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March 31, 2009

Bob's Big Race

Posted: 11:11 AM ET

By Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen

As I sit here in pain, just a few days removed from my half-marathon, I'd like to give you guys some encouragement.

It's been a horrible stretch here with the economy seemingly tanking and jobs being lost. If you are at the end of your rope, here's some advice: Start running. Yes, still do your job search calls in the morning. But when you are done, find a race that is in your local community. It doesn't matter if it's a 5K or a full marathon. Just find something, get your doctor's clearance, and start to train.

The runner's high is such an ego boost it should be banned. Plus, the folks that actually race are the most positive people I know!

This is how it went down for me: I have run a half-marathon twice before. Both times, I ran it in 1 hour, 57 minutes. This time, I promised myself I would beat it. I'm not a small man, about 205 pounds. But if I could run 1:56, I would feel like I have accomplished something.

The ING half marathon started out pretty well for me. I was flying, did the first mile in 7 minutes 45 seconds: That’s a minute faster than the pace I wanted for the whole thing. Then, at mile 12, it all came crashing down. I was sick, tired, wanted to quit. I stopped running and just threw up. I had my hands on my knees, head down, seemingly out of it, dazed. Then, out of nowhere, a hand hit my back and lifted me up. "C'mon man, you can do it ... it's just a quarter-mile left. It's an easy run from here!"

I never saw the guy that picked me up, but it made me strong. I stood up, spit, wiped my face, and ran for all I was worth. As I rounded the corner to the finish line, the clock read 1:49.00. I finished 6 seconds later. I was elated, and dead tired. The pace I set was 8:19 per mile. Never did I think I could pull that off. I wish I could thank the guy that saved me from quitting – it’s encouragement like that that gets you going!

Meanwhile, my brother ran the full marathon. He broke his old marathon record, and ran it in 3 hours 37 minutes. I know he's six years younger, but that may be my next goal. I can't let my little brother beat me, in anything!

Posted by: Meteorologist Bob Van Dillen
Filed under: Behind the Scenes • Weather

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Writer Keith

March 31st, 2009 11:22 am ET

It helps when you get to use a segway.

Tiffany W.

March 31st, 2009 1:01 pm ET

Bob I'm so proud of you!

Amy

April 1st, 2009 7:28 am ET

Awesome, Bob!! As both a full and a half marathon veteran, I salute you!

Mike Samitz

April 1st, 2009 9:21 am ET

I'm with you. I just completed my first full marathon in December and I too crashed at about the 12mile mark. I started out way too strong. Anyway, it wasn't so much a person who brought me back to life it was seeing so many people, some much older than I, still on track – I just couldn't face giving up. So, I pushed on for another 14 miles and finished in 4:19 and was that an accomplishment. The year prior, I set a goal of doing a full marathon by 50 (years). That year I did the half in under 2 hours. Next years goal is to break the 4 hour mark and lose 10lbs. The good news is that I still have one more year left til I hit 50. Keep up the good work.

Mark Cook

April 1st, 2009 10:08 am ET

You have just paid it forward. I totally appreciate your encouragement and transparency into this part of your world. I did the Race for the Cure with my 6 yr old daughter and she ran most of it, as did I. I have friends that have run marathons and 1/2 marathons. They, like you, talked about the runner's high. I am going to attempt a 1/2 marathon. Can't wait to start the training. You da man.

KDM

April 1st, 2009 10:09 am ET

Great story Bob! We all need someone to pick us up when we are down and want to give up!

John Stenberg

April 1st, 2009 10:25 am ET

Bob i started running in 2005 doing the aidsmarathon program in chicago. I couldnt believe the support I got during the long training runs from all the other runners. I am a really slow runner/walker. and that support really helped me to get through all the tough times. I have found that happens everywhere. not just here. Congrats on finshing. and if you decide to do the full. Make sure finishing is the goal the time will come without you even realizing it. btw my personal best is 3.55 for the half and 8hr 40 for the full. like i said Im slow. but the main thing is I finished.

Good Dog

April 1st, 2009 2:09 pm ET

My sister ran a marathon in Phoenix last month. I couldnt' make the mile run in all the schools i went to. And today, i'm happier walking 0.08mph on the treadmill. We all do marathons, and my daily marathon is keeping my headupright during the day.

Denise Wells

April 1st, 2009 8:19 pm ET

Bob,

WAY TO GO! Marathons of any kind aren't easy, and it takes a great deal of preparing your mind , body and spirit. After all, you can't expect to be as good of a runner as you are a meteorologist. Have a great week!

Denise Wells,
Greensboro, NC

Barbara Gunter

April 2nd, 2009 1:01 am ET

Bob, sure am glad you got that encouragement just when you needed it. Pay it forward.

Laura Hausch

April 2nd, 2009 5:34 am ET

Congratulations on finishing. Hopefully the person who gave you the will to finish will come forward. You and the rest of the HLN crew have helped so many start out the day with a smile, so you deserve it back. Oh yeah, at least you didn't puke on anyone (unlike what happened to me). "Tanks" for the blog. Scuba Laura

Rafer

April 2nd, 2009 4:55 pm ET

Bob, good stuff my man. I will never give you a hard time for leaving early the gymnasium.

JCinTX

April 6th, 2009 8:17 am ET

Bob you all come visit us in chat..... http://xat.com/RobinsPlace?p=0&ss=6
we miss u all, and no shout out on friday to us, what is up w that?

sherry

April 8th, 2009 5:29 pm ET

way to go bob your gonna do the whole nine yards next time thanks for being a great inspiration to us all

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