Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Genuine

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Genuine

“You know, One day we’re gonna have to let her go.”
Those were words spoken to me by our friend John after a Sunday morning run with Liza Howard some years ago. He said this because he and those in our group knew how talented she was very soon after she began running with us. And that she would go on to great things in the realms of Trail Running. I remember saying something like, “yeah, she’s a very talented runner. She’s gonna do very well in Trail races. And she’ll be pulled away. But somehow, I believe she’ll never truly leave us. Liza is a genuinely good, caring, and wonderful person. “
The win at the Rocky Raccoon 100 miler last weekend was another great performance by Liza. First Female and fifth overall! She still remains humble and thankful to all those that were there for her, and also those that couldn't be there but sent well wishes. She recognizes and thanks her old, new, and future friends with true fondness and passion. We wouldn’t expect anything less. That’s the Liza we know.
And what is she looking forward to this week? Our group run, so she can share her stories with us. How fortunate we are.
Liza is now an outdoor Ambassador for New Balance! Well deserved. She’s Bonafide! New Balance is fortunate to have her too. As is the Trail Running community.
She’s our friend. And she’s Genuine.

2 comments:

Greg L said...: I remember the one time I ran with you guys and Liza stayed with me the whole time. She was still recovering from having Asa, but I'm sure I was slowing her down. She is an inspiration. How is your recovery going? Hope to see you all again soon. -Greg; February 11, 2011 at 9:30 AM
Tony Maldonado said...: Recovery is going great! Thanks! The last three days have been pain free. I got two runs in too!; February 11, 2011 at 8:15 PM

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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.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Genuine

2 comments:

Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon