I loved this race. Smaller in stature compared to Chicago, Boston, etc. The packet pick-up was in a mall. Very small but organized and prices were great. In fact, prices in the Dallas area were great! Food, hotel, etc. The course was pretty at times, stirring when running by the JFK memorial and right where he was shot, and the White Rock Park was my favorite. I would definitely come back to this...one of my favorites.

Why would a 53 year old former long jumper want to run a marathon? I still don't know. After running a 1:45 pace first half (2:01 actual counting pottie breaks) and the rain started, I realized all the weeks of training would have been better utilized had I started a little bit slower. Too late, Jack! After leaving White Rock Lake at mile 18 or so, the climb began until the 'real' hill at 22, and I learned a lot about myself. I'm not sure I can verbalize it, but I hope I wasn't talking out loud...had I been, I'm sure the men in white coats would've met me at the finish line 2-1/2 hours later. Anybody else been there? Haven't had a drink in 17 years, but at about 20 miles at the beer table, I was tempted. However, I just smiled and plodded on. Did the remaining miles alternating run/crawl according to the cramp schedule, and finished the last mile in 7:15 due to hearing the PA system in the distance. I'm not sure it's a good 'race' for the beginner, but it's there, and my 4:30:26 will forever be etched in memory. Torn PCL in late 1998 prevented my running much distance in 98/99, and working/running in Belize this year has spurred me on to greater dreams. Why not try something a little different....Dallas got me hooked. Now I'm training for the Comrades in South Africa...and the rubber room awaits....