Mardi Gras Marathon 2011
On February 13, 2011, Mike ran his first marathon (26.2 miles). Mike chose the Mardi Gras Marathon to be his first marathon. 
The marathon was held in New Orleans, LA, where Mike's mom lives. Mike was able to con his mom into running the half marathon (13.1 miles). Mike and Susan stayed in a historic hotel, the Le Pavilion, near the French Quarter. The hotel was very nice. Mike and Susan's niece, Nicole, drove from Montgomery to cheer Mike on. This was Nicole's first time in New Orleans. Susan took some time on Saturday to show her around the French Quarter.
This was the largest run Michael ever participated in. Mike was amazed at the expo. Mike's mom got a gait analysis for the first time. She learned she was wearing the wrong type shoe. Brian and Aaron enjoyed playing the games at the expo. Both of the boys won Brooks pillow shoes and medals. The lower photograph is Brian and Aaron at the expo with some of their winnings.
The morning of the run, Mike walked to the start line from the hotel. UPS trucks took care of the gear check. Mike was in corral eight. Mike's mom was in corral 22. Mike streamed his run via Runkeeper. Two of Mike's friends and Susan watched Mike's progress on the Internet. Mike was able to see Susan, Nicole, Brian and Aaron at the start, half way point and the finish line. At mile 15 Mike hit the dreaded wall and started to slow from his 8:30 pace. At mile 23, Mike's calves cramped and he was unable to run for long periods. Mike alternated between walking and running during miles 23 through 25. At mile 25 Mike was able to pick up a slow pace all the way to the finish line. Mike finished in 4 hours and 33 minutes. Mike hoped to complete the marathon in 4 hours or less. Mike's mom had knee pain around mile 3. She completed the half marathon in 3 hours 23 minutes. Mike's mom actually completed seven minutes earlier than she estimated she would.
Click on one of the pictures to view the entire album of photographs.