Posted by Kelly Johnson, Community Blogger May 06, 2008 08:10AM

Of all the friends I was watching for in the Eugene Marathon, one in particular stands out. Doug Lichtenwalter and I used to run about the same pace, aiming for similar times at races, until last year when Doug decided to train for a marathon. Doug--"Doug E. Fresh" to his Red Lizard Teammates--put his heart and soul into his training and was rewarded with a great time.

Kelly JohnsonDoug Lichtenwalter and Marianne Morris, just meters from the finish line at the 2008 Eugene Marathon.

RunOregon: This was your first marathon. Why a marathon, and why Eugene? Doug Lichtenwalter: I wanted to run a marathon because I needed a new challenge and after doing several half-marathons I felt like the marathon was the next big step to take. I wanted to run somewhere special for my first marathon. I had heard many good reviews of Eugene for its first year regarding a good course, well organized and good spectators. I also knew that Eugene had a great reputation for being a wonderful running town. Those were proven to me during the marathon.

What was the goal you set for yourself, and how did it compare to where your running was when you decided to run Eugene?
When I first began training I didn't really think about having a time goal besides just finishing. But after a few months of training and a few good races I started to think more about setting a time goal. The week before the marathon I felt like I was in 3:45 shape. I felt like I was in really good shape going into the race.

How did you feel going into the race weekend? Were you confident? Nervous? Excited? Scared?
The last month or so of training I was a little nervous. I kept having thoughts like what if I don't finish? Or don't reach my time goal and let all my friends down? As the race got closer I reminded myself of all the hard training that I had done and I got more confident. I was really excited once the race weekend was finally there and couldn't wait to run!!!

Tell me about the race. Did you have someone to run with you? Did you stick to a strategy? Were there any miles that stick out in your mind as when you felt great or had to struggle through?
I was extremely happy with the way my race turned out. At the beginning I hung out with the 3:45 pace group and was thankful that I did. It reminded me to start off slow at the start of the race. I ran the first 8.5 miles or so with that pace group and then started to gradually pick up my pace. I started using other runners as targets so that I could pass them. I felt great during the middle miles...Miles 13-16 because I was just starting to get into a groove and felt strong. I saw my parents at mile 16 and was really happy to see some familiar faces out on the course.

What did you think about the race itself, were you.... READ MORE