Saturday, October 27, 2012

One Week

Here we are, one week from running MidSouth. This will make the fourth time I have run this race. Two full marathons and two halves. I had originally signed up to run the full again this year but, due to my leg issues, and lack of training, I reverted back to the half. I think this was the best decision as anything over 13 miles is starting to get the best of me right now. I ran with our running group this morning. The Muckas had eight runners show up. Three women and five men. The ladies ran eight miles. The guys turned in a 12 miler. My pace was a little faster than I thought I could run this distance. But, I'm not complaining. Well, maybe just a little. Around mile 11, my leg felt like it wasn't working right. Almost like I couldn't move it. But, I pushed on through for a decent run. I think, as time goes on, and I start back on the weights, this will go away. I need to get back to having well rounded workouts. Doing nothing but running has proven to not be the best choice right now. When we were living in Oklahoma, we had well rounded workouts. I felt better, the weight came off and stayed off, and my clothes fit a lot better. Not to mention the pain was gone. So, I am on a mission to get back to that level. Not to mention, while running one day, back in 2005, with my buddy Matt Mendez, I told him I did not want to get back to the condition I was in before I started running. Well, I need to stick to that promise I made to myself.
Now the promise and challenge have been made public. Time to make it happen. Come along for the ride.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

I Promise!

Ok, I know I keep taking long breaks away from posting on here but, I promise to continue with more activity now. Here's an update of what is taking place with my running life. We ran the Heart & Sole Half Marathon and 5K in Jonesboro. What an awesome experience!! We had so many friends taking part in this race. Not only our local Muckas (Deb, Sherry, Jerry, Jody, Mike, Brandon and myself), but some out-of-town Muckas as well (Todd, Juan and Greg). This was the first year for several of us to run this event. The Race Director claims they changed the course to take out some of the hills. I would like to file a formal complaint and state they added some big ol hills on this race. No matter, we pushed through. The Muckas made a great showing in this race. Three of us placed in our respective age groups. Deb took 3rd in her age group for the 5K. Todd took first in his and I placed 2nd in mine. Several other Muckas ran fast times and set new PR's in this race. Not bad for a bunch of us starting out with a 4 am wake up to make the race. :)
We followed this race up with the Life is Good 5K at Village Creek State Park on Oct 13. This was a great race, in a great setting, for a great cause. The Muckas were a huge part of this race as one of our founding fathers (Ethan Cook) helped set up this race. We had a bunch of Muckas at this race. I guess it helps when the race is in our own back yard. :) We convinced Deb to finally run a race for herself. For those of you who don't know my Deb, she is that runner that enjoys the workout but, always wants to help others achieve their goals. I think that's another reason we get along so well. ;) She did run this race for herself. Well, let me tell you..... she smoked it. She was the first female overall. This is an awesome accomplishment. 171 runners/walkers total and my wife is the first female to cross the finish line. That rocks!!!!!!!!!! I am very proud of her. Not only the first female but, the 13th runner overall. Get some of that!!!!
At the completion of this race, we had several Muckas placing in their respective age groups. I've already mentioned how Deb smoked this race. Let me tell you who the rest of the Muckas were. Brandon Boger, Sherry Rogers, Lori Silver, Donna Seagal, Tanner Wallace (Our youngest Mucka running), Melissa Wallace, Holly Cook (Walking for two), Juan (Jonesboro Mucka), and myself, completed an awesome race. Several of us collected medals for placing in our individual age groups.
Running has become an addiction for many of these Muckas. Unfortunately, I am dealing with a leg issue that may prevent me from running future marathons. You know what, I'm OK with that. I have run 12 marathons (First being an ultra) to this date. My goal now is to inspire and motivaate others to achieve thier goals. i may not be running across that finish line with them but, I want to be that voice in their ear and mind that helps push them beyond their current limitations. I feel I have helped motivate two current Muckas (Jody and Brandon) to take on a new challenge and run their first ever full marathons. I feel I have pushed other Muckas (Holly, Kevin and Barrett) to run their marathons as well. I have accomplioshed my goals. My new goal is to help others. Deb is considering running the half at MidSouth in two weeks. I want to be there with her, step for step, to help her achieve a new PR/goal. That would be the best. :)