GO RUN!!!!

Perpetual motion is inevitable. Even if you are standing still, you are still hurling through space at high velocity and spinning at ultra speed simultaneously. So, to be fair, you are never standing still...
I was once asked why I run, and this person added, "especially since nothing is chasing you."
When runners are asked why they run, the answers are about as varied as the runners. But I've chalked it up to two main categories. Either (a) they are running from something, or (b) they are running to something.
Let me explain. Some people run to lose weight, so in essence, they are running from a bigger version of themselves, or at least running from health problems due to being overweight. Others run because they have a goal in mind. Whether it be making it through a marathon, or maybe just being able to run a mile without completely losing his/her breath. So, these people are essentially running "to" something. Be it that proverbial finish line.
I think I started running away from something. So, my friend who asked me why I run, I tell you, I was running from something. You see, when I started running, I kind of felt like my life was hurdling out of control. My wife had been sick for some time. I was basically left to taking care of our five children when I wasn't working a fulltime job of 40+ hours a week. Due to this, my job was suffering. I felt like I was losing at everything. I needed something I could control and to be able to get away from everything. So, I think that's why I started.
And then, when I started to be able to really put miles in, I had a thought to run "to" something. The idea of running a marathon came into fruition and I began putting in even more miles. And then something happened. It really began when I finished the Dam to Dam in May. I felt so good about how I finished that I almost forgot that this wasn't my goal. I decided to take a week off after Dam to Dam. A week turned in to two. Two turned to three, and before I knew it, I had lost complete focus on where I wanted to be. Life got busy, and it almost became business as usual.
Last night, I had a friend ask me how my training was going. I thought about lying to him and keep it at a simple "great". But I decided to fully disclose. And this is what I love about runners. It's not a competition as much as it is a comradary. He simply responded, "well, you've still got a good base line, so just pick it back up. GO RUN!"
So I did. I clocked in my 3 miles. And then tonight I clocked in 4. No more excuses. I'm back. This is a redemption story of how it's never too late. I don't know the end yet so we will see how this unfolds. What I do know is, I have friends who love and care for me and it is throught this sport that I have really felt the depths of our companionship. And to you all I say, thank you for being freaking great! You all really are the best!
And a final thought to anyone reading this who has thought about running but doesn't know how to start. To you I say, quit just hurling through space and spinning at high velocity! To echo my friend from last night...GO RUN!!!

Dam to Dam That Was Fun!

"Run with the Police" 5K

Man, I haven't posted on here in so long. So, quick recap of where I'm at in training. I've been  plugging in the miles and am running between 80 and 100 miles per month. I am feeling really good and my pace continues to improve. I ran the "Run with the Police" 5K a couple weeks back and learned a really good lesson there on race day jitters. I tried to push the pace too hard and ended up stalling out at mile 2. It was hot, humid and I was not prepared. I told myself at the beginning that I was going to treat it like any other run and just do my thing. But when the gun fired and people started passing me...well, I couldn't have that.
So, then last Saturday, I ran my first half marathon via Dam to Dam! It was way earlier in the morning, much cooler and I was more prepared. I remember just relaxing before the run, talking with friends and having a great time before the gun even fired. But once it was time to get lined up, it was kind of like a switch was flipped. I was all in. But, let's go back a bit and let you know where my head was at prior.

Heading to the bus

First of all, I was super scared about missing the bus. I mean seriously, that was my biggest fear. I woke up at 4am and had all my stuff set out the night before. I showered, got dressed, drank a protein shake and grabbed my coffee and headed out the door by 4:30am. I got downtown and circled the block a few times until I found a parking spot. Then, I got on that yellow bus. One of what looked like at least 20-30 buses! I lost count, they just kept pulling up. It was pretty exciting.
I sat down next to a guy and we began talking. He had done Dam to Dam before but this was only his second year doing the half as he had only done the 5K before that. He told me what everyone else did, that this was one of his favorites. We chatted off and on and I listened to others as they talked about their races. I mostly  sat and listened. I took it all in. Then we finally made it to Saylorville. We got off the bus and I put my bag of warm up clothes in the designated area and headed straight to the bathroom as I didn't want to wait until the last minute.
I did my duty  and it was only when I was about to stand that I realized...I had just sat in someone else's business. My mind went crazy. I was so mad and agitated! I almost lost it. But I knew I couldn't let this get to me. I had to focus. So I cleaned up and got out of there...There was a lady right behind me, so of course I made sure the seat was cleared for her. I'm not a jerk!
So...blah blah blah, back to the starting line, flip switched, me super focused. The gun fires. I don't hear it but people start moving, so I start. I had lined up at the 8 min. pace group so I started out slower and planned on doing negative splits. I had it all figured out in my head. I would start at 8:30 for three miles, 8:15 for another 3 miles. 8:00 for three miles and then between 7:50 and 7:45 for the last 4.1 miles. I was hoping to average just below 8:00 but I didn't quite make it.
But here's the thing. I was in the zone. I have never felt that calm during a run before. The water stops
were a huge energy boost and seeing all those people who came out to cheer us on was so motivating. I loved giving the high fives to the kids who were so quick to put their hands out. I read in a blog after the run that it's so good for the kids to have runners high five as they are the future and I was glad I did.
I was getting close to the end of the race and really wasn't feeling fatigued at all. And then I saw the finish line in the distance but knew there were a few turns ahead and looks were deceiving. That's
when I started to wain. I knew that it was mental and I had to just stick it out. Then my bluetooth headphones died. I was losing focus. I started slowing in my pace. I rounded a corner and that's when I saw my two oldest kids on the back of Papa's pick up truck watching for me. I yelled out to them and they frantically waved and cheered and Papa cheered too! That was it, the final push I needed. I picked up pace and realized I was running at about a 6.50 pace for that last 1,000 meters or so. I couldn't believe it but I was nearing the finish line. And then I hit it. I made it to the end! I ran it in 1:46.36. My pace was an 8:08 avg. But more importantly than all that, I did it.
As they handed me the medal, I just kind of walked away dazed. I couldn't believe that I was able to move like that and that I was able to turn on that switch and keep it on. I felt like a million bucks! As I made it back to where my dad and kids were, I was just beaming. I learned and I grew as a runner, and that to me is way more important than the pace, finishing time or medal. It was then that I realized, this isn't a phase, it isn't something that I'm going to stop doing. I am a runner and I have earned my spot among these amazing athletes. But I still realize, I am only half way to my goal. Time to krank it up!!!

Pot Holes and Detours

So, I haven't posted a blog in quite some time. I've meant to on many occasions but just never had the time. As a novice runner, I can assure you that I don't have all the tricks figured out or correct form or attire or whatever else a runner may be judged by according to the magazines. But here's what I do have. A reason. Why do I run? Why am I training for this marathon? I think I've finally figured it out. For my family.
You see, as I've said in earlier posts, I haven't really committed to a goal and stuck it through. So, needless to say, as this goal is beginning to come into fruition, I am super stoked that I'm actually continuing on with it. You can imagine my disappointment when there were things that came into my path that threatened my ability to continue my training. My frustration was in full bloom when the pot holes and detours began appearing before me.
This pot hole came in the form of my wife's health. For the last nine months, she has been struggling with some major symptoms of headaches, fatigue (even when she'd sleep all night and most of the day), depression, body aches, etc. After nine months of wondering what the heck was going on with
her, they finally found a diagnosis. She has been diagnosed with Systemic Exertion Intollerance Disease (SEID, formerly called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). And this being a chronic condition, it is likely she will deal with it for the rest of her life.
So, that's why I've been so busy. On top of my normal job, I also would come home and most days, my wife would be completely drained by the time I got there. So I would take over and get the kids dinner, bathed, played with and in bed and finally hit the bed myself around 11pm because once the kids were in bed is usually when I'd get a run in. And I almost gave it up. But then I realized that if I did that, my wife would see her health as the reason why I couldn't complete my goal, and I couldn't live with that. So I decided, if she wasn't giving up, neither would I. If she was going to fight every day for the energy it takes to be a stay at home mom, I could certainly handle this. She became my inspiration.
So, here I am, striding on. I'm showing my  family that if you want something bad enough, you gotta do whatever it takes to go after it. Even if it means sacrificing other things (I don't watch much tv anymore as the night time was usually my time to unwind and check out some Netflix. But that's probably for the better :-) TV make you lazy.)
Any of you who follow this blog, know that I'm still here. I'm not giving up. I'm going to cross that finish line on October 18th. And when I do, I'll have my wife to thank. She is the hero in this story. She is my muse. She's the one who's stayed positive about my training when we discussed whether or not I should hold off on it. And she will get my medal! Good night everyone. Remember, if you try for something you never thought you could do, even if you end up not being able  to do it, look at all the other stuff you wouldn't normally have done along the way, and let those victories fuel you to try it again!

I Love Morning Runs!!!

Morning Run Selfie. LOL

Ok, so that might be a little sarcasm in the title. The truth is, morning runs are going to take some getting used to. Thus far in my running journey, I have only ran in the afternoons. But since my training is going to have me running much more, my wife and I decided that it would be best if I did them in the morning so I wouldn't take as much time away from my family.
Speaking of my wife, she is amazing!!! I was a little nervous when I told her my desire to run a marathon and how much time I would need to train to acomplish it. We have been super busy lately and she has had some health problems that have been a challenge for her as she can't do as much housework as she's used to. But, even with her health problems still on the mend, she was 100% behind me and immediately sat down with me to come up with an action plan!
So about my run this morning. I'm really catching on to this being a mental game. I woke up this morning telling myself I was running, no excuses. Then I walked out the door and my mind instantly went to, "it's so dark...it's so cold...you're still sore from yesterday..." and I might have given in, but then my heart took over and said, "dude...it's 3 miles today...shut up!" and my brain was all like, "yes sir!" And then off I went.
When you set a distance, the feeling of the miles change with the perspective distance you're planning

to run. When I ran 6 miles, the first 3 miles felt like nothing, it was the second that was the roughest. But since I only ran 3 miles this morning, I felt every bit of those 3 miles. I also have a few pointers for any beginners who are reading this. If you have a device that monitors your distance, the miles are going to feel ridiculously long if you continously look at it. I have a watch that monitors my distance. Well, my OCD will kick right in and I will look at it every 1/10th of a mile if I don't challenge myself. I learned to pinpoint a stationary object that seems far in the distance and then I'll only look at my watch at those pinpoints if I have to look at it at all.
I thought of a lot more to write while I was running but I forgot it already, so I guess I'll leave  you all with this. Thanks so much to those who are following this journey and encouraging me. You're words and thoughts and prayers mean so much to me. My prayer with this journey is that in some way, God would be glorified. After all, He is the creator of our bodies and I believe He's also the reason we reach for the stars! God bless ya'll this fine Friday morning!

1/8th of a Marathon. :-)