Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Joe was in town!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Joe was in town!

Yesterdays group run at Ike (Eisenhower Park) was special. Joe Prusaitus drove down from Austin to join us. Joe is the director of Tejas Trails and President of the Texas Hill Country Trailrunners club based in Austin,TX. Tejas Trails puts on trail runs year 'round all over South Central Texas. Joe's a great guy. A veteran of numerous Marathons and Ultra Marathons run all over the country, Joe understands the minds of runners whether they are fast, slow, or in between. And to be a successful race director you have to be understanding (and very patient). Joe is and has been a successful race director for many years. We are very fortunate to have him here. We had a larger group than normal for this week's Thursday night run. I was there early and ran 2 miles before the group started together. Liza had her trainees run their scheduled workout as the rest of us did our thing. After the run we all headed to Freeetail brewery for some food and brew. I've only met some of Liza's new group members a couple of times but I'm now getting to know them better. I'm enjoying it. Meeting new like minded friends and running with a group really helps in training. I was asked questions and some shared their thoughts and future goals in regards to running ultras. The basic advice I give is, You don't want to make it too much work. Sure, you want to work hard towards your goal. But if you're having a tough time of it, don't be too hard on yourself. If you're feeling great in training,or in a race, go with it! Ride the wave. If you're not feeling good and you're suffering, keep going. These are the experiences you can draw from when you're having a difficult time in a race because there will be times in an ultra when you'll have some lows. This is when you just hang on. It gets better. Hanging out with everyone and watching the group as they shared thoughts, training, stories, and goals, made me think, "I've got to pick a race to run in the near future!" With no run scheduled, my training has been inconsistent. Oh well, in the meantime, I'm volunteering at a 10K tomorrow morning and at Joe's Pandoras box of Rox races in two weeks. That's fun and rewarding too.

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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.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Joe was in town!

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Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon