One Mile More

Ran Just One Month in 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:02:00 +0000

Ran just 1 month this year: 31 races and a few more in 2011

(4 marathons, 30 half marathons, one 12K)

Enough tees for years to come

Ran some like Marathon Maniacs
(The lovely Joy on my right and beautiful Violeta on my left)

But mostly as one of the Half Fanatics
(With Titanium Dude a.k.a. Tony Nguyen who ran 52 marathon in 52 weeks)

Memories that will last a life time!

PR in PJ

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:25:00 +0000

Wearing PJ as a fond farewell to Katie Cookie who relocated to China.
Katie runs in pyjamas after she forgot her running skirt at Rock'n'Roll Arizona

Pre-race photo op with PJ crew - Mark, Myself, Katie and her son

Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs group photo

More PJ crew - Diana, Ethel and Carrie join us near the start line

Carrie and I are stunned to see Kevin take a giant leap for mankind at the start line

(Photo courtesy of The Tukwilla Times)

Moments after we cross the start line

PJ crew having fun at Mile One

Near the finish line at Seattle Rock'n'Roll Marathon with a new marathon PR of 5:25

Family Photo courtesy of Intel on 'Marathon' magazine cover

Monsoon Magic Makes A Marathon Maniac

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 21:52:00 +0000

Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles

Twin Dragons Tower Gate in China Town

Still Dry Pre-Race

Words of encouragement at Mile 5

A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Sightseeing Tour of LA continues in the rain

Thanks to thousands of volunteers including this little angel with orange slices waiting in the rain

Crossing the finish line - A new Marathon Maniac is christened!

Being blown away at the finish line

All in a wet day's work

Many Congratulations to running solemate, Dianasaur a.k.a. Marathon Maniac #3616

Marathon Maniacs - Yes! I belong here!

It Happened One Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 01:49:00 +0000

Beads (not ribbons) on the medal - It must be the Mardi Gras Marathon at NOLA!

Welcoming the marathon finishers with beads

World's best marathon cheering squad

Martini and Marathons Mix

Stopping for a photo op at Lake Pontchartrain

Have never been so thin (pictured left) this lifetime

Meeting marathon celebrity Endorphin Dude

Photo Op at New Orleans downtown

Fab Five Saurs

It has now become a tradition: Liquid carbo-loading

The whole world stops and stares for a while

World Record Photo Finish!

Free Beer: MGD64 at the Expo

Free Beer For The Ladies If You Leave Your Signature Item Behind

World Famous Hand Grenade at Bourbon Street

World famous muffaletta at The Napoleon House

World famous beignets at Cafe du Monde

Magical Marathon Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:44:00 +0000

It's all for the bling! The design on the tee looks fancy too!

Finish Line Moment - Victory at Last!

Show Off!

Runners have their racing avatars!
From Left to Right: Mattsaur, Dianasaur, Endorphin Dude and Wogging Tortoise

V for Victory!

Still smiling at the Mile 26 marker

Runners have a lot on their mind during a marathon - this billboard caused some distraction

Mile 18 - Suffering from cramps and with ice packs. Dianasaur is very upset as her PR dreams slip away.

Trying to Keep Pace with Dianasaur and the Galindo family

Chance encounter with marathon super-hero Endorphin Dude

High Spirited Sprint During Early Miles

Half Fanatic and Marathon Maniac Family Photo

The many uses of trash bags - designer pre-race jackets to keep warm

On the early dawn shuttle to the start line

Pre-race pasta party: Family that eats together, runs together

Meeting fellow Half Fanatics / Marathon Maniacs including the famous Dave Mari (extreme left)

Finish Line Photo Shoot - Who will get the world record time on race day?

On the escalator to the expo

If it fits the photo frame, it will fit the compact rental car from the airport to the expo

My 2011 New Year Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 01:03:00 +0000

#1 - Run A Thousand Miles in 2011

Please pause the Playlist on the right to listen to the above clip

# 2 - Become a Marathon Maniac (At least 3 Marathons Within 90 Days).
Criteria details can be found at http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/

# 3 - Run a HALF Marathon in 2:03:58
This is current world record time for a FULL marathon
The current world record holders are pictured below!

# 4 - Run 26 Half Marathons in 26 Fortnights. I am half as crazy as Endorphin Dude.

Please pause the Playlist on the right to listen to the above clip

# 5 - Reach My Goal Weight of 131 Pounds

Please pause the Playlist on the right to listen to the above clip

Last, but not the least, to publish my first novel:

"Agony in Ecstasy - A First Time Marathoner's Story"

Anecdotes from all runners are welcome!

Wishing you all a memorable 2011!!

Five For Fighting

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 21:35:00 +0000

Fighting Pain and Other Things to Win These 5: Five For Fighting

End of Season 5 with TNT

I am just to find

The better part of me!

(pause the playlist on the side bar to listen to this song)

Whatever Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas (and on this blog)

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:59:00 +0000

Reason # 1341 to run a race in Vegas - Finish Line Photo Op

Meeting Celebrities at the Race Expo

An Elite Runner - Corral #1

Pre-race Pasta Party at The Rio

More Carbo Loading - Evening Before The Race At Sin City Brewing

(not exactly the sports drink that Coaches recommend though)

The Half Fanatics and The Marathon Maniacs

The Half Fanatics Family Photo

New VeriSign Logo Debuts

Waiting For the Starter's Gun - Freezing Otherwise

Never Miss An Opportunity to Pose with Celebrities on The Strip

The Paparazzi Keeps Following Me Too - I am no celebrity.

It's definitely a case of mistaken identity.

Cheaper Than A Cab Ride to Downtown - Run the Length of The Strip

Photo Op with Running Elvis and other Rock Stars

Am I running in Paris?

Elite Runner with Finishers Medal

Nearly Broken Ankle Undergoing Ice Therapy

Endorphin Dude with his 33rd Finishers Medal in 1 year - He Must Be Tired!

Escalator Out of Service. Walking Up The Stairs was Painful.
Why are these folks smiling?

Posing with Finisher's Medal

For One Day You Are The Ace of Spades - Own The Strip

Encouraging Words Seen During A Race

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:02:00 +0000

Such sweet cheerleader can only make you run faster

A feeling close to the finish line

One Marathon or more. Once A Marathoner, Always A Marathoner.

The mystery that my friends have been unable to solve - why I run

A race event is just a long run with mile markers and water stops and chip timing

Words that hit you hard when you are down and struggling to walk, let alone run

One of the reasons I gave up run / walk strategy

Make new friends at race events - healthy body meet healthy mind

The truth and nothing but the truth - why I run

Five Rings For Season Five

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:20:00 +0000

Many a wolves have got lost in those blue eyes of Red Riding Hood

Showing off Big Sur Half Marathon finishers medal

Flanked by Coach Ron (L) and Celebrity Runner Endorphin Dude (R)

My game face on with TNT Tattoos

Race T-Shirt with a message why we run for cure

My TNT teammate Sandy identified the real me after I have signed up for 10 Half Marathons this year - a gift from her "Oh (another) 1/2 Marathon" with the words jumbled up I guess

I met members of a virtual running group called Half Fanatics.

It was love at first sight and I signed up right away.

Will be running with them at Las Vegas in Dec'10 and New Orleans in Feb'11

Got Five Finisher's Medal this season.

Just like 12 days of Christmas - 5 Rings for Season 5

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Paparazzi Photos From Season Five

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:03:00 +0000

Whatever be the run distance - the turnaround mark is always a welcome sign!

One of our faster runners and always well dressed

Hydration is key for a long run. Look closely - it is not what the coach recommended!

Post or pre-race fuel - double shot to get you really energized

Weekly core exercises strengthen the runners

Blings are a huge motivation to run multiple races in a season - and then show off!

Another motivation is to run with beautiful people - Harvard grad, Columbia MBA, Managing Director at Big 4 and runs faster than the wind

Yet another motivation - great food at HWTG after workouts

Meet at Cause for Celebration and remind ourselves of fundraising for the cause

Thank You Donors for Helping Me Raise More Than 110% This Season

Delicious Fundraiser - Fruit Jam Sale

Our Fundraising Captain Celebrates $100,000 raised for the season!

Please join the National Marrow Registry and Be The Match

Your generous contribution saves lives - You are my hero! How does it feel?

The secret of success - while running, walking or working

Miracle Miles - a mock race complete with tuxedo clad 'firefighter' handing over finisher medals give a sense of Nike Women's Half Marathon finish with Tiffany's necklace waiting at the finish line

A long run is never complete without a natural ice bath in the bay

Missy has her own TNT race singlet - ready to run!

High Five for Season Five

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 07:59:00 +0000

Fall 2010 Kick-off - Season Five for me with a new role: Photo and Web Captain. Most pictures this season will be clicked by me. I'll appear less often in photos as I am on the other side of the camera.

Team Manager Cal gives me a thumbs up! All is well!

Coach Shyamal and his enthralling Shoe & Gear Clinic at Road Runner Sports

Coach Dan shows his impressive side plank scissor pose

A slide plank routine by a well rounded log

Track practice at Stanford

Running at sub-10 minute pace for the 5k Time Trial

A sample of what you missed at the Hang with the Gang Potluck

Show your generous side.

Please donate at http://tinyurl.com/give4cure

Four Finisher Medals in Season Four

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 21:14:00 +0000

New season - New shoes!

Runners be prepared to run whether it is rain or shine or...mud!

Weekly Evening Workout at Stanford University tracks

Race crew before the 200 mile drive to the Avenue of the Giants

Soul Mates before Avenue of the Giants Half Marathon

Settling down for the pre-race inspirational dinner, a.k.a. pasta party

before Seattle Rock'n'Roll

Running on the streets of Seattle

With Seattle Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon finisher's medal

With 4 finisher medals after 4 events in my 4th running season:

Santa Cruz, Avenue of the Giants, San Diego and Seattle Half Marathons!

Hit Show Returns For Fourth Season

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:32:00 +0000

I am back for my fourth season with Team in Training (TNT).

Spring 2010 kick-off event was at Hotel Marriott in Santa Clara, CA

Our new team manager, the avuncular and affable Cal Gilbert (left) with former team manager, Becky who is a mentor this season.
I am busy in the background checking goodie bags for team members.

All set for the kick-off event with token gifts for new team members in purple bags.

Delighted to see a full house with no place to sit.
Standing at the back of the hall and listening to inspirational tales of heroism.

Time to get to know the new team members.
The hit show promises highest viewership I have seen in years.

It Was The Best of Times

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 21:41:00 +0000

The venue of the Fall Season Wrap Up Party was Sleeping Beauty's Castle, a.k.a. Captain Wylie's dream home in beautiful Emerald Hills neighborhood

Exotic spread of winter delights laid out for the Fall Season wrap up party

Becky is on the cover of Runners World magazine!
A thank you gift to our Run Team Manager who is making a career change in 2010

Mentors and Captains are overjoyed with TNT Fleece Blankets - a reward for yet another successful season

The only time this season I am face to face with these two beautiful ladies (L to R) - Courtney and Alissa.
All season I have been running after them, I mean, running behind them.

Viva Las Vegas - Pictorial Diary of Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:48:00 +0000

"Welcome to Las Vegas" sign at the beginining of the run

Warming up on the Strip with temperatures close to zero (in Celsius)

Looking hotter, I mean feeling hotter as the race progressed

Nearing the finish line

Crossing the finish line

Showing off finisher's medal with a finish line attraction - a Vegas showgirl!

Thanksgiving - Thanks For A Great Season

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:50:00 +0000

Thanks to my benevolent donors, awesome mentor group members and remarkable team mates for another eventful season.

Till we meet again for Spring 2010 season, Sayonara!

It was a perfect day at Monterey Bay with a cool breeze, mild winter sun, sea gulls flying overhead and sound of waves crashing on the shore. I was lucky to run a near perfect race at Big Sur Half Marathon and record my personal best time of 2:36

Showing off with Big Sur Half Marathon 2009 Finishers Medal

Wearing the traditional TNT 'medal' of Gu packet on a string after finishing the last long run of the season for me at Oracle Bay Trail

Exchanging running notes after a long run

Organized a garage sale with all proceeds donated to LLS

Posing with San Jose Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon Finisher's Medal where a new PR of 2:49 was created only to be bettered a month later at Big Sur

Coach Amy providing instructions before a long run:
"Follow the chalk marks on the trail and don't get lost!"
Cheering Joo and Marcie at Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco

Chatting with mentee Jeri after one of the early long runs of the season
at Palo Alto Baylands
Trotting about in 'Mentor' Tee at Thursday track practice at Cobb Track
in Angel Field, Stanford University.
High intensity participants Rachelle and Anna are seen in the foreground.

Coaches recommend an ice bath after a long run. An alternative is standing ankle deep in freezing waters of the Pacific Ocean at Pillar Point, Half Moon Bay

TNT participants are a mix of people from every walk of life:
out-of-shape folks like me or amazingly healthy angels like Rache and Ali

At a post run brunch. Seen here with Becky - our run team manager.
Will miss Becky from next season as she makes a career change outside LLS.

Hit Show Returns for Third Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 06:48:00 +0000

Community Captain Katie perfects her pose as a reception committee volunteer

Lots of behind the scenes activities go in before the kick-off.
Team in Training touches lives in every (in) conceivable way.

I have returned for my third season with Team in Training.
This time I am a mentor to seven super- sensational would-be marathoners:
Lisa, Vicky, Jeri, Aubree, Cassie, Pei-Pei and April.

At the Fundraising Faire, I hosted the Letter Writing table and showcased my fundraising letters, fundraising site from last season and this blog.
Lots of folks signed up for soft copies of letters and how-to instructions.

Early morning crowd at Shoe & Gear Clinic makes a beeline for bagels and orange juice.

Inside Road Runner Sports store at San Carlos, CA with my shopping list.

Mary Anne (left) finds my shopping intensity amusing.

I am wearing new shoes - Brooks Trance 9 (Stability Control)

Coach Shyamal explaining the mysteries of sports bra.
As per TNT race checklist, it is optional for men!

Listening wide-eyed to Coach Shyamal demonstrating shoe & gear

A Brand Champion

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:47:00 +0000

"Congratulations! Our SUGOI team has reviewed your application and would like to inform you that you have been accepted as a SUGOI Brand Champion!"

Brand Champion limited edition apparel features the northwest aboriginal artwork of David Franklin. The prominent Thunderbird in the design is an aboriginal symbol of power.

Sugoi Brand Champion program supports and encourages outstanding people who differ from your average athlete – those who set themselves apart by their passion and commitment to push themselves to inspire others and to embody a motivating attitude, wherever they go. Sugoi has indeed chosen someone with the ability to be inspirational and to make a difference!

Join the Virtual Run Team

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 23:09:00 +0000

Sometimes your schedule does not allow you to join one of the run teams for regular workouts.
Perhaps, you are living at one of the exotic locations far away from the nearest run group.

Team in Training has launched a new initiative just for you -

Virtual Team in Training (VTNT)!!

VTNT participants receive all of the benefits of TNT participants and more, including:

Training to run or walk a marathon or half marathon, provided by online experienced coaches and experts
Transportation and accommodations to the featured event
A once-in-a-lifetime experience to complete a personal goal and, at the same time, to help stop leukemia and other blood cancers from taking more lives
Your very own Web site to help tell others about your participation in TNT and to help raise funds online from friends, family and co-workers

Agony and Ecstasy: A Team in Training Marathon Saga

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 05:22:00 +0000

After our first full marathon, I have been inspired to write a fiction based on our experiences entitled "Agony and Ecstasy - A Team in Training Marathon Saga" .

I intend to write this book loosely based on anecdotes and imagination of all marthoners, Team in Training participants, mentors, captains, honorees, coaches, volunteers and staff members.

Dear Blog Reader, may I push for a shameless plug here and ask you to e-mail me at least one anecdote you remember about your marathon training or the race day. I have listed some examples to help your remember a moment you cherish:

Your first run with the run group - feelings before and after
Someone you met during training and the relationship blossomed
Your first long run
Any fundraising event and behind the scenes stories
Preparing for race day
A moment during the marathon
Feelings after the marathon
An incident during the whole journey that changed your life

Please e-mail the anecdotes directly to me (E-Mail: mohan.dutt@gmail.com). I shall weave them in the plot and not mention your name to protect individual privacy. Of course, I will list your name in the Acknowledgement Section of the book.

I am open to advance bids for publishing rights, screenplay or movie rights at this time.

All proceeds from the sale of the fiction will be donated to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as charitable donation.

This tale of inspiration, dreams, romance, passion and other thousands of emotions should not be confused with the autobiography of Michelangelo by Irving Stone or the movie of the same name starring Charlton Heston.

More Rock'n'Roll Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 03:41:00 +0000

It is 3.30am when we wake up and catch the 4.30am shuttle to Balboa park.

Seen here (L-R): Mary Anne, Katie, Mohan, Tich, Elizabeth, Swapna and Tara

It is a sea of humanity as we walk towards our corral.
We are behind 20,000 runners at the start.

It is a time honored tradition to dress as Elvis and run the Rock'n'Roll marathon as a tribute to The King. There were more than 150 Elvises running. They are seen in the picture taking the runner's oath to rock and roll till the finish.

