Dr. Hauser Runs Boston Marathon
Monday, April 18, 2005

The training has been completed as Ross Hauser and his training partner Tim Kenny of the accounting firm Kenny and Kenny in Oak Park, Illinois.

Though they have the Desoto American Triple, an ironman distance team triathlon competition just five weeks after the Boston Marathon, they both realize the importance of this race.  "I have never done the Boston Marathon and it has been one of my goals to complete it," said an enthusiastic Ross Hauser.  

Dr. Hauser has a marathon personal best of 3:46 and would love for it to crumple on the hills of Boston.  He has talked to his triathlon coach Pete Alfino and discussed the Boston Marathon plan.  Hauser will keep his heart rate under 150 for the first 13.1 miles and thereafter will go by how he feels. The hills of Boston are particularly steep from miles 16-22. Keeping his heart under 150 should allow him the energy he needs to do well during the 2nd half of the race.  

Tim Kenny of the accounting firm Kenny & Kenny in Oak Park, Illinois, winner of the 2005 Staminathalon

Since the Boston Marathon does not start until 12 noon (eastern standard time), it means that two 'meals' should be completed before the start of the race.  This will mean both athletes consuming 500 calories or so at 6 a.m. and again at 10 a.m.  Hauser plans to mainly use protein/carb barbs including Mojo and Cocochia bars.  Both bars have about 200-220 calories and 20 grams of carbs (primarily complex) and 10 grams of protein.  Dr. Hauser will have his fuel belt and drink just from his fuel belt.  The fuel belt will have water, gatorade and his secret weapon coca cola.

For those who don't know it, in endurance races especially toward the end, the best fuel is simple carbohydrates, for some, "flat" coca cola works best.  Hauser has yet to find anything better for him at the end of races then "flat coke."

Says Dr. Hauser, "Yes I know some of my natural medicine clients would be disappointed to know that the last hour of a race I may have some coca cola but at that point you have to do whatever you stomach can handle and mine handles the coca cola just fine."  

Tim Kenny who qualified for Boston with a 3:12 in last years Chicago Marathon will attempt the Boston Marathon for the second time.  He has been training well and has his weight to a magnificient 152.  He and Hauser have been training together for the past three years during which time Kenny has always done best in the marathons.  "I just want to have a good race. I have been practicing 'Chi Running' (see http://www.chirunning.com/) and this has really helped my efficiency.  My plan is a heart rate for the first five miles at abotu 155-160 and thereafter between 160-165.  I hope for a cool day. The weather can be a big factor in Boston.  I'm psyched for the race."

Track Ross and Tim at Boston