Father, daughter set different goals for famous race

Expectations are different for the Rogers family this time around.

Dr. Michael Rogers has a time goal in mind when he participates in Monday's 113th Boston Marathon. His daughter, Alison Andrews, has a specific objective as well.

"I just hope to finish," she said.

Andrews and Rogers, both of Augusta, are repeat competitors in the 26.2-mile race. Other Augusta-area entrants include: Anthony Cresci, Augusta; Heather Currier, Martinez; Janet Gallo, Martinez; Joseph Giron, Martinez; John McGowan, Aiken; Dr. William Porr, Grovetown; Tina Stutt, North Augusta; Jesse Thomas IV, Evans; Robert Williams, North Augusta; and Clayton Vaughters, Aiken.

During last year's race, Andrews and Rogers both experienced cramping, and both finished just past the four-hour mark. After running 17 miles, the pain hit Rogers. Just 500 yards from the finish line, he was forced to stand still for five minutes.

"I went out at a super fast pace," he said. "This year, I'm going to start out a lot easier."

For Andrews, the last half of the race was a battle.

"I felt really good the first 13 miles," she said. "Then the back of my leg started hurting."

Making his fourth Boston Marathon appearance, Rogers changed his practice routine in the past year and started running more. Since Oct. 12, he's entered five marathons as well as a half-marathon.

"He's been really motivated," Andrews said. "After all that training, I really hope he does well."

Rogers, whose goal is to finish the Boston Marathon in a time of three hours and 45 minutes, typically runs about 14 to 26 miles when he trains. A few weeks ago, he ran a full marathon on his treadmill.

"I watched a few good movies," he said.

"I'm 63, and I'm in better shape than I was at 21. You can eat pretty much what you want."

The 31-year-old Andrews has not been able to train like her father. She gave birth to her third child -- third daughter -- 10 weeks ago. During pregnancy, Andrews took six months off from running. She just resumed the sport last month.

Andrews has no specific time goal for her third Boston Marathon showing.

"It won't be my personal best," she said.

Andrews said the Boston Marathon has become an annual family tradition. She said she and her father have plans to continue attending the event in the future.

"We've both said Boston has defeated us a couple of times," she said. "We have to conquer it."

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.