After extensive research, a wee bit of training, and having just finished the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. with only mildly excruciating discomfort, I will attempt to run 20 marathons and a 50 mile race over the next 12 months in an effort to raise awareness as well as funds for four charities.
My goal is to raise at least $12,000 dollars and as I will contribute $100 per race myself, I think I have the first 10 percent knocked down!
I have attempted to choose charities that have the greatest impact on a cause I feel strongly about, as well as charities that may transcend political affiliation.
I would be supremely appreciative if you could contribute to this mission in any way you see fit.  If you want to contribute by event, as an incentive to me, that will be great;  nonetheless, (serious) injury and work permitting, I will complete this effort!  If you would like to make your donations anonymously and/or dedicate your contribution in memory of a particular service member, there are provisions for this choice.  ALL of the organizations have provisions for donating by credit card.
I will be footing race fees, travel expenses, etc. on my own so, for those of you in cities near the intended races who can accommodate a proper free-loader, or those with connections in the travel industry, the laws of Karma might work strongly in your favor.
Finally, if any of you have corporate connections that can serve as a vehicle for increased financial participation, I will be closer to meeting my goal in supporting these charities.  I wouldn't turn down a (slow) running partner as well.
ANY support that helps me reach my goal is forever appreciated.
Best regards,
Rick Ryan

North County Trail Marathon, Baltimore MD, 22 Nov 2005

Running in memory of Lieutenant Kevin Shea and Captain Richard Gannon, I completed this month's run on Saturday the 26th.  Despite sub-freezing temperatures at the start and my Florida-native attire (not to mention snow rabbit legs), I was able to knock 21 minutes off my time from last month, due mostly to caffeine and a mid-race cocktail of painkillers that would have rivalled Elvis' post-mortem toxicology report.
My next marathon will be in Jacksonville on Sunday, December 18th. I will be running in memory of Captain Marc M. Rapicault, with whom I served on my last ship in Japan, prior to his transfer to 1st Marine Division.
I appreciate all the material and moral support that has been rendered thus far in raising funds for these charities.  Any amount is appreciated and, unlike T.O., as long as some tiny amount of money is in the pot, I will run.  Even at the price of two beers per run, I can raise $100 over the course of the next year.
Whatever amount you give or whatever type of moral support you offer, it all goes to a good cause.
Please, keep spreading the word.

Jacksonville Bank Marathon, Jacksonville FL, 11 Dec 2005

You won't find this in Runner's World but, as I am a results-oriented sort of fellow, I can't discount the merits of the following in pursuit of a marathon personal record:
1) Run 3 marathons in 7 weeks,
2) take 4 hours of sleep and 10 pints of carbonated carbohydrate drink the night prior (ok, both nights prior),
3) wake up late, leave late, arrive at the start late,
4) carry a hangover,
5) ...and wear full rugby kit (minus the cleats of course).
I am quite certain that I will not use this method again.  Pictures attest to just how silly one can look when, in response to generous and broad support from one's rugby team, one agrees to proudly parade their colors.
I was able to cut another 17 minutes off my time from November and better an 18-year-old personal record by 15 seconds in the Jacksonville Bank Marathon 10 days ago, running in memory of Capt Marc Rapicault, USMC.  I could not have possibly run one second faster that day as I realized half-way through the race that despite the poor preparation, I was in range of the "PR".  The clock at the race was off from my watch by nearly 2 minutes, for some reason.
Unfortunately, I followed it up with a small (felt like a truncheon over the head) hemorrhage in my gargantuan cranium (with spinal tap) four days later and spent the better part of the last week under the influence of quality narcotics.  Nonetheless, I was told yesterday that I am now on the road to recovery.
Health permitting, I will be running the ING Miami Marathon at the end of the month in memory of Lance Corporal Jason Smith, who was killed in Fallujah last New Year's Eve.
I'm currently listed as 'day-to-day' but starting to feel better and can even tell the conditioner from the shampoo and identify both of the Hilton sisters and all of the chicks from Hansen.
I appreciate all the support so far in spreading the word and hope you all have a fantastic New Years holiday.

Miami ING Marathon, Miami FL, 29 Jan 2006

I completed the Miami Marathon 9 days ago and will be running in Sedona AZ (sort of near the Grand Canyon for those not familiar with Yank geography) this Saturday.  I have also added at least two more marathons to my program and an ultra, in an effort to meet my fundraising goals.
Dealing with the heat in Miami was quite difficult, especially with only two-weeks of training after my long, medically-induced lay off.  I had to deal with some unnecessary crap 8 minutes before the start and also lost three toe nails along the way, which went nicely with my jammed "iPod" and melt-down at Mile 22.  Buuuttt ... I was still able to post my 2nd best time (4:38) of the 4 I've done in three months.  The pictures are available; they are not for those with weak constitutions as I was struggling, am not a traditionally attractive guy (say it ain't so), and, most of all, a somersault over the finish line really doesn't look that good in stop motion photography.  Not very graceful.
I'll be running the Sedona Marathon in memory of the crew of Gunshot 66, Major "Beav" Bloomfield and Capt "Martini" Martino, both USMC.
Also, I pledged 1,000 Pounds to the British Legion for my spot in the London Marathon in April.  All help appreciated in that matter, especially for those UK brethren and sistren who have been holding their donations on the launching pad awaiting my reply.  Sorry it took so long.
I will be running for the Edinburgh Marathon in Scotland in June for Childhood First, an organization that supports therapeutic communities which provide integrated programs of care, education and treatment to traumatized children and young people recovering from abuse.
As always, any effort in spreading the word, contributing, publicizing or assisting in lodging at cities near you (thank you to my brother and his wife for Miami) is all appreciated.

Sedona Marathon, Sedona AZ, 11 Feb 2006

Running in memory of Major ‘Beav’ Bloomfield and Captain ‘Martini’ Martino, I was able to deftly employ my twin training strategies of worry and denial.  It seems these tactics paid off as in the first mile alone I was surprised (denial) at how much the hills and 4800 feet of elevation hurt (worry).  Somewhere along the way, I was visited by the vision of long dead Apache Chief Mangas Colorados asking me if I wanted a nice lizard tail and some cactus tea.
In hindsight, though, there was little more I could have done to prepare myself, in the two weeks following the Miami Marathon, as the only elevation training I get here on the Potomac is walking up the stairs in Rosslyn Station.
The time of 5:03 does not reflect my effort as this was the first marathon I’ve done where I didn’t stop or walk once … for anything (anything).  There was only one sub-3 hour time in the field; it was a very challenging course beautifully laid out through the high desert and red rocks but, challenging nonetheless.
I am coming back down to sea level to run the Baltimore/Annapolis Trail Marathon on the 5th, this time in memory of my friend, CDR Kevin Bianchi and his brother LT Robert Bianchi.  I will also being going coast-to-coast in one week this month, LA on the 19th and DC on the 25th.
I am now set to do 20 marathons and at least one ultra in 3 countries, 8 different states, and 10 major cities. I can’t wait to finish.
Still, I could use some assistance.  If anybody would like to donate a little free time to some small tasks.  At the moment, I’m overwhelmed with school, training, racing, and managing this effort.  I am hoping to spread some publicity on this through a variety of media to include radio, TV, sports and military periodicals.  Some of this has already been done.

