And the Journey Begins...

What better way to start the new year than by finding a reason to run. And while the annual New Year's 5K is a regular on my race calendar, I decided to step back this year and volunteer at the race, rather than run. More and more, I find it extremely satisfying to work at local races, helping out on the course or working a finishing chute. It gives me an entirely new appreciation for the folks that give their time to make events happen. And, it also serves as a good personal reminder next time to thank that course marshal or water station volunteer for giving their time so that I can participate.

Though it's a bit trite and cliche to say it, doing so really is a way to give back to the sport that has provided so much for me. Volunteers are truly the lifeblood of any running event, and I enjoy being on the other side of the equation. And though nothing earth-shattering occurred because I said, "Stay in line, please" or was there in case someone struggled while crossing the finish line, it felt nice to be a small part of the puzzle that when assembled, helps encourage fitness and wellness in our area.

So, knowing that my year would not start with an "official" race, I decided to head out early and run the course before the start, kicking off the year with my own personal 5K. And though the results will not be found on any finishers list or race documentation, I was pleased to best my 2009 New Year's 5K time by almost a minute. During the second mile, I began to think about how far I may be able to push myself in the coming year... speed, pace, etc. I've never really consistanly ran with the goal to push myself to the edge of my ability. It's an interesting thought that, at 38, I might consider exploring just how much I have to physically give.

For me, the morning than wrapped with a 60-minute session as the finish chute "organizer," keeping law and order for the 125ish folks that ventured out to run on January 1st. And while it was fun to see many familiar faces, by far the highlight of my day came when Ryan and Emma made their happy sprints to the finish, completing their very first 5K. I am so proud to see them work hard, have fun, and establish an active lifestyle that will hopefully carry them into their adult lives. Being their first 5K, PR's were (of course) established, and Emma had the excitement of placing 2nd in her age group... her first race award. Having won previous races and set his own State age group record, Ryan took his sister's "first" very well, encouraging and supporting her on her success.

As we wrapped the morning with a celebratory breakfast at Waffle House, I couldn't help but take satisfaction in the joy of the morning. I am so blessed to have the gifts of health, friendship, and a fantastic family that shares my passions. In those three faces, I find my true joy.

Miles this month: 3.1/2010 miles: 3.1/Weight 189.8

The Starting Line is in Sight

How scary can it be to come to the realization that at age 38, with a fantastic and supportive wife, two terrific kids, and a seemingly blossoming career, I've begun discover a fading motivation for the major life activity that provides me balance, health, and fulfillment... running. Besides my faith and my family, lacing up hitting the road has been the one constant over the past several years to keep me centered. It's so strange to find it more and more difficult to take the first steps out the door and down the road.

That is one of the many reasons why this year, I decided to embark on this project... To spend time reflecting on why I run and what part it plays in my role as a husband, father, and educator. Though I begin with no final goal in mind, I hope that through the journey, I somehow discover that the miles traveled will translate into a greater understanding of who I am and what I am able to become.

I hope that you will share this journey with me, and in doing so, will discover what drives you to become a more motivated, balanced, and successful runner. The starting line is in sight... Let's run together, shall we?

What was I thinking?

Feb. 28, 2009

This whole "run the Surgoinsville 10 Miler" idea was great when the registration was mailed in 2 weeks ago. Little did I know at the time, that I would be sick and it would be 45 and raining the entire time. Seeing as how I couldn't breath and got little to no sleep last night, I didn't have very high expectations. The cold rain and wind at the start didn't help either.

On the hilly backroads, I could tell that the energy level was down. My pacing was consistent throughout, and the rain was actually manageable after mile 5. While it wasn't the best 10 miles ever, finishing was an accomplishment, considering how sick I was.

Time: 1:44:18 Pace: 10:26

How fast can I run 10K?

Jan 31, 2009

The goal at the The War Party 10K, held at Warriors Path State Park in Kingsport, was simple... attempt to break 55:00 in order to sub-seed for the Peachtree Road Race. Having never gone that low before, I thought I could get close, but I wasn't sure if I could actually get there. The day was sunny and cool, which set up well for a quick run, though forgetting the Garmin was a bad sign.

