random running thoughts...

Running, not from, but to...
This is what I would like to title my memoirs. When I talk to non-runner friends, about running, I often get the half-joking questions like; "what are you running from?" or "was someone chasing you?" I realize that they are making light of the topic because they are not sure what to say. It is not an easy thing to explain. I run for the pleasure of it - and the pain. I know it's going to hurt, but this too can be rewarding. It's mind over matter - I don't mind, so it doesn't matter.
Enjoy the miles!

great run, beautiful day...

We (Chico, Manuel and I) ran 11 miles this morning at a pretty good clip. We ran from Horseman's Park to the McCarran underpass and back in about 80 minutes. The time is not exact because I messed up at the turnaround. I hit the stop instead of the split, regardless we ran very well and I am feeling great about that. All told, it has been a great weekend of running. Friday we ran seven miles, five yesterday and eleven today for a three-day total of 23 miles! The crisp air and sunny days have really added to the runs. Enjoy the miles!

Sharing the love...

Yesterday morning I brought Michael with Chico and me to the trail. He rode his bicycle from Horseman's Park while Chico and I ran. I believe we went nearly five miles (out and back) although we short-cutted at the end because Michael was getting pretty tired. He really enjoyed riding the trail and even says that he expects to run it with me someday. This is the way I hoped it would be. As the kids get older, they see the opportunity to experience the run for themselves. Running, combined with swimming and cycling will give them a base of life-long healthy activities to be enjoyed through competition and leisure. Enjoy the miles!

Gettin' off the snide...

This expression is often used by sports folks to imply that a player has broken out of a slump. Chris Berman of ESPN uses it to describe a player that finally gets a hit or catches a pass. I feel this applies to me. I ran with Manuel and Chico this morning. We didn't go any great distance, maybe seven or eight miles, but it sure felt good. I felt great throughout the run and really feel good right now as I write about it. Chico was having a great time. There were many other dogs on the trail today, but Chico was the only runner dog and that elevated his status. Tomorrow, we are going to run again. I am going to bring Michael with me, to ride his bicycle while we run. I anticipate another great run! Enjoy the miles!

Chico's getting antsy...

We ran long on Saturday and then have not run for three days and it is taking its toll. Chico needs daily exercise and it's my responsibility to provide that outlet for him. I must adjust my schedule accordingly or else Chico is going to redirect that energy and will chew up everything in sight. Enjoy the miles!

What I feel like...

When I don't run for a few days, I feel like crap! It must be a combination of guilt and physical letdown. I need to set a more consistent schedule and just stick to it, because I don't like feeling like this. Enjoy the miles.

the long distance connection

My brother-in-law Jeff has taken to running. He wanted to get started and when they came to visit in July, he and I ran the SDT with the dogs. He has since continued to run and just recently completed his first event. While I was running the Bizz marathon, he was running the half-marathon. He ran a 2:18 which is great for a first go at that distance. We try to keep in frequent contact, via email and phone. I want to encourage and support his running efforts. He really enjoyed the event and is now up for more of them. We had hoped they would be able to join us for the Apple Hill run, but that is not going to work out. So now he is trying to make Clarksburg happen. I think that would work out even better because it's a half-marathon and we would be able to run it together. However it works out, it's good to know that he is enjoying the miles as well. Keep running!

post-marathon long run

Yesterday, Chico, Manuel and I ran fourteen miles. We didn't set out to go that far. At the first mention of turning back we were feeling good and decided to go farther along the Steamboat Trail. On the way back, Manuel started to feel the affects of dehydration and we wisely chose to walk a portion of the trail. We also took a shortcut near the end and probably shotened the distance by a mile to a mile and a half. So, more acuurately, we probably ran ten miles and walked two or two and a half miles. Despite all that, it was an excellent outing and Chico thoroughly enjoyed being on the trail again. Enjoy the miles!

Thursday's schedule

I have accepted that trying to get a run in on Thursdays is not very realistic. Teaching a full day and then teaching an evening class only leaves me a small window of time in which to try to squeeze a run and it really isn't practical. What I need to do is make sure I get Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday runs with Chico.

No substitute for the SDT.

There is simply no substitute for the Steamboat Ditch Trail. Yesterday I took Chico and drove out Vista and looked for a spot to take Chico running. We drove up Los Altos Parkway and pulled in to a park where we found a dirt path that lead up along the ridge. It was allright, but it is obvious that the area is being groomed for construction of new houses and despite some nice desert views, it simply cannot compare to the views of Reno from the SDT. I will continue to look for places to run with Chico (without a leash) near our house, but am resigned (and relieved) that our best runs will always be those that we take on the ditch trail. Enjoy the miles!

Bizz Johnson Marathon - October 9, 2005

It could not have been a better day for a long run.
Enjoy the miles!

Predator or prey?

I recently read an article with my seventh grade students about mountain lions and the problems they are having with them in Colorado. So, go figure, I actually worry about them here. These concerns are most likely silly, but I can't help thinking about it as I trek throught he hills near our house. Chico is totally unconcerned, but then he didn't read the article. Well, I'm sure it's like going back in to the water after watching JAWS. Enjoy the miles!

Where to run?

Today I will take Chico and look for a spot to run on our side of town. As much as I love running the ditch trail, it is necessary to find a more suitable place to run with Chico during the week. From Vista, you can see trails along the ridge and I'm sure that these will be adequate for our needs. Chico can't wait to get out there. Enjoy the miles!

weekend runs

What a great event the "Run for Education" turned out to be. We all had a great time. Valerie ran the 5k without walking (a first for her). I pushed the kids in the jogger stroller and then they jumped out and ran the half-mile kids run. After the runs, we enjoyed all of the extra activities and goodies provided.
Today, Manuel, Chico and I ran eight miles on the ditch trail. We ran from Horseman's Park to Scott Miller's house and back. Chico was excited to get back to trail after more than a week, which seems like forever in dog time. It was a beautiful fall morning. We started at 7 a.m. and it was a little cold with the sun just starting to open its eye on the Truckee Meadows - great fall running weather! Enjoy the miles!

Getting ready.

It's half past six in the morning and the kids are up, the dogs are running around and we're getting ready for a family run. We will run the 5k with the kids in the jogger stroller and then the kids will get out and run a half-mile event. We have our race bibs numbered 880, 881, 882 and 883 which works out well. These are the first race bibs the kids have ever had. Manuel and some students from school will be there as well. It will be fun. Enjoy the miles!

Run for Education

Tomorrow morning we are going to do a 5k as a family. I will accompany the kids on their half-mile run and then will push them in the jogger stroller for the 3.1 miles. Val has been going to the gym and feels confident that she can do the 3.1. The Run for Education should be a terrific event. I am a little disappointed that so few kids from O'Brien signed up to run it. Se la vie! Enjoy the miles!

Scheduling what's important...

There always seems to be time for the things that I don't really need to do. You know - surf the net, eat snack foods, watch TV, etc... But, I have to make sure I have scheduled what is really important - running with Chico. I need the exercise and Chico is happier and healthier as well. Sometimes I have to remind myself that other things will simply have to wait until I have taken care of what is really important. Enjoy the miles.

Rested and ready.

The legs are back to almost normal. The loss of a toenail is causing some discomfort, but not anything that I can't endure for a few miles. Chico deserves better than this. We should have run today and didn't.

Poor Chico...

As I passed the 20-mile mark of the marathon at Devil's Corral, Val and the kids cheered me on. Chico was in the truck and could see me running past and hear me yelling to him, but was not allowed to run with me because there were other runners on the course. I have tried to explain it all to Chico, but he still sees it as though he was being unfairly punished. It is now Wednesday and we will run this afternoon. I am going to have to find a way to make it up to him. Enjoy the miles!

What's next?

The post-marathon letdown can be tough. I know it well. After running Boston in 1996, I gradually allowed myself to get out of running and physical shape. I filled the time with other things, but nothing was as satisfying as running. I have signed up for a few events to remind myself to run - but I don't think I have to worry. I have learned from my past mistakes and will not follow that path again. The "Run for Education" is this Saturday and although it's only a 5k, it will be fun to do the event with Valerie, Michael and Allison.
Apple Hill (8.5) and Clarksburg (13.1) are a few weeks away, so the training has to continue. Enjoy the miles!

26.2

The run is done! I completed the Bizz Johnson Marathon in 4:43. This is a little slower than I would have liked, but who cares, I finished it! This is a great event and we will very likely return next year to do it again. Enjoy the miles.

The wait is nearly over...

The training runs are behind me and the marathon is tomorrow morning. I am ready but nervous. I have done this distance and yet it feels once again like the first time. I have talked to Jeff and he is excited to do his first half-marathon and I know he will do well. I must now focus my thoughts and energy toward my run. Chico can feel the energy in the air and is excited although he will be disappointed that he won't get to run Sunday's event with me. I will share the details of the run with him during future training runs.
Enjoy the miles!

Bay to Breakers 2004

Michael, Warren and Manuel (Chico is the only one missing) after a great run at the Bay to Breakers. This is a "must do" event for all those who run for the pure pleasure of it.

Enjoying one's health.

In today's Reno Gazette Journal, there is an article about a young man who got injured while playing football. He is one of my former students and an absolutely great kid. It said he was at risk of losing his leg. He is a strong person with a wonderful family and he will get through whatever challenges come his way. But, it got me to thinking about how fortunate I am to have never had a serious injury. I broke my wrist as a kid and seperated my shoulder in my twenties - big deal! I have my health and I owe it to myself to enjoy it. Running and staying fit are extensions of this philosophy. We each have an obligation to do that which is best for ourselves - physically, mentally and emotionally. Enjoy the miles.
p.s. Chico was a huge hit at the school cross country meet. Numerous people came over to pet and admire him. He took it all in stride and we went and ran four miles on the ditch trail after the event.

Rested or restless?

The down days are hard days. The days that we don't run, due to a hectic schedule or because the body needs a rest. A scheduled day of no running. Chico certainly doesn't understand them. At a year and a half, he could probably run twenty miles a day and be no worse for wear and tear - but me, at 280 dog years, I need rest. I know this, and yet it's sometimes difficult. I feel guilty for not running. As though I have avoided a responsibility. I am honest with Chico and he is forgiving as long as I throw the ball or frisbee for him. Yesterday was just such a day - thank goodness today isn't! Enjoy the miles.

Nature's energy.

Years ago, while running, my friend Kristen told me that she would look at our natural world and take in its energy. I like the idea and use it frequenty during runs. The Reno/Tahoe area is ideal for this practice. While running, look at the mountains, trees, rivers or any other aspect of natural beauty and mentally pull energy from it to be used as needed. Energy is not created or destroyed, but merely harnessed and distibuted. Using nature's energy in a positive, productive and healthy way is what we should strive for - enjoy the miles!

Kidding around...

Weekday afternoon runs with the middle school cross country kids are fun. The kids who make the effort to stay with the lead pack are not always the same, but they have something in common - they strive to rise above. Being out front means running a little faster, pushing a little harder and taking a risk. They leave the comfort of the social group, where it's ok to walk or goof off, for the pressure and prestige of the lead runners' pack. Manuel and I will run with the team today and I look forward to seeing who opts to rise above.

Fall's call to run

The changing of the seasons is something special in the Truckee Meadows. The air turns crisp, the trees bristle and the ground steels itself for the coming snow. The soft trail transforms into rugged dirt and the desert plants that flourished in the dry heat begin to recoil from the cold. Running is special because the air is intoxicating. Gone is the warm, dusty air, replaced by a cool, lung-invigorating air that you want drink in. Chico and I will spend workday afternoons and weekend mornings crunching the dirt and leaves with feet and paws, inhaling deeply and watching our breath as it goes out to mix with the autumn air.

easy miles

Chico and I ran eight miles this morning at a pretty easy pace. We got a late start and didn't leave Horseman's Park until after 8:00 a.m. Manuel had already come and gone, so we didn't get to run with him. Chico was excited nonetheless. Chico was complimented numerous times, on his beauty, during the run today. We even stopped briefly and visited with some ladies who wanted to pet him. Throughout the run I thought of where I would be at the same time next week. The marathon, now a week away, will be a great experience. I hope there is a way to run some of it with Chico. We will definitely run a few miles of the Bizz on Saturday and that may have to suffice. The schedule, that I haven't followed all that closely, calls for three four miles runs this week and two days of rest. I have listened to my body and feel certain that I will run well enough.

In the beginning...

Miles of Smiles

Chico and I ran about eight miles this morning and had a blast! Chico was as playful as could be. He chased birds and squirrels, jumped in the creek and ran the trail with glee. It was a reminder of why I run - for the pure joy of it. I may or may not run a marathon in four hours or a 5K in less than 22 minutes, but it really doesn't matter because the only measure of success that truly matters is the amount of enjoyment I take from the time I spend running.