Run Marathon Man

Photo by Stew Whisenant

Running Journal of Ray Christensen

Running has become my passion, since I began in 2002.
I hope this site can be motivational for anyone who visits. Email me with questions or comments.   My recent race highlights:

Sept 2010: Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon in Va. Beach (with some Rebel Runners buddies. April 2009: Joined elite athletes to run the Boston Marathon, placing in top 30% of age group.

January 2009: Survived the Goofy Challenge at Disneyworld.

May 2008: 3:13:12 personal record at New Jersey Marathon in my 12th 26.2 mile race!   2nd place in age group!

Oct 2007: 3rd Delawarean out of 165 at Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. on 10/28/07.

Philly Distance Run:

9/21/03

My initial reasons for participating in Joints in Motion Training Team:

1. Challenge – to see how fit I can be at age 39+1
2. Focus – to set a goal for the year
3. Team – to be part of a close-knit group
4. Athlete – to participate in an organized sport
5. Charity – to help a worthy cause financially/inspirationally
6. Family – to make this effort in honor of my father
7. Social – to meet new people with a common interest
8. Event – to participate in a major running event
9. Travel – to visit someplace new with friends
10. Convenient – main training area is my "home track"
11. Self-Esteem – to accomplish something special

In 2002, I turned 40 and noticed an article in a local newsletter to "train for a marathon in Dublin".

I had never jogged more than 3 miles, but the offer included a coach and teammates to run with. It helped that the Arthritis Foundation "Joints in Motion" coach was an attractive lady and that we'd do training runs at a park near my home! In exchange for over $3,000 of fundraising, the trip to Ireland, gear and parties would be included.

I ran in honor of my father, who was having a shoulder replacement due to severe arthritis. Never having been involved in organized athletics (including high school sports teams or even little league baseball), I was excited to be a real athlete and have the comradery of teammates.
...Ray's 2002 training log

My Arthritis Foundation race singlet honors Dad