Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Mountain Laurels in Bloom

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Mountain Laurels in Bloom

I slept in today and had my favorite breakfast(soft boiled eggs on toasted whole grain bread with olive oil,pepper,and salt) before hitting the trails at Leon Creek about 9:00 AM. It was a cool 60 degrees with a steady wind out of the north. perfect running conditions. The Texas Mountain Laurels were in full bloom. Bright purple flowers sprouting from the dark green leaves of this beautiful evergreen.
I am finally back! Comfortably trail running after a long layoff due to Plantar Fasciitis.I tried to stay in shape with Kettle bell workouts and Biking but it is just not the same. My legs are still getting accustomed to treading the trails and my lungs are not so strenuously pulsating anymore to provide "O" to my muscles.
Plantar Fasciitis is very frustrating. I massaged the sole of my foot and used night splints to stretch my foot back towards my shin. Nothing seemed to help until I got advice from a co-worker who is also a physical trainer. He recommended a stretch where the foot is placed against a wall at a 45 degree angle as you bring the hips in towards the wall. Then bend the knee in towards the wall. Also a stretch where the toes are the only part of the foot on the floor and the foot is pushed forward. I do this every day now. Of course, after warming up. Another thing is soaking my foot in Epsom salt. I had purchased Epsom salt months ago but never soaked in it. It works!

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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.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Mountain Laurels in Bloom

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Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon