Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: May 2013

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The next Chapter

Finally I am feeling recovered from the 55K effort at the Possum kingdom 55K. It took some time. Age and the fact that I don't think I am built for, or am young enough to withstand too many long endurance runs must be the reason. I do enjoy them though. Running ultras. Exhausting my body, as strange as that may seem, feels good. Recently I said to our trainer at work, " I like to run until I reach a point of exhaustion, then try to push through to see how far I can go." He responded by saying, "That's how I feel when lifting weights."

But is that good for us? In the long run, is it beneficial for our health? It may produce a sensation of ecstasy in our minds, which makes us feel "high" A feeling of euphoria.

I have felt this and reveled in knowing I can endure. But now, at this point in my life, I need to be wise and down shift. I want to continue to enjoy running and being out running or hiking in nature for as long as possible, I've said it before, The body can endure only so much pounding. I want to walk upright as an elderly person. Heck, I want to live to be an elderly person! Oh, I will still run a marathon or two a year. And compete at shorter distances. But no more Ultras for me. After the Dirty Thirty 50K in Black Hawk, CO. on June 1st of course. I will never stop enjoying running through the beauty of nature. This final Ultra will be an enjoyable, smell the roses run. I can't wait.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Uncle Alex

We went to visit 88 year old uncle Alex today. Uncle Alex is in an assisted living home but we hope he'll be back at Aunt Marie's home in a couple of days.
Uncle alex is a blast from the past. An old farm boy from Michigan and a World War two veteran who never was one to mince words. As we entered his room today and asked how he was doing he said, "Like Hell! I'll tell it like it is. I'm not going to lie to you. Ha ha ha." That's Uncle Alex. Always told it like it is.
I must confess, we have not been in contact with Uncle Alex much in the past few years. But we never forgot him. And it was evident today, he hasn't forgot us.
Aunt Marie and Uncle Alex had a falling out over a decade and a half ago and have lived apart since. There was always some contact between them though. Their Grandkids made it so. And although the Grandkids were not his blood relatives he was the only Grandfather they knew. To them he was Grandpa. Love existed between them.
Uncle Alex is now in need of constant care. His grandkids and Aunt Marie want him back home and he is coming.
There are some who have questioned her and may criticize her for going to him, but Aunt Marie's faith teaches care, compassion, forgiveness and love.
We told Uncle Alex we look forward to seeing him back home again.

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.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The next Chapter

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Uncle Alex

Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon