I have been a little sloppy at providing follow-ups on some of the races I've written about over the past few months, so in this post I'll be wrapping up loose ends. I've also tossed in some tips that I learned along the way. I hope you enjoy!

Run Across America

• Summary: As I mentioned in a previous post, John Wallace, a Seattle-based runner (who's run every day since 1989!) was attempting to beat the trans-continental running record by running 64.5 miles a day for 45 days (from LA City Hall to NYC City Hall)! He's an amazing athlete, but weather and other challenges snatched the goal from him. After running 421 miles in 10 days, John's body just wouldn't cooperate. Because he was falling off schedule, John ended his bid for the record and returned to his wife and son. Even if he didn't take the record, he is a champ. Cheers to John's attempt!
• Tip: This wasn't my run, so I don't know if it's right for me to add a tip here. But if I may, I'd say, dream big! John's dreams are huge and he's a great model for all of us. If you're training for your first 5k, dream of the day when you'll finish your first marathon!

Carkeek 12 Hour Race

• Summary: Wow. What a hard race. If you don't recall, this race was held the day before Halloween and the weather in Seattle was utterly terrible. We had about two hours of clouds, then ten hours of sheets of rain.  The race began at 6am and runners, including myself, looped the 1.9 mile course over and over until they a)quit or b)met the 6pm finish time. Well, while I had promised myself I wouldn't quit, the hills and cold weather had the best of me and after 10 1/4 hours, I dropped out of the race with 51 miles under my belt (and ended up capturing third place). This was my first 12 hour race and it gave me a new respect for those who attempt these insane time-based events.
• Tip: Have friends visit you strategically throughout the day of your time-based running event (or longer endurance run). The loops can make you loopy, but seeing a friendly face can really lift your spirits.

Philadelphia Marathon

• Summary: Are all the races in Philadelphia this amazing? I ran this race last year and had perfect 60° weather with a brilliant sun shining overhead.  This year--same amazing weather and wonderful cheering crowds. While I didn't train much before the November 21 race, I went into with a lot of races under my best for the year and felt pretty strong. After kissing my girlfriend goodbye (as she started in a wave towards the rear), I began cutting through the pack of 23,000+ runners. The temperature was just right and I felt strong for the first half of the race. Near mile 21 though, I started to slow down. Nothing hurt, I just couldn't maintain a Boston Marathon-qualifying time and had to slow my pace. I crossed the finish line at 3 hours 31 minutes! A personal best for me and I'm sure if I do more road running I can slice off another 20 minutes and qualify for Boston.
• Tip: On race day, wake up as early as you can. Go to the bathroom twice before you head down to the start. You'll feel lighter on your toes and won't have to stop at any porta-potties.

In total, I competed in ten races in 2010 totaling 288 miles!

Do you have a race highlight or tip to share? Add a comment below.