Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: January 2015

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Legs

Legs felt heavy today as I started my trail run.
Sunday's short uphill sprints taxed my legs.
Bones are getting old. Muscles tire easily now.
Or maybe it's lack of consistent training.
I've got to work on that.
My legs eased into the run, running smoother after mile one.
Walked the steep climb, trotted on the ridge,
descended the hillside as smooth as water gently flowing over stones.
Folks saying Hi, teenagers smooching on a bench, Young girls smiling.
Sunset creating vibrant colors, calm in the woods as I exited the trails,
on rejuvenated legs.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Matthew

She bid farewell to her child, after placing flowers at his resting place.
My heart wept as I walked away,
Seeing and feeling the pain in her words.
For he is my child too.
There is no greater pain than losing a child.
Treasure those close to you.
Always let them know you love them

Sunday, January 4, 2015

"I'm alright now, but I tell ya, Last week I was in rough shape." - Rodney Dangerfield

It wasn't last week but it was the last part of 2014 when I was in rough shape.
In the month of November I ran a total of 12 miles. Hiking kept me active though.
The reason I could not run was my desire to feel young! Our company 5K was held November 1 and of course I had to run and of course I told myself I would take it easy. But once the run begins and the competiveness takes hold we tend to push a little harder than sometimes we should. With half a mile to the finish at the 5K I challenge the third place "kid." He surges forward, I sprint past him, he blows me away and I pull my hamstring!
No big deal I thought. It's nothing a little rest can't take care of. But wait! I was scheduled to run a 15 miler the next day. I did run it. Well, I showed up and on a long downhill stretch at mile 5 my hamstring seized up and screamed "NO!"
No good runs for over 6 weeks after this and no Dallas marathon, AGAIN!
Trying to get back at it mid December and the darn Cedar pollen knocks me down. This did not affect me in my youth but as I have gotten older it's beating me up! Not only does it affect my sinuses now but I break out in patches of eczema due to the pollen. I've known I have allergic reactions to grasses, plants, and trees since childhood (not good for a trail runner) and it may be getting worse. Darn it's hell getting old. I'm not letting it get me down though. Saw an allergist for the first time ever and we're working on finding relief.
I'm Alright now though! Ran 6+ trail miles with friends and my niece today! Felt great on my second day of running after 2 weeks of being layed up with not so much as a short walk in the park.
I fell on a prickly Pear Cactus too! Came home and stood naked by the window as my wife pulled thorns off my butt with tweezers.
I'm Back! 2015 here I come!

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.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Legs

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Matthew

Sunday, January 4, 2015

"I'm alright now, but I tell ya, Last week I was in rough shape." - Rodney Dangerfield

Drenched

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon