Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Run from home.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Run from home.

86 degrees at 5 AM! That is UNBELIEVABLE! Then again, the forecast was for a high of 108! This has been a terribly HOT summer in south Texas. I headed out the door at 6:15 AM towards my favorite trails, The Leon Creek greenbelt. They say the coolest part of the day is just before sunrise. It's true. I felt it this morning. It's weird but it actually felt VERY cool in the creek for a SHORT time just before the sun came up. It actually reached 110 degrees today! I shed some clothing soon after starting this morning's run (stashed my shirt at the trailhead) and ran shirtless for most of my run.
My original plans were to drive 6 miles over to Helotes TX. with my bike, run 15 miles then ride in a memorial ride for Pete Vandermey. Pete was a local runner, rider, and Tri-athlete. I rode with Pete many times out of Roger Soler's sports in Helotes on the Thursday night runs/ride. Pete was an extraordinarily very friendly guy. About 7 years ago Pete was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. He seemed to take it in stride and fought it for over 5 years. Going through cancer treatments, Pete still continued to ride his bicycle when he could and hung out with the guys always smiling. He knew very well that the survivor rate for those suffering from his illness was very low but he kept a stiff upper lip and continued to ride and run. Ultimately, Pete succumbed to his illness. This was the second annual ride for Pete. I didn't make it to Pete's ride. I decided to run 16 miles on the trails in Leon Creek thinking about Pete and others who I've known that have struggled with illnesses and kept fighting and smiling. Maybe the group Pete ran and rode with helped him without realizing it. Maybe that's why Pete kept coming out to ride. I feel we must continue to stay active and encourage those in our lives whether they are runners, riders, walkers, or not.
This brings to mind the cyber banter I was a part of last week. The trail (paved) series I've been running this summer has a facebook page where the organizer asks folks about different subjects concerning the races. One of the questions was about headphones and safety. I chimed in and stated it was not not a good idea and we should look out for each other instead of retreating into our own little world. Some responses were rude. Pretty much saying "I can look out for myself!" I then chimed in with the statement "That's what I love about the Trailrunning community, as apposed to roadies. most Trailrunners care about each other's safety and helping one another succeed."
We all should, look out for each other

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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 28, 2011

Run from home.

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Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon