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March Madness!!

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Well, another month done and wow what a month!  February…I officially don’t care for you at all!  Thank goodness for the Florida break!  Two more races in the books while in Florida.  The Fort Lauderdale 5K and the A1A Half Marathon both completed on the same weekend!  I’m grateful to have knocked out at least two races during the month, keeps me on schedule to complete the task of 30 races this year.

March will be a full month on the racing calendar.  March 14th will be the Run for Super PI!  Math nerds are welcome to come out and walk, run or just spectate the madness!  This race will take place at Second Sole at Levis Commons in Perrysburg.  http://www.roadracerunner.com/re_165794/RunforSuperPi.html

The next race will be a big one.  The Black Swamp Festival of Races http://greatblackswampruns.org/.  This will be a 25K run on March 21st!  I’ll be running with my sister Patti and my sister Leanna is coming in from Florida to run as well.  Not planning on setting any records for this one as it’s 15.5 miles long.  The plan is to just enjoy the company and finish the race with no injuries!

To follow the Black Swamp up, I’ll be running The Wearin of the Green 7K run on March 22nd (the following day!)http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventOverview.aspx?fEID=19995  This was one hell of a race last year!  It’s held at Maumee Bay State Park out here in Oregon, Ohio and being March in NW Ohio…you never know what kind of ugly Mother Nature is going to throw at you!  I’ll be tired from the long run the day before and if the winds were anything like they were last year…I just want to see the finish line!

The final run for March will be the Ann Arbor, MI Half Marathon!  March 29th and will be starting…you guessed it…right there at the Big House!  Not a fan of Michigan Football but it’ll be my first time in the area and hey…It’s another race to mark off my calendar! http://theannarbormarathon.com/

So there you have it!  4 Races in one month!  Right around the corner in April will be the Glass City Marathon/Half Marathon!  I’m working on dropping weight and scoring a PR at that one!  Cross your fingers!  I’ll do an entire blog entry dedicated to the Glass City at a later date.

As a small teaser…I’ve joined a group of people from a running group and have committed to running Ragnar (Chicago 2016) http://ragnarrelay.com/race/Chicago I’ve posted the website for the 2015 relay so that you all can look through and see how much fun this is going to be.  12 runners, 2 vans, 200 miles of running from Madison, WI to the windy city!  Chi town!  This has been on my bucket list for years and I still can’t believe I’m finally going to have the opportunity to do it!  More on that later too!

Keeping up with my running and hitting the gym on schedule.  Cleaned up my eating and will continue to tune it as time passes.  Still have plans of dropping the extra pounds for my challenge at the gym.

As always, thank you to everyone for following along!  Extra thanks to all for donating to Mobile Meals of Toledo!!  They keep me focused to keep the legs moving!  Running with a purpose!  Take care and …I’ll see you on the Road!

Zombie

The Challenge within the Challenge!

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The idea of running 30 races to celebrate the 30 years of running seemed a bit crazy when I first started toying with the idea.  Then, well, I just got used to it!  It seems I’m always searching for something.  Something to help relax my still slightly restless soul.

I’ve decided to take on a challenge at my local gym.  Between February 23 and April 23rd…the person to lose the highest percentage of weight could win some fun prizes!  First place is a $250.00 visa card, Second place gets $100.00 visa card and Third gets gym credit.  My hope is to take First or Second and then turn the winnings over to Mobile Meals Of Toledo!  So this means it’s time to start writing down all my foods and keeping close track of my intake.  It’ll be a little more complicated on long run days but I think I can master a plan to get through.

Weigh in was today!  I went in to do my leg workout and hopped on the scale.  218 lbs at just shy of 6’2″.  My ideal weight…that I’d like to reach would be just under 200 lbs.  I’d like to maintain as much muscle as possible and lose the extra layer of winter fat.  This too will improve my joint pains and hopefully my times for my races!  It’s a win…win!  What’s the worst that could happen…I could see my abs?!  lol!!  So now you’ll all have to deal with my crazy running rants along with my calorie intake, workouts and just plain craziness!  It’s for a great cause and again…I’ll be laser focused!

The plan is to get 3 workouts with weights in during a weeks time.  Cardio on 5 days of the week.  I’ll bump to 6 after a month or so.  Feel free to jump in and challenge yourself!  Get on a scale or just put on a pair of pants that might feel a bit tight and make a pledge that you’ll be wearing them in 8 weeks!  “Summer bodies are made in the Winter!”  True to form…this won’t be an easy fight!  Getting up at 3:30 a.m. and going out into the freezing cold to run or head to the gym will be tough.  I will make it happen though…you can count on me!

The big wrap up for this will be fun!  The week that I do the final weigh in at the gym is the same week leading up to the Glass City Marathon!  I will be running the Half Marathon but would love to post a new PR during that race!  It’s my home town and I have a number in my head that I want to reach.  So coming in lighter and more  fit…I should be able to put the hammer down!

Alright all…Let’s do this!  8 weeks to a leaner, faster, crazier self!  I’ll see you on the road!

Zombie

Not all pretty runs!

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Today was long run Sunday with my sister Patti.  As some of you may know, Patti just returned to the running game last year and might I  add…has rocked it!  From not running at all to running her third half marathon last weekend is truly amazing!  She puts in the time and the run in return…brings her peace.  Keep running Sis!

The weather looked to be the best we’re going to get for another week or so.  That being said, we decided to hit the roads and see how things shook out today.  My initial hope was to run 13 miles or better.  (I may have forgotten to share that with my sister…lol!)  We headed out and started chatting about the week in Florida and how we wish we were running there right now instead of here!  The temperature was around 21 degrees when we left but there was really no wind to speak of. (YAY!!)  Walked out to the front of my sub-division and hit it!  Down the road we went!  Everything was going well…hit our usual pee stop at a local gas station out here in Oregon and popped open a pack of delicious GU!  Salted Caramel!  Patti’s new favorite!  This was at about mile 5.5..ventured further out into Oregon and my back started giving me fits.  I worked out at the gym the day before yesterday and was getting what is known as “the 2 day effect!”  the second day after a big work out usually brings a certain tightness to the muscles.  I decided to keep plugging away and at about mile 8.2…it was getting a bit rough.  We stopped and walked for a little and then pushed on.  I made it another 1.1 miles and knew I was just toast.  All total with our running and walking we managed 10.3 miles.  They weren’t the prettiest…but we got it done!

I’ll make the proper adjustments and make sure to keep back work outs away from my long run days in the future.  The back has already settled down…so all is well.  The idea that we can always go out there and have perfect runs is frankly…just silly!  Some days I feel like I could run for days!  Then you have days when you feel like a mile is all you can go.  I just chalk it all up as movement!  Anything beats nothing every damn day!

It looks like there’ll be another arctic blast coming for the week so time outdoors running will be kept at a premium.  I think the Stairmaster will be my “friend” for the better part of this week.  Blah!!  Training must continue!  Busy March schedule of racing coming just around the corner!  March 14th…The run for PI!  March 21st…The Great Black Swamp Festival of races!  Then on March 22nd…Wearin of the Green!  I’ll be scheduling a massage soon (Becky at MassageWorks keeps me moving!).  It looks as though my sister will be coming in from Florida for the Black Swamp and Wearing of the green!  So again, I’ll have family to keep me motivated and happy!

Hang tough everyone!  The runs aren’t always pretty, the weather isn’t always good, but the heart will carry you through it all!  Happy Running and…I’ll see you out on the road!

Zombie

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

Inspire!

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Along with getting out there and running all these races.  I’m always hoping to pick up a few “new to running” people!  I think while I’m working on this blog…who is reading this, how does it make them feel, will it inspire them?!  For those who might be thinking of taking up running, don’t be scared.  There’s a great program out there on the web called couch to 5K!  (C25K)  I highly recommend using this to start out your adventure and believe me, it will be an adventure!  (I say that in a positive voice!)  I said it before and will continue to say it…running has changed my life, made me stronger, given me hope and confidence!  The running bug is the best bug to have…in my humble opinion!

A young lady I know is currently taking up this C25K and has stated that she’d like to run a 5K before the end of my 30 races this year.  Can I just say…that is one of the most amazing things anyone could ever say to me!  I welcome anyone and everyone to climb on board this crazy train at anytime.  I keep my races listed on my Facebook page at Run Zombie Run and also on the website runzombierun.net.  I have plans of doing the vast majority of the races here locally in the Toledo, Ohio area…so by all means…come on out!  If you need a boost, maybe an occasional text to help motivate you, I can do that!  Don’t worry about what pace I might be running, if you ask me to run with you, I’ll stay right by your side and run your pace.  I feel it’s only right that if someone is new to running that I help promote running first before my own personal desires.  This whole idea of running the 30 races was set up to celebrate the 30 years of running but to make it about others.  It’s bigger than me!

I have 3 races currently schedule for March.  Run for PI will be on…you guessed it 3/14/15!  This run will take place at Second Sole running shop in Perrysburg (Levis Commons).  I have a big run (25K) The Black Swamp Festival of races March 21, 2015 and the following day I’m running a 7K race at Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon!  More will be scheduled for April and I’ll be doing quite a few 5K runs (3.1 miles) during the summer months.

I’m currently nursing a very sore left foot.  It decided to be angry with me after the Dave’s 10 Miler.  Doc says the tendons are inflamed and to take it easy for a little bit.  I’ve cut down on the training mileage but have no plans to stop the races!  Florida is only 2 weeks away and I have both a 5K on 2/14/15 and then a Half Marathon on 2/15/15 scheduled!  I will finish what I’ve started…you can mark those words down now!

So stay tuned for more on all of this exciting stuff coming!  Do your part to inspire others to be happy and healthy!  Remember that I’m never more than an email or text away and will help in any way I can to promote your fitness goals!  You can do it!  Keep moving and stay healthy!  I’ll see you out on the road!

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

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