Author: Zombie

Not all pretty runs!

/ Zombie / Leave a comment

Today was long run Sunday with my sister Patti.  As some of you may know, Patti just returned to the running game last year and might I  add…has rocked it!  From not running at all to running her third half marathon last weekend is truly amazing!  She puts in the time and the run in return…brings her peace.  Keep running Sis!

The weather looked to be the best we’re going to get for another week or so.  That being said, we decided to hit the roads and see how things shook out today.  My initial hope was to run 13 miles or better.  (I may have forgotten to share that with my sister…lol!)  We headed out and started chatting about the week in Florida and how we wish we were running there right now instead of here!  The temperature was around 21 degrees when we left but there was really no wind to speak of. (YAY!!)  Walked out to the front of my sub-division and hit it!  Down the road we went!  Everything was going well…hit our usual pee stop at a local gas station out here in Oregon and popped open a pack of delicious GU!  Salted Caramel!  Patti’s new favorite!  This was at about mile 5.5..ventured further out into Oregon and my back started giving me fits.  I worked out at the gym the day before yesterday and was getting what is known as “the 2 day effect!”  the second day after a big work out usually brings a certain tightness to the muscles.  I decided to keep plugging away and at about mile 8.2…it was getting a bit rough.  We stopped and walked for a little and then pushed on.  I made it another 1.1 miles and knew I was just toast.  All total with our running and walking we managed 10.3 miles.  They weren’t the prettiest…but we got it done!

I’ll make the proper adjustments and make sure to keep back work outs away from my long run days in the future.  The back has already settled down…so all is well.  The idea that we can always go out there and have perfect runs is frankly…just silly!  Some days I feel like I could run for days!  Then you have days when you feel like a mile is all you can go.  I just chalk it all up as movement!  Anything beats nothing every damn day!

It looks like there’ll be another arctic blast coming for the week so time outdoors running will be kept at a premium.  I think the Stairmaster will be my “friend” for the better part of this week.  Blah!!  Training must continue!  Busy March schedule of racing coming just around the corner!  March 14th…The run for PI!  March 21st…The Great Black Swamp Festival of races!  Then on March 22nd…Wearin of the Green!  I’ll be scheduling a massage soon (Becky at MassageWorks keeps me moving!).  It looks as though my sister will be coming in from Florida for the Black Swamp and Wearing of the green!  So again, I’ll have family to keep me motivated and happy!

Hang tough everyone!  The runs aren’t always pretty, the weather isn’t always good, but the heart will carry you through it all!  Happy Running and…I’ll see you out on the road!

Zombie

Florida…Running with a purpose!

/ Zombie / Leave a comment

Well…I know I’m a little behind on my blogging, but better late than never!  The Florida trip was absolutely amazing!!  Temperatures were spot on perfect for both running and just enjoying being outside.  The lowest temp was about 45 and the high reached about 76.  Most days hovered around the 70 degree mark and I loved every minute of it!  The time spent with family was priceless and running two races back to back with them…beyond words!

The expo on Friday before race weekend was big fun!  We met a group called LifeCapsule.  They were asking for donations of blood that are then used for research.  How can you say no to making the world a better place and hopefully saving lives?!  They were all great people and we took a picture with the group.  (it’s posted on my Facebook page Run Zombie Run and on LifeCapsule’s Facebook page).  We hovered around and checked out all the newest gear, supplements and just general stuff!  Checked out some of the upcoming races around the country and just enjoyed the running community.  I was very excited about the custom Bib for the A1A Half Marathon.  They allowed enough letters for me to spell out RunZombieRun right on my Bib!!  YaY!!!!  So not only would I be wearing my Runzombierun shirt…but have a matching Bib!  All about that!!  LOL!!  We also stopped by the table to pick up our Bibs and shirts for the Fort Lauderdale 5K that would be held the day before the A1A Half.  Great shirt for that race!  I was just riding a high the entire time!

I came to Florida with another issue.  A good friend had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and was going through the beginning of her journey.  This wasn’t sitting well with me and I hate to see such a good soul struggle and worry.  My first thought…I need to run for her!  I sent her a text and told her that I would place her name on my arm and dedicate my miles for the weekend to her.  You see, running is something that I love but also something that should be shared and celebrated.  It was an honor to run for Ann.  In true Ann fashion, she was more excited for me running the race and couldn’t believe that I would take the time to think about her.  Just amazing…thinking of me when she has this battle going on.  My words to her were “just keep being awesome and fight!”  I’ll carry you this weekend.  So carry her I did!  I posted my fastest times in both races!  Took 3rd place in my age division at the 5K and posted a 1:57:29 at the Half Marathon.  During the half…my foot became a bit sore (still fighting sore tendons) and I got a bit caught up with it.  Right there and then I thought…seriously…you have a sore foot and you’re running for someone who is fighting cancer?!  Move your ass and stop whining!  Part of the whole Run Zombie Run is to run for others.  To run for those who can’t or for those struggling.  I lace up everyday thinking how lucky and very blessed I am to enjoy this sport called running.  I will continue to run with a purpose.  I will continue to inspire and even carry others.  What would I be if I didn’t look beyond myself?

I want to take another moment to thank so many of you for stepping up and donating to Mobile Meals of Toledo!!  When I started this journey…I stressed so much that I would never be able to make a difference.  You’ve all proven that “we” can make a difference!  25 more races to go!  I know that I can do this…injuries be damned!!  I have a purpose and a passion…that makes me one hell of a serious runner! 🙂  Lace up!  Find your purpose!  Start your Journey!  But most of all, remember to think of others.  I’ll see you on the road!

Zombie

Ready, Set….GO!

/ Zombie / 1 Comment

Just a few days away from heading south!  Davie, Florida is the destination and 2 exciting races along with a wonderful visit with my sister will be in order!  The weather looks to be on the “perfect” side for running.  If things shape up as they show now, we’ll be looking at about 50 degrees at the start of the race.  For the Floridians…that might be freezing!  For a Ohio guy…That is a Rock Solid temperature!  The 5K will start at about 7:30 a.m. on Saturday 2/14/15…Valentine’s Day!!  My honey of a wife has decided to join the group and run this too…yay!!  The Half Marathon starts at about 7 a.m. on Sunday morning 2/15/15.  We’ll be running the famed A1A roadway.  A major roadway through all of south Florida.  The finish is at/on the beach!

The foot seems to be cooperating with me right now which is a total thrill!  I may try to set a new PR for myself at the 5K and then just cruise and enjoy the Half Marathon.  We’ll see after I get there.  I’ll have to go through all of my running gear and pick out my favorite shoes to take along.  Those that are not aware, runners are very funny about everything they wear on race day.  From the shoes all the way through!  I know what is battle tested and will stick with just that!  I have different sets of clothing all based on temperatures, wind, even taking the humidity into consideration.  Yep…weather nerd as well!  I will of course be sporting my Nike Tech shirt with the Run Zombie Run on the front and Mobile Meals of Toledo on the back!  In fact…all of us will be wearing just that shirt!  Pictures to follow!

Looking forward to big fun and lots of laughs.  Love being around family and then you add running to it…shut the front door!!  It’ll be perfect!  Anyone wishing to donate to Mobile Meals of Toledo in honor of these upcoming races…please feel free to visit runzombierun.net and drop a few bucks on a great cause!  I’ll be out there running my heart out…I promise you that!  For those that have donated already…again…a Huge Thank you!  You’re making my dream of giving back a reality.  Time to get Mobile for Mobile Meals!  See you on the road!

Zombie

Road to Florida!

/ Zombie / Leave a comment

Well today was long run (fun run!) Saturday with my sister Patti.  The time of week we both look forward to after a long and generally crap week of work…lol!  A little added drama came with the package today.  I’ve been nursing inflamed tendons in my left foot and was concerned about picking up the mileage.  I’ve taken the past couple of weeks off from any kind of running…other than a quick 4.5 mile run the other day.  So really…the foot was untested.  Sunny skies and nice temperatures boosted our moods for sure!  Light wind coming out of the SSW at about 9 mph were just perfect.  We shuffled along and started talking about our upcoming trip to Florida. Visiting with my sister and hitting 2 fun races!  the Fort Lauderdale 5K is on Valentine’s
Day and the following morning is the 10th Anniversary of the Florida A1A Half Marathon!  So looking forward to warmer temps and being with my wife and sisters!  Good times!

The run went along just fine today.  No major glitches in the foot!  Yay!!!  I was super worried it would really start to hurt and I have 27 more races to go!  Kept the shoe laces loose to give room in case the tendon decided to blow up on me, kept the pace at a very comfortable 9:30 mile and just took it all in.  There’s nothing like an injury to come along and make you realize just how much you crave your runs!  Getting out there again today made me ever so grateful to be able to still do what I’m doing.  Spending quality time with my sister and participating in the sport I love the most.  AWESOME!!

For those that are following the blog and such on a regular basis, there are plans to give my camera a test run next Thursday for a sunrise run at Hollywood Beach, Florida!  I’ll get this loaded up on all of the websites as soon as possible.  I may strap the camera on for one or both of the races over the weekend.  I haven’t decided yet how that’s going to go…stay tuned!

Keep the positive thoughts, text and messages coming!  It helps!  I can always use the extra push to keep these feet moving!  I’ll see you out on the road!

Zombie

Victory is mine!

/ Zombie / Leave a comment

Woke up today feeling a little blah.  Winter is in full swing and I’m already very tired of it.  As much as I enjoy the evening hours (Zombie) I don’t do well in the winter with all the darkness.  Make sense??  Probably not but I struggle just the same.  I got up with a mission in mind.  I wrote out a list of “things to do” but along with that list I had an appointment with the Stairmaster!!  I decided that I was going to win the battle with that stupid machine once and for all.

I’ve been struggling with a sore foot and trying desperately to keep away from running too much so that I can complete my races coming up in Florida.  My machine of choice instead of the running has been the Stairmaster.  I’ve mentioned this piece-O-crap machine in previous blogs and on my Facebook page.  It’s a love hate relationship!  It gives you the best and most challenging workout but totally drains you.  I hate deadmills and refuse to use them unless absolutely necessary…which is pretty much never!  Blah!!  So I woke up and decided that today was the day!  I was going to win and get the 60 minutes on the stairmaster…no matter what!  Got on my running gear, tech shirt, tech shorts, set up towels for the sweat to drip on ( I know..gross…but it happens) got out an amazing stick of gum and set the machine for 60 minutes at level 7.  I rolled through the first 20 minutes without any issues.  The sweat really started to come down at 35 minutes and I took on a gel/GU pack at 45 minutes.  This is just before the machine sets you up for a sprint to the finish!  I’m not going to sit here and tell you that it was easy and I won’t tell you that I didn’t struggle…but I did it!!  I wanted to jump from the machine in the air and shout yeah!  I beat you!!  I thought better of it as the gym was kind of busy and people would really wonder about my sanity…lol!  Inside…I was bubbling over though!  Now with this new injury to the foot I’ve not felt myself and been a little down.  Completing my task today gave me a boost!  Reminded me that I’m still solid and can still meet my goals…injuries be damned!

This may seem a little silly to some but it’s huge in my mind!  I needed this and I needed this today of all days!  It’s the kind of thing that can help me to stay focused in all other areas of my life.  It reminds me that I’m capable, driven and yes…a little crazy!  No matter what plays out today, I’m good!  I’ll carry this little victory with me and a smile…knowing that today…I won!

zombie

Inspire!

/ Zombie / Leave a comment

Along with getting out there and running all these races.  I’m always hoping to pick up a few “new to running” people!  I think while I’m working on this blog…who is reading this, how does it make them feel, will it inspire them?!  For those who might be thinking of taking up running, don’t be scared.  There’s a great program out there on the web called couch to 5K!  (C25K)  I highly recommend using this to start out your adventure and believe me, it will be an adventure!  (I say that in a positive voice!)  I said it before and will continue to say it…running has changed my life, made me stronger, given me hope and confidence!  The running bug is the best bug to have…in my humble opinion!

A young lady I know is currently taking up this C25K and has stated that she’d like to run a 5K before the end of my 30 races this year.  Can I just say…that is one of the most amazing things anyone could ever say to me!  I welcome anyone and everyone to climb on board this crazy train at anytime.  I keep my races listed on my Facebook page at Run Zombie Run and also on the website runzombierun.net.  I have plans of doing the vast majority of the races here locally in the Toledo, Ohio area…so by all means…come on out!  If you need a boost, maybe an occasional text to help motivate you, I can do that!  Don’t worry about what pace I might be running, if you ask me to run with you, I’ll stay right by your side and run your pace.  I feel it’s only right that if someone is new to running that I help promote running first before my own personal desires.  This whole idea of running the 30 races was set up to celebrate the 30 years of running but to make it about others.  It’s bigger than me!

I have 3 races currently schedule for March.  Run for PI will be on…you guessed it 3/14/15!  This run will take place at Second Sole running shop in Perrysburg (Levis Commons).  I have a big run (25K) The Black Swamp Festival of races March 21, 2015 and the following day I’m running a 7K race at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon!  More will be scheduled for April and I’ll be doing quite a few 5K runs (3.1 miles) during the summer months.

I’m currently nursing a very sore left foot.  It decided to be angry with me after the Dave’s 10 Miler.  Doc says the tendons are inflamed and to take it easy for a little bit.  I’ve cut down on the training mileage but have no plans to stop the races!  Florida is only 2 weeks away and I have both a 5K on 2/14/15 and then a Half Marathon on 2/15/15 scheduled!  I will finish what I’ve started…you can mark those words down now!

So stay tuned for more on all of this exciting stuff coming!  Do your part to inspire others to be happy and healthy!  Remember that I’m never more than an email or text away and will help in any way I can to promote your fitness goals!  You can do it!  Keep moving and stay healthy!  I’ll see you out on the road!

Zombie

Digging deep

/ Zombie / 1 Comment

I think with every race you do, you learn something about yourself.  Today was one of the most challenging races to date for me.  It was the Dave’s 10 Miler in Delta, Ohio.  I knew late January in NW Ohio would be interesting but was just blown away by what was waiting to greet me at the starting line.  24 degrees with a feel like of about 14.  Steady winds out of the NE at 22 mph and gusting close to if not over 30 mph.  To top things off, the streets were covered but not enough to strap on my Yaktrax.  This left me wearing just regular running shoes and crossing fingers for no disaster.

My gear was absolutely flawless!  Wind blocking underwear (Thanks Wife!), wind blocking running pants, double compression shirts and my trusty weather reflecting hoodie!  Run Junkee hat and mittens of course!  There were 4 overpass crossings during the run and they brought you right out into the freezing cold wind!  The snow was coming in that wind at such a clip, you could hardly see anything in front of you.  So no great scenery during this race…lol!  I have no idea where I ran or what I passed!  HA!  There were wonderful volunteers in several spots on the course and regular “sag wagons” on the look out for a runner going down or giving up.  There was a stretch that went straight into the bitter wind that I really thought was going to break me.  I couldn’t believe that I was even entertaining such a thought, but I was about to break!  I told myself to remember everyone that you’re running for!  The reason you signed up in the first place!  DIG DEEP!  Those were the words that rang through my head for miles after that.  I can’t give up…there’s too much riding on these races and I can’t stop!

I took on both GU and water during the run, was visited by Cold Miser and zapped with ice crystals growing from my beard!  lol!!  It was just the craziest race ever!  When I reached mile 9, it was yet another head wind.  I was tired but knew that I could crush a mile no matter what!  I pushed through and gave it everything all the way to the clock!  1 hour 34 minutes and change!  That’s about a 9:26 mile and I’ll take it!  Can I run faster…sure…but not in these conditions!  The race was everything that was promised.  Tough course, tough weather and a bunch of tough runners!  Props to all those that came out and ran the 5K or the 10 miles!  I was so amazed to see so many runners show up on such a crappy day all in the name of running.  Rock on Runners…Rock on!

So if you’re faced with a difficult task…dig deep!  Find that spot inside you that says “I’ll Never Quit!”  It’s there…I found it today!

Happy running!

Zombie

Working on my goals

/ Zombie / Leave a comment

With 2015 I set several goals that I wanted to reach.  The main and most purposeful one was to run 30 races to celebrate 30 years of running.  The reason this is my main goal and purpose…I’m working on raising funds for Mobile Meals of Toledo in the process!  A Facebook page, my blog 30races.com and a website runzombierun.net have all come about to help others and make things better for people right her in Toledo.  I’m completely focused on getting this job done and in grand fashion!  It’s important to me.

There are several fitness goals I’d like to reach as well.  Being able to do 60 minutes on the damn Stairmaster!  I’ve made it to 50 now and it just about dropped me!  That last 10 minutes will be mine before this year is up!  For those curious, I set the machine at level 7 on Fat Burning mode and my weight of 215lbs.  Yeah…I’m no little guy!  That machine and I have a serious love/hate relationship and I’ll find a way to kick its ass!

I’d like to run (12) 1/2 marathons as part of my 30 races for this year.  I also have the silly idea of doing back to back 1/2 marathons over a weekend!  This actually might happen in the state of Michigan during the month of October.  Frankenmuth has one on a Saturday and then there’s the Sleeping Bear half on Sunday a bit further to the North.  I like the idea and I love both areas in Michigan.  Stay tuned for more on that as the year moves on.

The winter months are going well with the training and being able to find races.  I’m crossing my fingers for the Dave’s 10 Miler next Sunday.  Hoping that the roads are clear so that I don’t have footing issues.  Never been scared of the cold, but slippery roads are a nightmare!  They either need to be clear or completely snow-covered.  If snow-covered, I can throw on my Yaktrax and boogy right on through.  Excited and nervous about that one.

3 Weeks away from the Florida A1A 1/2 marathon and the Ft. Lauderdale 5K the day before.  My sister lives in south Florida so I thought it would be cool to head down there and have her run with me!  Running during vacations is kind of a regular thing for me.  I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t get some miles in somehow…lol!

I’ve also set a goal to clean up my eating a bit and be more regular at the gym.  This may sound strange but I love running so much that I find it hard to “make myself” go to the gym most days.  When the weather’s nice it becomes even tougher.  I keep telling myself that I’ll become a better runner if I spend the time doing my workouts with the weights.  I got this!

I hope everyone is finding time to get some kind of workouts done.  It’s so important to set time aside for your health!  There’s only one you and we only get one shot at this game.  Take care and be safe all!  See  you on the roads!

Zombie

Running for Meg

/ Zombie / Leave a comment

On Saturday 1/17/15 I went out for my weekly long run with my sister Patti.  This day was a little different and very special.  We ran our miles for Meg Menzies.  Meg was an avid runner that went out one morning on her training run and was run down by a drunk driver.  Not only do I have serious issues with those that choose to get behind the wheel after drinking, but I also take issue to those that pay no attention to those of us that use the roads.  This woman was training for the Boston marathon and had her whole life in front of her.  Calling it senseless is just scratching the surface for me.  My sister and I ran the miles and shared stories and reflected on our lives, families and dreams.  Never let a moment pass you by without notice…we never know when it will end.

If you are a walker, biker or runner, you probably already know all the dangers that lurk every time you walk out the door.  As a roadrunner, I must  have my head on a swivel at all times!  I find people are usually distracted by talking, eating, using their phones, texting or just not awake!  I also wear just about everything glowing known to man when I leave…especially in these darker months.  I have lights, reflectors and of course, my RoadID!  My wife calls it my “flat Stanley.”  A RoadID is a must if you’re out there on the road.  This band has my name, address (if you choose), contacts person and phone numbers all listed.  This is a great item should something happen (God willing it never will) and the emergency persons will know who you are and who to contact.  I highly recommend purchasing one of these items.  roadid.com

Now the worst persons we runners deal with out there are the ones who find sport in swerving at runners while passing!  Yes…this does go on out there!  There are some that throw things, cat call, spit or just flip you off because you’re on “their” road!  Living in an area that doesn’t offer a lot of sidewalk space…the road is where I have to be.  Even if we did have sidewalks, good luck getting through them in the winter months!  Now back to the idiots…  If you know of someone who thinks it’s cute to do any of the above mentioned acts towards runners, do me a favor and smack their heads!  It’s not a game out there and we have enough to worry about without adding silliness to the mix.  Think of the young mother (Meg) who lost her life and for the many who have been killed or injured due to similar situations.  We as runners do our part to stay out-of-the-way of traffic and wear the proper gear to be seen.  Do your part and give a little room and help keep us alive!

Thanks for the listen and be safe out there!

Zombie

Not young anymore…

/ Zombie / Leave a comment

Started my leg workout yesterday and on the second set of squats…the back decided to go through one of it’s many issues and knot up!  This has been a regular issue with my back due to numerous car accidents through the years.  (No…not my fault)  So, I decided that squats would have to wait until another day…along with deadlifts.  I went on and finished my legs on machines that would give my back enough support to keep from feeling worse.  Lots of stretching in between sets helped to keep it from getting too crazy!  I also plugged away and did my 45 minutes on the Stairmaster.  God that thing is such a torture device!  3.5 miles, 550 calories and 170 floors climbed.  As usual, I was soaked pretty much head to toe afterwards.

When returning home, I took the motrin and did more stretching to keep the back from freezing up and really hurting.  After a nice shower, an ice pack was in order.  On a positive note, I kept moving and stretching enough that it didn’t tie up further.  I slept good and can still move about today.  So yay!!

I share all of this because I want people to know that you can work through injuries, soreness and aging.  I have 3 pins in my right hip from playing football and being injured at a young age, I also have a lower back and right hip full of arthritis from the above injury and as I stated before, numerous car accidents.  I was told that running would be a bad idea many years ago by my bone doctor.  Well, here I am 30 years later and still running.  I’ve actually found that by staying moving and regular weight training, I’ve kept pain at bay.  The running actually makes my back stay loose and feel better.  My family doctor always says that he’s amazed I don’t hurt more due to the amount of arthritis.  His words “What ever you’re doing…keep doing it because it’s working!”  So there you go…Keep doing it!

Running has not only been my relief from life stress, it’s been my saving grace with injuries and slowing of the aging process.  I feel better every single time I hit the road and run!  Lessons learned…”A body in motion stays in motion!”  We weren’t meant to lay around and do nothing.  Everything about the human body says MOVE!!  So while I’m not the young kid anymore, I’ll continue to fight aging, keep the joints in motion, stretch, lift and enjoy my life in the best way possible.  Keep Moving Everyone!

Zombie