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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

How this all started…

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In the summer of 1985, I found myself lost.  No not on a side street or busy highway, lost in my life and wondering what my purpose was on this earth.  I decided to take a walk at our local park and think things through.  I parked my car, tied up my shoes and headed out on the trail.  It felt amazing!  I thought to myself, if this feels good, how awesome would it feel to run!  Well, I won’t lie, the first steps were not pretty!  The idea that I could ever muster the energy or master the breathing brought me a quick slow down in my pace…right back to walking.  Discouraged and tired, I finished my walk and headed back home.

That evening I couldn’t help but think of what it would be like to run the park…I mean the entire park!  I decided that the next day, I would try it again, but this time, go a bit further.  Well, by the end of that summer, not only was I running the entire park (2.9 miles) but I had moved all the way to running it twice!  I lost weight, felt amazing, was full of confidence and felt like I’d discovered the fountain of youth!

Running has brought peace and serenity to a life full of issues.  The saying “With Running…All Things Are Possible” are the very words I live by to this day.  I truly believe that running has not only changed my life but saved it.  I continue to “plant the seed” whenever I find someone who feels the way I did in 1985…lost, without purpose.  My purpose is to share the amazing feelings that come with each and every run.  With every step I take on the road or trail.  To share the blessing of running!

The beginning of the movement!

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Today I’ve made the decision to venture out into the cyber world.  I’m hoping to bring awareness to the many that go hungry in this country on a daily basis.  I’ve pledged to run 30 races to celebrate my 30 years of running starting January 2015.  I’ll be working to get sponsors and ask for donations to two charities that are near and dear to my heart.

Stay tuned and I’ll do my best to blog this adventure!

Join the movement!

Zombie