Run Marathon Man

Running Journal of Ray Christensen
Race accounts, motivation and running tips for new & experienced runners.
Running has become my passion, since I began in 2002. Hydrate properly, run facing traffic and stretch after workouts.
Run, jog, or walk for better health!
Race Highlights & Stats
First Marathon: Dublin, Ireland – 10/28/02
Personal Record: New Jersey 2008 – 3:13:12
Total Marathons: 28 (Baltimore 2018)
Joined elite athletes at 3 Boston Marathons (2005, 06, 09)
2007 Big Sur: Awesome California coast scenery
2009 Goofy Challenge: Survived Saturday Half + Sunday Full at DisneyWorld
2014 Monster Mash: 1st mile around Dover Intl Speedway
- 2009 California International
- 2002 Dublin
- 2009 Boston
- 2009 California International
- 2009 Disney
- 2002 Philly Distance Run
- 2018 Baltimore
Why I Became a Runner
- Challenge: to see how fit I can be at age 39+1
- Focus: to set a goal for the year
- Team: to be part of a close-knit group
- Athlete: to participate in an organized sport
- Charity: to help a worthy cause financially/inspirationally
- Family: to make this effort in honor of my father
- Social: to meet new people with a common interest
- Event: to participate in a major running event
- Travel: to visit someplace new with friends
- Convenient: main training area is my “home track”
- Self-Esteem: to accomplish something special
2018 Baltimore Marathon
This was my “comeback marathon” because it had been 3 years since my last 26.2 mile race (after completing 27 marathons since age 40).
In that time, I only did a handful of races due to hamstring soreness, a period of low energy (low iron), busy schedule & lack of motivation.
An email from Catholic Relief Services was the inspiration I needed to create a fundraiser for one of my favorite charities. We raised $500 and I carried the list of donors, reading it several times during the race!
