Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: May 2010

Monday, May 31, 2010

Now the clay of which you were shaped has dried and hardened.--Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Still recovering from my surgery for my severe groin injury. It is slow going. I feel my clay is hardening! Recovery is difficult when you are told to not do a thing. I am not even supposed to walk around the block. Although I feel better this week, I am reminded, by small throbbing sensations in and around the area of my surgery, to go slow.
The one benefit? I feel all my little muscle and tendon aches have disappeared. For the last three weeks the small twinges in my left heel, right Achilles tendon, and lower back are gone! These were not terrible pains I was having. We as runners always have some small issues while others have larger muscle pains. I can't help but think this is a benefit, but that I have to beware when I do resume my running. I don't want to feel I can run hard and long to soon. It will be a long slow road back. I am looking ahead to that time and can't wait.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Pretty Sights

7+ miles of Hiking at Government Canyon today. John hanging around with me as I slowly recuperate. The conversation, as always, was great. Nature's awesome beauty in our midst. Handshakes and hugs upon seeing the trail running friends I've missed.

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.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Now the clay of which you were shaped has dried and hardened.--Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Pretty Sights

It’s been such a mighty long time.

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Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon