Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Great friends

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Great friends

You know you have a very great group of friends when they can laugh freely at your expense, and in your presence.
Today after our weekly run at Ike, We were ribbing each other about witnessing our falls on the trail. I recalled the time I was approaching an aid station when the volunteers yelled "yea, here comes a runner", I smiled broadly and !PLOP! I went down. Now how embarrassing is that? The folks were great and ran to my aid, but how many were laughing inside? And how many re-told and still tell that story? Oh well the gang today laughed and I was reminded about the time we were on a group run and as I'm bringing up the rear, I yelled out !UGH! As my friends turn around, they see me with my legs straight up in the air like a dead cockroach.
I do tend to stay down awhile to regroup and assess my condition. Not popping right back up as I did in my younger days.
I also mentioned the time I went down hard and bruised my ribs. Luckily I was with our good friend Liza who comforted me in my pain with a hug.
Great friends indeed.
We had a new friend today too! Vidal joined us and fit right in. He talks almost as much as Chris! But that's a good thing!

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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.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Great friends

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon