2014- where do I began or end? I have no clue! Looking back to the last week of 2013 the one thing that sort of sticks out in my mind is just really wanting 2014 to be better than 2013. I'm far from perfect but I wanted to avoid going totally off the rails and doing dumb stuff...... 2013 was just craziness with people left hurt and my life pretty much in shambles. If I could get through the year without cratering I was going to be golden! The last 12 months have been pretty even keel personally for me and that's a huge improvement. Had love, lost love,etc but no major hiccups and I've gained a coupla personal friends through that. Running has been the one thing thats been consistent. I wish I knew how many miles I ran this year..... I know its over 2000. 2015 I am logging every one just to push myself. The people I've met through running have just been incredible. Life changing to say the least. Sure the running exploits are cool and I conquered some things that many will never do in a lifetime but going into 2014 it wasn't about that and still isn't. I just wanted control of my life and my behaviors. That's still a work in progress.
Career wise- I couldn't be happier. I left a industry I still love but needed to grow as a person and am now in one that's real parallel to what I was doing but with new challenges. I'm very blessed! I hope people who read this can take away that anything they choose to do in life is possible. Everyone has their excuses for not taking control of their destiny but if one really has the desire and the fire in their soul than anything is possible. I've learned that the human spirit is tough. The body is simply a tool for the mind. I've let go of many fears in 2014 and its helped me grow as a person. During a race- no matter the distance- my focus is getting to the next aid station. I dId this during my 1st and only marathon (I sucked) and every race including my 100 mile finish. Life is like that. Sure huge goals are great but in order to reach them I have to focus on the next leg of my journey to my ultimate goal. It's taken me 47years to figure this thing called life out and I'm still working at it but it's really simple once I found a system that works for me.
2015- man o man- I cannot wait to do this in all facets of my life. One of my biggest priorities is working with a couch to 5k group. More details later but I want to encourage others to take a chance and see if a running group will impact their life as it has mine. I don't know enough to coach nor do I have the desire to but I do plan on mentoring people who want to try running a 5 or 10k and doing things that just a small fraction of our country does. My running- I've already signed up for Bandera 100k and plan on dropping at the 1/2 way mark but we will see... No promises! On the advice of my coach and another mentor I'm sitting out Rocky Raccoon 100 but will be there to probably pace someone 20 miles and help them get their 1st 100 mile finish. The last loop is slow n I could use the time on my feet. I'll run Possum Kingdom 52 miler and train hard all spring for a 100 miler in May. My long term goal is to run Hardrock 100 and a finish in May would get me in the lottery for The Rock. September- another 100 in Arizona that finishes on my birthday. A buckle for my 48th would be kinda cool. October- I have a rematch with Cactus Rose and I hope to be done under 26 hours. As you can see, I want to spend less time in races and more time training, helping others and of course volunteering. I've been a taker for many years and 2015 I plan on giving more than I take. Personally just a balanced life as I have now is great. Life has its ups and downs but if you keep moving forward it gets easier.
Thanks to everyone who had a part in making 2014 a success. Many people I see on a regular basis and others inspire me at races as they blow past smiling. Some people I follow on social media but we've never met but your desire to succeed does help others and I thank you for sharing. There are people from my past - some I've hurt- but they have a part in making me push hard to be a better person and I thank them as well. Things happen in life that put us at certain places in certain times and it's up to us to seize that moment. May your 2015 be better than your 2014. Go be Awesome!
http://youtu.be/WO0keYA21oI
Friday, December 26, 2014
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Brazos Bend 100
WOW! I'm not sure where to start putting my emotions and feelings in words on completing my 1st 100 mile race. I keep going back to a conversation I had with Janet in January when she said I had told her I ran but she hadn't seen it. I didn't want to be "that guy." She didn't run but wanted to try it. Together we ran our 1st 5k the next month with my sister Paula. It was cold & crowded and lasted forever. My 3/3 walk run strategy got us through in like :43 or so but we had just conquered the world! 25k at A-OK a month later was colder n icy but me and Janet trudged through it. ALL of the Dallas Dirt Runners pushed me on to higher goals through the spring. I heard of people running 100 miles in March this year and secretly I knew I had to do it. I creeped on FB following Jason B & Aaron C finish their 1st 100 milers and one of Janets co-workers also ran a couple as well. At Possum Kingdom I met my future coach- Jennifer as well as Matt Crownover. Matt said something about a card carrying badass Steven Moore that ran 100's. I knew then if there is another Steven Moore doing it then I could sometime. At Jemez I was blessed to become friends with Steven Monte and I set my sights on Cactus Rose 100 as my goal. Jenn wrote the schedule and I put in tons of miles. Monte was my sounding board all year when I wanted to complain. Cactus was a DNF due to a few mistakes on my part. It dang sure wasn't running the Hot Chocolate 5k! 65 mile training run was good and so the next day I entered Brazos Bend 100. Coach Jenn probably wasn't happy but Monte was willing to pace for 50 so I thought why not? After Big Cedar 100 Monte was eligible for the Texas MegaSlam (run 3 100's & Bandera 100k) so he had to enter the race as a competitor but he insisted on us running the entire race together. What a gift he gave me! Jeopardize his chances at a huge goal to help some guy that just started running......
Loop 1
After giving my front running friend Pompy a quick hug I went to the back and we were off. My strategy was just to grind it out and finish. We ran near Dale the first few miles at a steady pace laughing at his jokes. Well that and giving nicknames to people to identify them later. I had a 6hr goal for the 1st loop. There was 12 water stops so I handcarried water and used my gear for nutrition. The loop was great until 17 and the water stops were empty..... Monte spotted me water until we could get back to the start line.
Loop 2
I was afraid of going too fast after having 8 miles without water so we settled into a 3/3 walk run. Mile 27 stomach issues hit me hard. The Tailwind I drink for calories as well as the Cliff Bars wreaked havoc on my stomach and I was off in the woods before continuing commando. Near mile 37 we picked up a older lady to run with us. She was doing her 1st 50 miler and just wasn't sure. It was awesome having her. I'm sure my stomach issues will make her stay off trails in the future but we got her to the finish. We laughed a ton and just made the best of a crappy situation. Embrace The Suck! That's all you can do and keep running.
Loop 3
We wasted alotta time. Changing clothes, aid stations, etc. my stomach was wrecked and all I could eat was Gu's,a little coke and water. Every aid station Id just load up on Gu's and try not to throw up whatever food I tried. In spite of all this we were still laughing.... We finished that loop at 3am.
Loop 4
The 1st 3 miles I could still walk/run and maintain a decent pace. After that we were just waiting on the dawn of a new day and walking. It was Steven's fathers birthday and we were finishing this race. We laughed and cried a lot during these 25 miles. LOTSA stuff is between us but I'll take this loop to my grave. Just a real emotional gut check. Mile 87 aid- we were told we were in last place and might not make it. I called BS and started back running. I think we made up close to a hour until mile 98 and I got in a dark place. Monte was patient and let me sort it out and we pushed to the finish. He wanted me to cross 1st and I wanted to cross together but he won that arguement.
This year has been a crazy ride. Dallas Dirt Runners have helped me soooo much. There is just too many to name individually. Everyone I met at a race this year had a hand in this. Janet got me going. Jennifer Kimble & Steven Monte believed in me 110%. I had a few naysayers along the way. I didn't have a running base, blah blah blah. They were probably right but I pushed on. A lady named Chris told me in March that you have to want to run a 100. You can't do it for anything else. Dang she was right! It's hard and not something you can push people to do. Everyone who has been a part of this journey I thank you. God has blessed me with great friends and supporters and all of you were on my mind during this run. Runners & Non Runners alike. What's next? Ehhh I dunno yet but it'll be a distance with 3 digits. I guess I really like to suffer as John Sharp would say. LOL I want to help others. Not just to run 100 or even a 5k but to help them take control of their lives. 5k to 100 miles in 11 months has shown me that the human spirit is capable of anything it wants to do. Til next time- Run Strong
Loop 1
After giving my front running friend Pompy a quick hug I went to the back and we were off. My strategy was just to grind it out and finish. We ran near Dale the first few miles at a steady pace laughing at his jokes. Well that and giving nicknames to people to identify them later. I had a 6hr goal for the 1st loop. There was 12 water stops so I handcarried water and used my gear for nutrition. The loop was great until 17 and the water stops were empty..... Monte spotted me water until we could get back to the start line.
Loop 2
I was afraid of going too fast after having 8 miles without water so we settled into a 3/3 walk run. Mile 27 stomach issues hit me hard. The Tailwind I drink for calories as well as the Cliff Bars wreaked havoc on my stomach and I was off in the woods before continuing commando. Near mile 37 we picked up a older lady to run with us. She was doing her 1st 50 miler and just wasn't sure. It was awesome having her. I'm sure my stomach issues will make her stay off trails in the future but we got her to the finish. We laughed a ton and just made the best of a crappy situation. Embrace The Suck! That's all you can do and keep running.
Loop 3
We wasted alotta time. Changing clothes, aid stations, etc. my stomach was wrecked and all I could eat was Gu's,a little coke and water. Every aid station Id just load up on Gu's and try not to throw up whatever food I tried. In spite of all this we were still laughing.... We finished that loop at 3am.
Loop 4
The 1st 3 miles I could still walk/run and maintain a decent pace. After that we were just waiting on the dawn of a new day and walking. It was Steven's fathers birthday and we were finishing this race. We laughed and cried a lot during these 25 miles. LOTSA stuff is between us but I'll take this loop to my grave. Just a real emotional gut check. Mile 87 aid- we were told we were in last place and might not make it. I called BS and started back running. I think we made up close to a hour until mile 98 and I got in a dark place. Monte was patient and let me sort it out and we pushed to the finish. He wanted me to cross 1st and I wanted to cross together but he won that arguement.
This year has been a crazy ride. Dallas Dirt Runners have helped me soooo much. There is just too many to name individually. Everyone I met at a race this year had a hand in this. Janet got me going. Jennifer Kimble & Steven Monte believed in me 110%. I had a few naysayers along the way. I didn't have a running base, blah blah blah. They were probably right but I pushed on. A lady named Chris told me in March that you have to want to run a 100. You can't do it for anything else. Dang she was right! It's hard and not something you can push people to do. Everyone who has been a part of this journey I thank you. God has blessed me with great friends and supporters and all of you were on my mind during this run. Runners & Non Runners alike. What's next? Ehhh I dunno yet but it'll be a distance with 3 digits. I guess I really like to suffer as John Sharp would say. LOL I want to help others. Not just to run 100 or even a 5k but to help them take control of their lives. 5k to 100 miles in 11 months has shown me that the human spirit is capable of anything it wants to do. Til next time- Run Strong
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Out of the Darkness
Why do I try and run ultra's? People ask me that constantly and the only simple anwser I can give them to avoid a weird long conversation is to simply tell them it's the journey I'm on right now in life. This weekend I was blessed to be asked to help a guy Id never met before on his 1st attempt at a 100 miler.
Flashback to last month at Cactus Rose 100- The night before the race, the eventual winner, B Jones gave me some advice. When you want to quit, go 5 more miles before making that decision. Well I heard him but still dropped just 10 miles before finishing my 3rd loop. Yea I hurt bad for 3 days afterwards but the hurt to my pride still lingers. I was ready for that race and when my mind got dark and I struggled I wasn't strong enough to survive. My coach told me later that I should have made them pull me instead of dropping and damn she was right....
Back to Sat night/Sunday am. I drove out to Big Cedar in boots n jeans but packed my run gear in case my friend Steven struggled. If he was ok then maybe I could help someone else. At 3am my coach called the start line looking for me to help out a guy that was sleepy. It had been raining and the trail was in horrible shape. At that point less than 1/2 the field was still out there battling. I met my runner, Servando at mile 59 and was asked to get him to 75 by 9am. We started out at 5am n I thought 4 hrs, 16 miles. We got this and he has another pacer waiting for the last 25. I've ran this course many times but never in ankle deep muck and never with another runner. I run alone 99% of the time. Soon the battle with the mud became 2nd place and the battle of the mind started. By 7:30am I knew the 9am cutoff was not in reach but I didn't want to see him quit. We talked and talked and talked. Fortunately I have a sales background and he does too so we chatted quite a bit. We had 7 miles to the next aid station and it was tough. Pretty soon my runner started seeing benches and just wanted to sit. After the rain and both of us soaked I knew if he sat he wouldn't get up and then the shivering sets in. I finally just started ignoring all the benches he was "seeing" and told him they were bitches. Yea sorry but we are on a trail and the political correctness and everything is out the window. Walking sticks I helped him find helped more than anything I think. I dunno if it helped him walk or just got his mind off his legs screaming and being tired. I finally relented after he took a hard fall on a bridge but caught himself from falling 6 feet into the water and after I caught him from tumbling down some rocks. Yea I let him nap for 5 minutes and of course I timed it. That 5 minutes made Servando into a new man and the dude still had some run in those legs. He thought he had a rock in his shoe so I took it off and after seeing his feet I quickly put the shoe back on before he saw it. Yea I told him I got the rock out. Blisters heal in a few days but healing your pride takes longer. We continued and the aid station volunteers were incredible getting him in and out quickly. Not once after his nap did he sit down again. We finished the 3rd loop around 3pm and he was I think 18th overall. Sure it shows a DNF but the man was pulled from the course. He never quit. I learned so much from this experience. I had 18 miles on my schedule and I got it but I also walk away from this with a true anwser to why I run ultra's. I run to bear my soul and to push myself to the breaking point mentally and when I get there, the wall comes down and I am a stronger person because of it...... 22 days til Brazos Bend 100 and Servando taught me so much yesterday about how to be a stronger person and I am grateful for that.
Flashback to last month at Cactus Rose 100- The night before the race, the eventual winner, B Jones gave me some advice. When you want to quit, go 5 more miles before making that decision. Well I heard him but still dropped just 10 miles before finishing my 3rd loop. Yea I hurt bad for 3 days afterwards but the hurt to my pride still lingers. I was ready for that race and when my mind got dark and I struggled I wasn't strong enough to survive. My coach told me later that I should have made them pull me instead of dropping and damn she was right....
Back to Sat night/Sunday am. I drove out to Big Cedar in boots n jeans but packed my run gear in case my friend Steven struggled. If he was ok then maybe I could help someone else. At 3am my coach called the start line looking for me to help out a guy that was sleepy. It had been raining and the trail was in horrible shape. At that point less than 1/2 the field was still out there battling. I met my runner, Servando at mile 59 and was asked to get him to 75 by 9am. We started out at 5am n I thought 4 hrs, 16 miles. We got this and he has another pacer waiting for the last 25. I've ran this course many times but never in ankle deep muck and never with another runner. I run alone 99% of the time. Soon the battle with the mud became 2nd place and the battle of the mind started. By 7:30am I knew the 9am cutoff was not in reach but I didn't want to see him quit. We talked and talked and talked. Fortunately I have a sales background and he does too so we chatted quite a bit. We had 7 miles to the next aid station and it was tough. Pretty soon my runner started seeing benches and just wanted to sit. After the rain and both of us soaked I knew if he sat he wouldn't get up and then the shivering sets in. I finally just started ignoring all the benches he was "seeing" and told him they were bitches. Yea sorry but we are on a trail and the political correctness and everything is out the window. Walking sticks I helped him find helped more than anything I think. I dunno if it helped him walk or just got his mind off his legs screaming and being tired. I finally relented after he took a hard fall on a bridge but caught himself from falling 6 feet into the water and after I caught him from tumbling down some rocks. Yea I let him nap for 5 minutes and of course I timed it. That 5 minutes made Servando into a new man and the dude still had some run in those legs. He thought he had a rock in his shoe so I took it off and after seeing his feet I quickly put the shoe back on before he saw it. Yea I told him I got the rock out. Blisters heal in a few days but healing your pride takes longer. We continued and the aid station volunteers were incredible getting him in and out quickly. Not once after his nap did he sit down again. We finished the 3rd loop around 3pm and he was I think 18th overall. Sure it shows a DNF but the man was pulled from the course. He never quit. I learned so much from this experience. I had 18 miles on my schedule and I got it but I also walk away from this with a true anwser to why I run ultra's. I run to bear my soul and to push myself to the breaking point mentally and when I get there, the wall comes down and I am a stronger person because of it...... 22 days til Brazos Bend 100 and Servando taught me so much yesterday about how to be a stronger person and I am grateful for that.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Cactus Rose 100
Where do I began??? Many terrible life decisions got me to the point of running as a way to find who I am. Many more wonderful people stepped in and inspired me to live a better and fuller life. My friend Janet got me off my butt in January and got me to run again. Nikki Davis and all the Dallas Dirt Runners group helped me along and still do. The trip to Jemez I bonded with Steven Monte and he has been my sounding board for months. Jennifer Kimble took me on as a student and her coaching has pushed me further than I've ever dreamed. My move to Odessa was tough on my training but good for my soul. I still got my miles in and have met even more great friends.
My friend, Pam from Midland agreed to go to the race with me as support as well as my baby brother Max. I wanted 2 people to help me when it got tough. The race began and as usual I went to the back and kinda just felt myself out and got lost in my thoughts. The race set up was 4 25 mile loops but changing directions each time. I knew the last 10 was dang tough and I immediately had to do it again on loop 2. My goal of 7:30 per loop was fine and I conserved as much as possible. I had my calories and hydration spot on but I knew it was going to get hot later. My 1st loop was 7:10 and I was okay with that but decided to power hike throughout the hottest part of the day. That worked fine til mile 40. I had a minor foot pain so I decided to change shoes to a new pair of Hoka Tarmac and get through the easier part of the course. That was fine for 15 miles til I felt a large blister burst and then the balls of my feet started throbbing. I finished loop 2 in 9hrs and knew I was going to have to push things on loop 3 without a pacer. When I got to the start line there was a man waiting to pace me-Sean Broadbent. He was there to pace someone else and when she got hurt he graciously stepped in and helped out. Him and John Sharp got my blisters taken care of. We started loop 3 and I was ok for awhile but the further we went the less I could walk, much less run. We picked up my friend Ben at mile 54 who Id been with all day and the 3 of us trudged on. At 60 Ben was done but he gave me a Coke and that got me a couple of miles and we were chasing the clock on the cut off for loop 4. At mile 65 I had 2.5 hrs to get through the 10 toughest miles that Cactus Rose had to offer and then Id hafta do it again. I knew I was done and after apologizing to Sean I called it for me. Pam and Max were instrumental in getting me that far. My legs and heart were fine but the balls of my feet couldn't hold up to the pounding of the rocks. I got to the 100k distance in time to make the cutoff if it was Bandera 100k so I walk away happy. My mind, heart and legs were ready but the rocks kicked the bottom of my feet pretty hard. I loved the course and i think it'll be a must do in 2015. Reflecting now on it, I'm taking away that I just had one hellacious training run. Everyone says that a mile walking or running is the same distance. It is but this was pretty brutal. I see a easier 100 miler in my VERY near future......
My friend, Pam from Midland agreed to go to the race with me as support as well as my baby brother Max. I wanted 2 people to help me when it got tough. The race began and as usual I went to the back and kinda just felt myself out and got lost in my thoughts. The race set up was 4 25 mile loops but changing directions each time. I knew the last 10 was dang tough and I immediately had to do it again on loop 2. My goal of 7:30 per loop was fine and I conserved as much as possible. I had my calories and hydration spot on but I knew it was going to get hot later. My 1st loop was 7:10 and I was okay with that but decided to power hike throughout the hottest part of the day. That worked fine til mile 40. I had a minor foot pain so I decided to change shoes to a new pair of Hoka Tarmac and get through the easier part of the course. That was fine for 15 miles til I felt a large blister burst and then the balls of my feet started throbbing. I finished loop 2 in 9hrs and knew I was going to have to push things on loop 3 without a pacer. When I got to the start line there was a man waiting to pace me-Sean Broadbent. He was there to pace someone else and when she got hurt he graciously stepped in and helped out. Him and John Sharp got my blisters taken care of. We started loop 3 and I was ok for awhile but the further we went the less I could walk, much less run. We picked up my friend Ben at mile 54 who Id been with all day and the 3 of us trudged on. At 60 Ben was done but he gave me a Coke and that got me a couple of miles and we were chasing the clock on the cut off for loop 4. At mile 65 I had 2.5 hrs to get through the 10 toughest miles that Cactus Rose had to offer and then Id hafta do it again. I knew I was done and after apologizing to Sean I called it for me. Pam and Max were instrumental in getting me that far. My legs and heart were fine but the balls of my feet couldn't hold up to the pounding of the rocks. I got to the 100k distance in time to make the cutoff if it was Bandera 100k so I walk away happy. My mind, heart and legs were ready but the rocks kicked the bottom of my feet pretty hard. I loved the course and i think it'll be a must do in 2015. Reflecting now on it, I'm taking away that I just had one hellacious training run. Everyone says that a mile walking or running is the same distance. It is but this was pretty brutal. I see a easier 100 miler in my VERY near future......
Saturday, October 11, 2014
T Minus 14 days......
Wow! I just realized this morning as I was putting in my miles that Cactus Rose 100 is here! My mind quickly went back to April 30,2013 and all the events that have led me to today. Some have been negative but many positive things have happened to transform me into hopefully a better person. Hell I'm not a angel and I don't really recall at any point aspiring to be one. The move to Odessa sort of rounded out the changes I feel I needed to make. It's been great! A new town, new friends, and a new career always does a gypsy soul like mine good! A little over 17 months ago I NEVER dreamed I'd be here today with my career OR my running. Running wasn't on my radar then. My significant other at the time had tried to get me to but I was pretty much stuck in my dark little world of drinking and self misery. It's been a long damn road.... about twice during every run I get lyrics stuck in my head from Dierks Bentley's Long Trip Alone....
It's a long trip alone over sand and stone
That lie along the road that we all must travel down
So maybe you could walk with me a while
And maybe I could rest beneath your smile
Everybody stumbles sometimes and needs a hand to hold
'Cause it's a long trip alone
It's a short piece of time but just enough to find
A little peace of mind under the sun somewhere
So maybe you could walk with me a while
And maybe I could rest beneath your smile
You know we can't afford to let one moment pass us by
'Cause it's a short piece of time
This has been a long trip alone for me and 75 miles of Cactus Rose will be alone but I kinda like who I've become so I don't mind the company now! So many people have helped get me to where I'm at today and I'm grateful to every single one of them. My family has stuck beside me, my friends (runner & non-runners alike) have inspired me to keep pushing not only my body but my mind as well. I'm taking my baby brother Max to crew me. Nope he's never ran a race or been to one but I trust him and I know he will be there at the aid stations when I come stumbling in. I'm sure there will be plenty of others there to help so no worries there. My pacer from mile 75 on is one tough dude. He's been through the battles and there is no quit in him and the man will get me to the buckle..... Most of the work is done and now it's getting stuff together. Gu,Tailwind,Bonk Bars,Duct tape,coke,oreos, n etc plus a few beers for when I finish.............
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Life Changes and New Chapters
The last 16 to 17 months has been the craziest roller coaster I've ever experienced. Going from knocking down over 6 figures but living a life with zero quality due to my own weaknesses to income cut in 1/2 and struggling with that but hopefully becoming a better person to my family and friends through support of a fantastic running community. Prior blogs cover all that life craziness n I'm not up to living it again... LOL Most everyone knows by now that I took a position in Odessa,Tx back in sales. Not management or anything like that but out seeing customers and doing what got me to where I was career wise before the train wreck. Everyone in the DFW metro and in Odessa asks me why there??? Back when I was in the truck tire business I went out there weekly selling tires n I developed a great attraction to the people and the country. I am kinda a loner of sorts and the wide open roads I like. Plus I'm closer to the mountains n plan on spending time in Carlsbad n Santa Fe VERY soon! AND of course it was a financial decision. The last year I've been working to get me right and now it's high time I get myself in a position to get that part corrected. There was one other glaring reason to me but that's just something for on down the road. Anyway---- I needed the change.
I'm viewing this as a new chapter. Career wise, personally but also with my running. I am blessed with a great coach in Jenn n super friends all over the state but now my miles in a new town are up to me to get done. It's kinda scary rolling into Cactus Rose 100 at the end of October n it'll be harder now but still I believe very doable. Friday night I had to drive towards Dallas and wound up spending the weekend with my parents. I had a bad ear ache and finally went to the doctor and it'll get better in a few days but the weekend with Mom n Dad is pretty awesome. I can't run til Sunday night per dr so this is a much needed break for my brain as well. Oklahoma City next week for work stuff and spend time with my son Dakota. I'll get my miles in there and I'll roll into Rough Creek 40 in 13 days ready to knock it out.
Life is funny and takes us down paths we never could envision but as long as we just keep trying to improve things do get easier. A friend and life coach I will be using as soon as I can once asked me- What do you want people to say about you at your 50th birthday party? I hope it's just a great hard working dude who's trying to do better n maybe help someone else out on the way. If you're ever out west and wanna go run a mountain or just have a chat hit me up! Til next time RunStrong and if you can't run then WALK with a purpose in life!!!
I'm viewing this as a new chapter. Career wise, personally but also with my running. I am blessed with a great coach in Jenn n super friends all over the state but now my miles in a new town are up to me to get done. It's kinda scary rolling into Cactus Rose 100 at the end of October n it'll be harder now but still I believe very doable. Friday night I had to drive towards Dallas and wound up spending the weekend with my parents. I had a bad ear ache and finally went to the doctor and it'll get better in a few days but the weekend with Mom n Dad is pretty awesome. I can't run til Sunday night per dr so this is a much needed break for my brain as well. Oklahoma City next week for work stuff and spend time with my son Dakota. I'll get my miles in there and I'll roll into Rough Creek 40 in 13 days ready to knock it out.
Life is funny and takes us down paths we never could envision but as long as we just keep trying to improve things do get easier. A friend and life coach I will be using as soon as I can once asked me- What do you want people to say about you at your 50th birthday party? I hope it's just a great hard working dude who's trying to do better n maybe help someone else out on the way. If you're ever out west and wanna go run a mountain or just have a chat hit me up! Til next time RunStrong and if you can't run then WALK with a purpose in life!!!
Monday, August 11, 2014
Fueling the Body
The more I run the more parallels I see in life. Endurance running requires a fine balance of calories and electrolytes to maintain my energy level and to stay hydrated. Yesterday I had a 20 mile run on my schedule and it was a fabulous morning until mile 12. I use SCap tabs for my sodium and was using a drink additive-Perpetuem for calories. At mile 8 I went by the truck to get 2 caps and refill my handheld bottle. About mile 12 I hit a wall. I had zero run in me and was just sluggish and felt bloated but fortunately I can walk a little and pushed on at about a 15:30pace for a couple of miles. During this walk I got to thinking what caused this? I thought I was doing things right but it was what it was and all I could do was to push on and get to the truck to gather my thoughts.
Life is like this I'm seeing. We try and do everything right and put good things into our life but if we are off just a little on fueling our life we hit a wall. I've been struggling a lot lately on some personal issues and fighting some demons from the past. That walk yesterday was almost heaven sent. You get broke down mentally and all you can do is push on to the next place to restart yourself.
In my ice chest I had a Coke n I drank that in about 3 swallows. If you ever wanna run, trust me, that stuff is like jet fuel! I lost the handheld, filled up my hydration vest and finished my 20 miles pretty easy. Last night I was told I was taking in too much Sodium and my body couldn't process water fast enough. Makes perfect sense. Kinda like in life when I try and fix too many issues all at the same time and wind up dang near going off the rails. Sometimes a good bonk with some walking is just what is needed in life as well as running. Until next time- RFP (relentless forward progress)
Life is like this I'm seeing. We try and do everything right and put good things into our life but if we are off just a little on fueling our life we hit a wall. I've been struggling a lot lately on some personal issues and fighting some demons from the past. That walk yesterday was almost heaven sent. You get broke down mentally and all you can do is push on to the next place to restart yourself.
In my ice chest I had a Coke n I drank that in about 3 swallows. If you ever wanna run, trust me, that stuff is like jet fuel! I lost the handheld, filled up my hydration vest and finished my 20 miles pretty easy. Last night I was told I was taking in too much Sodium and my body couldn't process water fast enough. Makes perfect sense. Kinda like in life when I try and fix too many issues all at the same time and wind up dang near going off the rails. Sometimes a good bonk with some walking is just what is needed in life as well as running. Until next time- RFP (relentless forward progress)
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Running Crazy!!!
As most of my close friends know I went ahead n entered the Cactud Rose 100 miler in October in Bandera,Tx. Some think I'm crazy as a loon n others will kick my arse if I don't finish. Either way. I love you all n glad you are here to watch this ride I'm on. Ever since I ran a 50k in Los Alamos,NM I knew this was my next goal but I kinda just joked about it with most people. 5k to a 100 miler in 10 months? Yea it's a stretch but I have a huge heart n desire to get this done. My last few races I've had a friend motivating me n believing in me. That always helped when things got dark on a run. I lost that friend a coupla weeks ago due to circumstances beyond my control n then my reaction to it. You cannot change what's been done but fortunately I have a badass coach and a even better friend in Jenn to keep me on point n get this deal done. Monte and sooooo many others keep me motivated as well. John Sharp with his crazy 60k walk to Chuy's. That kinda stuff keeps it fun. John, I cannot wait to run with you. You'd make a great pacer on my death march those last few miles. LOL Dat! Dude your Bryce run was amazing! I've read your report 6 times n love it. People like you makes guys like me keep going. Jenn has an event that day n can't be at CR100 so I'm looking for pacers n a crew. I have 36 hours to finish n won't DNF until that time is up it or I'm carried off. That I can assure you! PM me if you are interested in helping me AND other runners get through this course.
Other stuff- heck yes I'm trying to get out to Odessa. People keep asking why? Folks, I'm country to the core n everyone that knows me knows this. I LOVE Dallas and my running community. They have had a life altering impact on my life. I do have other long term running goals and closer to the mountains would help in that on down the road and I could still make a decent living there as well. There may be other reasons as well but running is the main one.
5k stuff- I really want to start a support group for people who want to utilize the C25k app. Any help would be appreciated. I talk to people daily about trying it n they have so many questions. As a runner I guess because of my support network I take that for granted. There are many out there that just want to get out there n live healthier. No crazy goals or anything. Just a lifestyle change n I think they need a place to go to for anwsers to questions- whether it be bra's, shoes, diet,etc. Most are not a part of a run group n really aren't ready to join one so I am working on starting SUMTHIN to help these people in their journey. Stay Posted!! Til next time #RunStrong!
Other stuff- heck yes I'm trying to get out to Odessa. People keep asking why? Folks, I'm country to the core n everyone that knows me knows this. I LOVE Dallas and my running community. They have had a life altering impact on my life. I do have other long term running goals and closer to the mountains would help in that on down the road and I could still make a decent living there as well. There may be other reasons as well but running is the main one.
5k stuff- I really want to start a support group for people who want to utilize the C25k app. Any help would be appreciated. I talk to people daily about trying it n they have so many questions. As a runner I guess because of my support network I take that for granted. There are many out there that just want to get out there n live healthier. No crazy goals or anything. Just a lifestyle change n I think they need a place to go to for anwsers to questions- whether it be bra's, shoes, diet,etc. Most are not a part of a run group n really aren't ready to join one so I am working on starting SUMTHIN to help these people in their journey. Stay Posted!! Til next time #RunStrong!
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Accountability & Social Media
I go through my newsfeed on Twitter & Facebook and see varying interests from people and you often see the core of that person and what they truly believe in. Kinda a neat way to get insight into what makes and shakes a person. I'm a runner so obviously I have tons of runner friends. Some I know on a personal level and others through social media or at a race somewhere. Many, including myself put our running life out there for the world to see. Recently someone suggested in a private message that it's done maybe in vain..... I wonder if people think of their churches posts or their love of pets, sports, vacations, etc in the same light? I feel it's done to hold oneself accountable to themselves with his/her peers. As a single person without a significant other , I want my run friends to know I'm still out there battling it daily trying to improve. As well as this, if someone watching gets motivated to start a walk program, yoga, gym or whatever to improve their quality of life then I'm game. Recently a mountain biker in Dallas took a terrible fall and got lost and in the end passed. Sad deal. I love running alone. Just me, my garmin n listening to my feet hit the ground. It's the most relieving thing I can do. I check in on social media. Many of my friends are not unlike me. They drop in randomly on a trail n log some miles. The check-in for me is basically a safety check. Someone will know where I'm at. When I see others check in, it kinda helps motivate me on a day I really don't feel like going out for a hot run in a July. Same with people writing race reports and posting them. As a newbie to the running world, that insight is something money cannot buy n I look forward to every single one. For the writer it gives a way to put the experience in perspective.
This run deal I'm on isn't because I want to be faster than anyone or even placing in my age group. Heck on trails, a guy with my same name, but spelled differently, normally has our age group covered. LOL (cannot wait to meet n run with him) For me, running is a journey that chose me during this part of my life. It's almost like an awakening to myself that life has more to offer than just a job and chasing $. Ok- I'm getting to deep but I'm just writing this to encourage my friends to keep posting about whatever your interests are in life. We are all on a journey and while it takes everyone in different paths, we can still learn from one another to be a better person and hopefully help someone along the way. That's the part we must hold ourselves accountable to doing. :)
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Dance in The Rain
It's been a difficult and very odd week professionally and personally. Weeks like this my run miles go through the roof n I logged dang near 60. Kinda a weird trade-off but nothing is normal in my drive to run further n faster than I've ever dreamed of. The highlight of my week was running with a couple of people not real familiar with Cedar Ridge (my favorite place). It's pretty cool running with people and helping them through the few miles. Kinda goes hand in hand with my long term goal of being able to help people achieve goals through running or have it impact them in a positive way as it has mine. That will come in time n in the meantime I'll still train hard n try to help others. All week I've been trying to run in the heat. No actual race is ever perfect so I train in as difficult times that I can find. Just as in life, things change and if you just run when it's cool then heat will ensure that I'll bonk. Life threw me a couple of curveballs. One could be great and exciting and one isn't so positive but as in running, some things you can't control. My friend Aaron Conner uses a coupla quotes that I use in life as well as when I run. " Embrace the Suck" and "Relentless Forward Progress-RFP." You can google it to get their origins but basically life and running is accepting the situation and never stop. I woke up today n looked at the radar n it was pouring rain. I was REALLY excited. After 95 degree runs last week I couldn't wait. Plus I hadn't ran much on trails in a downpour. I don't think they will postpone Cactus Rose or Rocky Racoon 100 because of rain so that 24 miles I got in today was perfect for me mentally. Life won't stop over a coupla little issues either. Rain, Sunshine or even a freak snowstorm the race goes on just as life does. It's up to us to use difficult times as training so when things are better our journey is easier! Run Strong and help someone out whenever the opportunity presents itself!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Mental Notes n such.......
Last night a good friend, Steven, texted me and asked me to jot down some notes about my run at Jemez so next year when I run this course I can be better prepared. I got me a binder and plan to do that this evening. After waking up late today and feeling like a train had ran over me I went on my daily routine of seeing new customers and trying to get my job done. All morning I thought about my run and what mental notes I need to write to make the next run up this mountain at 50 miles instead of 50km be easier with a better time irregardless of weather. This kind of got me to thinking. Yea I do way too much of that...... Why not do it now over every run I've done this year as well as a couple of my training haunts I love??? I haven't looked at my running schedule to see if my target races will coincide with the races I've ran this year but it can't hurt to write down little things that can make each run a tad more manageable the next time I do it. Makes perfect sense!!! Easy Peasy!! Well til I got to thinking some more..... Why shouldn't I do this with life or relationships? Nobody wants to live in the past but maybe if I write down things I've done right and things I'm so great at totally butchering it could be possible to avoid major pitfalls that I seem to find. Dang that's gonna be alotta writing. I'm not much into watching TV anymore and the daily routine of stopping for a 12 pack and drinking it nightly is finally gone so why not? I did take a break from not buying beer in bulk the night I ran Jemez. I got me a 18pack and had a few Sat night and Sunday. Monday AM it was back into training mode. I don't miss it and frankly buying that box of beer kinda scared me. I don't wanna go back to "that guy " again. A mixed drink when my legs are hurting or over a meal suffices me just fine. Actually I may integrate buying a box of beer after every milestone I hit. Just a gentle reminder to myself as to who I was before and the person I'm striving to become. I woke up this AM at 3 and read a old blog John Sharp had written in 09. I read it about 10 times because I saw so many similarities to myself in it. The more I get involved in Ultrarunning I see this more and more. I think we are kind of a motley group of people on a journey to find either ourself or a greater purpose in life. I love the runs where I'm broke down physically AND mentally. After recovering hopefully each time will make me stronger. Don't get me wrong, I have very successful and "normal" peers I run with who, like myself are very driven in life. You have to be driven to put yourself through these runs.
Anyway- back to writing..... I haven't quite figured out how this may help me as I start new chapters career wise but I'll see. I need to get my running and personal life documented first. This phase of my life is pretty much uncharted waters for me. I've never been on a journey to rebuild a life I destroyed where I was sober. It's kinda cool but it's not something I've ever done before. People who have never experienced it will critique me and tell me to just do this, this and this. That's all well and good if you aren't seeking a greater purpose in life other than a mere existence. Go Big or Go Home is going to be my mantra with my running. As a person I only wish to be humble and grateful for the life I have.... Til next time Run Strong!
Anyway- back to writing..... I haven't quite figured out how this may help me as I start new chapters career wise but I'll see. I need to get my running and personal life documented first. This phase of my life is pretty much uncharted waters for me. I've never been on a journey to rebuild a life I destroyed where I was sober. It's kinda cool but it's not something I've ever done before. People who have never experienced it will critique me and tell me to just do this, this and this. That's all well and good if you aren't seeking a greater purpose in life other than a mere existence. Go Big or Go Home is going to be my mantra with my running. As a person I only wish to be humble and grateful for the life I have.... Til next time Run Strong!
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Jemez 50km
This was the race I signed up for and had been focusing my training on. I signed up for the 50km but this included 10,000 ft of gain in elevation during the 31 miles. Translation- closer to running 50 miles on flatter ground like Texas. Myself and 3 buddies carpooled to Santa Fe,NM Thursday sharing driving and napping and of course talking smack. The rest of our group flew out Thursday and Friday am and we finally all got settled in our rented condo Friday. Yes we team up for support but to also try and cut travel expenses as well. Friends with you only enhance the experience. Friday after settling in we drove up to Los Alamos to check into the race. The views were just stunning up there minus the showers. It rained Thursday night as well and the race director sent out emails advising everyone to bring "shells" with them. I was thinking pasta or bullets for a gun???? Heck I'm from Plano,Tx. It rains at home n we scramble to the car. We finally decided since we didn't have guns on us, it had to be rain jackets.
Saturday was race day and after a shower n food we got to the course at 4:45am. The 50 milers started at 5am n 50km at 6am. I had all my gear as well as a new drink supplement I wanted to try. Mile 10 to 18 I heard was just brutal without a aid station and all uphill so I geared my nutrition towards completing that without totally emptying the energy tank. I tried U-Can(protein enhanced) last week on a 10mile road run with a friend and my energy during and after was pretty level. All the sugar based supplements seem to put me on a roller coaster energy wise and I didn't wanna hit bottom because of that. At the start of the race I as usual found the back of the pack to avoid getting sucked into a foot race early on. As well as this, I search for my friends and that sort of helps me judge where I need to be. New course, elevation,and although it was going to be a sunny start I was concerned about rain. The 1st 10 miles is fairly easy winding around leading you to the base of Pajarito Mountain and Ski area. It was a pretty normal run other than not being able to breathe. The altitude at the start was 7k feet and it's difficult to run hard. I as usual bounced around running with several people and trying to save energy. We rolled into the 10 mile aid and I took a little break to hydrate and pack nutrition in me for the impeding climb. We knew the next aid was mile 18 at the ski lodge and I wanted to make sure this run/walk was going to be as easy as possible. My lil buddy Billy had been near me all day and he was ahead of me a bit going into this section. I had left another friend (Ritu) at the start but knew she'd catch me soon enough. These 8 miles were dang hard with alotta breaks to breathe but uneventful other than the gorgeous views. Like clockwork Ritu caught me n Billy and we all stuck near each other all the way to the Lodge at 18. After 18 we had aid at 21,24,30 n finished at 32.8. When we got to the lodge the light rain hit and then sleet. We hauled butt outta there trying to get to 21. We THOUGHT we had been told it was primarily downhill after 18 so we got going and we were wrong on the downhill starting there. 1/2 way to 21 the snow hit. Not like Texas snow where it is just a dusting. Years ago I was in upstate New York n had lake effect snow. This was very similar. Huge flakes, high wind with booming thunder n lightening. The 3 of us were all wearing tight pants, sleeves and had rain ponchos. We got to 21 n I was shivering terribly. Billy n Ritu hooked it outta the aid station n when my teeth started chattering I had to go before I got pulled from the race. We had to get to mile 24 but unknown to us, the highest point on the course was between us n the next aid. We were the only ones out there other than a local runner that passed us. We spread out but stayed within eyesight. I was cold but finally got the true meaning of the term "Embrace The Suck" When you get to a point where there is absolutely zero you can do to change your current situation, not fighting it with negative thoughts will in the end defeat what is wrong. I'm sure it sounds crazy but I let go of my fear n my cold and moved forward as hard as I could. I guess at close to mile 23 the snow stopped and I ripped my poncho off n trashed it at the aid station. I wanted water n Oreos and get on down the mountain. We had 8 miles of downhill switchbacks and I loved every one of them. The sun came out and the clouds blew out. The views were great and I knew Billy n Ritu could finish so I just went as fast as I could those 8 miles. Aid at mile 30 consisted of Bacon n Beer. Not a good combo I found out shortly after leaving there. They had a tequila option but I was out on that. The last 2 miles were like the previous 6. Ran as hard as I could when the course allowed it. Soon after crossing the line I found out they closed the course n cancelled the race just minutes after I left mile 21. Many runners, as well as myself were unprepared for a blizzard in May. Critiquing myself I'm pretty happy. I trained hard and I will get stronger but hey- 4 months of serious running it was a solid effort. My fueling was spot on and my pace was ok. 100% improvement over my last 2 runs. I have a mentor I've ran with a coupla times and talk to some and I really think our conversations have given me more confidence in myself. This running deal is so much like life it's scary. Whether it's confidence, the journey, etc. I'm very blessed to be surrounded with great people and without them I wouldn't be where I am today. A friend of mine- Dave Hanneburg told me just this morning, ignorance is bliss. That is such a true statement with my running. I think I'm so new to this I'm gullible enough to try new things and can't wait to reset goals for my next big adventure!
Saturday was race day and after a shower n food we got to the course at 4:45am. The 50 milers started at 5am n 50km at 6am. I had all my gear as well as a new drink supplement I wanted to try. Mile 10 to 18 I heard was just brutal without a aid station and all uphill so I geared my nutrition towards completing that without totally emptying the energy tank. I tried U-Can(protein enhanced) last week on a 10mile road run with a friend and my energy during and after was pretty level. All the sugar based supplements seem to put me on a roller coaster energy wise and I didn't wanna hit bottom because of that. At the start of the race I as usual found the back of the pack to avoid getting sucked into a foot race early on. As well as this, I search for my friends and that sort of helps me judge where I need to be. New course, elevation,and although it was going to be a sunny start I was concerned about rain. The 1st 10 miles is fairly easy winding around leading you to the base of Pajarito Mountain and Ski area. It was a pretty normal run other than not being able to breathe. The altitude at the start was 7k feet and it's difficult to run hard. I as usual bounced around running with several people and trying to save energy. We rolled into the 10 mile aid and I took a little break to hydrate and pack nutrition in me for the impeding climb. We knew the next aid was mile 18 at the ski lodge and I wanted to make sure this run/walk was going to be as easy as possible. My lil buddy Billy had been near me all day and he was ahead of me a bit going into this section. I had left another friend (Ritu) at the start but knew she'd catch me soon enough. These 8 miles were dang hard with alotta breaks to breathe but uneventful other than the gorgeous views. Like clockwork Ritu caught me n Billy and we all stuck near each other all the way to the Lodge at 18. After 18 we had aid at 21,24,30 n finished at 32.8. When we got to the lodge the light rain hit and then sleet. We hauled butt outta there trying to get to 21. We THOUGHT we had been told it was primarily downhill after 18 so we got going and we were wrong on the downhill starting there. 1/2 way to 21 the snow hit. Not like Texas snow where it is just a dusting. Years ago I was in upstate New York n had lake effect snow. This was very similar. Huge flakes, high wind with booming thunder n lightening. The 3 of us were all wearing tight pants, sleeves and had rain ponchos. We got to 21 n I was shivering terribly. Billy n Ritu hooked it outta the aid station n when my teeth started chattering I had to go before I got pulled from the race. We had to get to mile 24 but unknown to us, the highest point on the course was between us n the next aid. We were the only ones out there other than a local runner that passed us. We spread out but stayed within eyesight. I was cold but finally got the true meaning of the term "Embrace The Suck" When you get to a point where there is absolutely zero you can do to change your current situation, not fighting it with negative thoughts will in the end defeat what is wrong. I'm sure it sounds crazy but I let go of my fear n my cold and moved forward as hard as I could. I guess at close to mile 23 the snow stopped and I ripped my poncho off n trashed it at the aid station. I wanted water n Oreos and get on down the mountain. We had 8 miles of downhill switchbacks and I loved every one of them. The sun came out and the clouds blew out. The views were great and I knew Billy n Ritu could finish so I just went as fast as I could those 8 miles. Aid at mile 30 consisted of Bacon n Beer. Not a good combo I found out shortly after leaving there. They had a tequila option but I was out on that. The last 2 miles were like the previous 6. Ran as hard as I could when the course allowed it. Soon after crossing the line I found out they closed the course n cancelled the race just minutes after I left mile 21. Many runners, as well as myself were unprepared for a blizzard in May. Critiquing myself I'm pretty happy. I trained hard and I will get stronger but hey- 4 months of serious running it was a solid effort. My fueling was spot on and my pace was ok. 100% improvement over my last 2 runs. I have a mentor I've ran with a coupla times and talk to some and I really think our conversations have given me more confidence in myself. This running deal is so much like life it's scary. Whether it's confidence, the journey, etc. I'm very blessed to be surrounded with great people and without them I wouldn't be where I am today. A friend of mine- Dave Hanneburg told me just this morning, ignorance is bliss. That is such a true statement with my running. I think I'm so new to this I'm gullible enough to try new things and can't wait to reset goals for my next big adventure!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Recovery
What the heck does this mean?
How is it done?
What does it achieve?
Does everyone do it?
How long does it take?
I don't have a clue but I think I'm starting to figure out what works for me. All weekend and this week I've been second guessing my decision to run as far as in a short span of time relatively speaking. I tanked, my time was terrible and I slept like 16hrs the following day. I've ran that distance and longer in a shorter span of time. Why did I feel this way?
The same is true for life and relationships gone awry. Everyone falls in love and many fall out or things happen and it's just gone. What do we do next?
The same can be said for substance abuse. Why do we crave the drink? When we FINALLY reach the point we don't want it running our lives what do we do next? I'm sure the same can be said about many other problems that ail society. Just fixing the problem is never enough until you go through the recovery stage.
Tonight's run was my 1st since bonking so bad Sat and was a turning point in my attitude. It was recovery for my legs just to check and make sure I wasn't injured but more importantly it was allowing my mind to know that I can lay down some decent times over rough terrain and feel great afterwards. As well as this, I got to escape reality and focus on why things went so bad for me Saturday. As I arrived at my trail I - as usual- got my Emergen-C and put it in a bottle of water and downed it. I then got another packet n dumped it in my water I was going to run with. A friend and mentor, I'll call him Jason,suggested using this and I go through a ton of it. Well my mind started working. I train using this but never took any with me to a race??? WTH? If it works n keeps my body balanced why not have it when it run a race? Maybe I'm a idiot??? LOL After that enlightenment to myself I cruised and my running game will be A-OK barring injury.
On the drive home tonight I got to thinking about this. After all my screw ups over a lost love I realized that everyone has the missing link usually right there in their hand. Do the things that got you to the good times and stick with it and you will survive the rough storms life throws at you. Change it up and you will always BONK!
As far as recovery time? How it's done? It's a journey in life. Running parallels so much of life and I'm sure that's why I do it. The sound of my feet hitting the ground and hearing my heart in my chest gives me peace and no matter what life throws at me I can probably handle it with a few miles alone doing some thinking.
I guess the point of this is that no matter what happens in life,with a huge heart and desire to do better anyone can get past problems. There are other marathons and ultras that I'm going to do and do better at. There will someday be another love that hopefully I can be the best at, and I'm finally realizing sobriety is a pretty cool deal. That's all I got to say about that! :)
How is it done?
What does it achieve?
Does everyone do it?
How long does it take?
I don't have a clue but I think I'm starting to figure out what works for me. All weekend and this week I've been second guessing my decision to run as far as in a short span of time relatively speaking. I tanked, my time was terrible and I slept like 16hrs the following day. I've ran that distance and longer in a shorter span of time. Why did I feel this way?
The same is true for life and relationships gone awry. Everyone falls in love and many fall out or things happen and it's just gone. What do we do next?
The same can be said for substance abuse. Why do we crave the drink? When we FINALLY reach the point we don't want it running our lives what do we do next? I'm sure the same can be said about many other problems that ail society. Just fixing the problem is never enough until you go through the recovery stage.
Tonight's run was my 1st since bonking so bad Sat and was a turning point in my attitude. It was recovery for my legs just to check and make sure I wasn't injured but more importantly it was allowing my mind to know that I can lay down some decent times over rough terrain and feel great afterwards. As well as this, I got to escape reality and focus on why things went so bad for me Saturday. As I arrived at my trail I - as usual- got my Emergen-C and put it in a bottle of water and downed it. I then got another packet n dumped it in my water I was going to run with. A friend and mentor, I'll call him Jason,suggested using this and I go through a ton of it. Well my mind started working. I train using this but never took any with me to a race??? WTH? If it works n keeps my body balanced why not have it when it run a race? Maybe I'm a idiot??? LOL After that enlightenment to myself I cruised and my running game will be A-OK barring injury.
On the drive home tonight I got to thinking about this. After all my screw ups over a lost love I realized that everyone has the missing link usually right there in their hand. Do the things that got you to the good times and stick with it and you will survive the rough storms life throws at you. Change it up and you will always BONK!
As far as recovery time? How it's done? It's a journey in life. Running parallels so much of life and I'm sure that's why I do it. The sound of my feet hitting the ground and hearing my heart in my chest gives me peace and no matter what life throws at me I can probably handle it with a few miles alone doing some thinking.
I guess the point of this is that no matter what happens in life,with a huge heart and desire to do better anyone can get past problems. There are other marathons and ultras that I'm going to do and do better at. There will someday be another love that hopefully I can be the best at, and I'm finally realizing sobriety is a pretty cool deal. That's all I got to say about that! :)
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Box of Rox
This weekend was really different for me. All week I struggled with some personal and professional issues and it seemed like the more I searched for answers the more complex things got. All that aside I wound up in Burnet,Tx Friday afternoon. A sleepy lil place where people get married and prolly never leave but I'm sure great for raising families. Hotel check-in, dinner and then some quality time with great friends! Walking back to my hotel room I looked up at the sky and that was the most beautiful thing I saw all weekend. I love living in Plano but the smaller communities really get to enjoy starlit nights!
I signed up for Box of Rox kinda on a whim as a prep race for a 50k in New Mexico in 3 weeks. I looked at it as that and the opportunity to do a marathon length race. Nobody had a course profile other than word of mouth. Comparatively speaking I'd heard it was easier than Possum Kingdom where I'd completed a 55k last month. I thought ok- I got this deal done!