The wheel chair race started at 6.25 am

The elite runners and the fastest Elvis started at 6.30am

The weather was cool and perfect for running a marathon

We used our classical run-walk strategy and the intervals were very enjoyable

Visible on my race gear is the logo of one of the sponsors - OAUG (www.oaug.org) while the other sponsor was ME! (http://www.meetingexpectations.com/)

Nearing the finish line

Another close up near the finish line

The finish line is just a few steps away

The electronic chip sensor awaits our last four steps

A second before crossing the finish line

Finish line photo frame #1

Finish line photo frame #2

Finish line photo frame #3

Finish line photo frame #4

Finish line close up #1

Finish line close up #2

Finish line close up #3

Two profiles in courage - overcoming extreme pain and fatigue:
Katie and MaryAnne crossing the finish line

Wearing the exclusive and till now an elusive marathon finisher's medal

Greatest Day of Our Lives

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:36:00 +0000

"Carbo-loading" at the pre-race pasta party: (L-R): Mohan and Tich

Woke up at 3.30am. Took shuttle to start line at 4.30am. Starter's gun at 6.30am.

Posing just moments before the start (L-R): Katie, Mary Anne, Mohan

Posing with the lovely 'ladies' around Mile 10.
Old habits die hard. See where's Tich's roving hand!

Posing for the camera at 13.5 miles with new running mate from Montreal
(seen extreme right) Caroline

Mile 15 is just a few steps ahead

...and our superhero kept his relentless pursuit

Orange Lane kept upto its name - the friendly home owners distributed orange slices to runners who ran through their streets

Another neighborhood extended their hospitality even further with free beer
Luckily no one was booked for RUI (Running Under Influence)!

At the 20 mile mark - every step we took beyond this point was the farthest we had run

Mile 22 - Still smiling but some folks were hitting the "wall"
(a term for marathoners associated with extreme fatigue)

After more than six hours and 23 miles, some wheels were falling off, gear boxes groaning and bearings falling by the wayside.
With glazed eyes the zombies ran hypnotized for the last three miles

Our coaches, mentors and run captains were now alarmed and started a 'search and rescue' mission. They found us at around mile 24. Pictured (L-R) are Tich, Coach Shyamal, Mary Anne, Coach Andrew, Mentor Bridget, Katie, Mohan and Run Captain Dena. Their official version though was that they wanted to "run us in" to the finish line.

At mile 25 (i.e. 40 kilometers) we knew we were close to making history for ourselves

At mile 26, we decided to finish at the same time
To synchronize the time, we held hands till the finish line.

We crossed the finish line just after 7 hours but never let go each other - no man (or woman) were left behind. We were a 'Band of Brothers (and Sisters)'!

Victory Party celebrations at Gas Lamp Quarters in downtown San Diego went on till midnight. Here I am raising a toast to coaches, mentors, staff and fellow runners. Coach Shyamal and Mary Anne approving the toast with adoring looks.
It was simply the greatest day of our lives!

A Billion Thanks!

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:31:00 +0000

Mary Anne, Carrie, Katie and Mohan - posing for the paparazzi at the 21 mile mark (Photo is courtesy of the debonair dashing Douglas Janiewicz - many thanks!)

E-MAIL TO ALL MY GENEROUS DONORS:

Ever since I started training for my first full marathon, I have been waiting to send this e-mail for the last four months. There were two great miracles in May. Thanks to generous donors like you, I was successful in collecting enough donations to meet my fundraising minimum. The second miracle happened on the last Sunday in May. I crossed the finish line at the San Diego marathon after 26.2 miles and became what 1 out of every 1000 Americans are – a marathoner.
Over the last 21 years, more than 390,000 participants like me have raised nearly a billion dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Perhaps your donation this year will help cross the $1 Billion mark. A billion thanks to you for this stupendous achievement. You have helped me to raise a total of nearly nine thousand dollars in 2008 and 2009.
I can't cure cancer by running a marathon, but as part of a team of thousands of people working together with focus, determination and heart, we can find a miracle cure in the near future. I feel blessed and thankful for your support to help me achieve this near impossible personal dream of running a marathon and also to be part of something much bigger and more powerful and more important than oneself.
With profound gratitude from the world’s newest marathoner.

San Diego Marathon First Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Mohan Dutt) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Already started celebrating at the 23 mile mark.
Marathon race diary in pictures coming soon!

The fabuolous foursome (L-R): Katie, Mohan, Tich and Mary Anne celebrate crossing the half-marathon distance (13.1 miles).
Who knew what dangers lay ahead for the next 13.1 miles?
Marathon race diary in pictures coming soon!

Web Cast of the finish line is archived at the following location: http://elite.competitor.com/webcast/sd/archive.html

Enter Bib Number: 21300