Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: Just Like Ruben

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Just Like Ruben

Yesterday My truck would not veer towards the trail head. My tired legs kept my arms from turning the wheel.
That was not the case today and I am glad! I fumbled with my gear getting it ready for a trail run on my home turf, Leon Creek. As I stepped out of my truck and on to the Paved trail that leads to the woods, Ruben came riding by! My good old friend Ruben! I've written about Ruben before. My friend who Challenged me years ago to ride and go further and further. We rode our road and mountain bikes on many Texas back roads and desert trails. He is still hitting the trails on his mountain bike. Mostly the paved ones but hits the nature trails every so often. Not many 75 year old guys are able to do that but Ruben is still at it. My old pal and I caught up. We laughed, shared stories old and new. He asked about my brother Andy who joined us on some rides way back when.. We vowed to get together soon as we parted ways. I could not help to wonder about how active I will be at 75 years of age. Can I be just like Ruben?
Running on n the trail again after my last race felt labor-some at the start but soon I eased into a comfortable pace. It was nice being on familiar trails. I contemplated upcoming races. What next?
Towards the end of my run I came around a corner and to a slight incline as another runner was about to descend. He stopped and said "come on, I need a rest." Running up to him I asked how he was doing. "Good" he said smiling, as I passed he added, "Keep at it!"
Yes, I thought. I will. Just Like Ruben.


Leon Creek, My home turf

2 comments:

Jeff Farrell said...: Sam V. 64, years young smoked my ass on our weekly 7 miler this morning. I guess his recovery from last Sunday's Austin Marathon is going well!!! Hope I can be like him in 9 years!!!; February 18, 2016 at 12:51 PM
Tony Maldonado said...: Sammy is a tough one Jeff. Always has been, and, still at it.; February 18, 2016 at 7:18 PM

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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.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Just Like Ruben

2 comments:

Drenched

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