Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Running with good friends

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Running with good friends

It always makes for a harder yet better run when running with a friend. Especially when running with a talented runner like my good friend Brian.
This afternoon we met at Eisenhower park. The temperature was hovering around 90 and comfortable, in the shade. The light breeze made things not so bad as we prepared to start but when we hit the trail we were out in the open and it was hot. We later commented on how training in these conditions help our conditioning and prepare us somewhat for running at altitude.
Running with someone makes you push just a little harder. And if you're not feeling it, they'll slow down for you too, Today I was feeling well and did not want to slow down my running partner. We ran all the way up all but the steepest hill. It felt good even though I was sucking wind after cresting each hill.
I also like running with close friends because they don't mind if I re-tell my stories. I'm notorious for telling the same story twice, three times, or more.
Running with friends that are stronger than you are helps you improve but sometimes I get a little concerned that I may not be up to par. I'm nervous now thinking about running my my good friend Lalo this Friday morning. He's a FAST ultra runner! But he is my friend. He'll be nice to me. And he hasn't heard half my stories!

1 comment:

Brian said...: Always a pleasure sharing the trails with 10K Tony. Thanks for taking it easy on me.; May 7, 2012 at 2:11 PM

Post a Comment

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.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Running with good friends

1 comment:

Drenched

Pageviews

Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon