Wednesday, April 30, 2014

One Third

Today marks one third of the year since I have committed running for the Durham Rescue Mission.  Here are some of the stats so far.

  • 613 miles from January 1 - April 30
  • Ran 113 out of 120 days at least 2 miles
  • Averaged 5.42 miles per run
  • Averaged 153.25 miles per month
  • High of 44 miles in a week and low of 18
  • High of 173 miles in a month and low of 131
  • Ran 3 marathons in 3 states (1 new state)
  • Registered for 4 more marathons (2 new states) and a 24 hour
  • Donated 613 meals
And the beat goes on starting May this weekend with the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon.

Today Day 120: 2 miles: 2014: 613 miles.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

What If Everybody Ran



Mizuno has an amazing Ad campaign going on right now.  It poses the question, "What If Everybody Ran?"  They commissioned the UNC Kenan-Flagler business school to find out.  Click here to see the related news.  This appears to be a 3 phase project  The infographic below shows some of the results from the statistical analyses.  There are other stats that would be interesting to see like, how much money would be donated to charities?  How many fewer drugs would we take, prescription or otherwise?  How much would we reduce the carbon footprint?  It would have been fun being one of the MBA students doing the analyses.

Today Day 117: 3 miles: 2014: 611 miles


Monday, April 28, 2014

White Wedding

As I mentioned in the last post, running is a habit.  However, there are times when other priorities take precedence.  This weekend was one of them.  Cindy and I got married on Friday at Triple Falls in Dupont State Forest near Asheville, NC on a beautiful day.  We spent 3 beautiful days in Asheville.  I did get to run on Saturday morning on Montford Ave. and Riverside Cemetery.  If you ever want to do hill work while in Asheville, go to Riverside Cemetery.  There are also some famous folks buried there like authors O. Henry, Thomas Wolfe and many Confederate Generals.  It is a meandering, multi-level, hillside stroll and beautiful this time of year.  Historic Montford also has some interesting venues including where F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife died in a fire at a Mental Hospital near where some of the pictures were taken below.









Obviously, this was not the highlight of the weekend.  After watching the weather closely all week and the forecast not wavering from 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms, the sky opened up with bright sunshine at one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the south for Cindy and me to commit our vows of marriage.  Triple Falls is a powerful 100 foot waterfall in Dupont State Forest which requires a short but somewhat steep half-mile walk.  We then decided to go right to the falls for the ceremony.  We could feel the mist and hear the rush of the water.  Waterfalls have so much energy.  We even had a bit of an audience with some college kids sitting quietly while Kathy (the minister) performed the ceremony.  At the end, they clapped and acknowledged what they had witnessed.  We chose two readings from the bible and wrote our own vows.  Of course it was difficult getting the personal vows out without blubbering.  The entire weekend was beautiful.  The B&B gave us balloons, wine and very tasty cupcake.  There were red and white roses and dinners as some of Asheville's most interesting restaurants.  On Saturday we drove the Blue Ridge Parkway and then down 276 to Brevard stopping at Looking Glass Falls and back up over the mountains to Asheville for dinner at Curate, Spanish Tapas and fine Sangria, two pitchers worth.  Here are a few cell phones pictures.  Cindy changed her name on Facebook on the drive back from Triple Falls. :)






Days 113-116: 9 miles: 2014: 608 miles

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Motivation and Habit

Motivation is what gets you started, Habit is what keeps you going - Jim Ryun
This year has been a year of habit for me.  Running is part of every day.  I do it like I brush my teeth, just another thing that makes up the day.  Since it is a habit I just do it, and no, not because Nike says so but because it is part of the day.  I do struggle when I don't do it in the morning because the day gets away from me and my mind is cluttered with everything else.  It is fresh in the morning and allows me to start the day with a fresh outlook.  What motivated me back on January 1 was my commitment to running for the Durham Rescue mission this year.  With that motivation I formed a habit, a healthy one, one that makes me a better person with strong mind and body.

Today Day 112: 6 miles: 2014: 599 miles

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Life After 50 States

As I was lying in bed from 3 AM to 4:30 AM last night, with a myriad of thoughts crossing my mind, I thought about what marathons I would do after I reach my goal of doing a marathon in all 50 states, which will be accomplished, God willing, next year.  I have 4 left Alaska, Wyoming, Montana and Hawaii.  I also will likely run the DC marathon next March to throw in DC as well.  Let's say, conservatively, I run another 4 marathons along with these 5, that will put me at about 85 marathons, give or take 1-2.  That leaves 15 marathons en-route to 100, which is my goal after 50 sates and DC.  I thought about the Canadian provinces which would be another 10 marathons.  Two other marathons came to mind immediately - Big Sur, CA and Mount Desert Island, Maine.  There are so many marathons and so little time (and money).  I need to do some international ones as well and what about ultras?  How about the 7 continents?  I may not be fast enough to qualify for Boston or rich enough to run every weekend, but I am determined enough to keep running and finding joy in every step between a marathon starting line and a finish line.  The beauty of the marathon is that runners, no matter their talent, is sharing the same course with the elite runners.  The last finisher yesterday in Boston ran the same course and likely had the same exhilaration as Meb did when he crossed the finish line.  The marathon is unparalleled in sport.  I can't go up to bat against a Cy Young award winner or catch a pass for a touchdown from Aaron Rodgers but I can run the same course as Bill Rodgers or Meb Kaflezighi.  I can understand the same challenges of pace, unrelenting hills, and the resistance of the body and mind at mile 23.  I could have a conversation with Ryan Hall or Shalene Flanagan because I can relate to their experience.  If I spoke to a major league baseball batter, what would I say?  Oh, I played Little League baseball too.  Of course, it is all relative but the running community is different.  When you're a runner, you're not part of it as a fan but as a participant.  Life after 50 will only get better.

Today Day 111: 5 miles: 2014: 593 miles

Monday, April 21, 2014

Meb

Amazing!  Meb Keflezighi won the Boston Marathon today.  It nearly brought tears to my eyes as I am sure it did his to many others.  Some of the greatest marathons in recent years have involved Meb - winning NYC, silver medalist in the Olympics, and now winning Boston.  With this win, I am sure he will compete in the 2016 games.  He is also a man of God.  On his website are the famous words of Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  I went out to look for another quote on his website and the website can't cache the results due to heavy traffic.  His marathon win brought down his own website!  I saw someone else comment about how great a runner he is but even a greater human being.  There were 3 American men in the top 10.

As for the women, Shalene Flanagan, ran her best race ever at 2:22 but not good enough for a course record of 2:18 set by Rita Jeptoo.  It appeared to be truly an amazing day to recapture that American spirit from last year's horrific attack and to show the rest of the world our resilience as runners, spectators, and Americans.  I'm proud to be a runner to show up month after month to run marathons on the streets of this great country with dedicated people to a craft of human triumph. No matter if I ever get the chance to run Boston, I am a runner, I am a marathoner and Meb inspires me!

#bostonstrong #mebstrong

Today Day 110: 2 miles: 2014: 588 miles 

Sunday, April 20, 2014

God's Not Dead

I saw two powerful messages this weekend on the most Holy days of the year.  First, the movie God's Not Dead, a powerful drama related to the debate or shall I say the belief that God is Not dead and the existence of God.  A professor is an atheist and requires all his students to claim, write and sign a paper that God is Dead or they will lose 30% of their grade.  One student, a Christian, cannot do this so the professor asks him to prove the antithesis.  The second message was by one of my favorite pastors, Andy Stanley.  The series was called Why In The World, but part 4 was one of the most powerful and to the point messages I have heard for us who live a worldly life.  Andy talks to the point of religion and how to not let religion get in the way of our relationship with Jesus and other people.  The foundation of the  series was, why would Jesus come to live in this world and what does He teach by doing so.  Running is such a great time to contemplate, think critically, and pray.  It brings me closer to Him and it gives me a better life.  It gets me through the days and makes me love better, tolerate more, and hope and then know that life doesn't end, but a better life is ahead into eternity.  God's Not Dead!

God's Not Dead by the Newsboys

Let love explode and bring the dead to life
A love so bold
To see a revolution somehow

Let love explode and bring the dead to life
A love so bold
To bring a revolution somehow
Now I'm lost in Your freedom
And this world I'll overcome

My God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion

Roaring He's roaring He's roaring like a lion

Let hope arise and make the darkness hide
My faith is dead I need a resurrection somehow
Now I'm lost in Your freedom
And this world I'll overcome

My God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion

Roaring He's roaring
He's roaring like a lion
He's Roaring He's roaring

Let heaven roar and fire fall
Come shake the ground
With the sound of revival

My God's not dead
He's surely alive
He's living on the inside
Roaring like a lion

He's Roaring He's roaring He's roaring like a lion


Today Days 108-109: 16 miles: 2014: 586 miles

Friday, April 18, 2014

The Way

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14:6
We seem to be always finding our way in life.  Today, on Good Friday, the day we Christians commemorate the Crucifixion of Jesus who died on the cross at Calvary for our sins, is a day tears are shed only to be brightened by the joyous occasion of the Resurrection on Easter.  It is the Resurrection that lead The Way for Christians.  If Jesus didn't rise from the dead, it would have been just another death of of a man.  His Resurrection changed the world.  As I was running today, I thought about the way our lives go.  Running is a great metaphor because there are so may ways to run.  I don't mean forms, styles or gaits although there are as many of those as there are runners but I mean routes, directions, and terrains.  Like life, one can get lost, especially on trails and finding the way back home can be difficult and somewhat panicky.  It is easy to get lost in The Way as well, but we all know where home is and the path we need to take.  I've been lost in both before but once I found my way, I stayed true to the path.  Let us all find The Way this Easter season and stay on the path.  It is the only way to survive this world in preparation for the next.

Today Day 107: 5 miles: 2014: 570 miles

Thursday, April 17, 2014

The Trail

The trail was narrow and littered with rocks the size of grapefruits. Rocks and roots make this trail challenging as each step must be carefully placed to ensure that a face plant doesn't occur.  What if it did?  I guess it depends on where it takes place.  If it is in a place with broken trees and limbs, I guess you could be impaled, but likely not.  I have never heard of a trail runner impaled by a fall.  I guess you could hit your head on a rock but you would have to twist your body in such a way that catching yourself would not be possible.  Could you fall down a cliff?  I suspect that is possible depending on the elevation of the trail.  The most likely event is roughed up knees, hands and arms.  Sporting bloody knees or some brush burns is a badge of honor on the trail.  Not that I would recommend it, but certainly there is no shame in it.  The trail is a beast.  The trail is a challenge.  The trail is what communes us with our human nature.  It brings the best out in us.  The trail does not allow the mind to wonder too far off the beaten path.  It punishes you if you do.  The trail harasses you. it demands your attention.  Its like a dog wanting his dinner.  Feed me!  Even soft trails, those covered in pine needles, want you to engage with them.  The trail is fearless but projects fear upon us.  The trail is worth the effort.  Running the trail requires strategy but the ability to make instant decisions when your mind and body is being taxed.  The trail is merciless.  It doesn't care who you are or how great a runner you think you are.  It is always there to humble you and make you respect it.  I have run 25 miles in a 50K on a sprained ankle due to the Trail's insistence on not allowing me to own it.  The trail says, "I am the trail and I own you, you don't own me."  The trail says to the road, "You're too easy on these people, man-up and put a little grit in your teeth!"  The trail says, "join me for a little fun!  Get dirty and find a good trail but don't think it will be your friend.

Today Days 105-106: 10 miles: 2014: 564 miles

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

One Year Ago...

today, at 2:49 PM, the first of the bombs exploded at the finish of the Boston Marathon.  Prayers are for all of those affected by such a terrible tragedy.  Like 9/11, it affected every American, but the resilience and strength to recover from such cowardly acts, shows what a great people we are.  I look at people who do these kinds of things as the cowards they are.  I am not sure I could forgive if one of my loved ones was hurt or killed.  Marathon finish lines hit home for me not necessarily for me crossing one and worrying but knowing that Cindy is always at the finish line waiting.  I can't imagine what those runners went through that day not knowing what might have happened to their friends and family waiting for them at the finish.  I know one thing for sure, it has not stopped people from running marathons.  As  a matter of fact more people ran after those events.  Runners are resilient.  Boston runners maybe more so.  I still hope to run the Boston Marathon someday.  It might have to be for a charity to get into it but I can't leave this world after running a marathon in all 50 states and likely running over 100 marathons when all is said and done and not running Boston.  I do believe that they should make those allowances for people who have supported marathon running as a lifestyle.  The BAA is sort of like the Augusta National in a sense, elitism, but I guess that is what makes it special.  It will be an emotional day in Boston on Monday for the 118th running.  I wish everyone a safe and heartfelt journey and a finish full of cheer.

Today Day 104: 4 miles: 2014: 554 miles

Monday, April 14, 2014

Land of the Pines

I could taste the pollen from the pines on my tongue and lips.  It is that time of year in NC.  These tall pines create a mass of green dust that covers everything.  Every car is green.Anything outside is green.  The trail that I ran on Sunday was green.  But, I wouldn't trade the land of the pines for the land of asphalt.  I'll deal with the two weeks or so of pollen just to live in an area of niceness and decency.  It is hard getting runs in during my travels.  I guess I should say it is harder training during my travels.  The quality of the runs are not as good.  I do the best I can but need to make the time.  On Friday that required the alarm to go off at 5 AM. I'm generally up early anyway.  I think I did well fitting in runs.  I missed one day which brings my total to 5 I think.  Running everyday is making a difference.  Today I ran an exceptional tempo run of 6.2 miles in 51 minutes.   I think the Flying Pig will be a decent marathon for me.  I've done some hard marathons so far this year and even though Miami was flat the temperature and humidity was high.  The other two have been very hilly. I'm rambling to get something posted today and to get my mileage updated.  Oh, two half-marathoners died in the Rock 'n' roll event here in Raleigh over the weekend.  Prayers go out to their families.

Today days 100-103: 20 miles: 2014: 550 miles

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Reservoir Deja Vu

I needed to come back to NJ on a business trip this week.  I'm not quite sure how or why I stayed in NJ as long as I did, almost 27 years.  NJ hardens you and makes immune to the harsh treatment of individuals.  They even take pride in it.  I'm not saying that all NJ is like this.  I've met some very nice folks, most south of I-195.  I don't quite understand why people have to be mean or intolerant of people.  One place that I didn't find this true was at Manasquan Reservoir.  I have written some other blogs posts about Manasquan Reservoir.  Some were related to the niceness of the people, which I found to be refreshing in NJ, some related to the beauty, especially the sunrises.  I did a few posts about observations from the trail.  The ones related to observations where mostly about the people I encountered on the trail.  I ran there most every day and many times on weekends.  Its a 5 mile loop around a beautiful reservoir on a crushed cinder path at the water's edge.  It just doesn't get better than than from a running perspective.  I used to think it had some hills until I started running in NC.  Today when I was running, it almost seemed flat to me and what I used to call hills are more inclines.  It was bright sunshine and a perfect 60 degrees today.  As I started my journey, I started recognizing people.  Its been two years since I have run at the reservoir and here are the same folks that have been friendly in the past.  I literally recognized 8 people along the way and since I ran 2 loops, I passed a few a second time.  I don't know if any recognized me, maybe a few, but the greeting was a short hi as I ran by.  Not all of these folks are runners, some are walkers and there was a fair share of dogs too.  I wondered as I ran, how the lives of these people have changed, if at all.  Mine certainly has.  I ran at the reservoir for 2 years but have been gone for 2 years. Although, it hasn't been great being back in NJ, I liked being in the area of the reservoir and the farm.  The farm is another topic but where Cindy and I really brought our relationship together.  When I was in the Princeton area yesterday, I just didn't like the feelings but the farm and reservoir brought back better memories as to where my life is now.  I liked seeing the people at the reservoir.  There was a warm familiarity to it and like I said, it is also a fine running venue.  Here are some pictures.




Today Days 98-99: 10 miles: 2014: 530 miles

Running every day is much better than missing a day.  I have learned that this year, but travel days are just extremely hard to get in a run so I have missed 4 days this year and always feel worse for it.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

When I'm running...

"When I'm running I don't have to talk to anybody and don't have to listen to anybody.  This is the part of the day that I can't do without." - Haruki Murakami, novelist and author of What I Talk About When I Talk About Running
It sounds selfish in a way but I think we all need this. In this day and age of constant engagement of talking or listening, we all need that tiny bit of time which requires neither talking nor listening.  For me, it is during running where I am free to be me, to choose my own thoughts.  It may not be running for you, it could be reading, biking, gardening, whatever but I tell you now, you need to find a way to stop listening and stop talking for a small portion (or longer) of the day.  It actually makes you a better listener and talker when you need to be.  By the way, this book from Murakami is very good.  He is best known as a novelist but he shares his personal journey with running in this book.

Today Days 96-97: 6 miles: 2014: 520 miles

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Two For The Road

Yesterday Cindy and I ventured out for our morning run and ride.  The 10 miles I ran were matched by Cindy riding her bicycle 16.2 miles.  I guess you could call that teaming up to do a marathon.  When we go away for marathons, its takes two for the road.  Its empty running when she isn't there.  I draw my energy from her when I reach the valleys of a marathon.  Runners always hit low points during a run, especially marathons and ultras.  They need to find the other person on the road with them who made the same journey, for help.  In life, it works both ways traveling the one road as two together.  Bruce's words say it best in this song.  It should really say three for the road, to include Jesus in our walk/run on Emmaus road.  It takes more than one to rev it up and go, so let's get it running, we're three for the road.
 
Bruce Springsteen
Two for the Road
 
It's one for the money, one for the show
I got one kiss for you honey so come on let's go
I didn't see it coming but girl now I know
It takes one for the running but two for the road
 
One thousand dreams whispered in the dark
But a dream's just a dream in one empty heart
It takes more than one to rev it up and go
So let's get it running, we're two for the road
 
Two one-way tickets and a diamond ring
Hell it don't matter what the rain might bring
When this world treats you hard and cold
I'll stand beside you, we're two for the road
 
When you're alone my love will shine the light
Through the dark and starless night
I'll hold you close and never let you go
Come on now honey, we're two for the road

 I'll stand beside you and I'll never go
Come on now girl, we're two for the road

Today Day 95: 8 miles: 2014: 514 miles

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Umstead 100 2008

Today I ran a great 10 mile tempo run.  During it I thought of the Umstead 100 mile run which I attempted back in 2008.  This weekend is the Umstead 100 mile.  When I attempted it back in 2008, I only got through 50 miles.  It seems odd to say "only" but in a 100 miler, it is only half way.  Below is my last post on my 100 mile quest blog from 2008.

"...they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 ...but they that wait on the strength of the Lord shall renew their strength...
I ran and was weary but I didn't faint. One hundred miles is a long way. It is easier to grasp thinking about it than actually doing it. My saving grace was knowing that that I at least attempted it and through failure of only getting through 50 miles I have learned much. The body and mind are amazing but they will rebel mostly against each other. There are really no excuses. My body rebelled more than my mind wanted to reconcile. Unlike Rocky Raccoon where I felt the strength was with me and I found something special in the wilderness, the same feelings were not present at Umstead. I had much appreciated help from Shawn throughout the day (which might be a more difficult chore than running) but I am not sure I got enough help from myself. My first three loops were perfectly paced but the fourth loop was a chore and internally my body shut down. Mentally, I got down on myself a bit during the run and once you lose it mentally, it is lost. I finished 50 miles in 12:54, my second 50 miler in 8 weeks. Umstead has wonderful organization and I would highly recommend it as an event whether you run 50 miles or 100. The hospitality of southerners is unsurpassed. As for me, the Lord has renewed my strength to get back on the road, take the next step and continue to try."


Today day 94: 10 miles: 2014: 506 miles



Friday, April 4, 2014

Sunny and 85

Just a few weeks ago it was in the 20's in the morning.  Today, at 4 PM it was 85.  Certainly Spring is here in North Carolina.  people have mowed their grass.  Some blooms have come and gone but others still waiting for their time.   The trees have buds.  Right around the corner will be the green pollen from the tall pines where every car turns the color green.  Humidity will soon follow.  I ran this afternoon and it was one of those days where I really had to motivate myself to get out the door.  For a variety or reasons, weekly travel, physically not feeling well last night and the fact that my worst runs are in the afternoon/evening.  In most cases, once I get out the door and run a bit, I feel fine.  Today was not one of those days.  I felt just as bad from the first step to the last step.  It was still great being out in the sunshine and among the pines.  It was better than most of my week so overall, it was good.  Part of what was good about it was that it is reality.  Nothing can be made up about it.  You don't have to defend it.  You don't have to be something you're not, just a runner doing his run saying hi to all the other runners and bikers doing their thing, the true people they are.  Sunny and 85 brings people outside to enjoy what nature has to offer.  Get out and do something, walk, run, bike, picnic, whatever, but do it outside.

Today Days 92-93: 7 Miles: 2014: 496 miles

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

When Pigs Fly

Next up is the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon.  But, it's not the marathon that will be the highlight of the event.  It will be a distance much, much shorter - 25 yards to be exact.  The flying piglet's kids fun run will be Bree's first race.  Being 2 1/4 years old, 25 yards is a long way but I have seen her practice and I already know she can be a runner as long as there are no pigs nor planes flying overhead.  In one of her practices, her fascination with planes had her stop in the middle and notice the plane.  I admire the detail because too many times, we adults don't notice the details of life as we are embedded in our daily grinds, our faces in computers or phones or we just don't stop to smell anything.  Cow manure in the country can smell as good as roses.  However, if we see pigs flying,then we all may stop in our tracks and point.  I think of the Geico commercials with the pig in various situations.  The pig thinks that it is he who creates the situation (because he is a pig) but people treat him like any other being to his disappointment.  I hope that a few pigs are running and bringing attention to themselves.  Not withstanding, the highlight will still be running 25 yards with Bree.  The joy in her face being part of a major event, getting awarded a medal and running to her momma, pappa and grandma will just be fantastic.

Yesterday and Today Days 90 and 91: 7 miles: 2014: 487 miles