driven

Florida…Running with a purpose!

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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!

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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

Victory is mine!

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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

Working on my goals

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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

Not young anymore…

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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

And so it goes….

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We are moving through the final hours of 2014.  There were some spectacular moments during the year and some crazy lows.  I’m sure many of you feel much the same.  2015 holds new hope!  A “do over” if you will.  The slate is clean and begging you to fill it with fun and excitement.

I’ll be ending 2014 running and beginning 2015 running!  I know that this may be a shock to most of you…lol!  My first of 30 races will start tonight at 11:45 p.m. and will finish in the New Year!  Race #1!  29 more to knock down!  I’m excited to start what I’ve been talking and dreaming about for some time.  Tonight promises to be yet another challenge.  Cold and wind will be there to greet me at the starting line.  My iron will and some great running gear will get me through…for that, I have no doubts!

2015…New Years day will be race #2!  The Hangover classic!  What the hell…if I didn’t freeze my butt off during the night run, why not try again around noon time?!  No matter how many times I lace up for a “race”, I’m always nervous and excited.  Wondering what everyone else is feeling, how will I run, how many runners are here…all that and more in my head!

I’d invite you all to come out and join or say hello…but hey, it’s cold outside!!  Whatever you do for the New Year’s, remember to think of your health, your family and what you can do to bring the new year in on a positive note.  Enjoy a drink (but don’t drive!), see some friends, watch a movie, work on a puzzle or hey…Go Running!!  I promise to keep the blogging going throughout the entire year.  I also promise to keep talking about running, health, physical fitness and of course…Mobile Meals of Toledo!  I look forward to making 2015 a great year for them!  I want so much to make a difference and help those that are in need.  I need that for myself more than anything.  With the push of my wonderful wife Karla Neeley and the support of all my friends and family, I plan on getting these 30 races done and done in style!

Be safe tonight and every night.  Happy New Year!  I’ll see you on the road…

Zombie

2015 Is Game Time!

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I’ve been enjoying all the running over the past couple of years more than ever.  I’m not sure what brought the whole thing to such a high, but I’m really enjoying the ride!  Lifting and running have always been a favorite for me.  I’ve described in past blogs how I came to be a runner.  It’s no secret to those who know me that I would rather run than lift any day of the week!  I have, however realized that the two really do go hand in hand.  In order for me to maintain my happy running and stay injury free, I need to keep my strength up.  All runners need a good strong core in order to keep going during the long grueling runs.  The beating that the body takes during a half marathon or a full marathon can be intense!  I’ve also learned that the body is an amazing machine and will respond when you ask it to.  Feed it properly, keep it moving and take the best care you can.  The reward, many happy years of activity!

Now back to the build up.  I pushed myself towards the end of 2014 to see if I could hold up by doing 5 half marathons over 8 weeks.  Not only was I able to complete the task, I felt wonderful!  I knew I wanted to challenge my body again for the upcoming year and was thinking; I’ve been running for 30 years, why not run 30 races!?  To add to that, I decided to take the focus off of me and put it on something even more important.  People in need.  I contacted Mobile Meals of Toledo and asked if they would be interested in helping set something up to help raise money for them.  After a couple emails and a sit down, the runzombierun.net website came to life!  This blog (30races.com) was started with the help of my wonderful cousin Marilyn Matevia.  In short order, things seemed to be falling into place.  I couldn’t be more proud.  Along with that, a small amount of stress.  The stress is placed upon myself to succeed!  Not just to run the races but to make a serious difference for the charity that I’ve chosen to help.  Mobile Meals of Toledo is a great outfit that really takes a tiny budget to do great things!

So…It’s Game Time!  2015 is coming up quick!  My body is ready to go!  I’ve cut down on my eating, picked up on my gym workouts, kept my running at a steady pace, I think I’m good to go!  I plan on being a very lean and well oiled machine by the end of the adventure.  I have great hopes and dreams of doing a good thing in my life.  Making a difference!  So stay with me people!  Enjoy this adventure with me…because 2015 Is Game Time!

Zombie

An investment in health

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While wrapping up the Holiday season, I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels a bit on the over stuffed side…lol!  I love the end of the year Holidays but at the same time dread the feeling of so much sugar and crap going into my system.  Could I avoid eating this stuff??  Why yes!  Why the hell would I want to do that to myself though?!  It’s really the only time of year I get crazy and eat everything, so what the heck!

Moving on…the new year is approaching quickly and I have races to run!  I’ve decided to change-up my diet, drop 15 lbs. and get leaned out so that I can speed up!  I do this pretty much every year but this year it’s more important to me than others.  I have dedicated my time and efforts to Mobile Meals of Toledo and don’t want to let them down.  Cleaning up my eating and doing regular exercise is just an investment in my own health anyway!  I plan on sticking around for years to come and I have mountains to climb yet!

