John Huerta - Roswell, GA

I am grateful for all of VDF's efforts through race preparation and glad that we could contribute to a good cause in our best way. You could easily see that my dad was thrilled to be at the expo (pictured right, Johnny is seated center).  We plan to be back next year and will continue to support VDF. 


Yes, we all survived the heat of the race. I modified my pace and enjoyed the course. I was at mile 21 when they closed the race and was happy about that as it gave me every reason not to push myself.  It was like having a professor call off the test when you get to class. 

Marathoners are crazy by definition and push their bodies to extreme limits even in ideal conditions.  Even though I had conserved and cooled, I still might have got in trouble if I continued to run. They had to take that decision away from 25,000 irrational marathoners.  I continued through the course conversing with others and trotted in at 5:04.  This has also been an easy recovery, much better than the past.

I also was concerned about the crowds. There were many angels out there passing out fruit, ice, and bottles of water, but they may have been out there for 8-10 hours. There had to be heat issues with a crowd that size.  As for my family, they went to breakfast and they met me at the gear stations. It was still a tiring day for us all. Thanks again for all of VDF's help. I will run my 10th Chicago next year and would like to run for Team VDF again!

Support John today!

*Pictured right, John Huerta top left, John's brother and his children. Seated center, John's father "Johnny" who has been John's race "leader" and supporter at his past 9 marathons.