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Just Don’t Quit

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I’m way past due to sit down here and pound out another blog entry. I needed to give a race wrap-up from the Ironman Ohio. Let me just say now, this was the toughest 13.1 miles of my running career. The day started out sunshine and beautiful, BUT it got hot and humidity started cranking. Being that it was held in Ohio in the later part of July, it’s to be expected. Myself and my teammate were still hoping for a little break from the heat and humidity. Yeah, that didn’t happen.

Tim took to the start line at the crack of dawn. A 1.2 mile swim was the first order of business. He had some misgivings and training issues during the Summer that I think got into his head. He set himself towards the rear of the starting groups and you just knew he was nervous. Once he hit the water though, Boom! It was like he was shot out of a canon! He outpaced a very seasoned and younger Ironman competitor that we know by a full two minutes, clocking a 42 minute time for the swim portion.

From there, he jumped on his bike and this is truly Tim’s home. He lives in the the saddle of a bike on a daily basis, so we knew he was going to burn it up. We lost communication part of the way through his bike ride and I became concerned that the tracker had perhaps fallen off of him or went dead. I checked in with race central and they stated that when he arrived, if either of those things had happened, we could do a manual check in and grab a new tracker for the run. Thank goodness for that, my stress level was climbing, along with the temps and humidity.

There was really no good place for me to hang out and wait for Tim’s arrival for the switch. In order to be in place in the downtown Sandusky area, I had to arrive quite a bit earlier than my actual take off time. I found myself hanging out in direct sunshine! I did my best to stay hydrated and keep calm. With each click of the main clock, I started falling into my “zone”. It’s kind of a place that I go when an overload of nerves pump up. It’s a good thing, I become dead calm.

Once I saw Tim hit the exchange area, it was go time! We did the switch off with the tracker, I check with race command and they gave me the thumbs up that it was live, and off I ran! The first mile is always the suck zone as your body is getting all of the kinks worked out, so I just took it easy and kept a nice stride. As the miles started clicking off, I quickly found myself getting really hot and knew this was going to be a serious challenge. I told myself then, and again many times through the run, “Just Don’t Quit!” I couldn’t disappoint Tim, who had already done his part and put in his miles. I couldn’t fail, no, that’s not what I came here to do after training so hard for 6 months. I’d leaned down, built muscle, and even started Yoga so that I’d become more flexible. I had to get through this.

The course was wide open, no wind, no shade and the temps had reached about 82 degrees, with some serious humidity. I stopped at aid stations at each and every mile to keep myself both hydrated and cooled down. Putting ice on myself, in my clothing and taking on fluids. My race pace that I normally hit was out the window by mile 6, it was more about survival. By mile 10, I’d lost my voice and was starting to really feel the heat. Runners had started to drop, and the sound of sirens whaling was in the background. Once again, I had that voice in my head that said, “Just Don’t Quit!”

My sister and my wife both found me out on the course and I told them I was going to push through. My sister said “you look good”, which brought a smile to my face knowing full well that I looked like shit at that moment…lol! My wife caught me later on and did a quick video of me slogging along, I honestly don’t even remember seeing her there.

Once I’d made the turn for the final mile, I started to see people gathered and knew that I was getting close. That gave the extra boost that I needed to reach inside and bring whatever I had left to my legs. “when your legs are tired, let your arms carry you”. I was pumping my arms and working things through my head, “Just Don’t Quit!”

The final turn into the red carpet area of the finish line, again was a bit of a blur. I knew I’d made it and that I would soon be able to stop and get myself together. I crossed that Finish line and was just overcome with joy! I was holding an Ironman Medal, both for myself and my teammate Tim and it was a thing of beauty! Much like a race I’d run years ago in blizzard conditions, I was pushed to the very edge, and found a way to get through. No one would have been upset had I stopped, in fact my teammate said afterwards that I had the shitty part of the deal…lol! I felt like a real “Ironman”.

I speak of this often and I just have to remind people. The voice I speak of is inside of all of us. The level of discomfort we are able to push through is simply amazing. Discomfort promotes growth! I realized once again that I’m capable of doing anything that I set my mind to. “Just Don’t Quit!”

I want to thank all of my friends, family and co-workers for cheering me on through both my training and the actual event. It was an amazing, humbling and challenging race. No, I won’t be doing another one…lol! I did what I went there to do, and I’m good with that.

I’ll see you on the road…

~Zombie~

Legacy of an athlete

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I’ll start out by posing a question to you all. What is it that you want to be remembered for? What is that you do, or who you are that you want others to remember you for? I know, deep question, and sometimes I feel the need to ask them to open discussions.

One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write, was an assignment in my college writing course. I was asked to write my own obituary. While the knee jerk reaction was a snicker throughout the group, when you sit and stare at the paper, or computer screen, something changes. Who am I and what have I done that I want to be remembered for? I found that during this assignment I’d gone through several pieces of paper and suddenly found myself stuck. I surely didn’t want to tell the world of all my greatness that I’d achieved as a boy growing up. I didn’t want to lie, or put forward something that would misrepresent who I truly am. I passed the assignment, but after reading my obit, the instructor sat down with me and said, “I wasn’t feeling any passion, and I think you were selling yourself short”. I replied that, I guess I feel that I’m just an ordinary guy, and kind of forgettable. We went on to discuss it further, but I won’t get into all of that right now. I think now I understand what he was trying to say, and again, I feel that itch inside to write it down and share it with others. So here we go.

First and foremost, I’m a husband, a brother, a friend, a boss and a co-worker. I consider myself an athlete, a runner and hopefully through my writing, an inspiration. I’ve learned through my running, yes, it always comes back to running, that I can reach people and at times, maybe make their lives better. Sharing my struggles lets other know that they don’t sit alone, that they don’t sell themselves short. We all want to be seen, heard and cared for.

What does this all have to do with running? Well, running has been the most powerful force in changing how I see myself and others in the world. Prior to that, I really didn’t care…about anything. I found growth in running, happiness and a reason to breathe. Once I found that, I wanted to share it with the world, I just wasn’t sure how. So here I am, throwing raw emotions out there for people to read. I find myself being hopeful that when I tell my running stories, it will plant a seed in someone. Whether it’s one person, or many, the satisfaction that I receive is the same. Knowing that the seed will grow and then flourish is satisfying to my soul.

While you’re pondering my original question, know this. I want to be remembered for being someone that inspired. I love the sound of that, kind of gives me chills just thinking about it. That perhaps I touched someone’s life and made a difference, for the good. That is what I’ve learned through my running…some things are, and should be greater than myself. Perhaps that’s why when I wrote my own obituary it was such a struggle, I didn’t want to write about me. Now I understand that by writing about myself, I can reach others. I also do my best to write with passion, because I think about my discussion on that day in writing class all the time. “Don’t sell yourself short Robert”. Those were his parting words at the end of the day. I get it now.

When all is said and done, I’d also like to be remembered for my passion. My passion for life! My desire to be an inspiring athlete. Someone that cared deeply and gave everything of himself. That will be my legacy to leave for those that have found something they could keep from reading my writings, sharing conversations or just running on the road with me. I’m a simple man, but one with passion, and I’m forever an athlete. Thanks for sharing my journey.

I’ll see you on the road…

Zombie

Overtraining? Who, me??

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I wanted to devote some time to the subject of overtraining. Some folks in my orbit and myself included love to push it right to the edge…take a look around, and then push it some more! If you find yourself in this category, let’s have a chat, shall we.

It’s true that I enjoy waking at 3 a.m. to start my day when I’m on day shift. I’m usually out the door by 4 a.m. going to the gym or on the road, running. I find that if I get after it first thing in the morning, it cuts down on my stress level throughout the day, and generally makes me feel better. I also love the fact that so few people are out there during these hours doing the same thing. I’m not completely anti-social, but I will admit, I enjoy my “personal space”. I keep this regiment at least 5 days a week, in some cases 6. I try to make myself take at least one full day off from everything, but I’ve found that on these stretches of pushing, I can eventually get tired, lethargic, and even slightly irritable. There may have been a moment in my not so distant past that I came home from work and just fell asleep right in my chair with my work clothes still on, holding my cell phone. It’s good for a chuckle, but the underlying theme here is that my body is trying to tell me something…ease up!

I’ve gotten better at taking cues or signals from my body. At times they’re subtle or gentle reminders. Other times, it’s a full kick in the ass! The body is an amazing machine that knows how things are supposed to run, even when you think you know better. Believe me, I’ve thought, on more than one occasion that I knew better. If you take a moment and just listen, your body will send you messages on a regular basis, but be careful to pay attention to the body, and not get the signals crossed with that evil shit that hangs out in your brain, trying to send it’s own set of signals. “Run more miles, run them faster, lift more weight, do it everyday of the week!” When those start coming through, stop and question them. Take a moment and really evaluate what’s going on with the body. Are you tired, like really tired, to the point of fatigue? Does everything in your body hurt and you just don’t want to move? Yeah, those are the moments you need to derail that evil shit and get things back in order.

I was recently chatting with my dietician about my body. Where I’m at on my weight, how I feel etc. She put things into perspective when I was stressing about the numbers on the scale. “Robert, in order to perform at the level that you expect your body to perform, you’re going to have to be at a certain weight. You can’t be completely shredded down to nothing, and think that you’ll perform your best…that’s just not how it works. Professional athletes set time aside to rest, eat more calories and just be, in order to perform at the highest level when the time comes”. Wow…she’s right, and a wonderful voice of reason. She also commented on my falling asleep in the chair, in my work clothes, with my phone in hand. She said, “I think that’s a big wake up call from your body saying dial it down”. Yes, “dial it down”. That’s exactly what I did, and the results were immediate. My time in the gym became more productive, my runs were quicker and heart rate was more efficient. I decided to be gentle with myself. Yes, I know I talk about pushing the limits, and I still do. I also found that resting, stretching, getting enough fluids, and just taking time away from my training puts my body back into balance, and then the performance takes off!

Like I said, the body is an amazing machine and it knows what needs to happen. “Trust the process”. The process is to eat well, (feed the machine), get rest, drink plenty of water, and take a day or two off. You can still make it an active day off and go for a nice walk, or a slow paced bike ride. Take the time to breath! The end result is you’ll be happier and your body will pay you back in spades! Oh, and the evil shit sending all the noise, well, the noise still comes, but you know who to listen to and what to do now. Just shut the noise down.

Whatever you’re going through, and wherever you need to be, your body will get you there, just remember to be gentle when it begs for a break. This my friends is a true story!

I’ll see you on the road…

Zombie

Who are you when no one is watching?

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I suppose we all have it. That certain someone that we all wish we were, or superhero that we wanted to be as a kid growing up. So many of us grew up in the days of comic books and Marvel characters. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and so on. So many days of running about the neighborhoods imagining you had super powers! Oh how cool that would be! The things you could do and just the ideas of what you could do were endless.

Fast forward to present day. Comic books have kind of slid from mainstream, but the desire to be something “special” never left. Those super powers, well, you may not be able to pick up vehicles or fly through the sky, but the amazing things that you can do are there. Sometimes untapped, waiting. Waiting for you to release them. So I’ll ask, who are you when no one is watching? Hold that thought, we’ll get back to it.

I wake at pre-dawn hours when I have to work a day shift at my job. I know that if I don’t set that crazy early alarm (3:00 a.m.) I probably won’t get my workout in for the day. I’ve found over the years that I’m a very slow starting when I wake. I need ample time to just get right with the world before I can actually perform. Whether it’s a gym day, or I’m hitting the road, I need a minute to get my brain together. Once I’m out the door, it all comes together though. These are the moments that no one sees. The dark room, the warm bed and perhaps like me, the snoring pups! These are the things that I have to part from in order to get my training done. There’s no easy way to do it, and it’s hard to do every single time. I can think of a million excuses to stay in that bed, and only one to climb out. The climb out usually wins.

When I’m at the gym, moving the weight, “picking up the heavy shit” as my sis and I like to call it, I’m sweating, talking myself through tough sets and pushing my body to the limit. No ones watching, no one cares what you had to go through to reach the doors. They all had to do similar things to reach this same point.

Running down the road at 4 a.m. with not a soul around. Street lights glimmer and lead your way through a deserted city. It’s kind of post apocalyptic on some mornings…lol! There’s a certain kind of beauty to it though. No fear of what’s out there, just the peaceful sound of your cadence as you move along through the dark. No one is watching, no one is wondering who you are or why you’re out there.

I believe that I’m my own superhero now that I’m grown. I have my own super powers that I unleash when the time is right. I’ve found that in order to be that superhero we dreamt of being, we must first put in the work. Do the hard things, the uncomfortable things. We need to push our body and mind to it’s limit. I swear there are moments that I couldn’t take another step, or push out one more rep, yet it happened. I moved through that moment and became the superhero that has always been there, waiting. I’ve learned that the best work is done without fanfare, usually in the shadows, and alone.

So, who are you when no one is watching? I see a superhero in everyone! You don’t need to be in a gym or wandering the streets predawn like I do to find it within yourself. Just unlock your hidden potentials, set that hero free! Do the hard things, the uncomfortable things, and it will pay off in the end. Whether it’s taking on a new job, or position. Perhaps going back to school or raising a child. Do the work, don’t look for others to be watching. A superhero doesn’t need such things. They just do what needs to be done.

If you’re wondering why this topic, it was residual from yet another conversation I had recently. These topics have a way of sitting in my brain until I’m ready to act on them. I just wanted to provoke thought by using something from most of our childhood. I wanted to let people know that I struggle each day, and finding a way to get things done is hard some times, but I get it done. Do the hard things, the uncomfortable things, and hold onto the superhero that lives inside of you.

I’ll see you on the road…

Zombie

I See You

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I love to get on my blog and just hammer away on the keyboard in hopes of perhaps making a change in someone, to touch, or inspire. Yes, I love talking about my running and upcoming races, but I also feel the need to touch on subjects about life.

A friend of mine reached out recently after my last blog posting to share some of her feelings. She wanted me to know that she enjoyed my writing and wished, so much that she could go out and enjoy the same feelings that I do on a run. She’d even stated that she would love to be able to just walk a 10K. You see, my friend Dawn is fighting several different diseases that affect her on a daily basis. She said, “Each day I wake up, I just wait to see what will happen next”

This strikes a cord with me. This is also why I stay humble in what I’m doing. “We don’t have to run, we get to run”. That says it right there. Running is a gift, one that should never be taken for granted. I find that when I run, and think about the many people that can’t enjoy the sport that has changed my life, it drives me even more. I want to carry them with me, on each and every run! I want them to have the feelings that I do, or perhaps see some of the beauty that I’ve witnessed out on the road. Hazy sunrises in the park, or huge green pastures with the most adorable cows running along with me! Star filled skies in the middle of the night, and all of God’s creatures, great and small, have at some point, crossed my path.

I think that perhaps I’ve carried on with my RunZombieRun theme all these years because this is my way of bringing a piece of my world to all of them. To Dawn and all of the many out there that struggle, “I See You!” I see you every time I lace up, every time I type out a new blog posting, or sign up for an event. You all are what make this so special.

“Run with purpose.” I find that running with a purpose makes the distance that much sweeter. It makes it about more than just about myself. I have been gifted the responsibility to see others, and to care. It’s something that I cherish…always. I’ll be running for my friend Dawn in the upcoming Toledo River Run on July 1st. I’ll carry her name with me so that she will know she matters, that I see her, that I hear her while I’m on the course. It’s important that we recognize everyone, and understand the struggles that others go through just to get up in the morning. I want this event to be dedicated to my friend Dawn. I’ll be passing on the finisher’s medal to her once I’ve completed the race because she’s the true warrior. She deserves to be recognized. Yeah, I see you Dawn, and I’m honored to lace up for you this July 1st. Thanks for being my friend all of these years, and for never giving up! I see you my friend.

I’ll see you on the road…

Zombie

“Why do you run?”

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“Why do you run?” This is one of many questions that I field on a regular basis. My initial response is usually with humor, “why don’t you run?” I thought that I’d review the age old question and take you back to when it all began. This will save those who don’t know my beginnings from digging through tons of blog entries…lol! We’ll just call it a “review” of sorts.

Interestingly enough, I started running in this very month (June) of 1985! We’re talking 38 years of roaming park trails and roads, both here locally and across the country. If I see a spot, or a road that just makes me want to throw my shoes on, well, that’s exactly what I do! Anyway, I was never much of a runner in the early part of my life. I participated in several sports growing up and of course you “had to” run, whether it was for conditioning or paying the price for missing a tackle, running was a part of all of that. I always muttered to myself if I had to do laps. It’s safe to say that I was not a fan of long distance running back then.

Many things went on in my young life, but we’ll skate past those, as they’re a conversation that can just be for now. Once I graduated high school, I felt lost. Searching for meaning to my life and unsure what I was going to do with myself. It was probably at the lowest point, that I got into my car and went out to the local Metropark (Pearson park). I decided I’d take a walk and ponder my existence in the world. I found myself somewhat sucked into nature. The park was such a freeing place to be and I was enjoying the walk. I then got the great idea to give running a shot. That wasn’t the best feeling in the world…lol! I stopped running and switched back to my walk and finshed the 3 mile loop. When I returned home, I felt compelled to keep trying the running. While it hurt, it seemed to jar something in me and made me want to give it another go. I returned to the park everyday that week, and started working on my running skills slowly. I’d attempt going a little bit further each time I went. “I’ll go from this tree to the tree up around the bend”, I’d tell myself, and so on. I’ll tell you that by the end of that Summer of 1985 I was not only going around the 3 mile loop once, but twice! I’d dropped weight, felt confident, and all of a sudden felt like I could accomplish just about anything. I’d taken something that I felt was torture, and made it my best friend. It’s a very true statement that running saved my life.

Next Wednesday, June 7th is Global Running day/National Running day, whatever works for you. This is something I was never aware of back in 1985 when I hit the trails and started my adventure. Now, I celebrate it like it’s my Birthday! My Rebirth if you will! The month that I became alive, and full of possibilities. Now back to that “why do you run?” I think that I’ve set up the ground work with my beginnings, but there are other reasons that I lace up on almost a daily basis. I run to clear my head of anything negative in my world. I run to make my body feel alive, to kind of become one with everything that’s around me. I know, it sounds kind of silly, yet it’s true. I’m never more at peace than when I’m in my running shoes, going down the road. “Are you running away from something?” It’s not running away from something, it’s just finding peace, perhaps an inner peace. I can go out with a head full of my job, or a rough conversation that I had with a friend or co-worker, and all of that just floats away as the miles go by.

I share this part of me because I think that it’s important. I always want to share what I’ve learned and the zen that I’ve found from running. The difference that it’s brought into my life just by changing my mindset. The feeling that I can accomplish anything, be anything, and be a happy human being. I want anyone and everyone to know that even when you have the darkest days in your past, or present. There’s a tool available. “The road is a great listener.” I love to share that with people. It wants to know your pain and show you that there can be a better tomorrow. It wants to clear your head and make you feel whole again, and it wants you to find happiness. I challenge anyone to go out, lace up and give running, or walking a serious try. Take this month, hell start on June 7th and join the globe as we all lace up and go on an adventure. Allow yourself some time in the day to breathe. I promise you, it will give you everything you need, just as it did for me. “Running never takes more than it gives back.”

I sit here typing this with great fury…lol! It’s something that I wanted to get out today. I wanted the people in, or around my life to really understand what this whole running thing is about. It’s not just running races, no, it’s much more than that. I’d say that my response now would be, “I run because it’s who I am, it’s who I want to be, it’s everything!” Don’t you want that in your life too? Don’t you want to feel cleansed from a hard day, or a tough childhood? I think the answer is yes, on all counts.

Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 is a great day to start a new you. If you want a friend to hop along with you, I’ll put myself out there. You never have to be scared to say you’d like a friend to come and assist you in changing your life. I’m always down for a run…fast, or slow, I’m down…it’s just who I am.

Thanks for the listen and as always…

I’ll see you on the road!

Zombie

Next Level Athlete

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Hey there everyone! In this blog entry I’m going to go over what I like to refer to as the “Next level athlete.” On one of my many walkabouts through the city, I was thinking about being an aging athlete, how I feel, what keeps me motivated and what makes me still competitive. So I’ve coined the phrase “next level athlete” rather than referring to myself as aging athlete…lol! There’s another reason for this term, the fire that burns inside of me, and many other “aging” athletes.

Once again, while having a discussion with my Ironman teammate, and friend Tim, who as I stated in my previous blog entry is a 69 year old multi-time finisher of Ironman competitions, we decided that our drive has not wavered as we’ve aged. We also feel as though now that we’re older, we have something to prove to the younger athletes that are out there…we’re still a threat on race day! Whether it’s in the gym lifting heavy shit, walking at a pace that some people run at, or riding a bike for hours on end, we strive to be the best! Why you ask? I think because we feel that we have a small chip on our shoulders. Just because we’re silver haired, doesn’t mean we can’t compete. I think back to when I was a kid and wished for the day when I’d have gray/silver hair so that I’d gain more respect, and not be looked upon as just a kid. What I found out is that the silver hair didn’t bring what I thought it would, but that kid is still raging inside…lol!

Now I don’t want you all to think that it’s all about competition, that’s a part of it. It’s also about the drive to work through the daily things that come with this aging body. The extra effort that has to be put in to keep everything moving. More stretching, closer tabs on the diet, even naps are required at times now. I don’t want to say that we work harder than the younger ones, but we have to be smarter. More has to be put into our effort to achieve what we once achieved 30 or 40 years ago. I’ve even taken up things that I never thought I would. I hired a dietician, started going to yoga classes, and have even switched away to walking, rather than running every day. All of these things matter and become important as time goes by. I want to keep the body moving, and never quit!

I find myself constantly thinking of ways to bring about change to my body, for the better of course. It’s all too easy to fall into the world of “just don’t do it.” Keeping active and even signing up for challenges are key to motivation for me. I like to have short and long term goals. I need that instant gratification, so it can be as silly as signing up for small goals on my Garmin device. When I achieve that goal, my watch does some cute little Star Wars themed things that just make me snicker. Yes, I’m a Star Wars nerd and yes, I’m still that raging kid inside. I also like to sign up for running events, all distances. Some of which I walk rather than run. I do it because it keeps my need to compete satisfied and again, I’m still moving!

So when you see my hashtag #nextlevelathlete, you’ll truly understand what I’m referring to, and perhaps if you fall into the category of an aging athlete, switch that up and become a “Next Level Athlete” along with us! Be proud of the fact you’ve made it this far in life because as my sister always says “getting old ain’t for the weak!” Find that fire inside and harness it! Whatever it is that will keep you moving will surely make you feel better and who knows, you just may find the beast that’s been inside of you the entire time, and crush goals that you set for yourself.

Ironman Ohio is coming on the third weekend in July. I think it’s safe to say that Tim and I will show up on race day and give the young folks a “run” for their money! We do what we do because we both love our sports, but we are also driven athletes. Don’t let the silver hair fool you, beast mode will be engaged on that day in July…you can count on it!

With that, I’ll sign off! I want to thank everyone for checking in on me, sending positive vibes and constantly being my cheerleaders. Doing these blog entries has also kept me fired up. I love to share what’s going on and hopefully inspire others to take charge of their lives and move more. Find happiness in themselves. Come on and join in the fun, be your own Next Level Athlete!

I’ll see you on the road!

Zombie

New Year With New Challenges

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So here we are, the year 2020.  Like most people, the end of a year brings reflection, with reflection brings to mind all the things that went right in 2019 and the not so right.  The amazing adventures, the sights, the accomplishments and surviving difficulties.  If I were to say that 2019 sucked, that would be a very generalized and knee jerk response. There was plenty to love about 2019 (we’ll save that for another blog though.) The truth of it is that 2019 had set backs for me physically.  I struggled with my running right at the beginning of the year.  Numerous body parts were giving me problems.  I tried to get back to the gym and get stronger and that led to an injury that would sideline my running for many weeks.  It also brought about a fight with pneumonia.  The whole while I was going through this, I began to wonder if I’d ever step to the starting line of another race as a runner.

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I recovered from my injuries and went to the West Coast to do the Big Sur 21-miler with my bride.  I anticipated walking, but found the runner in me was in need of showing up…at least for a little while.  I gave my wife all that I had to finish that race and walked away content.  Knee and calf problems plagued my training  pretty much anytime I attempted to run distance.  I decided to keep myself healthy and continue to train as a walker.  Walking kept me sane and I found a new love for something I’d looked upon as failing while being a “runner”.  There is no failing as long as you’re moving.  Starting something and completing the task is what’s important.  This was a good lesson for me and a welcome one.  By the end of 2019 I’d covered over 1,600 miles via walking and running.  There is no quit in this body, only adapting to whatever life throws my way.

This brings us back to the now…2020 and what challenges I’ve set myself up for.  I’m currently back to the gym, I’ve dug out my journal for monitoring food intake and have found that I’m able to run again.  I’m cautious and hopeful that with time and training, I’ll be able to knock out the events I’ve signed up for in good form.

My personal goals are as follows:

  1. Drop some weight. (the body functions better when it’s leaner and you’re feeding it properly.  I have a better chance of staying injury free if I’m not crushing my frame)
  2. Finish multiple marathons this year.  I know what you’re thinking…I said I’d never run another marathon…lol!  My wife reminds me of this on a regular basis (sorry Honey)  I feel that I have unfinished business and something to prove.  Not to anyone else, just myself.  I’m 53 years old and still think that I can achieve anything I put my mind/body to.  The marathon is a serious challenge to all aspects of your life. It demands work, work on all levels, and I’m ready to do it!
  3. Allow myself to walk. If you see someone on a race course walking, it doesn’t make them any less of a runner/athlete.  This is part of my reflection from 2019.  I can walk if and when needed and still cross the finish line.  My medal will look the same, shirt will have the same wording on it, and my body just might feel a bit better getting the break.
  4. Give everything I have at every moment to achieve true happiness.  Nothing more needs to be said with that.

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Some of the challenges that are already on the calendar.  Utah/Zion Half Marathon! We were scheduled to run this in 2019, but I decided to screw up the plans by breaking.  We deferred to 2020 and on Leap Year (February 29th) Karla and I will step to the starting line of what should be a beautiful half marathon.  This is a state we’ve not been to and have plans to go out early and do some hiking in the park prior to race day.  Yippee!

The Glass City Marathon!  The home town streets are calling me and while I’ve been in this event over the years, I’ve never claimed a medal for doing the entire Full Marathon.  So in my 35th year of running, I’m finally going after that bling!  There’s a 6 hour cut off for the course, so I’m going to have to work hard to get myself in shape for a finish.  Challenge accepted!

The Dayton Air Force Base Marathon.  I walked this course with my sisters some 20 years ago.  Leanna, Patti and I finished it in 6:09…again, 20 years ago exactly…come September.  My sister Gini and I went back a year or so later and walked it again!  This race holds a special place in my heart and I have nothing but great memories with all of my siblings out there.  I can think of no better race to go and celebrate our lives together than this one.  It will be a walk/run mix and the object is to just have fun!

I’m eyeballing a few other local events, but will save all that for another blog entry.  I know my stepping away has probably lost me some support, but I wanted to get back on here and let everyone know that Zombie still lives!  The RunZombieRun title is still something I’m very proud of.

So, what does 2020 have in store for you?  What is it that you feel you need to go after?  I’m always listening and willing to have chats with anyone that is in need.  I’m hopeful that by me getting back on here and sharing, it’ll motivate some of you to step up and challenge yourself this year.  Find that inner child and just get after it!

I’ll continue to post on my RunZombieRun Facebook page, post pictures on Instagram and I’ll be better about doing blog entries…lol!  I also would ask that you all hold me accountable for staying after these goals.  If you see me, let me know you’re watching…lol!  (Stalker) If I know others are cheering along, it just makes the whole thing a touch sweeter.

I’ll see you on the road…

~Zombie~

The Ragged Coast (Big Sur)

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Well, we’ve arrived back home after our adventure to the West Coast.  Carmel-by-the-sea was the town that we stayed in yet again this year with our favorite Hostess (Michele)!  She treats us like family and shares her lovely home with us crazy Ohio peeps. Shout-out to Michele and her cutie of a dog Ben…much love to you both!

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We spent most of the week wandering, as we always do.  Walking the coastline, hiking parks and just being looky-loos.  This year, we traveled a few miles up the road to Big Basin State Park.  This park is known for it’s beautiful redwood trees and challenging trails.  We set out to roam the 10-mile loop trail on a beautiful sunny day.  Once we arrived and figured out where the path actually started, along with navigating a few closures, we headed into a stunning forest full of trees that seemed to reach the sky!  The first part of the loop was going really well, but I did notice the temperature jumped quite a bit as we were doing our trek.  Surprise!  The temps in California can jump substantially in a short distance of travel.  We were used to upper 50’s and 60’s in Carmel…well, it had jumped all the way to 88 degrees at Big Basin.  This almost caused a “meltdown” in me big time.  We hadn’t figured in the higher temps when loading up our gear with hydration.  I had a 20 oz. bottle of water along with a snack.  For a 10 mile hike in cooler weather, that’s perfect.  In 88 degrees of sunshine, not so much…lol!  I’m typing this now, so you know we made it…but it was close.  I slammed some fluid the minute we reached the ranger station and snack facility.  That brought me back to life!  All in all, it was a beautiful day, and hike.

The race this year was spot on for weather.  We had overcast skies, cool temps with just a touch of humidity (75%) LOL! Karla and I had a case of the sillies on the bus ride to the start while taking a selfie, and then there was an issue with the window next to Karla.  It kept falling open, bringing chilly air into the bus.  Now, I don’t mind the cool air, but there were plenty of other runners (Karla included) that didn’t care for that.  So, Karla ended up holding the window a good portion of the trip to the starting line. (You’re a good egg Karla Jean).

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We met a fellow Ohioan on the bus who just happened to be from the same area that Karla’s brothers live in.  She was nervous as all get out because she didn’t think she’d make it before being swept from the course.  They allow you to go an 18:30 mile pace before being removed due to time allowed for the road to be closed.  We did our best to calm her and gave her some helpful strategy to get through on time.  I told her the most important thing was to enjoy ever minute she was out there.  Take in the beauty of the course.

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We got lined up for the start which consisted of walking up a serious hill from the park we’d been stationed at prior to the race.  Once at the top, you cross the timing mat and off you go.  I told Karla that I would start out running and we’d just see how the body responded.  Who knew my body would feel so good that we just kept running!  The first stop wasn’t until about mile 3 and that was to shed clothing and take on fluids.  We kept with the run walking thing for over the first half of the race.  I thought it best to switch back to walking, as I’d been training for walking over the past month.  I didn’t want to temp the running Gods too much…lol!  We maintained a very nice pace in the 14 minute mile area.  The course was every bit as beautiful as I remembered and I just really took everything in.  We stopped and took some pictures, enjoyed the music, dancing and other goodies along the way…including free beer!  Right Karla?  Everything was just great!  Karla hadn’t pushed me too much about running until we reach the last .2 of the course.  She absolutely wanted to come across the finish line running.  I grumbled, but gave into her request and started hauling butt!  We came in pretty fast…which in turn gave us some pretty special finish pictures…lol!  (see Karla…we should have walked in and taken better pictures) 🙂

If you ever have the desire to visit California, this is a great race to do and they offer numerous distances to attempt.  From a 5K all the way to a full marathon.  Getting into the full is done by lottery…so keep that in mind if you sign up.  The 21 miler gives you all the great views and more time to complete.  So, it’s walker friendly.  This race is definitely a bucket list run…so go do it!

For 2020 we’re taking a year off from California and seeing what other races peak our interest.  I’ve put my name in for the London Marathon, but it’s a lottery and chances are super slim.  What the heck…there’s only one go around…yes?

In my closing this time, I’d like to give shout-outs to some people that accomplished some goals they’d set out to crush.  Alicia Colombaro completed her first ever Half Marathon this year at the Glass City in Toledo!  Way to go lady…I’m super proud of you!

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Big Michael J. Porter ran his first sub 3 hour Marathon this year…also at the Glass City in Toledo.  That is a serious accomplishment brother, I can’t even put into words how cool that is.

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Jessica Knapp…who continues to do amazing races all over the place!  She marched through tough weather to finish multiple distance races over the weekend…on trail!  Congrats Jessica!

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Thanks to my wife Karla Jean for helping believe in myself during the 21 miler.  As some of you already know, I had a rough patch this Winter that caused me to need a surgery, followed by getting pneumonia.  Prior to all of this, my left knee was giving me all kinds of issues.  I’ve stayed true to my walking, pushed every day to reach recovery and with Karla’s belief in me, we had an awesome race!  I’m proud of myself for knowing my limits and yet, still pushing right up to the edge of them.

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The Big Sur 21-miler is in the books for 2019 and I’m hopeful for an excellent training season this summer to prepare for my first attempt at a 50 mile Ultra Marathon.  More on that as we move through the season.  Thanks to all that continue to follow, and please, keep on following.  Things will get interesting as the year passes.  You never know where and when I’m going to show up!  This Zombie can still run!  Continue to push yourselves for whatever goals you’ve set and rock them!  I’m always available to meet up and do a hop with those in need of a partner.  I have a great cast that are also available. (Karla, Patti and Leanna) Now get outside and play!

I’ll see you on the road!

~Zombie~

The Race I Love To Hate!

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Ahhh yes…the Dave’s 10 Miler!  “The Race I Love To Hate”!  This is the third year that I’ve made the long trek across town to Delta, Ohio where they hold the annual Dave’s 10 Miler.  It’s a good 40 minute drive from our home, but for some reason, I keep returning to this one.  27164524_10213380004768256_277112797574721187_o

The first year I ran was in 2015 and OMG!!  Quite possibly the worst running conditions you could ever ask for!  Blowing and drifting snow/sleet, big swirling winds and just enough cover on the roads to keep you from strapping on Yak Trax!  That being said…I made it through the entire 10 miles (Frozen facial hair and all).  This race is always run in the mid part of January and in NW Ohio, that could mean anything for weather.

The 2017 run was a complete turn around from 2015.  We had 64 degrees and sunshine!  What the hell?!  While I enjoyed the temperatures and running in shorts, I kept thinking back to the 2015 run and was just blown away.  You really can get just about anything for weather at this time of year.

2018…the conditions looked to be pretty good going into the week prior to the event.  They were calling for a chance of rain and about 40 degrees on race day.  As it turned out, we did get 41 degrees, but also received a monster FOG!  Holy Hell!  Lining up for the race I just had to chuckle and told my wife, “every time I come out for this run I’m handed something unique!”  There was very little wind and with the temperature being basically perfect, we knew it was going to be a good run.  Both of us had been fighting the “Ohio Cruds” in the weeks building up to the race.  I was able to get out once just a week before to try to get my running legs back.  So, the idea of setting a new P.R. were tossed out the window and we both just decided to make it a training run and survive.  I paced with Karla for the first 6 miles and it was pretty wonderful.  We don’t often get to run together and sometimes that’s alright…lol!  Just kidding honey!  We clipped off the miles and enjoyed the thick haze out in the middle of no where!  I wore a High Viz Orange shirt due to the conditions.  I figured if I’m running on a country road and the speeding locals are not aware there’s a race going on, I’d like to be seen before getting run down…lol!  Most of the miles went pretty easy and my breathing was much improved from the week prior.  I did however have a small equipment problem with my shoe and sock combination.  The shoes I chose had a shift with the insert and it started to rub the side of my foot something awful.  I thought for sure there’d be a huge blister once we got home.  No blister but a bright red pinch mark.  All good now!26730829_1984847188210913_1541023208032878146_n

The end result was a 9:39 pace for the 10 miles.  Not what I’m used to but, like I said, this was a survival run.  Karla did awesome and was just a few minutes behind me.  I think she placed in her division!  She always claims to be slow but for some reason has no problem placing in her division…time and time again.  The shirt and bling were totally fun!  They hit the mark when they came out with that design!  I was planning on skipping the run this year and then the bling came out…damn you Dave’s!  All in all it was a good time.  We survived another strange weather event and finished a 10 mile training run.  Just one step closer to California and the numerous other fun runs!10155836_10201807798138634_1189736724_n

As I stated on my Run Zombie Run Facebook page, I’ve signed up for the http://www.hennepinhundred.com/.  The 50K (31 miles…32.7 for this course) is now on my list of things to do this year!  This will be my first Ultra Marathon and I just can’t wait to get it on!  I’ll be running with a guest Zombie, but I’ll reveal who that person is at a later date.  I will tell you that it’s a female and she’s been wanting to run an Ultra for a very long time.  This is her ultimate bucket list run and I’m very excited to run it with her.  I’ll also be raising funds for RA (rheumatoid Arthritis) in honor of my sister Gini Feller who suffers from this debilitating disease.  There’ll be more blogs as the year goes about my sister’s numerous struggles and how she finds ways to keep going.  She’s much tougher than I!  A career nurse, she still works full-time and manages to do so much more, even when her body tries to stop her.  I’m honored to be able to run for her!25311286_1934138480180051_6468389338526585126_o

So, the first organized run is in the books. Training needs to start cranking up and “there are miles to run before I sleep”.  I’ll continue to stay after my blog and keep everyone updated on what’s going on next!  I’ll fill you in on upcoming races, training and I’d like to do a sit down (question…answer) session with my sister Gini about her struggles and what she’d like all of us to know about RA.  Stay Tuned.

I’ll see you…on the road!

~Zombie~