A Garden Run

I headed out for an 8 miler the other morning on my usual Kennerly road route. Nothing unusual about this stretch of road except I always seem to notice something different about the scenery on a regular basis. I guess that is because this route is in a rural setting that passes by sections of large forest and farmland with the occasional house inter twined between the two. I was only out about a mile from my home when I passed by a distant neighbor that was carefully turning the weeds under that had invaded his two plus acre garden. He was slowly plowing through the middle of the rows of corn, watermelon, beans and squash. I have become accustomed to seeing this event year after year since this particular garden is on my normal route but this morning it caused me to think about how running and even life in general relates to this garden.

 We are all aware that our desire to keep our running base fitness is directly related to how often we run. This is even more directly correlated as we age. That being said, I thought about the amount of time and energy that is utilized to care for this garden. If the gardener only dropped a few seeds in the ground and then returned several months later to reap his effort, he would probably be very disappointed. It is because of his commitment to plant, water, fertilize and weed that allows him the sweet taste of rewards in the months ahead.

 It is the same with our training. Imagine if we purchased a $125 pair of running shoes and then set them in our closet until race day. We wouldn't expect to run very far just because we purchased a good pair of running shoes. The shoes may help with our comfort while running but they do not make you a runner. You make the runner.

The farmer reminded me of why I was out on the road. I was out for a run to enjoy the outdoors and work on my training. I was out there because I understood that the end results of that days run would or could just be the fact that I did something just for myself. I was keeping the weeds out of my thoughts and actions as I ran. Most people just simply call it a training run. I would say however that for me, it was about keeping my running garden in condition to taste the rewards at my next event.

So what about you? Is that a weed I see growing out of those running shoes sitting in the corner of your garage? Lace em up and get out there.

What Happen To Steve?

Well, where do I begin? It has been a long time since I have posted to the blog. So far 2013 has been a busy year for me that has included working in Florida for almost two months, preparing our house to place on the market and attempting to figure out where we will end up if our house sells quickly. I have managed to continue with some minimal running in the mist of all of the changes but managed to miss the Cooper River Bridge run and the Palmetto 70. I was in Florida during these events and that really bothered me since they are my two favorite races. I like the Cooper River run because of all of the energy of 45,000 runners and the absolute best post race event of anywhere in the USA. I love the Palmetto 70 due to the challenge and you just know that hanging out with several other guys for about 16 hours has to create some good memories. The relay series allows you time to really drink in your love for this sport.
On a more positive note, my wife and I visited our children and grandchildren in Denver last week. I found a fun, family oriented 5K while we were there and managed to talk my wife, daughter and son in law in joining me. The 5K was sponsored by a community called Thorton and a Elementary school. The event had about 750 participants and I would guess that about 35% of them were elementary age children. This was the 18th annual event so I figured they had most of the bugs worked out by now. My daughter had began to run again and she finally agreed that if Susan aka MiMi, would push the boys in the stroller, that she and I would run together. Andy would blast ahead as usual and attempt to finish some where close to the front of the pack. This turned out to be a fun event and since it was geared up for family they had Krispy Kreeme donuts and Chic Fil-A coupons at the finish as opposed to beer.

Ashley and I finished side by side at the finish line and I was thankful it was not a 10K. The air at 5,000 feet is a little different than the air around Irmo. The first mile was like running while holding your breath or at least like breathing through a straw. What happened to the oxygen???

 It was a great time. I have been in events with my daughter but this was the first time we ran together. I am hoping that somehow we will have the opportunity to run some additional events together. I will however have to get myself back in a more regular training regiment. Ashley may not want to hold back during the next one. So, while I missed my two favorite events this year, I did manage to find a new. Any event that includes running with my daughter.She after all was the one that got me involved with this sport to start with.

So, what happen to Steve? Well just life in general but mainly discovering something new once again about this sport. I like that about running. When you head out on a run or a race, there is always something new to learn or observe. So lace em up and get out there.

A run not worth running?

I do not travel as much as some friends I know, but I am out of town about three to four times per year for conferences and other meetings.  These conferences have me flying to such far flung places as Washington DC, Asheville, Denver, and for this week, Louisville, Kentucky.  I always bring my running gear, and often use a run or two as a way to do some sightseeing, and get a feel for the city I'm visiting.  One of my favorite places to run while on the road is in DC; to run by and around the monuments, near the Potomac, and to get out to a relatively quiet part of the city (usually on the Rock Creek trail) is usually quite enjoyable.

However, sometimes a run on the road is just no fun.  I may be tired, jet lagged, or not eaten very well while in the hotel room.  This week was just such a run; I only managed 6 miles, and the entire run felt like a struggle.  The setting was nice--a well groomed river front trail provided a good sense of the city, an the footbridge over the river was a nice touch as well.  But, I felt more tired after this run that I usually do--runs usually perk me up and shake me from the work day.  It was not until I took a shower, grabbed a quick bite, and grabbed a quick drink (Kentucky is known for its bourbon, after all), and dinner with an old friend (and a couple new ones) did I perk up again finally.

Despite this struggle in this run, I am still glad I went out and did it anyway.  Why?  At this point, anytime I can spend outside, relaxing from the day, and moving is a good day.  If I learned anything from the Boston marathon incident, you never know when your next run will be your last.  So, I will take every chance to get out there, even if it is not the best run I have ever had.  A bad run is always better than no run at all!

The view of downtown Louisville from the footbridge