Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Hiking with kids is so much fun!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Hiking with kids is so much fun!

Saturday my grandson John and I drove out to the Hill Country State Natural Area, Site of the Cactus Rose 50 and 100 milers, and the Bandera 100K, and 50K races and
also the site of many a Rockhopper training run. Only 40 miles from the northwest end of San Antonio, this park is so remote from the hustle and bustle of the city. I explained to John that there is no electricity and no running water and miles and miles of rugged nature trails. He was OK with that and excited!
Our running group, The Rockhoppers, planned a weekend retreat to the park for some camping, running, and socializing. We have such a wonderful group of runners and most importantly, a great group of friends. There is such a warm feeling when we get together.
Many in the group are training for the upcoming 100K, and also training for the 100 miler at Rocky Raccoon.
Me? My next race is the Bandera 100k but I have not been "feeling it" as far as training hard. I just don't feel like running long distances right now. Maybe my body is telling me something. I've decided and convinced myself that I am in taper mode.
It was a great opportunity to spend quality time with John. We'll hike the technical trails and hope that he finds it exciting enough to some day run these trails with his Grandpa.
John and I started our hike before the runners in the group got going Saturday morning. We headed out to Sky Island and sat on a scenic overlook just as the running group came by 2 miles into their run. They all paused to say hello, and everyone smiling.
John and I went back to the lodge to lead the next group of hikers.
The second group were non-running family members. Spouses and children. Besides Tim who came with us too. Nine of us! The kids were very inquisitive!
Liza's son, four year old Asa, brought along his first-aid kit just in case anyone got hurt.
We paused to look at the foliage and the beautiful views of the Texas hill country.
I think I enjoyed the hike as much, and maybe more than many of my runs at Bandera.
Watching kids get excited about steep hills, mountain views, plants, and nature's wonders, make me smile and feel young again.
I,John, Tim, and My long time friend John Palmer (founder of the Rockhopper group), went on another hike at noon. We got caught in the rain but it did not not dampen our spirits, it only enhanced our appreciation for our love of nature.

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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, December 11, 2011

Hiking with kids is so much fun!

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Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon