Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Where's the fire?

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Where's the fire?

WHERE'S THE FIRE PEOPLE?!!
That's the question Frankie B. Ball, our band director, would scream at us in Junior High band class when we'd take off and speed up the tempo on a musical piece. I heard Mr. Ball's voice as I went out for a bike ride Friday evening. Yes, I told myself that I needed to take it easy due to my injury. And I did! for about the first two miles. Leon Creek was full of wild flowers and it was pretty as I cruised along. Then I start an ascend. Down shift, increase my spinning RPM, ATTACK THE HILL! OK, I make it up the hill and cruise down the other side. Then, I see a rider up ahead moving pretty good. I start gaining on him, another hill up ahead, he starts to attack the hill, I am still gaining ground, I don't know this guy but he is ahead of me and I smell blood! I overtake him and....., so what Tony! It's only supposed to be a casual ride! At the turn around I again remind myself to take it easy. But of course I attack the hills. Short and small as they are. I CAN'T HELP IT! But I will try. I've got to get better. And as I've said before, I can't do what I did as a younger person. I tell people I feel like I am 16 years old. And I do, in my MIND! But I am not, and have to realize it when I try to push the envelope. We have to control how hard we push. Especially when we are hurt.

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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 3, 2010

Where's the fire?

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Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon