running

The Time Has Arrived!

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Being an (East) Toledo born and raised runner, there is one event that we all look forward to in this town!  The Glass City Marathon!  The Glass City Marathon turns 40 this year and is well-known for being one of the best courses to knock down a killer time due to our lack of hills.  While we may lack hills, we never lack in spirit or talent!  NW Ohio is full of some of the best runners you’ll find anywhere in the country.  Really…stop by some of the events held by the #toledoroadrunners during the year and you’ll see some serious speed!  Numerous people from this area not only qualified for the Boston Marathon but went there and smoked the clock!  So proud of you all!  Remember this…you’ve done something that many will only dream of doing and that’s special.

Sunday, April 24th at 0703 a.m. expect the streets of Toledo to be filled with runners!  Yes we get up at ridiculous hours and yes we run in any condition mother nature throws our way.  Why you ask?  Because we’re runners and we love what we’re doing!  This Sunday looks to be on target for excellent running conditions!  I expect to see more Toledo runners BQ (Boston Qualify)!  Get it!

I’ll be there on Sunday!  Taking part in my favorite distance.  The Half Marathon or 13.1 miles!  (call me lazy)  I just went to see my favorite massage therapist Becky at Massage Works in Perrysburg, Ohio to keep the body tuned so that I can “hopefully” PR!  I set the bar high last year for myself and turned in a 1:56 time.  If I can crack that…hot dog!  I’ve trained through the winter and have no major injuries…so cross your fingers that I can lay down a time to make myself proud!

My training partner and sister (Patti) will be running the Half Marathon as will my bride (Karla)!  I’m wishing all good things for both of them come Sunday and also want to thank them for always being supportive and keeping me focused!  We got this!  Keep thinking of the beer tent Karla! 😉

I’ll be sporting quite a bit of PINK gear this year!  My 2016 Run Zombie Run shirts have Pink lettering and of course the Mobile Meals of Toledo emblem on the back!  The Pink is for my warriors that are fighting cancer, have won the battle and for those we’ve lost to this terrible disease.  I love you all!  I will carry you on this run as I always do.

My people at Mobile Meals of Toledo…what can I say?  They are simply amazing!  I’m so proud every time I put on my Run Zombie Run shirt!  It’s great to be part of a group that works so hard to make life better for so many people!  My wife still volunteers to deliver for Mobile Meals during lunch time and has shared many stories of the wonderful people who she meets.  Sometimes…the person delivering the meal is the only person they get to see in a day.  I’ve been lucky enough to go out on delivery during the Pet Food delivery that Mobile Meals does.  Again, there are people out there that would rather feed their pet than themselves.  So please remember Mobile Meals for this race or at anytime!  I have my runzombierun.net website that you can donate any amount you wish!  You can leave a message for myself or just a quick note letting the people at Mobile Meals know they’re appreciated.  I appreciate the donations and the wonderful following we have on here!

Now back to Sunday!  Come out and cheer, volunteer, join in the 5K!  You don’t have to run…walkers are welcome!  This race is about Toledo and the wonderful people that live and work here!  We’re special and can I just say…BADASS!  I’m always proud to say that I’m from Toledo!  I’m especially proud when I travel to other states and serve notice to others that we Run in Toledo!  Runners…GET IT on Sunday!!

I’ll see you all on the road!

~Zombie~

Driven with a purpose

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What is it that makes one get up in the early a.m. hours, prior to any sign of sunshine?  Why would you get out of a nice warm bed on a cold winter’s morning and purposely walk out into the cold morning air? These questions and many others can be answered with a single word…Driven!

When I hit the road or trail to get my run going, this word rattles through my head on a regular basis.  It started at a young age but was mislead.  I became driven for success but thought it would come through things, possessions if you will.  I felt empty when I obtained possessions yet couldn’t understand why.  To share each and every step of my young life would take more than just a blog…lol!  A book perhaps, but I’m betting there’s not a huge market for the life and times of a poor Eastside kid from Toledo.  That being said, once I discovered running…things began to clear up!  You could say that I “Get it” now!

I’m now Driven with a purpose!  My love for running has brought me to wanting to share my experiences.  To help, to make a difference and hopefully change someone’s life for the better.  Whenever I sit down to type…I hope that at least one person is touched or moved.  If it makes them smile, or put on running shoes for the first time, I’m making a difference.  My purpose is to share what I’ve learned, to guide when someone needs it and to be a good person.

Driven With A Purpose…let’s use that slogan today!  Think about your life and what you do.  How you can make a change for the better.  Take care of yourself and your health for there are those that rely on you and love you!  Remember that you matter!  Find the fire that’s inside and go with it!  Hit the gym, take a walk, go for a run!  This will only turn into better things…I promise you!  You’ll discover something about yourself while moving and you’ll have time alone in your head to think about a great many things.  (I know I have!)  From there, you’ll find your purpose.  It’s my belief that all of us has a common purpose…to help others!

Enjoy your day and keep checking in on me!  There’s more to come!

Stay Driven!

Zombie

Treadmills OR Dreadmills?!

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When the weather gets to the point of ridiculous, like today.  One needs to seek other forms of cardio, of the indoor version.  Now most runners can step right up to a treadmill and go without any issues.  Me, it’s a whole different adventure!  I hate to even look at the damn things!  I don’t trust them, I don’t like the way they sound and I really hate looking at myself running in a mirror!!  (Thanks Snap Fitness for that!)  Did I mention the close proximity of other people while you’re trying to run on this torture device??!!  I just may be one of the sweatiest persons on the planet when it comes to running.  If you’re parked on a treadmill next to me, yeah, you may get overspray on your machine…sorry. 😦

These machines are discussed by runners all the time.  The best brand, how far can you run on them, do you go to a gym to use or is it at home?  That kind of stuff.  My take has always been, I will run outdoors every single change I get!  It has to be God awful outside for me to get on the Dreadmill!

The other issue I have, I can’t do long distance on one.  Mental block of some kind, but I just can’t do it.  Today after doing my weights, I walked over to the “yuck machine.”  Maybe muttered under my breath for a moment or two and then climbed aboard.  I was able to get 2 miles worth of sprints done and a very mild “runner’s high!”  I did get it done though and I’m happy for that!

So I’m curious, your take on these machines.  Do you love them?  Do you hate them?  Love to hear stories!  Maybe I’ll share some of my adventures another day of the many mishaps I’ve had on the Deadmill!  My reasons for such distrust…lol!  I can laugh now…but it wasn’t so funny at the time!

Happy Tuesday all!  Get up and get moving!

Zombie

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I have to be honest.  I’m inspired by a woman who has done much more than I could ever hope to.  She helps quietly and without fanfare.  She’ll spend time driving meals on her lunch time, help children with their reading during after school hours and volunteer for just about any cause that’s in need.  During the water crisis in our area, she was called upon to deliver water to those that had no way of getting any.  She dropped what she was doing and immediately went and filled her car with water, spent the day delivering to the masses.

I suppose this is my way of saying thank you to her.  This is my way of letting her know that I’ve become a better person from watching her actions.  I’m letting her know that what she does daily is something special…that she is special!

When I run these 30 races in 2015, there will be someone with me at all times.  Whether she’s able to make it to the race or not.  I’ll carry her in my heart during every step.  I want her to know that she’s changed me…for the better!  I want to thank her for being an inspiration to so many!  My wife (Karla Neeley) is my hero.

I know that when she reads this she’ll say something like “that’s not necessary” or “you’re a silly boy”.  I think it’s necessary!  I have hope in my heart now and it’s because of her.  I look forward to the challenge ahead and WILL make a difference!  Because I still believe in heroes…

Zombie