Baltimore and Annapolis Trail Marathon, Baltimore MD, 5 Mar 2006

Running last Sunday in memory of the Bianchi brothers, both fellow H-46 aviators, I was able to shed another 25 minutes from my Personal Best and tuck in under 4-hours for the first time in the Baltimore/Annapolis Trail Marathon.  As in Miami, I started from a seated position and was 5 minutes late from the start, but I split at 1:55 and hung in to log a 3:57 on the chip, which also put me in the top third of the starting field for the first time in my charity effort.  Somewhere along the way, I ran a 7:18 mile but was hanging on by a thread at the end.  In that period I realized A) I'm not in Sedona anymore, and B) these races are sort of becoming a challenge.  More challenging than moving the mouse around the mousepad for sure.
My next race will be in Los Angeles on the 19th, running in memory of the crew of Blue Wolf 704 (LCDR Scott Zellem, LT Patrick Myrick, LT Jimmy Pupplo, and AT2 Josh Showalter), which was lost on August 10th, 2004.
Six days later, I will run the National Marathon in DC. Your support in spreading the word and donating to my organizations is/has been greatly appreciated. Shortly, I will be listing my special thanks section on the website. Pictures will be updated as well. Finally, we are working on considerable publicity now in military periodicals, local print and television outlets, and in sports mags, including Runner's World. I will keep this updated on the site as well.

Los Angeles Marathon, Los Angeles CA, 19 Mar 2006

Running the inaugural National Marathon in DC in honor of my uncle, SGT Tony Jackson, I was able to complete my 2nd fastest marathon ever in 4:10. Considering:
-I had a fever when I woke up (and I'm still sick)
-There were challenging hills at Miles 11, 13, and 24
-I had back spasms at Mile 14 which persisted until the end (went straight to doctor after race)
-It was my second marathon in 6 days
-I'd spent the week with a knee brace on
-And my fastest mile of the entire week was my 52nd, ...I'm happy with the result.  Sixteen races to go.
Pictures (thumbnails) can be seen here: www.brightroom.com. The 'CJ' gang-sign in some of the pictures was for my nephew who I promised I'd try to run better than 4:12, giving me sub 10 min/mile for the entire week, while he came in 2nd in his 5 mile race among 9-year olds.  It was a real 'Something for Joey' moment except CJ doesn't have cancer and I didn't get the Heismann trophy at the end of the race.  I got a banana, which was nice.
My next race will be The Manassas Bull Run 50 Mile Run, running in memory of LT Ron Mobayed and LT Rob Vogel, both friends and fellow H46 pilots who were lost just over 10 years ago.
My fundraising efforts for the next month will focus on meeting my $1,500 goal for the Royal British Legion at the London Marathon.  Any help in spreading the word is appreciated beyond my capacity for words, be it through publicity or corporate solicitations.  It's easy to donate right on my site by hitting the "Donate Now" tab.  Questions and feedback are also appreciated.
Softly, softly catch a monkey.

Manassas Bull Run 50 Mile Run

Running in memory of LT Ron Mobayed and LT Rob Vogel in the 14th Annual Bull Run 50 mile run, I discovered a new circle of hell.  In the interests of time, I will try to keep this short, so the short of it is that I finished the 50.5 mile course in 12:29, 238th of more than 340 who started.  Just about nothing went right except the finish and by the accounts of all the veteran racers and the race director himself, the combination of cold, torrential rain, shin deep mud and wind made this the hardest iteration of the race ever, with roughly 20 percent dropping out and less than half of the teams completing the race. The course was very hilly, made worse by the mud, and in some places I actually had to climb on all fours to make it up the slopes.  Clothing that says it "wicks moisture away from your skin" doesn't wick a rainstorm or mud (but should).  I also realized it is critically important to have a support team, as the vast majority of the runners did, if only to give you a change of dry clothing, a thermos of food and other critical but easy logistical support. At Mile 22, suffering from hypothermia and hyponatremia, I seriously could not figure out how I would do another 6 to 8 hours in the prevailing weather. At Mile 28, however, I was provided with garbage bags for my body, head, and hands to help keep some of the heat in and a bit of the moisture out, which it did.
Meanwhile, the guy running with me who had completed nearly 100 ultra-marathons dropped out while I was morphing into Plastic Man saying to me as he turned around, "I'm going to call it a day, this is the hardest one I've ever done."  In the end, I was able to keep moving forward and beat the cutoff times and relieve myself of the weight of several toenails along the way.  I fell a few times and nearly went into the river once, but I learned a lot that should help me during the 100-mile race at the end of May.  If anybody will be in the area during that weekend, assistance would be greatly appreciated as well as rewarded on your deathbed.
I will be running the London Marathon this Sunday in support of the Royal British Legion, in memory of Commonwealth military members and families from past and present, and in honor of ANZAC Day on April 25th.
As always, your donations, publicity, and ideas are all greatly appreciated in helping me move my charity fundraising forward.  Donating is very easy and can be done with a click of the mouse.
I appreciate the promises of support and links many of you have offered or provided as this is a big part of what keeps me (and the cause) going during difficult races.  18 to go!
PS- For those of you with access to Navy Times, there is an article on page 4 of the April 17th issue.

