Barefoot Rick's Dallas White Rock Marathon Report - December 9, 2007

I often wonder how frustrating it must be as a weather person, to attempt an accurate forecast. For a week previous to the marathon, meteorologists were scratching their heads whether a cold front would push itself in for Sunday's marathon, or whether temps would stay in the 70s or 80s as it had been the week before in Dallas. Well, turned out that the front pushed through and we had perfect 50 degree temps at the time of the marathon start. We would experience tumbling temps the rest of the morning as the front gained strength with occasional showers. (Not enough rain for me ... no significant puddles. As many of you know, I love playing in the rain!)

I got to meet up with a couple of FCA Endurance runners from the Dallas huddle. Jerry and Tom are great guys and it was great chatting with them before the race. Tom was running the half-marathon which started at 9 a.m. versus my 8 a.m. marathon start. I left their company a little before 8 and went to line up with the 4 hour finisher group. I figure that is always a prudent place for me to start -- not too fast, not too slow.

No F-15 fighter jet flyover this year as in previous years because of the light fog and low cloud ceiling. We were off shortly after the National Anthem, right at 8 a.m. It only took a couple of minutes for the 4 hour group to cross the start line.

Mile after mile I ran, talking to runners, high-fiving kids, and just generally having a great time with the cool temps. It was great to be able to talk about the Lord Jesus to several runners as they asked why I ran barefoot. I explained that God had given me a gift to be able to run long distances, shoeless, and that I was now using this gift to provide wheelchairs to crippled folks throughout the world though the Free Wheelchair Mission. I explained to them that through my bare feet and my running I was attempting to make others mobile. I always gain so much strength by sharing with others along the way.

It was basically another "cruise control" marathon for me. I didn't push myself really hard but just enjoyed the journey. As I have said in past reports, it is more about what I do and who I meet in the 26.2 miles rather than how fast I finish. It is not a race, for me. It is not to be gulped down like Coca-Cola but it is to be savored like a wine. Kind of like living. There's really no need to race toward the finish, but to merely pace ourselves to the finish line that the Lord has destined for us all individually.

Barefoot Rick's KXAS-5 2008 Soles For Souls Kick-off Interview for Free Wheelchair Mission

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Barefoot Rick's Dallas Morning News Article - December 10, 2007

Factoids:

Finish Time - 3:49:08 (8:45 Pace)
51st Marathon
33rd Consecutive Barefoot Marathon Since April 2004
7th Dallas White Rock Marathon
4th Consecutive Barefoot DWRM
*Ran the entire distance