:48

Chicago 2003

6

Bryan Oubre

2:39:50

Chicago 2003

7

Todd Fox

2:40:27

Houston 2003

8

Brandon Beasley

2:44:35

Houston 2004

9

Stacy Chaston

2:48:43

Houston 2004

10

Alex Moore

2:49:09

Houston 2007

Brandon Beasley, 02

Austin Freescale Marathon

2/13/2005

AGE 25

Bib 3896

10K

Half

17 mi

23.2 mi

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

Time

0:39:39

1:23:23

1:56:10

2:51:48

7:23

3:13:42

3:13:40

255

237

40

Rank

115

96

171

281

Pace/mile

6:24

6:22

6:50

7:24

Boston Marathon

4/19/2004

AGE 24

Bib 1254

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:19:12

0:38:36

0:57:59

1:17:37

1:22:01

7:24

3:14:29

3:14:01

795

745

536

25K

30K

35K

40K

Pace at Half

1:41:35

2:04:57

2:28:12

3:01:53

2:44:02

The 2004 Boston Marathon was quite a doozy. Brandon had a spectator rub out a hammy cramp while he ate some cake and this slowed him down.

Text Box: Boston 2004, by Brandon Beasley

Wow, that was the hardest thing that I have ever done. Oubre, Vance and I all bonked, but I guess I bonked the hardest. I did not see Oubre until 21 and when we passed all the hot ladies of Boston College I thought that we were going to make it. Oubre stopped I kept going, as you noticed I beat Oubre through that one split. However, at mile 22 I started to cramp and at 24 I grew a huge knot in my hamstring and not only could I not walk and could not bend my leg. Luckily there was some lady on the course who gave me a massage. After she knocked the knot out, I walked until 24.5 and slowly jogged the last mile and a half. HELL was the name of that race. Once I finished I saw Oubre again and he did not know he had passed me. If I go back to Boston it will be just to run without stopping not to run fast. Chicago in October!

Beasley

Houston Marathon

1/18/2004

AGE 24

Bib 5642

Times

5K

10K

HALF

30K

37K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:19:36

0:39:19

1:22:31

1:57:37

2:25:20

6:16

2:44:36

2:44:35

28

26

1

Brandon Beasley finishing the 2004 Houston Marathon

Richard Begin, USM 97

Chicago Marathon

10/10/2004

AGE 29

Bib 358

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:37:46

0:56:31

1:15:36

1:19:50

6:28

2:49:55

2:49:44

276

259

82

25K

30K

35K

40K

Pace at Half

1:34:57

1:54:43

2:15:39

2:39:15

2:39:40

Mr. Richard continues to push ahead while his competitor, Oubre, lurks in the background.

Chicago Marathon

10/14/2003

AGE 28

Bib 1230

Times

15K

Half

15M

20M

40K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:56:13

1:19:51

1:32:11

2:04:17

2:39:23

6:27

2:49:25

2:49:12

421

387

123

Chicago Marathon

10/13/2002

AGE 27

Bib 2200

Times

15K

Half

30K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:56:57

1:20:15

1:56:29

06:20

2:46:12

2:45:54

315

294

93

California International Marathon, Sacramento, CA

12/5/1999

Age 24

Times

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

06:00

2:37:13

45

3

Text Box: California international marathon, 12/5/99, by Richard Begin

Oubre,
I am sure Stephen has given you the details on our marathon in Sacramento, so I will just give a short recap.
I started a little faster than planned, as Stephen stayed back on "pace" I was hoping he would catch up, but he was too busy tieing his shoes and talking to the crowd. I did not loosen up until about 10 miles, because the lube was a little rough from the cold. From 15 to 20, I was in a zone, however a 5:30 split at 21 brought me back to reality. My legs went numb, so I decided to slow up and just finish the race. The next five miles really sucked, as I got slower and slower. I was expecting Stephen to come passing me at the end with his mad looking beard, but he was fighting his own battle. Anyway, you know the results.
The race was great, but the trip was even better. Maybe you can make the next one.
Keep training hard.
Richard

Stacey Ware Chaston, 94

Houston Marathon

1/18/2004

AGE 33

Bib 4848

Times

5K

10K

HALF

30K

37K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:19:28

0:39:13

1:23:35

1:58:43

2:27:51

6:26

2:48:43

2:48:43

45

8

6

Most of us just know her as Toby's sister, but she could whup him in a marathon.

Andrew Cook, 03

White Rock Marathon

12/10/2006

AGE 25

Bib 4

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

33:37

1:10:06

5:29

2:23:42

2:23:42

7

7

7

25K

30K

35K

40K

Pace at Half

1:58:08

2:20:12

Text Box: "Race went o.k. 2:23:41, hit the half in 1:10 and then faded the second half. It was about what I expected considering my training over the cross country season." Andrew

San Francisco Marathon

7/30/2006

AGE 25

Bib 6

7.5 miles

Half

20.7 miles

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

Time

42:52

1:13:13

1:56:35

5:36

2:26:46

2:26:45

1st of 4086

1

1

Pace/mile

5:43

5:36

5:38

Austin Freescale Marathon

2/19/2006

AGE 24

Bib 20

10K

Half

30k

35k

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

Time

33:07

1:08:27

1:37:44

1:54:21

5:20

2:19:48

2:19:47

17

17

4

Rank

15

15

13

13

Pace/mile

5:20

5:07

5:19

5:17

White Rock Marathon

12/11/2005

AGE 24

Bib 2514

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

1:10:36

5:25

2:21:58

2:21:58

7

7

7

25K

30K

35K

40K

Pace at Half

2:21:12

Twin Cities Marathon

10/2/2005

AGE 24

Bib 21

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:32:46

1:10:43

6:31

2:50:48

2:50:48

127

104

58

25K

30K

20 mile

40K

Pace at Half

1:55:32

2:21:26

Austin Freescale Marathon

2/13/2005

AGE 23

Bib 5271, ran as Wad

10K

Half

17 mi

23.2 mi

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

Time

0:39:19

1:22:01

1:47:01

2:24:39

6:09

2:41:03

2:41:01

35

33

1

Rank

106

78

71

43

Pace/mile

6:20

6:16

6:18

6:14

Text Box: Cook's Thoughts:

For my last six I hit 5:20, 5:30, 5:40..... see the trend here

I kept the last three around 5:45-5:40. The last six miles of the race was a bitch because of the 20 previous miles, wind, and hills. The sun had also popped out and it was around 75 degrees. Good for disc golf not for a marathon.

In the fall I want to run the Twin Cities or Chicago Marathon. Twin Cities will be the US Marathon Championships and will also be a one day window for qualifying for the olympic trials. If the Marathon qualifying time is at 2:22 like last Olympics I think I'll have a chance.

Ben Hooker watched the race with Knott and his dad, Tim. Here's what he had to say:

i can tell you what i saw, but that might not be as insightful as what the racers were feeling. but here's my interpretation.

5 miles - saw oob and andy for the first time, since i got to the 2.5 mile point a few seconds late. they were talking and smiling and looked up and waved when they heard myself and my dad cheering. looked very comfortable. they were behind the first 9 women, however. beasley was already a few hundred meters behind them, but was running with his athlete so that didn't tell us much.

9.5 miles - they had just crested a pretty decent hill, but looked fresh and happy still. oob even ran over to my dad and i and gave us a high-5 as he passed. we were surprised at how good they still looked, well oob at least, since we figured andy was just jogging. they were now only behind the first 5 women, so we figured they were probably getting quicker or at least not slowing any. beasley was several minutes behind them at this point and didn't look too swell as he passed with his kid.

13.3 miles - the race had thinned out considerably by now, since everyone running the half marathon had just finished, and we got a better feel for where they really were in the race. they were still looking good as they passed, but this was to be expected since they just finished the easier half of the run. they were now only following 3 women and had passed many of the guys that were ahead of them at 9.5 miles, but oob's face was showing a bit of strain. we were still hopeful for them, though. beasley was not to be seen.

20.2 miles - andy came by first and was flying. he now looked like he was actually running and he said "i'm gonna run the last 6" as he passed and smiled. he picked off several people as we watched him run off in the distance, uphill and into the wind. that was at about 2:07. we then saw oob approaching and his was a different story. this time we didn't get a wave or high-5, but he did look up and smile as he ran past. we knew he had a bitch of a 10K left, but we'd seen oob endure worse before and wondered how much he had left in the tank this time. we then ran across the river to watch the leaders finish.

26.1 - andy came striding into view just as he passed 26 miles and appeared to have passed 100 people since we saw him 6 miles ago (it was probably more like 35 or 40 though). he gave us the gig em as he passed and looked a little worn, but not too bad. we then waited. and waited. oob came into view a couple minutes later and didn't look nearly as bad as we had expected. he didn't look up as he passed, but he said he didn't hear us either, so we'll give him the benefit of the doubt. overall, it was really fun to watch and we all thought the guys did great, but now we're ready to see what andy can really do if he races one of these. the first woman finished just over 2:30, so i think that should be his goal. well done guys.

Ann Grease, 00

Chicago Marathon

10/14/2003

AGE 25

Bib 5647

Times

15K

Half

15M

20M

40K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

1:05:06

1:32:10

1:45:44

2:23:28

3:08:39

7:38

3:20:58

3:20:23

2566

298

78

Chicago Marathon

10/13/2002

AGE 24

Bib 33563

Times

15K

Half

30K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

1:07:12

1:34:01

2:16:29

07:30

3:17:15

3:16:17

2272

227

35

Stephen Grease, 99

Chicago Marathon

10/10/2004

AGE 27

Bib 301

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:38:48

0:58:38

1:18:47

1:23:24

7:17

3:11:12

3:11:03

1334

1249

256

25K

30K

35K

40K

Pace at Half

1:40:25

2:03:56

2:30:50

3:00:02

2:46:48

Team Aggie defeated Team Golden Eagle this year thanks to Stephen's gutty performance.

Chicago Marathon

10/14/2003

AGE 26

Bib 1845

Times

15K

Half

15M

20M

40K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:55:56

1:18:30

1:29:48

1:59:27

2:30:23

6:03

2:39:00

2:38:48

214

198

82

Chicago Marathon

10/13/2002

AGE 25

Bib 33562

Times

15K

Half

30K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:56:38

1:19:19

1:54:19

06:05

2:39:16

2:39:10

190

179

64

California International Marathon, Sacramento, CA

12/5/1999

Age 22

Times

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

06:13

2:42:57

62

4

Audrey Fox, 99

Boston Marathon

4/19/2004

AGE 27

Bib 10595

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:25:50

0:51:45

1:17:59

1:45:27

1:51:36

10:30

4:43:32

4:34:54

11585

3934

2547

25K

30K

35K

40K

Pace at Half

2:18:24

2:56:14

3:37:50

4:20:28

3:43:12

Todd didn't help Audrey the whole way, but he was there at the end.

Boston Marathon

4/21/2003

AGE 26

Times

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

08:44

3:58:53

3:48:38

8577

2131

1621

Houston Marathon

1/19/2003

AGE 25

Bib 5548

Times

5K

10K

HALF

30K

37K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:25:37

0:50:18

1:46:33

2:31:51

3:08:08

08:05

3:31:57

3:31:36

568

59

9

Houston Marathon

1/20/2002

AGE 24

Times

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

08:20

3:38:40

3:38:33

615

82

12

Todd Fox, 99

Houston Marathon

1/19/2003

AGE 26

Bib 5547

Times

5K

10K

HALF

30K

37K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:18:52

0:37:27

1:19:05

1:52:52

2:20:24

06:07

2:40:27

2:40:27

12

12

7

Houston Marathon

1/20/2002

AGE 25

Times

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

06:13

2:43:05

2:42:57

11

11

5

David Hefley, USM 99

Chicago Marathon

10/10/2004

AGE 27

Bib 2779

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:42:02

1:03:16

1:24:13

1:28:55

7:52

3:26:52

3:26:22

3013

2646

436

25K

30K

35K

40K

Pace at Half

1:45:41

2:10:14

2:39:15

3:10:17

2:57:50

Hefley vowed that this would be his last marathon. Let's hope he get's back on the horse in a few years.

Chicago Marathon

10/14/2003

AGE 26

Bib 4620

Times

15K

Half

15M

20M

40K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

1:00:14

1:24:56

1:37:25

2:13:11

2:51:24

6:57

3:02:21

3:02:02

997

899

219

Christian Henricksen, 97

Houston Marathon

1/19/2003

AGE 27

Bib 4794

Times

5K

10K

HALF

30K

37K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:20:32

0:40:29

1:25:52

2:01:42

2:32:33

06:41

2:55:15

2:55:15

51

49

11

Chicago Marathon

10/13/2002

AGE 27

Bib Bandit

Times

15K

Half

30K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

1:03:45

1:29:01

2:06:40

06:41

2:55:00

589 - 629 ?

?

?

Although Christian bandited the race, by running with Oubre we were still able to get a picture of him.

Text Box: 11/9/98 San Antonio marathon, by Christian Henricksen (written in sections over a few years)

First thing's first: congratulations to Grease on his solid 2:42. He had told me that he was going to run a conservative race and it sounds like he did. For any of you future marathoners, that it unquestionably the best way to go about it on your first time out. If you don't agree, maybe the following story will change your mind:

The day was November 9, 1998. It was a cool and crisp San Antonio morning; ideal for the marathon. I was in great shape. I had been training with the A&M Cross team as student assistant and had had been running p.r.s (25:30 8k) I had been putting in around 90-100 miles/week for a couple of months with good quality. If my training was lacking something, it was quality long runs. I had gotten in a few 20's, but they were at a slow pace.
The day before the race, I went to look for a nice singlet. I went to the Run-a-Way in San Antonio and ran into the owner. He offered me a singlet and shorts if I would wear them in the race. Apparently, he thought I would do well and would be a good person to represent his store. Boy, was he in for a surprise.
That morning I felt good. I wasn't too nervous but I had no idea what to expect. If I had known what was coming, I probably would have spent a considerable amount of time throwing up in a trash can. My plan going into the race was to go out "conservatively" -- you know, 5:50's. I thought I might have a shot at running near 2:30 and figured 2:35 was well within my reach. The first mile was VERY easy in around 5:50. I was in about 12th place at the mile (1,500 in the race, top 5 was money.) I was running with this 40 year old guy, Robert Yara. He was sub-2:20 for the marathon and 29 min for 10k in his prime, but that was a while back, and he hadn't touched me in any race that fall. He said he was going to try to run somewhere around 2:45 and suggested that I should probably go ahead without him. So at about 1.5 mi, I left Robert and ended up running the rest of the race alone.
My next 2 miles were around 5:45 pace. 4 and 5 were 5:50's. I came through 6 miles in around 5:50 pace. I had passed a few people and was in about 7th place but was still well off the lead. I had expected to start feeling bad at around 13 miles, but I was already feeling uncomfortable... at 6 miles. It was not going to be a good day.
I continued through the next few miles of hills at around 6:00 min pace. If I remember correctly, I went through 10 miles at around 58:30. I was running a good pace, but I knew that I wasn't feeling as good as I should. I tried to dig in a little the next 3 miles and catch the runner that was about 30 yards ahead, but it was not to be (I found out later that the asshole was only running the first 18.) My legs were getting tight and my pace began to approach 6:10s. I recovered briefly and got back under 6:00 for mile 13, but that was the last recovery I was to make. I came through the 1/2 at 1:18. That's 2:36 pace; a respectable time. However, it was much slower than I had hoped to be at that point, and there were other problems ahead.
I had been feeling the need to find a bathroom for a few miles, and I knew that I wouldn't last another 13, so when the opportunity presented itself, I took it. I jumped into a park bathroom just after the half. I took my best speed-dump but still lost a minute. Robert "I'm only going to run about 2:45 today, so you might want to go ahead" Yara had been closing the gap on me for the last few miles and he passed me during my badly-needed bathroom break. I would not see that son-of-a-bitch for the rest of the day. He ended up running an incredible negative split and finished with a time somewhere around 2:30 for 4th or 5th place and the 1st masters spot.
I came out of the bathroom and continued on my way, MUCH tighter than before. It was around 14 miles that the course passed the Run-A-Way store. As I ran by, the owner (who had given me the free clothes) offered me a bottle of PowerAde and a packet of Goo. I ate some of the Goo and nearly yacked on the spot. I tried to wash it out of my mouth with the PowerAde but couldn't handle that either because it was so sweet. I threw both on the ground at the feet of the owner of the store and continued on my way. It was about this point on the course that I saw my uncle. He was preparing to run the second half of a 2-man marathon relay team. Later, he made an observation about my appearance at this point in the race. He said, "You really didn't look so good."
At the time, his observation was more accurate than he could have known.
I don't remember much about the next 3 miles. I do know -- based on later analysis of my watch -- that I had slowed to around 6:30/mi pace. The next thing I remember is a group of 2 or 3 people passing me around 16 miles. One of the people turned out to be Gary Brimmer. Most of you don't know him, but I hate that guy. He would always insist on calling me ' that tall, skinny kid.' And he didn't mean it in a nice way. It was at about this point -- with 10 miles to go -- that the phrase 'Just Finish' first entered my mind. I was no longer racing, I was struggling to 'Just Finish.' I must have repeated that phrase to myself about 10,000 times over the next 10 miles... the longest 10 miles -- EVER. Again, I don't remeber much about what happened between 16 & 20. The previously mentioned watch analysis indicated that I continued to slow down. I hit a few 6:40's and then a few 6:50's -- slowing approaching the dreaded 7 minute miles.
It was just before 20 miles that I heard someone call out my place: 8th. I was in 8th place!! I couldn't believe it. I was running terribly but I was still in 8th place. Apparently, as soon as someone would pass me, one of the other lead runners would dropout. I hit 20 miles in right around 2 hours. I don't remember the exact seconds, but I do remember thinking that if I could just run the last 10k in 40 minutes, I could run 2:40. 2:40 was slower than I was hoping for but that would still be a really good time. And hell, 10k in 40 minutes; that's nothing. I could do that while holding my breath. If I could just hold my pace for another 6 miles, I would do great. 2:40 in the bag, no problem.
But ooh, it was not meant to be. After a little more than 20 miles, I made a turn in the King William District in San Antonio and was feeling okay. Then, the first sign of the horror that was about to overtake me hit: THE CLAW! As I made the turn, my right arm cramped from the elbow down, causing my hand to distort into a nasty claw. The cramp held for about ½ of a mile. Not a good sign. Finally, the cramp released and I continued along my merry way. Over the next few miles, my pace slowed to over 7:00/mile – already over my 40 minute 10K pace. Too bad. Who cares? I just wanted to finish. Oh, I just wanted to see the finish.
At this point, the course made its way out to a little turn around at 23 miles by one of the missions. This allowed me to see Robert Yara, Garry Brimmer, & the gang fly by me in the other direction as I plod along in what had become nothing short of a death march. They, of course, all shout their encouragement. This did not help, however, because the look in their eyes betrayed their true thoughts: “You poor, young idiot, that’s what you get for not respecting the marathon.” So I finally hit the 23 miles turn around. My pace had probably slowed towards 9 minutes/mile by this point. Then, a wonderful thing happened. As I was approaching some railroad tracks, a train could be heard in the distance. Unfortunately, there would be no sprinting to the tracks to beat the train. You can’t imagine the effect that such an event had on my fragile psyche. Just thinking about it, I want to cry. I came up to the train and was forced to stop – the absolute worst thing that can happen when your legs are ooohhhh sooooo very tight. There was no sign of the end of the train, but there was a small little bridge that the train went over before intersecting the course. So out of desperation, I hiked down the rocky hill and under the bridge. The footing was horrible and I stumbled and nearly fell several times as I made my way back to the road.
That obstacle cleared, I began to run again… or at least tried to, but the legs were even tighter than before. My next mile was probably run in 9-10 minutes or so. My legs were twinging with almost every step, threatening a cramp at any moment. By now, people were passing me in a constant stream: first good runners, then slower ones. How it came to this after the 90 and 100 mile weeks, I may never know. But this worst of it was still to come. The last 2 miles may have been the worst 24 minutes of my life… yes, 24 minutes. As if on cue, I hit the 24 mile mark and the first real cramp hit in one of my hamstrings. As it hit, I jumped into the air with a cry of pain and had to start walking. From this point on, the cramps came every 50-100m. A cramp would hit, I would stop, rub it, and walk it off. When the cramp eased, I would run until the next one hit.
As I would start to run again, my legs would twitch with the threat of the next cramp. I was on the verge of tears. I would hit my legs with my fists at every twitch to try to prevent the next one. It must have been a pitiful sight as I ran the last 2 miles, crouched over, hitting my legs, and yelling “STOP IT!” at the top of my lungs with each blow. But my legs would not listen and I would inevitably jump and scream as the next cramp would hit, walking it off until I could run again. I remember the look on the faces of the spectators and other runners as they passed me. They all seemed to think that I was insane. “Why the hell is this psycho pounding on his legs and screaming at himself?” I wish I had video of that.
So one way or another, I walked, hopped, and jogged my way to the finish. Why? I have no idea. I should have stopped somewhere between 6 and 26 miles, but was overcome by stubbornness and stupidity. The finish line finally made its way to me after about 3:03. The first 10 miles was in around 58 minutes and the first 20 in 2 hours. The last 10k took nearly 63 minutes, with the last 2 in 24.
James and Milli were waiting for me at the finish, each with a look of pity of their faces. James asked me if I wanted his coat. “You’re blue,” he said. I replied that I wasn’t cold and they went back to watch the finish. As soon as they left, I began to shiver so violently that the shivers would be better described as convulsions. I just wanted to lie down but couldn’t bend down to the ground. Somehow, I made my way over to some stairs and lied down on them, still shivering violently. I don’t know how long I was there, but finally, Sean or Aaron (I can’t remember which) came over to me and said I should go to the First Aid tent. I agreed, but couldn’t get up. I just lied, there shivering, on the verge of an emotional break down. I think I started to finally cry at this point, feeling that my lowest point had been reached. The Sean/Aaron person lifted me off the ground and drug me to the First Aid tent. The paramedics couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me, so they just left me in the heated ambulance, covered in blankets, until the shivering began to subside.
Eventually, we made our way home. My bedroom was more of walk than I could manage, so without showering, I passed out on the couch. I drank as many fluids as my body could hold following the race, but still couldn’t piss for 8 hours. I suppose I had become dehydrated.
It was 4 years before managing another marathon. For San Antonio, I ran several 20 mile long runs and logged 80-100 miles a week in the months leading to the marathon. Before Chicago, I had a long run of 13 and logged 6-20 miles a week, with the exception of one week at 40. In San Antonio, I ran a miserable 3:03. In Chicago, I ran a relatively pleasant 2:55. Go figure.
The moral of the story:
Go out slow in the marathon. Training is optional.

San Antonio Marathon

11/8/1998

AGE 23

Bib ?

Times

10 mi

Half

20 mi

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:58:30

1:18:00

2:00:00

06:59

3:03:00

?

?

?

Jason Koop, 01

Pikes Peak Marathon

8/22/2004

AGE 25

Bib 445

Times

15K

Half, Ascent

15M

20M

Descent

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

3:03:41

1:31:30

5:56

4:35:11

4:35:11

12

10

2

Text Box: Jason Koop is a mad dog. He trains all year long in the mountains of Colorado, running, biking, snowshoing, lovemaking, whatever. The guy is fit. Not only did he do the Pikes Peak Marathon, but the day before he competed in the Pikes Peak ascent. He ran 2:57 and finished 23rd. Then he come back the next day, goes up again and runs down finishing 12th in the marathon. Damn impressive. He ended up finishing second in the Doubler competition, those who do the Ascent then the Marathon the next day. And don't forget, the terrain isn't as easy as an asphalt road in the hills.

In 2003, Koop completed his first Pikes Peak ascent, which is still his fastest in 2:55:07 and finished 32nd in that race. But he waited a year to do the double.

Scott Lengefeld, 99

Chicago Marathon

10/14/2003

AGE 26

Bib 76

Times

15K

Half

15M

20M

40K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:49:50

1:10:12

1:20:23

1:49:29

2:25:57

5:56

2:35:48

2:35:47

177

163

73

Milli Ondras Menze, 98

Houston Marathon

1/20/2002

AGE 26

Times

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

06:48

2:58:09

2:58:05

58

3

1

Alex Moore, 06

Houston Marathon

1/14/2007

AGE 23

Bib 249

Times

10K

HALF

30K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:33:42

1:12:59

1:49:49

6:27

2:49:09

2:49:09

75

66

9

Text Box: Alex's recount of his first marathon, posted 1/12/07 on the ECCP forum.

"That was hard and I was not prepared at all. I knew I wasn't prepared, but still clung to some hope that it might just magically happen for me, so I decided to still go out at goal pace and see how long I could hold on. Didn't feel well at the 2 mile mark but got my 2nd wind (probably bad that I had already used my second wind that early). I was able to stay with the 2:22 pacer through 8 miles, slowed down the next couple of miles, and then by 11 miles the wheels were starting to come off, and it was a struggle to keep 6:30 pace, then to keep 7 min pace. Had to walk a few times, met some others who were having similar difficulties, but kept going and at 21 I ran into a friend who was watching/running and who ran with me the last 5 miles and kept me going. I finished in 2:49:09, with the first half in just under 1:13, which gives you some idea of how fun the 2nd half was. On the plus side, our pacing group was going the same pace as the leader of the womens half marathon, so I think I got in some of the big time race pictures since I was right behind Elva when the race photographer was getting some shots.

"I understand the marathon much more now, and I am ready to do another one, just not until I am much more prepared. Due to my heel injury I backed off way too much to still be ready to go for the fast time I wanted, but took a shot anyways and stayed on pace for a third of it. I just have to be able to hang on for the other 18 miles by october. There were definitely times when I was trying to figure out what my time would be if I walked it in from different places, (the thought of walking until 91 showed up crossed my mind a couple of times) but I was lucky enough to run into my friend who kept me going.

"I finished 75th overall, and 9 women beat me. Not that I care about that, but in the last few miles I was definitely counting and hoping to finish in their top 10. Glad to have the first one under my belt, and (after a couple days off) ready to start getting ready for the next one.

"I had a gel at 15. I was going to have a gel at 8, but I think someone else took my bottle/gel, not that it mattered. And I kept waiting for the free beer station I had heard about but never saw. So other than gatorade, no."

Bryan Oubre, 01

Austin Freescale Marathon

2/13/2005

AGE 25

Bib 156

10K

Half

17 mi

23.2 mi

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

Time

0:39:19

1:22:01

1:47:01

2:29:28

6:37

2:53:30

2:53:28

72

69

16

Rank

105

76

72

65

Pace/mile

6:20

6:16

6:18

6:27

Text Box: oubre's recount of the Freescale marathon

other happenings. the night before the race we ate at bone daddy's. it's a great establishment with fine looking ladies. maybe if ben learns to use a scanner we can share some of the ladies with the rest of you. i had a full rack of ribs and andrew the pulled pork sandwich. i wouldn't say the ribs ruined my race, just my lack of long runs, long bike rides, hill workouts and all that usual stuff that someone doing a marathon might do.

sunday morning, i planned on waking up at 4:10 am to do a little jog and eat 3 hours before the race, but when the alarm went off, i said screw it. i did end up going to the bathroom but waited until 5:30 to get up. none of us slept good because the air condition was really cold when it was on and then it got hot when it went off. also it was storming outside at 6 am. well, we all get in the STi at 6 am, me, cook, beasley, sosa and hooker. we try to find a shortcut to the start but everything is blocked. its' still drizzling and we get in line with all the traffic. by the time we get out the car its about 20 minutes to 7. we go put our bags in the tent and walk over to the start. we walk right up to the line with no problems. we rock. we did a small yell right before the start and we're ready to go. it stopped raining right before the start of the race.

plan was to run 6:20 to 6:30 to start and hold that for the entire race. beasley ran about the first half mile with us then dropped off. sosa didn't want to run with us at all. cook and i hit a 6:26 for the first mile so we're right on pace. we keep strolling along and around 4 miles some guy from indiana asks if he can run with us. andrew says sure, i tell him 'well we can stop you, can we?'. and we trot along the back streets of n.w. austin, which isn't very scenic and they're are few people. the roads are wet but we can avoid most of the puddles. i did hit one somewhere and cook called me boga for splashing him. i didn't mean it. we chatted with the indiana guy through about 7 miles then i saw a guy i race from new orleans, andrew lilly, he ran for tulane '99 and he normally trains more than me. well he's running the half and he ditches us at around 8 miles. during the 9th mile somewhere, cook has to pee. he sprints up towards the port-a-john. right before he gets there he hear, go andrew, he looks over and its j-what. he says waz up and then hops in the bathroom. me and the indy guy run together until andrew catches back up about 2 minutes later. he's still looking fresh. a mile later the indiana guy gives in to the pee and stops to go. we never saw him again. i'm still feeling good through halfway. i took my usual cliff shot at 10 and during that uphill we catch my new orleans friend again. we chat some more and then ditch him, not before andrew makes fun of him for being a tulane grad. during mile 12 while running by dean keetan and wanting to stop at the track house for porn, some other guy asks to run with us. we don't mind so he joins forces. we run by texas stadium or whatever it's called and pretty soon we're at halfway, lots of people are pulling off for the half but we continue along. i'm not feeling great but it's the usual. however, right after 13.1 there is a big uphill, well the rest of the damn race you don't get a flat or downhill that lasts anymore than half a mile. it's mostly uphill i would say. also, this course doesn't pass out cliff shots or power gels, so i started the race with 5 in my pockets. andrew had 2. and the mile marker signs are easy to miss and don't have clocks at each marker. downfalls of not running a chicago or boston i suppose. we got to run down 6th street, but it was w. 6th and that's not exciting. the guy from austin is still running with us.

we get to the 16 mile marker and it's an out and back to 18. you can see the 17th mile turnaround in the distance and it's down for now but will be up coming back to 18. i know this part won't be too fun. but we keep moving along and hold 6:30, 6:26 pace through 17 and 18. i yelled at another guy from new orleans who was about a mile ahead of us at the time (andrew ended up beating him) and we saw beasley when we were at 17.5 and he was at 16.5 or so. he looked tired, i probably did too. working through 18 was probably my last good mile, even though we ran 6:15 on 19, that was because it had a big downhill and was flat, so i guess my statement from above was a little off 19 was downhill/flat the whole way.

i felt a little pick me up from the cliff shot at 16, but the ones at 19, 22, and 24 were not felt at all. i was out of gas by 20 miles when i ran 6:46 and cook took off, but i was going to keep fighting. i trudged along alone, with few people to yell at me, and no one to block the wind. the last 10k was just slow and it hurt. i felt like i was going so slow on the uphills. then i knew all of mile 24-25 was uphill so i was dreading getting there. halfway through the 25th mile i walked for a minute. i thought to myself, "i paid $85 to be in the race and if i want to walk, damnit i will". and i didn't even get passed. i started trudging back up the damn hill. i passed mile marker 25 and it was still going up, god damn this hill is long. i finally made it up the hill and took another break. this one a little longer than the last. a guy or two past then i jogged some more hoping to see the finish. well i couldn't so i walked another minute or so, then got to looking at my watch and decided if i wanted to break 2:55 i better start running. so i ran the last half mile in at least. i did see kevin barra and some guys running during the last miles, i yelled at them that they sucked even though i was the one who was about to start walking. whatley also yelled at me at around 23 and i waved but didn't look around to find her. it's rough when i hurt so much i decide to walk, but whatever, i still finished 72nd out of 6300 people.

i thank cook for staying with me as long as he did, he blocked some wind and made it easier for me.

Chicago Marathon

10/10/2004

AGE 25

Bib 477

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:38:46

0:58:05

1:17:26

1:21:37

6:19

2:46:01

2:45:51

207

193

72

25K

30K

35K

40K

Pace at Half

1:36:24

1:55:55

2:15:53

2:36:42

2:43:14

The hat was worn correctly until about mile 14 or so, when I had to fight to the finish.

Text Box: Chicago 2004, by Bryan Oubre

What's new, it was a great temperature and slight winds coming off Lake Michigan, a nice day to run a marathon. Basically, Stephen and I had been scheming all week on how we would beat Richard and Hefley. We knew their training was superior, but what mattered was the race only, not what you did before the race. (3 days a week running, with a long bike ride here and there)
The night before, everyone thought I was crazy. We went to the South Water Kitchen restaurant behind the Hotel 71. I ordered up the pork chops with macaroni and cheese. Oh yeah it was a huge meal. Also, while waiting for our table I had a Sam Adams Octoberfest. At the table I had an Amstel Light, and then for desert I had a Drambuie. Therefore, I was all fueled up and ready to go. Richard ate the TV dinner, Hefley chicken, and Stephen had fish or something vegetarian.
Raceday morning, I wake up at 5 AM, it's the Hartman way, and go jog for about 10 minutes. It's 60'F but it feels real humid. I get back to the room, shower, eat a banana and a powerbar and drink some Gatorade. Then I lay back in bed for another half hour.
We arrive at Grant park around 7:15 and start getting prepared. That humidity that was around before the sun came up had disappeared, and the weather was superb. I rubbed body glide wherever I needed and then started to change. This year I would be wearing my new Adistar jersey that I bought from the expo for $40. Yeah, it's a ripoff by it's pretty sweet. By quarter till, we've all pissed somewhere we shouldn't have, and it's time to jog over to the start. Oh yeah I did a few strides first. I felt good, and so did the streaks.
We got about 30 ft from the starting line. It was me, Richard, and Stephen. Hefley wanted to go out slower. Gun goes off, and 10 seconds later we're on the course. Feeling fresh and feeling good. This wouldn't last forever. Basically Stephen and I ran with Richard for 2 miles and then let him go to run his 6:05 pace or whatever. But then around 8 miles, Stephen had to go to the bathroom and wasn't feeling great, so he told me to take off. Well, that was it, I ran the rest of the race with random people, until I caught Richard at 22. I just kept rolling off the miles, and passing people. Very few people passed me after 10 miles, maybe like 5.
I took clif shots at 10, 17, 20, 22 and 24. Although at 22 and 24, I had to use the same shot, so it was only half. Basically, my legs started to tighten up with 10 miles to go. But I was able to keep running a good pace. Yet, with 10k to go, I just started to slow down. I thought about quitting at this point but the clif shot gave me an extra boost, so I knew I could finish. I just kept trudging along, hoping I could make it all the way in. I spotted Richard around 21 but didn't catch him till a mile later. I dropped my 4th clif shot just as I caught him, and had to go with the 5th and final one (which I split). Richard asked where Stephen was, I assumed he was scared he might catch him too. But I told him, he had long been gone. I kept the 6:40 pace and Richard drifted from me. The last 4 miles were just a matter of running. Thank goodness there were no hills, because they would have taken me out. The last uphill right before the straightaway nearly did, but I stayed upright, and kicked it in. I earned the title of Melting Man V by beating Richard and Stephen, but I also beat Winston Stoody, the old guy who outkicked me in 2002.

Boston Marathon

4/19/2004

AGE 24

Bib 1254

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:19:12

0:38:36

0:57:59

1:17:37

1:22:01

7:24

3:14:29

3:14:01

795

745

536

25K

30K

35K

40K

Pace at Half

1:41:35

2:04:57

2:28:12

3:01:53

2:44:02

It was a bit hot, so I had to walk and run the last 10k. I did get to run with Beasley for a half mile. I saw him at the 21 mile mark, and we made a photo-op.

Text Box: Boston 2004, by Bryan Oubre

yes, boston was a bonk. but who cares, i finished and i beat lots of people. also, when you are going 11 minute miles, you aren't running. it's called walking while your muscles relax.

The 2004 Boston Marathon is over. I am not the best candidate for athlete of the week either. I obviously went out way to fast to try and run well in the heat and hills of Massachussetts. The hills were at 16, 19 and 20.5. I walked and ran the last 10k. I would run about a minute or so until something started to twinge or tighten. Then i would walk till it went away or enough people yelled at me to keep running. The run would only last another minute and i'd be walking again. i did manage to fight the pain and run the last half mile all the way to the finish line.

Total 3:13.39 which was 7:23 pace.
2nd half split was 1:51:56, which was 8:33 pace. Yahtzee.
I finished 773rd out of 16,743 people who finished, 17,950 started the race.

Boston may have been tough because of the 85'F weather and hills, but otherwise it was awesome. People lined the course from start to finish, and running by Wellesley College and Boston College is great because there are hot chicks all over. I also slapped hands with quite a few of them. It helped me speed up the first time, but by BC I was out of gas. I also had a girl slap me on the ass to get me to run at mile 23 or 24. That was nice.

Basically the moral is: Qualify for Boston and go run it. Whether good or bad, it'll be an experience you never forget.

Chicago Marathon

10/14/2003

AGE 24

Bib 1279

Times

15K

Half

15M

20M

40K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:55:57

1:18:31

1:29:49

2:00:12

2:31:00

6:05

2:40:01

2:39:50

234

217

29

Text Box: Chicago 2003, by Bryan Oubre

i decided to run with stephen and richard because i didn't want to run alone for the whole race. richard stopped to pee at mile 5 and never caught back up. stephen stopped to pee at mile 6 and caught back up at mile 8. we just kept rolling em off till 16 when i decided i needed to get back to 6 minute pace. my right calf started to get lactic around mile 12, but by mile 17 all of my legs were lactic and i just kept counting down the miles. i grabbed two clif shots at the free clif shot zone just past mile 18, because i knew i would need those later to keep from bonking. i passed lots of other folks who had bonked and were walking, stretching or just going slower than me, but i kept fighting, because i knew the finish would come at some point. the last 2.5 miles or so was into the wind, and i didn't have anyone to draft off of or run with. then there was a right turn, a big 100 meter hill, then a left turn and a quarter to the finish. i managed to break the 2:40 barrier and was quited elated that i never stopped and didn't collapse.

I knew the cameraman was there so I gave him a Gig'em. Turns out it's still my best marathon.

Chicago Marathon

10/13/2002

AGE 23

Bib 32952

Times

15K

Half

30K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

1:03:45

1:29:01

2:06:40

06:36

2:54:22

2:53:24

526

482

64

Text Box: Chicago 2002, by Bryan Oubre

for you guys info. christian and grease drank a beer the night before chicago. christian also ate a pint of ben and jerry's. two nights before me, grease and richard each had about 4 pints and christian 1. but richard must've got a bad piece of pizza because he woke up that night throwing up. but he recovered saturday afternoon and was ready for sunday morning. i did eat a clif shot saturday night to find out what it was like, the practice paid off because it didn't slow me down eating it in the race. i only had one bad water handoff, where i missed the cup and it fell to the ground.

here are my thoughts as to why i finished strong.
my body had endured 16-18 mile runs at that pace or better before
i took 3 clif shots
i work for a company called marathon
i train in the heat and humidity of southern louisiana
the race was a cool 42 F and low humidity
lots of people to pass at the end of the race
lots of people to cheer me on while running
a beautiful city
i wore the boats, i always performed well in the boats
i am incredible melting man III
i had someone to run with the whole way
we started out slow

Oubre's Splits

Mile

Chicago 2002

Chicago 2003

Boston 2004

Chicago 2004

Austin 2005

Mile

1

7.26

5:57

6.10

6:18

6:26

1

2

6.58

5:56

6.02

6:09

6:16

2

3

6.42

6:02

6.02

6:13

6:24

3

4

6.47

6:02

6.03

6:13

6:15

4

5

6.41

5:57

6.16

6:17

6:21

5

6

6.47

6:04

6.10

6:15

6:19

6

7

6.34

6:04

6.08

6:19

6:10

7

8

6.51

6:03

6.16

6:10

6:07

8

9

6.50

5:58

6.07

6:12

6:17

9

10

6.36

5:54

6.22

6:16

6:10

10

11

6.52

5:55

6.22

6:11

6:16

11

12

6.36

6:01

6.25

6:16

6:10

12

13

6.33

5:58

6.38

6:09

6:12

13

14

6.29

5:59

6.48

6:06

6:12

14

15

6.30

5:58

7.05

6:08

6:12

15

16

6.32

5:52

6.56

6:12

6:24

16

17

6.28

6:03

7.19

6:22

6:30

17

18

6.32

6:08

7.36

6:14

6:26

18

19

6.24

6:14

7.50

6:16

6:15

19

20

6.20

6:07

8.26

6:18

6:46

20

21

6.16

6:18

9.48

6:35

6:46

21

22

6.29

6:17

7.59

6:32

6:46

22

23

6.32

6:18

9.37

6:42

7:08

23

24

6.22

6:21

11.00

6:41

7:30

24

25

6.27

6:29

11.01

6:38

8:41

25

26

6.23

6:36

9.20

6:54

8:42

26

26.2

1.16

1:19

1.52

1:19

1:44

26.2

Vance Reyes, UofH 98

Boston Marathon

4/19/2004

AGE 28

Bib 1116

Times

5K

10K

15K

20K

HALF

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:18:18

0:36:33

0:55:24

1:15:25

1:19:46

6:59

3:03:21

3:02:54

405

379

289

25K

30K

35K

40K

Pace at Half

1:36:45

1:59:45

2:25:19

2:52:03

2:39:32

Beasley, Oubre, and Vance all went to Boston hoping to run the whole thing. Vance was the only one who didn't walk.

Motorola Marathon

2/15/2004

AGE 28

Bib ?

Austin, TX

Times

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

5:59

2:37:17

2:36:59

21

16

2

Jason Sosa, 01

Houston Marathon

1/18/2004

AGE 24

Bib 5208

Times

5K

10K

HALF

30K

37K

Pace (min./mile)

Clock Time

ChipTime

OverAll

OverSex

OverDiv

0:20:38

0:41:26

1:26:35

2:06:15

2:40:03

7:03

3:04:57

3:04:54

130

115

9

Sosa showed us that he can compete at any distance with this performance.