Author: Zombie

Gear for the elements

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One of the most important things I’ve found when it comes to running, is the gear you wear.  I started out doing my walks and just ran tree to tree.  At the time, I wore some good ole Nike Air Max and thought they were just cool to look at…lol!  As time progressed, I’ve learned that your shoe…and your sock are vital pieces of the equation.  Those Nike Air Max shoes were never fit by someone that knows shoes.  I purchased them at the mall…lol!  So after losing the toenail on my big toe twice, I decided that there must be some kind of problem.

I made the trip across town to Dave’s Running shop.  Was fitted properly and also found out that I needed a wide shoe (2E).  This would open up the toe box space and allow my toenails to stay on my toes!  Who knew?!  My first pair of really good running shoes were the New Balance 851’s and boy did they change my world of running!  The sky became the limit!

Cotton is the enemy!  Socks, underwear, running shirts, shorts…please, don’t wear cotton!  You’ll thank me later or you’ll tell me how badly you chafed areas of your body.  (Not fun!)  Again, stay running gear specific.  Tech shirts polyester based, spandex are awesome!  Socks…well, I have my favorites.  Feetures brand are my go to almost year round.  When it’s really cold, I switch up to Smartwool brand.  A bit warmer for the tough winter winds and snow.  Most of the big companies make a sock and everyone seems to have their favorite.  Just don’t go and throw on some cotton “tube socks” and think you’re going to run a marathon…hee hee!

Thicker is not always warmer!  The technology has grown in leaps and bounds in running gear.  So many things can be purchased that are thin yet warm, waterproof, moisture wicking, they are truly amazing now days!  I can go out on a very cold and windy day and be wearing running underwear, wind resistant running pants, heat holding compression top, a heat holding shirt over that, hat, gloves, shoes and socks.  To the untrained eye, you’d think I would freeze.  Actually I feel amazingly comfortable!  If there is heavy snow coming down, I throw a pullover shell jacket (windbreaker type) to keep from soaking the heat gear.  Again, we’ve come a long way in the technology here.

If you live in the local area, I recommend both Dave’s Running shop or Second Sole Running shop.  Both have just about anything that you’d need to get yourself out year round in comfort.  They are runners…so they get it!!  I hope to see you all out enjoying the winter months as often as you can (outside!)  Don’t let Mother nature ruin you fun!  Embrace the technology used in the running gear and hit it!

Zombie

Running and the elements

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A postal carrier goes by “Neither rain, sleet or snow…the mail must go!”

For a runner, it’s pretty much the same thing!  We’ll head out the door if it’s sub-zero or 100!  Rain, snow, winds it really doesn’t matter…the run must be done!  It sounds crazy to some but it’s really a way of life for me.  I do have the option of going to the gym, in a controlled environment and running on a treadmill, but I choose to be in the elements.  When race day comes, you take what mother nature throws at you!  If you’ve trained in everything, there’ll be no surprises.  I tell people all the time that I believe it makes me a better and yes, stronger runner when I go out into adverse conditions.

Today it was 21 degrees with a SSW 15 mph wind and snowing.  I sat and studied my weather channel app and checked to see if it would improve at all or if I should just hit it.  So hit it I did!  6 miles put down on the trails of the local metropark.  There was only one other car in the park and it was so amazingly quiet.  It turned into one of the most peaceful runs ever.  I thought to myself, look at what all those people on treadmills are missing!  Cool winds, snow coming at you from all directions, snow-covered trails and field areas, critters running about looking for snacks, it was just wonderful!

I have a saying saved in my phone.  “If you wait for the perfect conditions, you’ll never get anything done.”  I think that sums it up perfect!  Nothing in our lives is going to go perfect all the time.  Lord knows I have challenges all around me day and night!  I can’t sit and wait for things to improve, I have to face them, head on!  No matter what the adversity.

Next time you look out the window and see that it’s raining, snowing or some kind of silly funk.  Think of what I said here.  Put on some gear, walk out that door and hit it!  I’ll be out there too!

Zombie

With Every Challenge, There Must Be Rules

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I’ve set out to do 30 races for 30 years of running.  A big challenge…Yes!  But doable!  So that everyone knows what to expect and I am held accountable for this.  I’ve set some rules in place.

1.  All Races are to be completed between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015

2.  All Races must be no shorter distance than a 5K (3.1 miles)

3.  If I obtain any sponsors during the year, I will honor them by wearing their logo and giving them shout outs via Facebook, 30races.com and to anyone that might speak with me before, during or after a race.

4.  I’ll do my best to run most of the races locally.  (But I do enjoy travel and can’t help but run!)

5.  I shall seek out races that honor another charity!  Paying my race fees to another charity…double bonus!

6  Some races can and may be done as virtual.  If you’re not familiar…you can sign up for a race and yes, most are for charities.  You have a set time in which to complete the distance required.  Your time is to be turned into the administrators via picture upload usually of my Garmin.  Medal is then sent through the mail to your home and/or a t-shirt of the event.  I may have to do some of these due to my work schedule.

7.  There is no set amount of races to be done in a month’s time.  I have to do 30 races…might be in all 12 months, might be in 6!  Yikes!!  I hope not!

8.  I will always speak about my charities and ask that others help them if they can.  There are people out there that need our help.

I think that covers most of it.  I look forward to posting pictures of these events!  I look forward to boosting funds for my charities!  Let’s get this rolling and have great success!

Zombie

The First Fun Shirt is a go!

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I’ve set up just a quick fund-raiser for Mobile Meals on my Facebook page Run Zombie Run.  It’s through Booster.com…a part of Customink!  They’re fun 50/50 T-shirts that say Run Zombie Run!  Done in a safety green/yellow color so that you’re noticed when out walking, running or biking.  All profits from this will go directly to Mobile Meals of Toledo!  So it’s really a win, win!  YAY!!  https://www.booster.com/mobilemealsoftoledo is the page.  I’ll be looking into doing more shirts and some decals as well.  Tech shirts and decals I’ll go through some local companies and give notice when they’ve become available.  This is just a great start and I’m super excited! 🙂

Zombie

Treadmills OR Dreadmills?!

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When the weather gets to the point of ridiculous, like today.  One needs to seek other forms of cardio, of the indoor version.  Now most runners can step right up to a treadmill and go without any issues.  Me, it’s a whole different adventure!  I hate to even look at the damn things!  I don’t trust them, I don’t like the way they sound and I really hate looking at myself running in a mirror!!  (Thanks Snap Fitness for that!)  Did I mention the close proximity of other people while you’re trying to run on this torture device??!!  I just may be one of the sweatiest persons on the planet when it comes to running.  If you’re parked on a treadmill next to me, yeah, you may get overspray on your machine…sorry. 😦

These machines are discussed by runners all the time.  The best brand, how far can you run on them, do you go to a gym to use or is it at home?  That kind of stuff.  My take has always been, I will run outdoors every single change I get!  It has to be God awful outside for me to get on the Dreadmill!

The other issue I have, I can’t do long distance on one.  Mental block of some kind, but I just can’t do it.  Today after doing my weights, I walked over to the “yuck machine.”  Maybe muttered under my breath for a moment or two and then climbed aboard.  I was able to get 2 miles worth of sprints done and a very mild “runner’s high!”  I did get it done though and I’m happy for that!

So I’m curious, your take on these machines.  Do you love them?  Do you hate them?  Love to hear stories!  Maybe I’ll share some of my adventures another day of the many mishaps I’ve had on the Deadmill!  My reasons for such distrust…lol!  I can laugh now…but it wasn’t so funny at the time!

Happy Tuesday all!  Get up and get moving!

Zombie

Running alone or with others…it’s all good!

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I went out this evening and ran my weekly long run with my sister Patti.  9.5 miles in the cold and yes…SNOW!  While the conditions were less than favorable, the scenery and company were spectacular!  Running with my younger sister has given us a special bond.  While we are siblings, we are runners and that, in it’s self is a special bond.

Running together gives us time to discuss our wonderful jobs. (slight bit of sarcasm there!)  Time to discuss family, friends, upcoming runs, holidays…just about everything.  As the miles pass by, you kind of get in a zone.  You might continue to talk or sometimes just have moments where you’re just taking it all in.  Chatting or in silence, it’s truly special time together.

Several years back I had the opportunity to train with my older sister Gini as well.  This was a unique challenge.  She wanted to do a full marathon!  The catch…we were going to walk instead of run.  Due to physical issues, my sister is unable to run but has the iron will and drive that I felt could carry her through the training and eventually over the finish line.  We trained for an entire summer together and wow…what fun we had!  When the day came for the marathon (The Dayton Air Force Marathon) I told her to treat the day like any other training walk.  I gave her heads up on all the strange and exciting things that she would experience during the miles ahead…including the dreaded “WALL” at 20 miles!  Oh buddy did she hit that…lol!  To this day we still talk about that walk and I still beam with pride whenever she tells stories about our summer of training.

I’ve spent many miles out on the road alone.  I find the peace and quiet to be special, but special in a different way then when I’m with my family or friends.  The time doesn’t always pass as quickly as it would with a partner, but I can just focus on my training, my problems, my victories…just focus on me.  I can plan out my day, think about upcoming races, even day dream about Corvettes…lmao!

There is no right or wrong here.  There are many wonders to discover…both alone or with friends.  I’m a big believer in when someone ask me to run with them, I run their pace.  I refuse to leave my partner behind…ever!  If I’m special enough to be invited into someone’s world, I want to leave them with good memories and happy thoughts!

So get out there!  Walk, Run, Bike!  Go on your own if no one else will go!  If someone invites you, take them up on it and be the best running/walking/biking partner ever!  If you find yourself in need of a run, call me up, I’ll be more than happy to meet up with you and I’ll never leave your side…I promise! 🙂

Zombie

The Blessing That Is Running…

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I’ve had discussions with numerous people asking the question “Why do you run?”  Fair enough question and my response can vary but always comes back to a core message.  I don’t have to run…I get to run!  I’ve been blessed to be able to lace up my shoes and just go for many years.  I’ve been lucky enough to steer clear of the injury bug for the better part of these soon to be 30 years.

Running does amazing things for me.  I like to refer to it as my “Zen.”  It helps me to maintain my weight, makes my body feel alive, clears bad feelings from my head, helps me to see clearly, the day ahead.  I could really just ramble on forever about the benefits of running.

To hear a person say “I have to go do my run” makes me kind of sad.  It should never be a chore.  Each run is a celebration of your life!  When I’m on the road I see amazing things, I hear new and often times exciting sounds, I feel the air…both warm summer breezes and cold arctic chills…I’m Alive!

Please stick with me on this upcoming adventure in 2015.  I promise to share every moment of every run!  I’ll add pictures so that you can enjoy some of the silliness that is me!  I want you all at the end of this to say…damn…I want to run!  The idea that I could touch someone’s life, maybe make a difference while achieving a goal that I’ve set for myself just blows my mind!

Remember…We don’t have to run.  We get to run!

Zombie

Zero Dark 30

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As some of you may know, I have a bizarre work schedule.  I’m currently on day shifts (6 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.) if all goes well!  I wake up at about 3:15 a.m. so that I can hit the road around 4 a.m. for my morning run.  It may sound crazy to most but I’ve found that this time of day is by far my favorite to run!  No traffic, peaceful and dark!  They don’t call me Zombie for no reason…lol!

This a.m. presents one of the challenges of winter running. (COLD!!)  I’m not the biggest fan of cold and really hate snow!  I have to dig deep to muster the energy it takes to layer up clothing and wander out into the chilly winds that await.  Yeah it’s a little crazy but it’s so worth it!  The end result is that I’ll feel more relaxed and ready to take on the challenges of the day!

So go out there, visit the world at all times of day!  See what you’re really made of!  If it’s at Zero dark 30…you just might spot a Zombie!  Happy Saturday all!

Zombie

Rest is part of it…

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Today is a rest day!  For most people, this would sound kind of fantastic.  To a runner…not so much!  I get edged out, anxious, tired and just a bit crazy.  I know it’s all part of the plan and rest is just as important as the actual running.

I’m working on cutting down my sugar intake a bit.  Self proclaimed sugar junky!  I may have issues with jelly beans!  Nerds jelly beans with bumps are by far the best!  Anyway, I’m trying to clean things up and get leaned out a bit before springtime.  I keep telling myself that leaner will mean faster!  Not that it matters that much but I do enjoy improvement.

I’ve returned to the gym as well.  In order to keep this train a rolling throughout the next year, I have to stay away from injury.  The best way to stay away from injury, maintain muscle mass!  Especially on an “older” frame…lol!  It felt good going back to my gym.  I needed the break to just enjoy the great weather we had this whole summer and fall.  Sometimes the break can do wonderful things!

Today was a full 10 hour workday and it’s time to put some protein into the body!  “Feed the Machine” is what I tell people all the time.  Enjoy your evening peeps!  I’ll do my best to actually rest. 🙂

Zombie

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I have to be honest.  I’m inspired by a woman who has done much more than I could ever hope to.  She helps quietly and without fanfare.  She’ll spend time driving meals on her lunch time, help children with their reading during after school hours and volunteer for just about any cause that’s in need.  During the water crisis in our area, she was called upon to deliver water to those that had no way of getting any.  She dropped what she was doing and immediately went and filled her car with water, spent the day delivering to the masses.

I suppose this is my way of saying thank you to her.  This is my way of letting her know that I’ve become a better person from watching her actions.  I’m letting her know that what she does daily is something special…that she is special!

When I run these 30 races in 2015, there will be someone with me at all times.  Whether she’s able to make it to the race or not.  I’ll carry her in my heart during every step.  I want her to know that she’s changed me…for the better!  I want to thank her for being an inspiration to so many!  My wife (Karla Neeley) is my hero.

I know that when she reads this she’ll say something like “that’s not necessary” or “you’re a silly boy”.  I think it’s necessary!  I have hope in my heart now and it’s because of her.  I look forward to the challenge ahead and WILL make a difference!  Because I still believe in heroes…

Zombie