Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Flag Football

Monday, November 24, 2008

Flag Football

I thought I'd play some flag football this past weekend, so I agreed when asked, to be on a team in an all day tournament. I was flattered.
Wow! what fun! Most of the players were in their late 30's to mid forties with a few kids in their teens. I am soon to be 50, but I thought, "hey I can hang."
Well I did for the most part. Sprinting and stopping frequently is very different than running the trails. It felt good to be able to keep up with most of these guys. I scored a touchdown on a catch and run(about 30 yards). I fell twice and had my right middle finger bent back a couple of times. We lost one game and were co-champions of the tournament!
Today it was very difficult to get out of bed. I cannot make a fist with my right hand. It hurts! I am walking like I did the day after my 100 miler. If I sit for too long, it takes about 100 feet of walking before I am completely upright and walking almost normally. Seems like every muscle in my body is sore. But, I had so much fun, to be able play like a kid again.

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Why I Run

In reference to my running, I am often asked, "why do you do this?"
After contemplating the question.........................
I run for my Father. my Father who too late in life realized he wasn't invincible. My Father smoked for 40 years and did not always eat well. When he contracted Myastinia Gravis and Diabetes he was forced to change his lifestyle. An illness that doctors thought would take his life in 2 years was held at bay for 10! By eating well and exercising, my Father was able to hang around a little while longer. He knew I was on to something when I began long distance running. On many of my runs I still hear him saying to me "keep it up son, don't ever stop"
I run for my son Matthew, who left us too soon. He was almost 14 yrs old. I run for him because he no longer can. I feel him and talk to him on many of my runs. Before he left he had begun to be aware of his large physique and was trying to stay fit. 4 years earlier I entered him in his first race. He came in last in a field of about 25 kids, but he never stopped trying to run as fast as he could. I will always remember the smile on his face as he crossed the finish line while his name was announced over the loudspeaker. One day I will see him again. Until then I carry him with me on my runs.
I run for my friends and family. Not only those I run with now, but also those I hope to run with in the future. Those I run with with now help me as much or more than I think I help them. Running friends help to motivate me. We share stories, aches, pains,laughter, and encourage and congratulate each other. Those I hope to run with in the future are family and friends who are in need of someone to motivate them. People who know they need exercise but need that little push. I try to help them stop finding excuses and putting up barriers that keep them from walking,running and just plain exercising.
I run for myself. As a child I was always physically active. As a young adult I smoked for 16 years, did not have a healthy diet and sat watching television for hours on end. At age 27 (with a push from my brother Andy) I became active again and began associating with active people. Soon I was playing team sports, and biking, golfing, running. This change in lifestyle helped me to make better nutrition choices for better performance.
The human body is meant to move! A fit body functions better and lasts longer. I don't want to live forever, but as long as I am here I wish to feel my best. Running clears the mind, flushes toxins from the body and allows us to enjoy nature and relate to friends and Family who run with us, in person, or in our hearts.

Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Flag Football

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon