Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

The miles and hours fly by on the trails.
Saturday I met my friend Lalo for a planned 10 miler on the trails of Leon Creek. We began before sunrise on familiar trails to me but new to Lalo. The conversation was great and flowed like a river. We are new to each other but it seems we've known each other a long time. That's the feeling I get. We discussed how the trail running community is very welcoming and is so different from the roadies. In trail running it seems everyone is "In it together." On the trail, runners check on each other, share water, and you hear things like "Good job" "Are you OK?" At aid stations most people will share what they have. After races folks hang around and encourage others who are still on the trail and cheer other runners as they cross the finish line. You meet and make friends on trail runs and at Trail races.
Our 10 miler turned into an 11 miler and as Lalo put it, "It felt like five"
The brain plays a big part in helping our physical efforts. Music is a good stimulant, as is a good running companion.
Time passes very quickly and the effort seems so easy, when your running with good company.

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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, October 2, 2011

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon