Cash on the barrel: It all started when a couple of club members registered last summer. After some gentle peer pressure, a little bit of momentum was born, and before we fully realized what we were getting into, 16 Power Milers were registered to run the 2018 Houston Marathon. Marathon-specific training began in earnest in October. One was lost due to injury (Get well soon, Grace!) Four months later, race weekend has arrived.
Thanks to PMTC's high performance coach Jimi Smith and his individualized training guidance, this team is race-ready. While coaching the marathon contingent and balancing the demands of parenting and running an acupuncture practice, Smith somehow managed to fit in his own marathon training. Smith is returning to Houston after a 10-year hiatus from the 26.2 distance. After overcoming numerous injuries over the past few years, his goal is to stay healthy and finish in the low 3:00s.
Fellow Masters runner Paul Thiels is "apprehensive about debuting at the age of 54" but "very curious to experience the mystery zone beyond 20 miles of racing." Thiels' goal finishing time is 2:49. Casey Keiser and Dave Merryman will also be taking on the marathon for the first time on Sunday.
For those not travelling to Houston to run or spectate, a live stream of the race will be available:
http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/race-weekend/spectator-info/
Live tracking of individual runners:
https://live.sporthive.com/event/3822/Live
Bib numbers to track the Power Milers:
Paul Thiels: 1661
Jimi Smith: 1656
Rich Bouckaert: 424
Jeff Gennusa: 1925
Daniella Mora: 2039
Luciano Retana: 2040
Michael Pou: 31934
Paige Fischer: 2093
Jeff Gennusa: 1925
Tom Luongo: 1693
Van Merceron: 1604
Dave Merryman: 1833
Wayne Pertuit: 1631
Casey Keiser: 1536
Doug Holmes: 2028
Follow @PowerMilers on Twitter for live updates from the race.
While he isn't racing this go-round, PMTC's Brandon Wingate, who at age 41 ran 2:31 at the 2016 Houston Marathon, offers the following message to all those racing this weekend:
Fellow Masters runner Paul Thiels is "apprehensive about debuting at the age of 54" but "very curious to experience the mystery zone beyond 20 miles of racing." Thiels' goal finishing time is 2:49. Casey Keiser and Dave Merryman will also be taking on the marathon for the first time on Sunday.
For those not travelling to Houston to run or spectate, a live stream of the race will be available:
http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/race-weekend/spectator-info/
Live tracking of individual runners:
https://live.sporthive.com/event/3822/Live
Bib numbers to track the Power Milers:
Paul Thiels: 1661
Jimi Smith: 1656
Rich Bouckaert: 424
Jeff Gennusa: 1925
Daniella Mora: 2039
Luciano Retana: 2040
Michael Pou: 31934
Paige Fischer: 2093
Jeff Gennusa: 1925
Tom Luongo: 1693
Van Merceron: 1604
Dave Merryman: 1833
Wayne Pertuit: 1631
Casey Keiser: 1536
Doug Holmes: 2028
Follow @PowerMilers on Twitter for live updates from the race.
While he isn't racing this go-round, PMTC's Brandon Wingate, who at age 41 ran 2:31 at the 2016 Houston Marathon, offers the following message to all those racing this weekend:
"There are a lot of questions going through your head.
Have I trained enough?
Am I mentally ready?
Will I hit my pace?
Will I be to anxious?
Short answer, YES!
This is what you have trained for mentally and physically.
Your mind and body will know what to do when the gun goes off.
I hope that you all have a great race and make some memories..."
Have I trained enough?
Am I mentally ready?
Will I hit my pace?
Will I be to anxious?
Short answer, YES!
This is what you have trained for mentally and physically.
Your mind and body will know what to do when the gun goes off.
I hope that you all have a great race and make some memories..."
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