Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Riding with old friends

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Riding with old friends

Today I rode with some old riding buddies. Mike, John C, his wife the good Doctor Adelita, and John P.
It's been a long time since I've ridden with these guys. We rode south of San Antonio on some quiet rural roads. I couldn't help remembering great times we had in the past on many a bike ride. Mike and I rode the MS 150 Bike to The Beach years ago. I recalled how we were really pushing the envelope and I was talking to Mike as he drafted me. I got little response. When we stopped at an aid station, Mike said he couldn't talk much because his tongue was hanging out and flapping against his back! He was being facetious of course, but we had trained well that year and we were moving!
I told John P. that it was John C. who pushed me into long distance running. John C. encouraged me to run beyond the 5 and 10K's. He actually challenged me. And teased me by saying, "you're not a runner until you run a Marathon." This is not true, but it was John's way to motivate me. Now that I am an ultra runner he thinks I'm crazy!
I was on my bike today because I've been having some lower back pain. As I write this I am listening to Dr Vijay Vad on PBS. He is a back specialist and says Sitting for hours on end, as most of us do, and stress is a big contributor to back pain. Funny, I ran into an old friend yesterday and asked him if he still has his chronic back pain. He said he started making notes on when his pain was the worst. His findings? Christmas, Thanksgiving, Birthdays, etc.
I think mine is due to running on concrete too much too hard and heavy weight training. I've got to ease up.
Dr. Vad Also said that walking is one of the best ways to exercise the back! And we must reduce inflammation in the body by eating a healthier diet! Mainly increase Omega 3 fatty acids.
But I won't go there right now. I've written about how eating well is beneficial for overall health. And I preach it, but people think I'm nuts :-)

1 comment:

Running on Heavy said...: I can totally relate to the back pain! I have a job that requires more sitting than I care to think about. I've taken to doing a little yoga at my desk when I am able to so that I can stretch out. I wish I had caught that show on PBS! And you are not crazy about the diet - there is such a major correlation between the foods we take in and how our bodies perform. But pizza still tastes yummy :-)

Have a great rest of the week!!
Running On Heavy
http://runningonheavy.blogspot.com/; August 9, 2011 at 7:54 AM

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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.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Riding with old friends

1 comment:

Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon