News
Training for the Marathon on Two Continents
September 25, 2007, 9:6PM MT
By Susan Robinson
Michael Provenzano trains for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in London and in Chicago, while Derek Jeter and Pickles cheer him on.
Michael Provenzano trains for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in London and in Chicago, while Derek Jeter and Pickles cheer him on.
By Michael Provenzano
Posted by Susan A. Robinson, Best Friends Network
(Michael's answers to my questions were so good I just had to reprint them exactly as he wrote them.)
"I am originally from Detroit, MI but managed to escape at the age 18 when I moved to Chicago for college. I currently work in London, and my dogs are sadly with my best friend in Chicago at the moment! Thankfully, my job allows me the flexibility to travel back to see them often as well as train properly for this, my first, marathon.
I have two dogs, Pickles and Derek Jeter, who are 2.5 years old. They are brother and sister with distinctive personalities. Pickles acts as the chief security officer ensuring that every noise is investigated and every plane is appropriately barked at. She is always on high alert and ready to pounce. Derek Jeter, on the other hand, is more akin to the character ‘Barney Fife’ from the Andy Griffith Show. When he is not sleeping or biting his sister, he enjoys barking at inanimate objects and looking at himself in the mirror. He tends to follow that up by barking at himself in the mirror, making out with himself in the mirror, and then taking a nap in front of the mirror.
Running this marathon has been fun, and nothing says fun like running 12-18 miles in London when it is raining. I must admit I have had my moments when I wanted to give up but persevered because of the respect and support I have for Best Friends. What’s losing four toenails, twisting an ankle, and slowly losing the feeling in two toes when you think about all of the good that this organization is doing? In all seriousness, I think that Best Friends is a great organization and their staff should be commended for their efforts in advancing animal welfare.
Since I am currently 3,942 miles away from my dogs, we have weekly video chats to discuss my progress. They seem to be very impressed, particularly Derek Jeter, as he almost stayed awake through the first 30 seconds of one of our conversations. Such a trooper he is! To be fair, when I have been home and completed a long run they always greeted me at the door and tried to lick all of the salt that has accumulated. Now if that is not love, I do not know what is.
They are the best investment I have ever made, and I think that they really enjoy being dressed up in obnoxious outfits… or not."
Good running Michael we will be cheering you on at the finish line on October 7!
Photo submitted by Michael Provenzano
What You Can Do:
For more information go to the Chicago Marathon Website
Go to the Marathon Blog on Chicago Community here.
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