Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: September 2010

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Red Onions...........Mmmmmmmmmmmmm

The rain we had two and three weeks ago was great, but the resulting mosquitoes are not! I ran 3+ miles in Leon creek this afternoon. It was great to be back on my favorite trails. The mosquitoes were everywhere but did not land on me! I felt them bouncing off my face too. Must have been all the raw red onions I ate at lunch today. I love red onions!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Another great bike ride

Went on another great bike ride today. From Boerne lake. A large group of us rode to Comfort TX. For 9 miles we rode on a lonely ranch road. Pretty scenery with steep hills. The cooler weather was very refreshing. There was a homemade wooden sign on a side road that read, "bubba's place" with an arrow pointing the way.
As much as I enjoy bike riding, I miss running. I have run three times in the last two weeks, but only 2-3 miles. I've been on steroids prescribed by my foot Doc for my PF two weeks now. Will they wear off? And my pain return? Don't know............? We will see.

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Spooky!

Started out from home on my road bicycle at 5:55 this morning. Headed out Bandera Rd. before the traffic picked up. I needed to get back to take my little nephews for a walk in the park. My petzl Head lamp works great attached to my helmet, but when I turned onto Scenic loop road, it was DARK! The streams are running again. I could hear them but not see them. I also heard an owl and other bird and animal noises! Climbing the steep hill up to Babcock rd. I saw glowing eyes on the edge of the road! A Fawn couldn't make a decision. At the last second it darted back in to the brush.
The last 3 miles are on the Leon Creek greenbelt paved walkway. where I saw My friend Richard. We spoke a bit and he invited me to meet him and others for a swim in Boerne lake and a bike ride around Waring and Welfare TX. I'll be there for the Bike ride, but I don't swim. I just like jumping in Cannon ball style. Looking forward to riding in the beautiful Texas Hill country tomorrow.
Oh, and my Nephews? Aidan diagnosed himself with the Flu. Poor little guy, He's 6.
I'll miss him today. He is so animated. I'm sure he won't forget, I owe him one.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Injury................Again

My PF has not improved and I am now relegated to the bicycle. I have not run for over two weeks. My fault. I ran too far too soon after my surgery and dismissed the "signs". Impatience has always been a fault of mine. Always!
The pain has grown from nagging, to painful at times and is affecting other parts of my left leg. I now have developed a "knot" on the right side of my left heel. People notice I am limping a bit, more than I do. Self treatment and visits to a massage therapist has not helped, so now I finally have made an appointment to see an orthopedic Dr. Next Monday I'll tell him my sob story.
I love riding my bike on the roads in the nearby Hill Country. But I miss running the trails alone, and with friends. I can get lost emotionally, and spiritually running the trails alone. And I can have fun following, chasing, and teasing friends on the trails.
The bicycle demands more attention. Attention to pot holes, animals crossing the roads (saw a beautiful Buck and a handsome roadrunner cross the road ahead of me two days ago), Also, motorists who may be on the phone or texting need to be paid attention to!. I now try to ride with a bright blinking light on my jersey rear pocket at all times. But it's very enjoyable riding in the early morning with a friend, or friends, in the Hill country with it's beautiful panoramic views from the hill tops, and spinning or pumping up these hills and receiving your reward on the other side, a fast downhill ride!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Aging Athlete

Aging Athlete? Listening to NPR today, the narrator began his story with "aging athletes, those in their 50's and 60's......' Hey! That's me! I'm 52 this year!
Oh,....... that explains the aching muscles in the morning, the thinning muscle mass, the aches that come from pushing hard in a workout, the grayer hair. Geez,I am getting old.
Accepting it is easier when the athletic friends you "hang" with are younger than you are, and they still welcome you in, but adjusting your workout is not easier.
I need to learn to slow down, or at least modify, and enjoy running, and live life.
Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. ~Author Unknown

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.