Author: Zombie

Stress in your life? RUN!!

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Stress…I know, the word we all throw around and carry with us on a daily basis.  Demands at work, at home, with family, traveling, it all has a certain amount of stress involved.  My best advice…Go out and run!!

I have conversations with people and try my best to share the feelings I get after a run.  I use words like Zen, cleansed, happy, centered and numerous others that really fit how I am when I return from my run.  What if you can’t run??  Walk!  Don’t like walking, Bike!  Just move!  Sitting and doing nothing is never going to accomplish anything.  I’ve talked about my off days from running and Oh Lord!  Just taking a day off I get tired, ache and develop an edge to me that makes me a somewhat “no fun” person to be around!

Along with doing these 30 races to celebrate 30 years of running.  I’ve teamed up with Mobile Meals to try to help fund the incredible work that they do at their organization.  I also want to continue to spread the word of what physical fitness can do for each and every one of you!  You’ll hear me speak most times of running because it’s what I love to do.  It doesn’t mean that if you don’t run, you don’t count.  I’m simply sharing my formula for my success.  I’ll try to give at least 30 tips of what I’ve learned during the 30 years along the way.  Some might be silly things but it’ll be fun none the less!

I’ll be off to run now in the big wind!  It’s cold today and the wind is still blowing but I feel a need to hit the pavement!  As I like to say…”The Road is Calling!”  I hope you all have a wonderful day and keep moving!

Zombie

Sometimes Running is the only thing that makes sense.

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I know you’ve all had them.  A day when you just wish you could crawl back under the covers and start the day all over again.  It could be the job you go to each day, family matters, just about anything.  There are those days when I just can’t wrap my brain around some of the insanity that is life.  When this happens to me…I go run!

Sometimes the calm of the road and the time passing with the miles is just what I needed to set things back into their proper order.  I can’t control others, but I can control my running.  I don’t have to have any set course, no predetermined miles, no ipod or GPS.  I just crave the release that comes from going the distance.

Today was a rough day.  I won’t go into all the details, at this time, they really don’t matter.  I’ll rest tonight, God willing, wake up in the morning and hit the pavement!  Because…Sometimes Running is the only thing that makes sense.

Zombie

The Journey is the destination

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This is a common theme in my life and I like to share it often.  “The Journey is the destination.”  Stop for a moment and really take that in.  I think sometimes we’re in such a hurry to finish, we forget to just be, to live in the moment.

I was thinking tonight after returning home from work about 30 years of running.  The minute I said it, images started flashing in my head of all the many things I’ve seen through the years, on roads, on trails and in parks.  It was my own mental drive-in theatre!  What an amazing journey…Thus Far!  I then had the thoughts of how much longer will my body hold up to do this kind of thing, will I be able to complete the challenge I’ve set for myself, will I make a difference.  Right there and then, I stopped myself.  Enjoy the journey Robert!

So many things from my running cross over into other areas of my life.  When taking a trip and driving state to state…I’m thinking…The Journey is the destination and just start recording everything!  From all the many cows that we pass (and I love cows!), to the kinds of cars on the road, the fields, streams, bridges, people we meet at gas stations or diners.  It’s all part of the Journey and should be enjoyed, just like on a run!

Another one of my favorite quotes.  “There will be a day when I can no longer run…Today is not that day!”  I’m still able to get out there and be one with the road and I will treasure it every step of the way.  When the journey comes to an end (the destination).  I’ll know that I gave it my all and enjoyed all life had to offer!  No Regrets!

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