My first marathon was an incredible experience. After overcoming a spot of heart trouble and with a clear “go ahead” from the heart doctor, I started running 20 years ago. It took 4 years to get up enough courage to try a marathon, along with support from two awesome friends.
From the picture, it is obvious we never discussed what was appropriate to wear to one’s first marathon. I’ve run all of my marathons with music. Technology wasn’t as good then, as evidenced by the CD player in my left hand. Ogden 2003 was the event. Riding up on the bus as I watched mile after mile after mile go by, I asked the question of “what have I done”? But it went well.
My parents were still with us then, and came to Ogden to support me. It was something I had never experienced before when I saw the finish line come into sight, and also to see my parents standing there waiting. I was so excited to hear the hearty congratulations I planned to hear from my mother. I ran across the line, ran up to them and stopped.
Instead of “GREAT JOB”, or “YOU DID IT”, she said “Your face is all white”.
Frank has run 103 marathons and 3 ultras. He considers any exercise that is not running to be a waste of time. His running music of choice is Nightwish, though he is also a huge fan of Cher. Frank currently lives with his wife in West Jordan, Utah.
Race Directors Note: Frank is a good personal friend that I have known for many years. We currently run together on a weekly basis, and I have run several marathons with him. Through these many interactions I have heard many of the stories that we are sharing on this blog, and I thought it was about time for the rest of the world to hear them. So I hope you all enjoy Fridays with Frank.
-Andrew