The gym will be a 3 day a week thing for me.  Push movements, pull movements and leg day!  Running will move to a 3-5 day a week depending on how I feel and races.  I’ll keep one run a week as a long run and the rest will just be maintenance.  Dropping the extra weight will also give my joints a break and help me to recover quicker.  Less weight to lug around means less hurt!

I urge all of you to make a plan for this next year and go for it!  Bodies were made to move!  Don’t buy into the lay around and do nothing thing.  It’s just a slow and terrible way to rot away.  I don’t care what you do as far as exercise…just move!  Invest in you!  If you’re doing something, grab a friend and get them moving with you!  Invest in their health, make a difference in their life.  Remember to just keep moving!  Join the Zombie Runvolution!!

I received a GoPro type camera for Christmas so look out!  Youtube videos will be added to the runzombierun.net websit in January!  There’s a head strap and a chest strap for the camera as well, so this should be fun!  When I run, hike, race or just go on a training run, you just might see some of it!  I’ve seen some wonderful sights in my life and look forward to many more.  Now, you’ll get to see them as well!  Happy Running Everyone!

Zombie

Trying to keep everything together

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Well, we have the Holidays upon us!  Shopping, wrapping, making cookies, planning family get togethers, everything is in full swing.  Somewhere in there I need to find the time to keep my training going.  Working the morning shift always turns things upside down for me.  I need to wake by 3:15 a.m. in order to wake enough to go out and get my run done or do weight training at the gym.  I can’t just blow it off…there’s too much riding on this next year!  I’ve committed to helping Mobile Meals of Toledo and refuse to let people down.  Along with that, I have 30 years worth of running mileage on this body.  That means that some days the lower back is tired, the feet hurt a bit, muscles want to cramp, just kind of beat up.  I’ve made a return to the gym a priority to keep the muscles strong.  I’ve been going to see my favorite massage therapist (Becky-Massage Works) on a more frequent basis to keep the moving parts moving!  A little Advil and a lot of praying!  2015 needs to be great!

The first T-shirt campaign went well and I’m working on a test shirt to start the year off with.  It will be geared for those that prefer tech shirts over a regular t-shirt.  The first couple I hope to have ready shortly after the beginning of the year.  I know that I must have them ready before my 10 miler on 1/25 and for sure before the A1A Half Marathon down in Florida!  I want people to see the shirt and ask questions, become interested and maybe even pledge a few bucks!

Remember that the Website runzombierun.net has a donation page that links directly to Mobile Meals of Toledo.  No monies go to me what so ever!  This is all about the charity and helping to make it stronger.  You can do one time donations, or you can just pledge a set dollar amount for each race I run…however you want to do it!

The first race will be the Midnight Special 5K run and is listed on my events calendar on runzombierun.net.  It actually starts on New Years Eve but finishes in the wee hours of New Years Day.  I’ll work on getting some video going for the first couple runs and have that added to the website and probably Facebook as well.

I hope everyone has a warm and wonderful Holiday season!  Christmas is always a special time of year.  (Even if it is cold and dark most of the time!)  Keep in touch, don’t be scared to follow this blog on a regular basis.  Sign up and get email notifications!  Everytime I do an entry on here, it goes to Facebook as well.  Share the website and talk about this crazy idea I’ve come up!  Even better, come out and run along with me at a race!  Love having peeps with me!

I’ll get on here again in the next day or so.  If you don’t read then, Merry Christmas to you and yours.  Be safe!

Zombie

Why Zombie–The story behind the name

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Some of you may be wondering “why the name Zombie?”  No, it’s not because I’m part of the Walking Dead nor have I been bitten by any such creature…lol!  I’ve worked a great many strange shifts during my time on this earth.  Most of them have been during the dark hours.  I’ve also worked and still work swing shifts!  This can make one become a little on the sleep deprived side, cause dark rings under the eyes and maybe a bit cranky.  Years back after working a long stretch of late night shifts, I went to a get together with friends.  I could not recall the day of the week and obviously looked a bit rough.  I was given the name “Zombie” that day and it’s stuck all these years later!  I’ve embraced the name and actually become very proud of it!  You’ll find it on my license plate (for both cars), on numerous shirts that I own and I still answer to it at work or at home.

I know it’s probably not the exciting story you all were looking for.  I felt that I should at least explain the origin though.  I wear it like a badge of honor now!

RunZombieRun is the perfect depiction of who I am and what I love to do.  I have plans to run until I can do it no longer, to try to bring awareness to good causes and hopefully to inspire some people along the way.  “Inspire before you Expire!”  I’m not sure what the life expectancy is for a Zombie but I’m not taking any chances!  I want to live with no regrets and enjoy every mile!  Running is truly a blessing and being able to share it with others…priceless!

Feel free to join the Zombie Revolution!  Get out the shoes!  Walk, Bike, Run, Donate, make a difference!  Be proud of your inner Zombie…you know you have one too!

Zombie