The course is a double loop, with a major hill in miles 1 and 4. Knowing that I needed to run around an 8:5o pace, the goal was to run the first mile at 9:15, then slowly decrease the overall pace by :05 each mile. Admittedly, the actualy first mile pace was probably too fast (9:00), and it turned out to be a "hang on" kind of run.

Close, but not quite, as I missed the 55:00 minute mark by 19 seconds. It still should set me up easily to be in the second group.

Time: 55:19 Pace: 8:55

Going Goofy, 2009

Among the many lessons learned this weekend was that a 5:45 am flight out of Tri-Cities leaves VERY early in the morning! Annette and I were up and out of the house by 4:30 on a cold and windy Friday, Jan. 11th. But after a couple of small flight delays (I'll always be happy to wait while they de-ice the plane), we touched down in sunny, 75 degree Orlando. Transportation to the Wilderness Lodge was smooth and uneventful... If there's one thing Disney does well, it's move people around.

After dropping our carry-on's on the room, we were off to the expo at Wide World of Sports. Packet and t-shirt pickup was fairly smooth. The only hiccup was waiting for Kristin to arrive, since her flight was a solid hour late getting in. Add to that some confusion and delay getting to the expo, and we were all glad to finally connect and officially start the weekend.

One brush with the famous... While at the expo, Jeff Galloway (former Olympian and current author/running coach/expo circuit speaker) was presenting, then doing a promo appearance for a shoe company. Annette had signed up to attend his running school in Indianapolis the following weekend, so she took the opportunity to introduce herself and talk about the race, as well as her upcoming trip. He couldn't have been more gracious, sharing tips and taking an interest in our upcoming races. It was another one of the little things that made the weekend so much fun.

After an enjoyable dinner with an old college friend now living in the Orlando area, it was back to the Wilderness Lodge to go through the night before pre-race ritual... pinning on the race bib, making sure it's straight, putting on the timing chip, and laying out the race day attire.

HALF RACE MORNING
The alarm went off at 2:10am, and it was time to get ready for the half. After throwing on some sweats, it was down to the lobby for bananas and coffee. It was a nice way to slowly ease into the day. Kristin and I were in the Disney bus by 3:30, which got us to the start area smoothly. We hung out for a couple of hours (long porta-potty lines!) before heading to the start. After the fireworks, it was off to a crowded, but energetic start. The highlights of the run had to be running down Main Street and through Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom, then returning through Epcot at the finish. Kristin did a great job pushing through her first half marathon, and running with her through the finish was a really great experience.

The rest of Half Day was spent lounging by the pool and roaming around the Disney property. After finding dinner at Port Orleans Riverside, it was back to the room to repeat the pre-race procedures. Then early to bed, and time to hit...

MARATHON RACE MORNING
Repeat the Saturday 2:10 wakeup and breakfast, and Annette and I were on the 3:30 bus to the start. It was fun spending a couple of hours getting ready and talking with many orange-clad disneyrunning.com folks. What a great running community, and super nice folks. It was surprising to see so much orange before the race, as well as out on the course.

The start hit at 5:50 am, and Annette and I were on our way. We were "red" course starters, which sent us through Epcot during the first three miles. Really neat to see the park lit up and empty before opening. Then it was up to Magic Kingdom, down Main Street, and thorugh Cinderella's Castle. Side note... we actually got a couple of really good ASI photos running in front of the castle. They turned out great!

After Magic Kingdom, it was down to Animal Kingdom, where the crowds really picked up, as the park had opened by the time we got there. Then it was through to Hollywood Studio, around the boardwalk, and through the World Showcase. And in just over six hours, Annette and I crossed the finish, her first marathon finish after two prior frustrating experiences. She will always be a marathoner!

We celebrated the best way we knew how... a fabulously expensive and yummy surf-n-turf at Narcoossees, then a relaxing Monday in the Magic Kingdom. It was fun to relive old memories, as well as watch Kristin remember back to her childhood. Seeing her remember back to the Peter Pan ride was priceless.

This was a different type of race weekend for me. Instead of just focusing on my races, it was all about being with Kristin and Annette, helping them experience a first finishing line. What a gratifying way to experience my first Disney! And while I may not Goofy again, I can vary easily see us all back down at Disney for marathon weekend 2010.