Marathon feature
Marlin Keesler

Enjoying a visit in Abilene is just one of the reasons Marlin Keesler is running in the Eisenhower Marathon March 29.  Keesler and family plan to spend the entire week in Abilene.

"I'm liking (what I read about) Abilene more and more, especially after receiving the (marathon) confirmation letter and inserts (tourist brochure) about Abilene today," Keesler said.  "The Greyhound Hall of Fame will be great for the kids, the Great Plains Theatre seems enticing, and I love history and great people who did great things, so the main attraction is the Eisenhower Center."

Keesler stressed that running marathons is a family event with each destination being more than just the marathon.

"We come to learn and experience different places, " Keesler said.  "In most cases I wouldn't do it if I couldn't bring my family.  Having my wife, Jeanne and the kids, Austin and Erin, greet me at the finish makes it a truly fulfilling experience."

Keesler, age 37,  began running in Honolulu in 1994.

"I've run Honolulu four times, because I lived in Hawaii for six years," Keesler said.  "My training for the first one was very limited, and I ended up walking from miiles 19-25.  My first finish was a disappointing four hours and 32 minutes."

Keesler knew he could do better so he tried again, and by the third marathon had cut his time to 4:05.

"That left me the feeling that I needed to break four hours, and in 1998 I did that in the Chicago Marathon," Keesler said.  "My goal had been accomplished and I figured running marathons was over."

His retirement from marathons was short lived and in January 1999 was running in a marathon in Houston.

"While waiting at the start I met a group of people who were in the process of running a marathon in all 50 states,"  Keesler said.  "I thought that to be a very ambitious goal and decided I wanted to do the same."

Keesler admits to not always enjoying running.

"It's work.  It's battling the elements.  It's being sore all the time.  It takes time away from family.  It takes me away from the TV,"  Keesler said.  "Given the negatives there are also positives to consider.  It keeps the weight off.  It helps me breathe and sleep better.  It provides a very good excuse to visit and explore different places, such as Abilene.  Ultimately the main consideration is the responsibility to maintain good personal health and be as much of a positive roll model for my kids as possible."

Keesler said the start of the race is the worst part.

"I just completed my thirty-third marathon and I was just as nervous as when I ran my first one," Keesler said.  "It is in the early part of the run that I wonder, 'Why am I doing this?'"

Keesler says the accomplishment of the marathoner's effort will exceed all the inconveniences endured.
For him family is a first priority in life, then work, with running being a supplement to his life and spirituality permeating everything he does, according to Keesler.

"The interesting thing about marathons is each one is a very unique experience just filled with crazy happenings," Keesler said.  "In Michigan I came down with a severe case of squeezed cheek syndrome.  Use your imagination and you'll figure out that one.  Prior to running in Atlanta, I developed a severe cough and had trouble breathing.  After completing the run in 3:59:49, the doctor said I had a serious case of pneumonia."

Keesler's goals include completing the 50 states and DC.  The Eisenhower Marathon will be No 31.

"I really want Boston to be one of the 50," Keesler said.  "For that to happen I need to run a 3:15.  I'm capable of this;  it is only a matter of more discipline in the training."

Keesler said support along the route is important to runners.

"I really appreciate the cheers," Keesler said.  "I'm planning on making Abilene, Kansas, one of my favorite marathons."

Keesler will be coming to Abilene from Streamwood, Illinois.  He will be wearing runner ID # 2 for the 7 a.m. start of the Eisenhower Marathon, which will begin on south Buckeye between the Eisenhower Center and St. Andrews Catholic Church.

"I very much look forward to being a participant in the Eisenhower Marathon,"  Keesler said.  "I have a deep sincere appreciation of people who use tons of  personal time to put this type of event together so people like me can have a great time in your town and then hobble away.  See you in March!" 

Further information on the marathon, half marathon and team relay may be obtained by calling 263-2341.