Saturday am upon arriving it was like 55 and just perfect for running long. I had a fear of going out too fast so I find the back of the pack and when the race starts I just stayed near the back but kept the main group in sight. The .1st aid station was 2 miles away and just a dirt road to it and I got there in like 17min. That's faster than what I wanted but it was cool so I passed it and worked on getting to mile 5 to get water. Well great plan but mile 2 to 5 is like being dropped on Mars or the Moon. I found out fast why the name Box of Rox! It was a huge open dome with nothing but boulders to scamper(crawl) up and down on. Well this continued off and on til mile 11. It was a beating but by skipping 2 aid stations I got in at the 1/2 way mark in 3:10. I was just thrilled! I thought I'd be done in 6:30 easy!
Loop 2- I headed out and when I hit the dome it was getting hot. Quickly I realized that skipping water stops was a huge mistake. Mile 18 aid station and I just wasn't feeling it but one of the volunteers had a little "come to Jesus" meeting with me and got me back going. Just as I was leaving a friend- Ritu came in and seeing a familiar face gave me strength to get to 21. Mile 21 I was just toast and considered dropping but they were playing the same song over n over and I knew I couldn't stay there. The next aid was 24.5 and that was tough. I tried gu's and more salt tabs but I couldn't keep anything down and soon it was just dry heaves and I was soon out of water. I think about a mile from my next water stop a bike rider showed up from nowhere and gave me water and he stayed near me til I got to the station. It was almost surreal. He told me his name but I was out if it and pretty much delirious. I tried having a seat and was having bladder issues by now. I was just done and didn't care. The volunteer there asked if he could pour some water on me to cool my core. Well I wasn't in much shape to argue and after he dumped 2 Gott's of water on me I felt like a new man!! Crap I shoulda done that 7 miles before! I had 40min with 1.7 miles to go and the volunteer told me to walk. I walked awhile then sprint then walk. Back and forth til I saw the finish then I rolled as fast as I could. My time was terrible and I took a beating but hey- couch to a marathon in 3 1/2 months- I'm ok with it.
Lessons learned- hydrate early and often. To save weight I started without water and only used my handheld the entire race. I had my hydration vest to carry salt tabs, etc. Costly mistake!! By the time I saw I was in trouble it was too late to quickly recover. Next mistake- ignore the pack and run like I train. I watch my splits and slow down when I need to. Overall it was a great experience and 24hrs later it's going to be a must do for me. Next year will be smoother! Now it's rest, recuperate and work on my core before going to the mountains over Memorial weekend to take a beating but complete another milestone! I have so many friends to support and guide me and they are what keeps me lacing up my shoes! Thanks guys and girls!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Had to try my hand at this!
Most everyone knows that I'm trying to be a ultrarunner. What is that? Its a person who runs longer than the traditional 26.2 mile marathons. Why do you want to do this? I get really bored with traditional things in life and I find the status quo real annoying for me! Hey it works for many but I've always kind of gone against the grain ALOT! I go big or I stay home! Plus I have a very addictive personality so when I decide to do something I'll work my butt off til I accomplish it or I crater. Yea I've cratered a lot during my 46 years. I'm sure many will ask why a 46yr old guy is trying his hand at blogging and I'm sure I'll ask Why not? Secretly I always wanted to be a columnist but my attention to English in school was lacking. That and I was busy working so I could afford to drink beer and chase skirts.
I was raised in a Holiness God fearing home and really appreciate that although I'm a practicing "stay at home Baptist." Me n God use to do our talking on deer stands and now we do it out running trails. Trails? Yea at my age the concrete was too hard and my friends were on trails so it's "monkey see,monkey do." Yes we run down dirt paths,climb rocks and get filthy dirty. Kinda reminds me of the Sundays I'd spend in McKinney with the Gibson boys between church services. At 17, I left home to make it in the oilfield. That went bust pretty quick but I got better at drinking and that's the one thing that followed me nearly my entire life. A couple of divorces, time in jail and losing a kid never stopped me from indulging on a daily basis. It's the only thing that was consistent in my life other than my God and my family helping me up after my bad falls.
Why am I blogging about this? If my trials help one person, I'll be happy. Whether it's drinking, overcoming a lack of confidence, or a personal issue. Lack of confidence? Yea I've had many. Dealing with a stutter all my life is a real kick in the pants early on until you embrace who you are. The miles I run- just a few short months ago I'd say those people were crazy and yea they are still crazy but they give me the confidence to take this journey and knowing they will help me along makes it so much easier when things get tough.
What changed me? In 91 I found my 1st true love. My drinking and our lives were not aligned. After my last divorce in 09 I reconnected with her and it was great BUT once again my drinking took control and lots of bad decisions were made on my part. I left and then compounded the issue by doing terrible things to her and her daughter. Things you can't just apologize for and later when it hit me what I had done to her, I had to change. Yea it's a daily battle. The 5pm urge to get a beer has subsided but I do slip and fall but it's working great so far and I'm starting to really like me again!!
I've ran very few actual races. Jan I did my 1st 5k, Feb a 25k,March a 1/2 marathon and in April I did my 1st 55k(34 mile) run. I finally get to do a trail marathon Saturday near Austin as a prep race for a 50k next month. Who would think of running a marathon as a prep??? Not me in about a million years until now. Where am I going with this crazy running? Well doesn't everyone wanna do a 100 miler? OK most people don't but with the support and friends I have why shouldn't I?
I'm sure I ramble and bounce around and I tend to be a random person but THANKS for reading!
Until next time #RunStrong
stephenwmoore67@gmail.com
I was raised in a Holiness God fearing home and really appreciate that although I'm a practicing "stay at home Baptist." Me n God use to do our talking on deer stands and now we do it out running trails. Trails? Yea at my age the concrete was too hard and my friends were on trails so it's "monkey see,monkey do." Yes we run down dirt paths,climb rocks and get filthy dirty. Kinda reminds me of the Sundays I'd spend in McKinney with the Gibson boys between church services. At 17, I left home to make it in the oilfield. That went bust pretty quick but I got better at drinking and that's the one thing that followed me nearly my entire life. A couple of divorces, time in jail and losing a kid never stopped me from indulging on a daily basis. It's the only thing that was consistent in my life other than my God and my family helping me up after my bad falls.
Why am I blogging about this? If my trials help one person, I'll be happy. Whether it's drinking, overcoming a lack of confidence, or a personal issue. Lack of confidence? Yea I've had many. Dealing with a stutter all my life is a real kick in the pants early on until you embrace who you are. The miles I run- just a few short months ago I'd say those people were crazy and yea they are still crazy but they give me the confidence to take this journey and knowing they will help me along makes it so much easier when things get tough.
What changed me? In 91 I found my 1st true love. My drinking and our lives were not aligned. After my last divorce in 09 I reconnected with her and it was great BUT once again my drinking took control and lots of bad decisions were made on my part. I left and then compounded the issue by doing terrible things to her and her daughter. Things you can't just apologize for and later when it hit me what I had done to her, I had to change. Yea it's a daily battle. The 5pm urge to get a beer has subsided but I do slip and fall but it's working great so far and I'm starting to really like me again!!
I've ran very few actual races. Jan I did my 1st 5k, Feb a 25k,March a 1/2 marathon and in April I did my 1st 55k(34 mile) run. I finally get to do a trail marathon Saturday near Austin as a prep race for a 50k next month. Who would think of running a marathon as a prep??? Not me in about a million years until now. Where am I going with this crazy running? Well doesn't everyone wanna do a 100 miler? OK most people don't but with the support and friends I have why shouldn't I?
I'm sure I ramble and bounce around and I tend to be a random person but THANKS for reading!
Until next time #RunStrong
stephenwmoore67@gmail.com
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