Mucka Mania 5K/10K Race

Our running club is putting on its first race on June 9th, 2012. We are joining up with the Wynne, Arkansas Farm Fest and giving runners a challenge to run through some of the scenic areas of Wynne, take on some hills, and just enjoy the open air. Both races have a final hill that we have so lovingly named, "Gut Check Hill". It's not a long hill, just tall. The 5K race will allow for runners and walkers. The 10K course is strictly for runners as time will become a factor. Either course will challenge you. But, that's why we do what we do. To conquer more challenges. So, if you are looking for a challenge in June, come join the Muckas and run through some hills in Wynne. Afterwards, you can enjoy the Farm Fest in downtown Wynne. Registration is at: http://www.racesonline.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=public.race_detail&race_id=13216

Course info:
5K - http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/74032162
10K - http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/74016260

Come join the fun and meet some Muckas. :)

Catching Up

Wow, time has flown by with the new job. Unfortunately I haven't been keeping up on here, as well as keeping up with my Dailymile friends. Time to catch up. :)

After my biggest mileage month, in January, I came back with my lowest total since last February. No worries. Still broke 100 miles. Opened March up with the Little Rock marathon. This marked my 12th marathon. Is it a bakers dozen since my first marathon was an ultra? Gotta love it. Now for the race review. We had 12 Muckas show up to run different races. Four of us, (Holly, Jerry, Kevin and myself), ran the full. Sherry, Brandon, Jody, Jeff, and Greg ran the half. Allison, Sarah, and Brad ran the 10K. The day started off with good weather. We were at about 40 degrees to start. We all fought our way into the corrals and found our places. Once the gun went off, it was like speed walking for the first quarter mile. Once everything started to thin out, it started getting easier to settle in. Holly and I stayed together for the first two miles. Unfortunately, I hydrated so much, I had to make an early pit stop. Holly kept rolling. I caught back up to her by the first water station. As we made our way under the bridge, it was her turn. I kept running.

As I was running back on the bridge, over the Arkansas River, I came across a wheel chair participant. If you have never run the Little Rock marathon, there are some killer hills along the full course. The wheel chair participants were doing the full, and rocking it! Amazing!!! I'd also like to say, Little Rock has some awesome fans out there! Supportive the entire way. As I passed the 6 mile mark, I got to see Occupy Little Rock. Not to offend anyone but, I thought hippies went out back in the 60's. Oh well, press on. Shortly after passing them, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Holly. She caught up. As we made our way through downtown and around to the Governor's mansion, the temps started to rise. Holly started to fall back. Normally, I would stay with her and try to motivate her but, I knew I was facing a rough trip up the hills myself. I wanted to push on through and try to stay under 4 hrs total. Once I passed the halfway point, I didnt see Holly anymore. I pressed on through the hills and made it the whole way, pulling ahead of the 4 hr pace group.

Around mile 18, it was a full on head wind! I had my phone with me and told Deb where I was on the course. She text back and told me Jerry was in trouble around mile 21. Asthma attack! I started looking for him but, at mile 20, I had to take a walk break because the winds were killing me! Oh yeah, just before that, I unofficially met Marathon Maniac, Dave Mari and his big Afro wig! Funny guy! At mile 23, I saw Kevin heading the other way. High fives exchanged, we pressed on in opposite directions. By this point, the wind and 60+ temps took their toll. Walk breaks were more frequent. At mole 26, I was running in and felt another tap on my shoulder. It was Jerry. I found him!!! Ok, he found me. :) We ran in together and crossed the finish line together. That was pretty cool running in with another Mucka.

After collecting the dinner plate sized medal and making our way out of the finish line chute, I was greeted with some awesome hugs and kisses from Deb and Amy! My finish time was 4:07:09. Not my fastest but, I'll gladly take it considering the conditions. Waited for Holly and Kevin to finish. Holly crossed with her Daughter, Bailey. Kevin beat the 5 1/2 hr mark. Even with his pit stop to have a few beers around mile 25. Great race by everyone. Tough course, tough conditions. Will do it again!

Joy and Sorrow

2012 started off with a bang. I finally breached the 200 mile mark for the month of January. This is the highest monthly total for me, ever. I felt great the whole way. My goals are being met, and I'm on pace to break that 2000 mile year. That, coupled with the fact I just received a promotion at work, has made this a good year so far. I say good, not great. Not great because the same day I received the promotion, I also attended a funeral to bury one of my young officers. He was only 28. Unfortunately, with triumphs, sometimes great sorrow follows. However, I am blessed and fortunate to have my family and my running to help keep me sane. Count your blessings my friends. Enjoy life to the fullest.

20 miles and a Day of Work

One more 20-miler in the books prior to running Little Rock. Funny how my co-workers think I'm nuts for running from home to work. I view it as an opportunity to help the environment for a day and not use gas to to get to work. Well, not gas in the truck. ;) The weather was pretty much perfect for this run. 39 degrees with 85% humidity. Started out at 4am, nice and dark outside, and quiet! That's the best way to run. Not seeing how far you have to go, or the elevation change, and just quiet. Once out on Highway 1, things changed. Of course, it was still dark out but, traffic picked up. And, with it being dark out, the oncoming traffic couldn't see a runner in a bright orange shirt (with reflective material) and they never got over. Thus, creating a potential game of dodging the huge semi truck. In case you're wondering, I survived. ;)

We are now 37 days away from running Little Rock and I am feeling strong and ready to go. When I ran this race last year, I was about two weeks removed from dealing with the loss of my Mom. When I run it this year, I will have dealt with the one year anniversary of her death. I miss her. But, I will use those emotions to help push me through my 12th marathon. Not only that but, I am on pace to actually run 200+ miles in a month for the first time ever. I am feeling stronger than ever with my running. My goals have changed along the way as well. I want to continue to push for every marathon I can run until I can't run anymore. However, I want to help others achieve their goals through running as well. Deb is considering running her first half marathon in November, right here in our hometown of Wynne, AR. This will be her first half marathon.

This is the part where I tell you how prooud I am of her and her fitness goals and achievements. Don't assume I am making lite of what she does. Deb rocks her workouts. I have many people tell me they admire what I do in my running achievements. However, Deb does so much more with her runs, walks and spins. She is amazing in everything she does. I have a friend who asks me how we are so happy together after so many years (16 years together, 14 married). I let them know, because we find ways to spend time with each other. I took on running to help lose weight back in 2005. It became an addiction to me. Deb saw that and decided to take on running as a way to have more time with me. How awesome is that? Now, that is love. :)

Ok, rambling is over. You guys keep moving. Keep the fitness goals going. Looking forward to running the 10th anniversary of the Little Rock marathon in March. Share your stories and races on here as well.

Neglect

As things have picked up at work, I seem to have neglected my blog. However, in the same breath, I can say my running has not been neglected. I am on track to have the highest mileage month ever. My runs are feeling great. I'm not killing myself over how fast I run. I just run with what feels best. I think I am actually getting better workouts by doing so. And not to mention running more miles with Deb. She has been a great motivator and running partner. Gotta love it when you find someone who you just gel with all the way around. :)

I just checked the calendar and realized we are 46 days out from running Little Rock. Our running group, Muckas Running Club, have about 11 runners altogether. We have runners in every event taking place on Sunday. This includes the full and half marathons, as well as the 10K. This is the 10th anniversary of the Little Rock marathon so, we are expecting big things. This will make my 12th full marathon (this includes my 31-mile ultra).

What is my goal? To run happy and enjoy the race. The last time I rane this race (2011), I finished in 3:57. If I beat it, I beat it. If I don't, no harm. I just want to enjoy the race, enjoy the atmosphere, and finish strong. I want to enjoy our little weekend vacation with Deb and Amy. So, with that being said, come on March and come on Little Rock marathon. Let's do this and have fun along the way. :)

Running Streak

Only eight days into the New Year and I've already had to stop my streak. This constant change of the weather got me a little under the weather. Who knows, maybe I can get back into it once I kick this thing. On a better note, we had our first 5K for our running group, the Muckas. We only had eight runners show upbut, we all enjoyed it. The hilly course we mapped out scared a few runners initially but, once we ran it, they all said they were glad they did and couldn't wait to do it again. I think that's pretty dang awesome!

With all that being said, I'm getting motivated again. I may start slowing my speed down a bit, just to help out with some lingering soreness but, I am going to attempt my streak again. Another goal I have is to actually hit 200 running miles in month. Not to mention 2000 in one year. All are possible, just gotta keep at it. Another motivator is Deb. Between her running and cycling, she hit 92 miles in a week!!! Freaking awesome!! She's my inspiration! Her passion for fitness has flourished and keeps me on a positive note. Others read about her progress and realize they can get out there and do great things as well!!

So, I say to all of you, unless you're hurt, get out there and kick some butt. Don't be scared of the weather, just adapt!

Hello 2012

As we say goodbye to 2011, and welcome in 2012, I think back to the whirlwind that happened over the past year. As most of you know, 2011 pretty much was a very rough year for me. I experienced some highs, and some very bad lows. During 2011, I took on the challenge of raising money for various charities, to include the American Heart Association and the Dana Farber Cancer Research foundation. One exceeded my goal, the other fell short. The hardest part of 2011 is the fact I lost both my parents just 6-months apart. I don't care how old you are, losing your parents is never easy.

One extremely great benefit of 2011 is my wife and I have become running partners. She is an awesome partner all the way around. She tells me she took up running to spend time with me. And by God, I'm going to take advantage of that. We have many friends who just hate to run together as couples. I, on the otherhand, love it. She took on the St Jude 5K and loved it. I think it was pretty dang awesome. She did an amazing job and wants to better her time next year. Love her dedication. Even though she's not "competitive"! LOL! Don't ever let her tell you that. :) She's an amazing woman who has been a huge supporter for me. She has been to every marathon I have run. She's a huge part of my motivation. She has kept me going throughout the losses I have endured over the last year.

Well, here we are in 2012. The very first day of it to be exact. Currently I am training for the Little Rock marathon in March. This will be my 12 marathon, as I chase the 50 marathon goal. I continue to run for charity. I want to help out some way. I can't always help out in a monetary way, personally but, I can use my legs to raise money to help. So, with that neon said, Little Rock, MidSouth and St Jude are confirmed races for 2012. Additional races as money dictates. And in case you're wondering, I started 2012 off with my own personal Mucka half marathon. Come joine in my quest to run. My other goal is to run at least a mile every day for a year or more. Come get some!!