Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: I am beside myself

Sunday, July 28, 2013

I am beside myself

"I am beside myself" - Such a weird idiom. What does it mean? confused? angry? worried?
In my case it means excited. This phrase came to my mind today when thinking of what is upcoming. At the end of this week I am heading out west to the land of the Pines. California! The state with the most species of pine trees. Who knew?
But what has me Excited is that I will be crewing and pacing at the Angeles Crest 100 mile trail run. And Pacing a very good friend. When Lalo asked me to go out with him and his wife Amanda to support him on his first hundred miler, not only was I flattered but a feeling of concern came over me. A 100 mile run is not an easy feat. My concern must be attributed to the old man in me. I am concerned about those I love. Lalo is well prepared though. So I must be too.
I will be pacing him on a trail I am not familiar with. This is not something new. I've been on many different and unfamiliar trails before. I am ready to take it on! I am excited about this adventure, running with Lalo on new trails, through the woods, in the mountains, at night! That's what has me beside myself. I am next to me, staring and thinking, " Dang! you're IN man! You are going to have a wonderful and unique experience! I can't wait to get back inside you and go for the ride."

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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, July 28, 2013

I am beside myself

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Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon