Monday, October 11, 2010

Rolek steamrolls Scranton marathon

In perhaps the most remarkable Marist Alumni Running performance ever, Mike Rolek (class of 2008) finished second at Sunday's Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, Pa., in an eye-popping time of 2:23:07. This was Mike's first try at the marathon, and he really nailed it!

What makes Mike's second-place finish all the more remarkable is that just a few months ago (mid-May, to be exact), he was on crutches with a foot injury. He trained hard over the summer to get himself in this condition, but I must admit that this blows me away. I had figured a sub-2:30 for the first time would have been nice. Amazing job, BRO!

Marist Running alum Mike Melfi (class of 1999) finished fourth at Steamtown in 2:33:05. It was a disappointing run for Melfi, who felt he was in sub-2:30 shape. An ill-timed upper respiratory infection slowed him down. That's the thing about the marathon; you can train hard for it, but there is much luck involved, too.

But again, it's a lot more than luck that gets you to the finish line of a 26.2-mile race in 2 hours, 23 minutes, 7 seconds. Mike Rolek earned every step of it, and he has started a new chapter of his running career in grand style. NICELY DONE!!!!