Latest best run

"5 AM! you'd think we were going fishing or something."
My response to This (John's text about the time he was picking me up to head out for some trail running in the Hill Country), "yeah, but it's just as good."
We met a few other friends who were staying in a cabin out near Leakey Texas. Leakey (lake-ee) is nestled in the Heart of Texas' beautiful Hill Country west of San Antonio. I have fond childhood memories of this area. Stories I tell about camping out in this area probably bore my friends by now.
Today's run was one of those that will live in my memory as one of the best ever with friends. No set amount of mileage to be run, no goal pace, no hill repeats. Just a fun, conversation sharing, nature loving run. BUT, In an effort to keep me motivated, I signed up for The Pedernales Falls 30K night Trail race on June, 28th. This will my first race in this series and It's been a very long time since I've run at night so I am looking forward to it. But I have to ramp up my training.
Now I've got to share this. Yesterday I saw a co-worker who has changed his eating habits by cutting out processed foods, eating more green leafy vegetables, good fats, and has become more active. All because of the guys at work who have experienced serious health issues lately. Jokingly I asked him if he is tired of hearing people tell him he is too thin. "Yes! but I get really upset when they ask me if I am sick." he said.
I laughed and he continued, "But you know what? I am no longer suffering from allergies, I no longer need my high blood pressure medication, I have more energy,........."
That's what I try to tell people!
OK, That's all  :-)

Ride with Herman. Timmie wants to walk and the gang is already at it.

I was supposed to go on a ride with my friend Herman today but he cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Herman is on the right track though and asked to reschedule soon. About a year ago Herman came to me asking for advice on what exercises or activities I would recommend for an aging pal. Herman was concerned because he couldn't walk far with out running out of breath and found it difficult to bend down or squat. He was amazed at my ability to demonstrate a burpee. Now, Herman can squat, he lifts weights , and is riding his bike. We'll ride together soon.
This made me think of a recent event where I saw an old co-worker. Dave retired some years back. As we spoke, Dave made a comment that made me want to say, "I told you so." But I just couldn't. I had spoken my piece years ago. His comment was, "you work all your life, then you retire and things start to break down, and you get sick."  It doesn't have to be this way! Ruben retired before you Dave, is older, and in perfect health. Years ago Dave relayed to me the illnesses that were creeping up on him. He said I was lucky because I'm fit and healthy. "It's not luck so much Dave! You have to exercise" His response, "I walk here at work."
I told Dave he had to walk consistently for 30 minutes or more and stop eating food from the vending machine and eat more vegetables. His response to walking more? "You sound like my Doctor. To eating vegetables? " I'm not ready for that." Dave was among the gang at work who ridiculed Ruben for eating Garlic regularly and refraining from eating junk from the vending machines.
In the past year there have been three co-workers of mine who have had heart bypass surgery. All younger than me at age 55.
Willie was as fit as they come. Well as they look. He was a body builder but never worked on his cardio fitness. Willie almost didn't make it. Now he is walking regularly.
Joe didn't have time to prepare his lunch. I constantly criticized his meal choices. We've talked since his surgery and he promises he will make better meal choices and is walking also.
Otto was always tired and too busy to exercise. He is now walking for his health and is recovering well. I talked to him today.
Hey! You know what? These guys were not runners! Wasn't I warned running can cause heart problems? Hmmm.
Herman is now biking!
Ruben always biked, rode with me, and got me on the healthy eating routine.
Willie, Joe, and Otto are walking, and maybe.......will become runners!
Gotta go, Timmie wants to walk.

Hey friends, See you soon!

An old friend contacted me and encouraged me to run a new trail race being put on by another old friend. I took the bait and ran the first ever IAAP 20 mile trail run along the banks of the Medina river in south Bexar county in the month of April. Many friends came out in support, I made new friends on new trails and had a blast.
Last weekend I traveled to Littleton Colorado to visit another old friend and run with him on his one and only trail race of every year, the "Fear the Deer" 1/2 marathon. Anthony, my niece Adrienne,  and I spent quality time together on and off the trails.
Just today a co-worker sent me an article via email on how too much running can lead to negative health issues late in life. I have read these articles and commented on them. As in all I have read previously, this one ended with "but more studies need to be conducted to prove this theory."
What about the positive effects of running? If I don't run I don't meet and make new friends. I/we don't reconnect, maintain, and rekindle old friendships. Is that not a positive health benefit?
I'll keep running. Hope you do too.
See you on the trails friends.