London Marathon, London England, 23 Apr 2006
                              -AND-
Frederick Marathon, Frederick MD, 30 Apr 2006

Friends,
I was able to lop 13 minutes off my previous best and set a new PR of 3:44 yesterday at the Frederick Marathon, running to remember Specialist George A Mitchell, US Army, 3ID, who was killed in combat south of Baghdad in April 2003 and the first soldier from Maryland to give his life in the line of duty in Iraq.
As for the race, if a race site says 'gently rolling' consider the S.A.T. analogy "Starbucks Tall is to Gently Rolling as Not Much Coffee is to ____." This is encouraging, however, should I find a course that is flat and not crowded in 50°F/12°C temperatures with no wind and .75 of regular gravitational forces. Then I might put up a 3:43. Also, the Sunday prior (I can't keep up with my email and running schedule) at the London Marathon, running in memory of my great uncle (Pvt James Ryan...the other one), who served with the King's Liverpool Regiment in World War I, as well as all other commonwealth military personnel past and present, and in honor of ANZAC Day (April 25th), I finished in 4:32. This time is a bit deceptive in that I was probably slowed by the 30-pound (2 stone?) Roman Legionnaire's uniform which has zero moisture-wicking or aerodynamic properties. However, the kit was a big hit and if I never hear another quote from 'Life of Brian (Romani ite domum)', it will be too soon. I got a bit of coverage on BBC2 that night as well. The course was spectacular, the support along the route was the best I've seen yet, and thanks to all of you I was able to more than double my race fundraising goals with what stands today as a single-race best (much better than a time PR) at $2100, all for the British Legion. I would do this race again. I would not do any other race again. If I can help it.
I will be running the Potomac River Run Marathon in Alexandria this Sunday in Memory of the multi-national crew of the Red Foxes'CH-46 lost on the opening day of the invasion of Iraq. They were the first coalition casualties of the war.
It is in order to remember these people, regardless of political, religious, ethnic, national or unit affiliation, and to help their families and similarly affected families, that I am running. And creating egregiously long and split run-on sentences.
The original goal was to run 12 marathons in 12 months and I have just dropped the 10th marathon with one ultra marathon completed in one day under 6 months. The new goal, body permitting, is to complete 24 marathons and 4 ultra marathons in twelve months. I assure you that, though the times vary, I have not taken a 'day off' during any races and have crossed the line in my fastest possible time each race. As long as people continue to give and there are names to remember, I will keep running.
The focus for the next month until the Edinburgh Marathon (June 11th) will be on raising funds forChildhood First, the UK shelter for seriously abused children. Before then, I will be completing two marathons (the other is in Fargo, ND) and attempting a 100-miler on Memorial Day weekend. If you'll be in the area and would like to help, don't hesitate to chime in. Also, if you've pledged money, help, connections, ideas, are thinking about giving or I bought 6,000 yen worth of sports drinks for you in Japan and mailed them to you in Germany, this is a great time to donate.
So far,we've collected over $12,000 worth of donations.Additionally, if you'd like to join Rick Ryan's Running Regiment, this is also simple. Run any race between 5k and 20K, pledge to raise at least 100 dollars, and get your name on my site and a certificate from Ed McMahon. The same goes for 1/2 marathon ($150) or full marathon ($200). I'd love to have some company on some of these marathons as well. It looks like RRRR will be out if force together during USMC Marathon 2006.
Finally, my team is in the process of developing t-shirts to send to those whose donations have exceeded 150 dollars/100 pounds. More to follow on that. For the military unit donations, the competition is thick but there seems to be a log-jam at 'zero' for all Navy units...some squadron or station is bound to break out before the year is over.
Thank you for your time if you stayed this long and thank you for the generous support.

Potomac River Run Marathon, Washington DC, 7 May 2006

What was originally the "Dirty Dozen" is now complete. On 14 May, I completed my third full marathon in three weeks and broke 4 hours for the second consecutive week, running the Potomac River Run Marathon in Memory of the Crew of Red Dragon 01.
This week, I will be running the Fargo Marathon in memory of Senior Chief Petty Officer Dan Healy and the other 20 servicemen who were killed last year when their CH-47 rescue helicopter was shot down while trying to extract Healy's SEAL team. Today, his mother continues to speak out vociferously about the dignity, respect, and rights of the troops in harms way and survivor families. 

   starbulletin.com         www.yaledailynews.com
                      www.opinionjournal.com           www.nytimes.com 

Fundraising has plateaued lately so any suggestions, contributions, solicitations or advertisements on behalf of the Marathons For Hope program are entertained and appreciated. I've received some great ideas in the last two weeks...now all I need is time to act on them. For those of you with access to Defense Link, the Marathons For Hope story should be in print this week.
Also, I'm still soliciting Team Rick assistance for the Old Dominion 100-Miler 26-28 May. Should you choose this mission, you will be karmically and luxuriously reimbursed.
On behalf of the charitable organizations I am representing, I would like to express my deepest heartfelt gratitude for those who have already helped the cause in a variety of very special ways.
Take care and thank you all for your time.

Fargo Marathon, Fargo ND, 20 May 2006

After completing the first 100 meters of the Fargo Marathon this weekend in 10.15 seconds, I was able to settle down to a less world class pace and finish my thirteenth marathon, fourth in 28 days, and third sub-4 hour run in a row in 3:51. Cold weather, my Daisy Duke shorts, rain and 22 knots of wind at the start all conspired to make the course more challenging than the table top terrain of North Dakota would have otherwise suggested. Apparently, as I was told by one of the local chieftains later, I also ran into Minnesota as well, but so did everybody else, so I'm taking credit for another state covered in the Marathons For Hope program. I was running the Fargo Marathon to remember Senior Chief Petty Officer Dan Healy and the 19 troops who were killed during the attempt to rescue his SEAL team in Afghanistan last year.
This weekend is Memorial Day in the US, a holiday for those of you who are not from the states. My webmeister, trainer, and image consultant and I will travel to Woodstock (not the fun one with all the dope, the one with the mountains and the cousins) Virginia on Friday the 26th where I will attempt the Old Dominion 100 Mile Race. The race traverses 14,000 feet of the Shenandoah Mountains and goes non-stop for 30 hours, after which, you're not allowed to run any more, even if you'd want to, which I don't.
I will be running in memory of First Lieutenant Ronnie Winchester, a Marine from Rockville Center, NY who was a midshipman during my teaching tour at the US Naval Academy and was killed on his second tour in Iraq 20 months ago. He had already earned one Purple Heart during his first tour when an IED took him, along with Captain Alan Rowe, LCPL Nicholas Perez and LCPL Nicholas Wilt while serving in Al Anbar province.
The tributes to a great human are laced throughout the clickable links within this BLOG. They remind us what the donations and support and suggestions and forwarded emails are for...not for the t-shirts and finishers medals but to help give the loved ones and families a bit of peace and a bit of hope.
If anybody from this area would be available to assist Mike in supporting my all-day effort this weekend, I would be most grateful and express it in a heretofore undetermined manner(t-shirt and Spam sandwiches probably).
After my experience at the Manassas Bull Run 50 last month, I realize that any extra assistance could prove critical in my ability to finish. Regardless, I will keep putting one foot in front of the other and go as far as I can as long as people continue to contribute to organizations, which have undertaken noble causes free of ethnic, political or religious bend. A little goes along way. Like me.
I apologize that I have not been able to personally respond to each of the fantastic emails and donations that have come in to the site since publicity increased during the past month. Running 210 miles in 5 weeks while only actually running 5 times total is starting to take its toll on my (lack of) available time and (lack of) job performance. I will try to rectify this egregious negligence shortly. But thank you.

Old Dominion 100 Mile Race, Woodstock VA, 27 May 2006

Friends,
Following on the metaphorical heels of four full-marathons in four
weeks, I completed the Old Dominion 100 Miler last Saturday-Sunday in 27 hours and 13 minutes (non-stop).  After five of these races in 35 days, it was about as one would expect such an event requiring one to climb a 2,200 foot
mountain in the middle of a 17 mile triple out-and-back leg.  No more whingeing or editorializing on one's part is required.  I think I was 17th out of 70 some-odd sad sacks milling aimlessly at the 5am start, some
indeterminate number running only the half-century and many of whom fell by the wayside through the course of one long, hot day.
The buckle awarded for breaking 30 hours will be forwarded to the family of 1LT Ronnie Winchester, in whose memory I was running.  The effort quite simply would have failed without the amazing support of AC1 Mike Toone, USN, and Captain Daryl Hill, USMC.
This week I will be running my 15th marathon (or longer) in the Edinburgh
Marathon.  All proceeds from this race will go to support the children's
charity,Childhood First, based out of the United Kingdom and providing
shelter and counseling for severely abused children.  My effort is
dedicated to the memory of the eight soldiers of the Royal Highland Regiment (Black Watch) who have died on active duty since 2003.  The kilt I will be wearing during the race will be of the Black Watch tartan, in honor of these courageous RHR 'squaddies'.  The second part of the dedication is to
the members of the Royal Military Police who were murdered three years ago this month in Al Majar, Basrah whilst, like Childhood First, trying to provide a
safer and better future for the next generation of residents in that town. 
Four other RMP's have died on active service in Iraq.  In honor of these
brave 'Red Caps', I'll be running with a lawyer (my brother).  He'll be
running his first marathon and his tartan will be of Royal Stewart colors. 
We'll be filing the appropriate lawsuits following the race.
Also congratulations this week to Natalie Godde, a full-fledged member
of Rick Ryan's Running Regiment who collected $1,000 in pledges and
donations whilst completing her first marathon in San Diego yesterday.
Finally, shirts are now officially available.  Designed
by Mike Toone, they are suitable for wear with cammie uniforms and flight
suits.  I have L and XL and they are free with any donation of $25 or
more, plus $5 shipping and handling.  All of the money not going to defray
costs will go to Marathons For Hope organizations.  As we have paid cash out of pocket for these items, I apologize that I cannot send shirts based on
previous donations as all monies collected thus far have already been
distributed to the charities.  I'll send details for anybody interested.
Thank you for your time and continued support.

http://www.greatestjeneration.com/archives/001305.php
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3983443.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3994627.stm
http://www.guardian.co.uk/military/story/0,,1698893,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3968645.stm

In order of their loss...

BLACK WATCH:
Lance Corporal Barry "Baz" Stephen
Private Greig McBride
Private Kevin McHale
Private Paul Lowe
Sergeant Stuart Gray
Private Scott McArdle
Private Pita Tukatukawaqa
Private Marc Ferns

RED CAPS:
Sergeant Simon Alexander Hamilton-Jewell
Corporal Russell Aston
Corporal Paul Graham Long
Corporal Simon Miller
Lance-Corporal Benjamin John McGowan Hyde
Lance-Corporal Thomas Richard Keys
Major Matthew Titchener
Warrant Officer Colin Wall
Corporal Dewi Pritchard
Staff Sergeant Denise Rose