Martha and George Washington, it was hot and humid at the Steamtown Marathon.

I thought surely a trip above the Mason-Dixon Line would mean cooler temperatures. Alas no. Well, at least Scranton wasn’t Chicago. We had some cloud cover and thoroughly prepared race officials. We even had water. Actual water.

I ran a 3:25. My fastest time yet.

For those keeping score at home, this does not get me to Boston. I need a 3:15 for that. But given the conditions, I’ll take the PR and get back to training for my next assault on the windmill.

You’re going to want to hear about Steamtown, which I think I liked. It was an odd weekend, all told. I enjoyed myself, ran a quirky course, met new people, drove way too much, savaged my quads, sweat streaks of blue ink, and generally felt like I was still in the South.

Weird.

- Dean

I’ve heard that one should have two goals for the marathon. Your best case scenario, and a fall back; something you can live with in the event all does not go well.

In the spirit of such wisdom, here are my goals for the Steamtown Marathon this weekend:

Best Case Scenario
Qualifyfor Boston with a Sub 3:15.

Fall Back
Visit Scranton’s Moses Taylor Hospital ER.

See you on the flip side.

- Dean