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MUSC doc to tackle Hawaiian marathon  by Chris West Public Relations Inspiration and dedication melded with stamina, pace and stride. According to one MUSC doctor, that’s the winning formula for completing a marathon. On Dec. 11, Gary Gilkeson, M.D., professor of medicine, will have the chance to apply his formula to the grueling 26.2-mile Honolulu Marathon as part of the "Joints in Motion" team for the Arthritis Foundation.  The dedication part comes from a long relationship between Gilkeson and the Arthritis Foundation, which is largely responsible for the valued grant money that funds his research into the disease Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the body and other organs in 1.5 millions Americans. The inspiration comes from a mother stricken with Rheumatoid Arthritis. And as far as the stamina, pace and stride, well he’s working on those. “Five percent physical, 95 percent mental,” Gilkeson said, quoting a popular race motto. “That’s going to be my mentality and I am just going to tackle this thing one mile at a time.” And he’s not alone in that endeavor. Partnered with trainer and physical therapist Kathy Reilley and her husband Chris, a nationally competitive triathlete, co-worker and co-trainer, he is becoming a better runner one step at a time.  “I was supplied with a schedule that will put me on course to running the marathon successfully,” he said. “I follow my schedule during the week and Kathy joins me on the longer weekend runs. I feel like I become a better runner with every mile I put behind me.” The invasive schedule he refers to is the strict running regimen that has him balancing his time between professor, researcher and runner, allowing usually one day a week to himself. “The commitment to something like this is quite significant,” he said. “It has me being more aware of my diet, water intake and the amount of sleep I get each night. I may not run everyday but I am always aware of what is ahead.” Prior to tackling Honolulu, Gilkeson is prepping by entering local races like the Easter Seals 5k and the Isle of Palms Beach Run. “Where it may not be the full 26 miles it is a small taste of what is to come.” What is to come is a scenic course that will move thousands of runners through the likes of Waikiki Beach, Honolulu’s China Town and past the now extinct volcanic crater, Diamond Head. Having been an avid runner most of his adult life, Gilkeson is well aware of the hazards associated with an athletic feat of this degree. Careful to remain hydrated and ever attentive to signs of potential injury or overexertion, he plans on taking these practices on the road with him. But injury is the farthest thing from Gilkeson’s mind. He admits that he is in more than ample shape to complete the race and where this may be his first marathon, he is approaching it with the zeal of a veteran of the sport. “I have no doubt in my mind that I will finish, which will be fantastic in itself. But if I can keep a 10 to 12 minute mile pace, that will have me finishing in between four and five hours. That is a pace and goal that I feel comfortable with.”  Aside from the personal interest, the Arthritis Foundation is the main factor behind Gilkeson’s motivation. The foundation takes care of his entry and accommodations and he supplies the $3,500 in fundraising that is necessary for sponsorship. The foundation is the real winner here in that Gilkeson has already raised $6,000 and still has the month of November to go. “This is my chance at giving a little back to an organization that is doing wonderful things and one that has done so much for me,” he said.  “Finishing will actually be a win, win, win situation,” Gilkeson said. “It will raise much needed funds in support of the Arthritis Foundation, I will be running in honor of my mother and it will fulfill a long time dream of going to Hawaii and running a marathon.” For more information on the Arthritis Foundation go to their Web site at <http://www.arthritis.org> or tax-deductible donations may be made out to the Arthritis Foundation and send to 912 Clinical Science Building in care of Gilkeson.