Technically, by definition, I think you could already say that I am a charity runner. As far as I know, every race now-a-days takes a portion of its entry fee and gives it to some type of charitable organization, local or otherwise. I don't think people have been willing to set up races as a strictly for-profit type of venture, with the exception of events such as the Warrior Dash, which appear to be awesome, so don't think I'm dogging on that. Just speaking in generalities, the races I have participated in seem to make it a point to have a cause to get behind. This time last year, I was preparing to run the inaugural Run for Ronald 5k, which would also be my first ever race. The recap is right here, and it is was, well, something else. At the time, without thinking about it, I had been asked, as a race participant, to gather some pledges to sponsor my run for this race. For an inaugural event, the turnout appeared to be pretty good, and the Ronald McDonald House here in Topeka raised over $13,000, of which my race entry fee and very modest pledges played a small part.
But looking back now on the other races, it appears that raising money for a cause through running/racing/walking is a big hit. At a 5k in Wichita last May, the entry fees went towards the Victory in the Valley, a non-profit cancer support organization. The KC Half Marathon in October has the official charity of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. So, when you factor in that 11,000 people or so ran the variety of race distances in Kansas City, that adds up.
This brings me back to this week. I've become involved with the Ronald McDonald House here in Topeka. No, not because I have a child in the hospital, but because my Coach recently has become an employee of theirs and I have been able to spend a portion of my time over there checking out the surroundings and helping out with things to help her get started on the right foot. I literally did not know a thing about the Ronald McDonald House in any facet until about 6 weeks ago. Now, I find myself wanting to help out whenever I can. And this is where becoming a charity runner comes into play. I've been running for a year now, and I've gotten a lot out of it in many ways, as you know. I feel that this year, I can firmly use my limited internet power for some good and helping out a great organization. This will end up being an 18 month thing, by the way, so I hope you don't mind some reminders every now and again.
All of that introduction leads me to discuss that I am once again taking part in the Run for Ronald 5K this coming Saturday at Lake Shawnee. I am also gathering sponsorships for this run in an effort to help the Ronald McDonald House continue to meet their budget needs. If you are so inclined, the Ronald McDonald House and I would greatly appreciate the support! The bigger news is that I will be signing up for the October 2012 Chicago Marathon and will be attempting to raise money to earn a charity slot for one of the biggest marathons in the world! That will be a big theme for me over the next year and a half. Who says that running can't be helpful to others? I don't know, but I would imagine that somebody has said that at one point or another. So, I humbly ask for a little more of your support, even though you have all been so generous with your time reading my ramblings as it is. I've included a link for direct donations to the House, as well as a link to their Facebook page, where you can like 'em. I'm excited to help out with this race, and to do my part throughout the next 18 months to help out a great organization. If you do decide to pledge, please send me an email or something and I will promote your blog, thank you, and give you a follow friday on Twitter. Big stuff, I know! Until next time...later.
Sponsor me in my 5k run! (apologize for the clumsy link, but the donation box is about halfway down)
RMHC of NE KS Facebook Page
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
My Support Group
This is not a one-man band by any means. I would say that without support from readers, family, friends, etc., a lot of what I've been doing would feel a little more inconsequential. They play a big part in keeping me focused, keeping me active, and keeping me in good spirits, because if you've read this blog for any period of time, you know that I'm constantly battling myself in the injury department, and good spirits are always a good thing. I owe a lot of what I've accomplished to the people around me.
I'll start with my mother. Like any mom, she's allowed me to share my wacky ideas of needing to lose weight, and then starting to run, without any sort of "you are crazy" feelings about them. I needed that. I mean, I went from working out 3 times a week with minimal exertion to training to run 13.1 miles in the span of about 4 months, logging nearly 30 miles a week at the peak of training. So of course I had to let my mom know when I would hit a milestone, like when I went under 27:00 for a 3 mile run, or the first time I hit double digits in miles for a single run. In the past, before some foot issues, she participated actively in running and running in races, so she knows the excitement that comes with achieving goals and just the overall benefits of running. She is just now starting to get back into running, and I hope that I can provide similar support to her as she has to me.
Next up, we'll discuss my running coach, Coach Jones. This would also be my girlfriend, and absolutely nobody has had to deal with the new running lifestyle change as much as she has. Whether it is hearing me whine about much my feet hurt, or my legs hurt, or my shoulder hurts, or how hot it is/was, or how cold it is/was, or....well, you get the picture. She bears the brunt of the noise, has to wake up early when I'm going out early for a run, has to rearrange her schedule on the weekends because I need to get my miles in, has to get out to a race spot to see me trek towards the finish line (even in the freezing cold), and then has to fight off all the ladies looking for autographs and photo opportunities. OK, I made up the last one, but the rest of them are for real. A former runner cross country runner in her day, she is looking to make the transition back to full time running as soon as she finishes up her Masters degree in about 3 weeks. But, the most important thing to me is that she never has questioned why I was doing this and taking up so much of my time, and her time as well. And for that, I am very grateful.
Third on the list would be the competition, one Brian Sparks. I've written piece or two on Sparks in the past, so most of you know the story. Having said that, his commitment to get better has only kept me more motivated to continue to work as hard as I can to keep improving as well. Sparks recently shaved 19 minutes off of his Half Marathon time, and he's gunning for more. By the time June rolls around and we run the Hospital Hill Half Marathon in KC, he's going to be on my heels, and he's going to have lost, in total, 100 pounds since last February. Believe me, what he has accomplished is still astounding, and he has the desire to keep going until he runs his first full marathon later this year in San Antonio. I know I have to keep working hard, or else he'll be routinely beating me in races, and I just can't allow that happen :). Just kidding, buddy. Keep up the good work.
There have been a myriad of other people, including my dad and sister, friends, twitter followers, blog readers, Coach Jones' parents, and unwind.topeka.net, that have been very supportive and have given me plenty of positive feedback. I truly could not have kept this up without everyone and what they've given me along the way. So continue to read, I'll continue to write, and we'll see if I ever make it to Boston.
I'll start with my mother. Like any mom, she's allowed me to share my wacky ideas of needing to lose weight, and then starting to run, without any sort of "you are crazy" feelings about them. I needed that. I mean, I went from working out 3 times a week with minimal exertion to training to run 13.1 miles in the span of about 4 months, logging nearly 30 miles a week at the peak of training. So of course I had to let my mom know when I would hit a milestone, like when I went under 27:00 for a 3 mile run, or the first time I hit double digits in miles for a single run. In the past, before some foot issues, she participated actively in running and running in races, so she knows the excitement that comes with achieving goals and just the overall benefits of running. She is just now starting to get back into running, and I hope that I can provide similar support to her as she has to me.
Next up, we'll discuss my running coach, Coach Jones. This would also be my girlfriend, and absolutely nobody has had to deal with the new running lifestyle change as much as she has. Whether it is hearing me whine about much my feet hurt, or my legs hurt, or my shoulder hurts, or how hot it is/was, or how cold it is/was, or....well, you get the picture. She bears the brunt of the noise, has to wake up early when I'm going out early for a run, has to rearrange her schedule on the weekends because I need to get my miles in, has to get out to a race spot to see me trek towards the finish line (even in the freezing cold), and then has to fight off all the ladies looking for autographs and photo opportunities. OK, I made up the last one, but the rest of them are for real. A former runner cross country runner in her day, she is looking to make the transition back to full time running as soon as she finishes up her Masters degree in about 3 weeks. But, the most important thing to me is that she never has questioned why I was doing this and taking up so much of my time, and her time as well. And for that, I am very grateful.
Third on the list would be the competition, one Brian Sparks. I've written piece or two on Sparks in the past, so most of you know the story. Having said that, his commitment to get better has only kept me more motivated to continue to work as hard as I can to keep improving as well. Sparks recently shaved 19 minutes off of his Half Marathon time, and he's gunning for more. By the time June rolls around and we run the Hospital Hill Half Marathon in KC, he's going to be on my heels, and he's going to have lost, in total, 100 pounds since last February. Believe me, what he has accomplished is still astounding, and he has the desire to keep going until he runs his first full marathon later this year in San Antonio. I know I have to keep working hard, or else he'll be routinely beating me in races, and I just can't allow that happen :). Just kidding, buddy. Keep up the good work.
There have been a myriad of other people, including my dad and sister, friends, twitter followers, blog readers, Coach Jones' parents, and unwind.topeka.net, that have been very supportive and have given me plenty of positive feedback. I truly could not have kept this up without everyone and what they've given me along the way. So continue to read, I'll continue to write, and we'll see if I ever make it to Boston.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Recapping Abilene
I know everyone was looking forward to seeing some pictures of the Diamond Motel, but I ended up staying at the Budget Lodge Inn in Abilene. Sorry to disappoint. But I assure you that the Budget Lodge Inn lived up to the hype. All I will say is that the room did not have a thermostat. Luckily it was 63 degrees that night, or I might have had some issues. Having said that, the bed was comfy, and I had a mini-fridge, so really, I would stay there again. Oddly.
So coming out of the deep freeze that was winter, thinking about running a distance race in 66-70 degree temperatures with perfect sunshine sounds ideal. Unless it is humid. And unless it is the first time you've been able to run in the increased temperatures and sunshine. With that, I take you to Saturday morning, April 9th.
I was able to get some sleep, which has not always been the case before a run. I was out the door by 5:45, and I was in the parking lot of the Eisenhower National Library by 5:50 AM. There were already a lot of people out and warming up, enjoying the warm temperatures, but not enjoying the straight wind from the South. Overall, the full and the half marathon's brought nearly 550 people out to Abilene, KS on this Saturday, so it was a pretty good sized field for the location and size of Abilene. I helped myself to a little bit of the breakfast that was provided, including a small bowl of cereal and a half of a banana.
By the time the race was about to start, the wind was blowing in the 15-20 MPH range from the South, and the sun was starting to peek out over the horizon. The gun sounded and everyone took off, you guessed it, to the SOUTH, directly into the wind. This would only last for just over 2 miles or so, as the course veered off to the East and circled a park that was just off the K-15 Highway. This park encompassed another 2.5 miles before we turned back to the South and back into the wind. In fact, if you'd like the see the actual course as it was ran, just clink this Link. Feel free to zoom in and out. Through the first 4 miles I was on a very good pace. My calf felt good (thanks to my compression sleeve) and I was feeling pretty good. But eventually, the wind, sun, and unexpected warmth began to wear me down. I have been getting used to the wind. Running around the lake for my normal runs has taught me to run through it. But it is usually not for more than a mile at a time. What I had not been ready for was the sun and heat. I mean, two weeks prior I finished a long run covered in snow. By the time I made the turn, I knew I was going to have problems hitting my goal time of 1:50:00. I believe I was just a minute ahead of that pace, and it was just a matter of time before my legs got really tired. Missing that last 12 mile run and doing other long runs at a slower than needed pace hindered my chances for hitting that goal time. I wasn't too concerned because I knew I had other chances later in the year. At this point, my goal became to simply finish and collect my finisher's medal.
The last 4 miles were bad, and the last 3 miles were terrible. Had the sun not been out, I don't know that the warmth would have been an enormous issue, but damn, it just wore me out. I stopped and walked at every water station over the last 3 miles, taking two water cups each, just to try to stay hydrated. The last thing I wanted to do was be stupid and pass out or cramp up and not be able to finish. By the time I hit the highway for the last two miles, I had been feeling better, thanks to my walking breaks. I was able to wave at my parents while I was heading down the chute towards the finish line, and I crossed and did not fall over. I finished with an official time of 1:52:43 (now updated on the right hand side), 54th/162 amongst the men, 11th/23 in my age group, and 78th/353 for the half marathon. They don't give out placing medals for 54th, so I was headed to the Brookville Hotel for a terrific post race fried chicken feast. All in all, I was pretty happy with this run, and I have since rewarded myself by spending the entire week not running at all, not working out at all, eating everything I can find, and doing yard work. I've enjoyed all but one of those four things.
Down the road, things will be a little more interesting. I am switching positions at work, so now I will be working on 3rd shift, 10:30 PM - 6:30 AM, so my awesome schedule for running is going to be tested. The big question now is do I run when I get off work and then sleep, or sleep when I get off work and then run? I know, I have it pretty tough. Over the next two months, I have only 2 races scheduled, the first of which is the Run for Ronald 5kReTweet it, etc. I appreciate the support and readers very much. Until next time....later.
So coming out of the deep freeze that was winter, thinking about running a distance race in 66-70 degree temperatures with perfect sunshine sounds ideal. Unless it is humid. And unless it is the first time you've been able to run in the increased temperatures and sunshine. With that, I take you to Saturday morning, April 9th.
I was able to get some sleep, which has not always been the case before a run. I was out the door by 5:45, and I was in the parking lot of the Eisenhower National Library by 5:50 AM. There were already a lot of people out and warming up, enjoying the warm temperatures, but not enjoying the straight wind from the South. Overall, the full and the half marathon's brought nearly 550 people out to Abilene, KS on this Saturday, so it was a pretty good sized field for the location and size of Abilene. I helped myself to a little bit of the breakfast that was provided, including a small bowl of cereal and a half of a banana.
By the time the race was about to start, the wind was blowing in the 15-20 MPH range from the South, and the sun was starting to peek out over the horizon. The gun sounded and everyone took off, you guessed it, to the SOUTH, directly into the wind. This would only last for just over 2 miles or so, as the course veered off to the East and circled a park that was just off the K-15 Highway. This park encompassed another 2.5 miles before we turned back to the South and back into the wind. In fact, if you'd like the see the actual course as it was ran, just clink this Link. Feel free to zoom in and out. Through the first 4 miles I was on a very good pace. My calf felt good (thanks to my compression sleeve) and I was feeling pretty good. But eventually, the wind, sun, and unexpected warmth began to wear me down. I have been getting used to the wind. Running around the lake for my normal runs has taught me to run through it. But it is usually not for more than a mile at a time. What I had not been ready for was the sun and heat. I mean, two weeks prior I finished a long run covered in snow. By the time I made the turn, I knew I was going to have problems hitting my goal time of 1:50:00. I believe I was just a minute ahead of that pace, and it was just a matter of time before my legs got really tired. Missing that last 12 mile run and doing other long runs at a slower than needed pace hindered my chances for hitting that goal time. I wasn't too concerned because I knew I had other chances later in the year. At this point, my goal became to simply finish and collect my finisher's medal.
The last 4 miles were bad, and the last 3 miles were terrible. Had the sun not been out, I don't know that the warmth would have been an enormous issue, but damn, it just wore me out. I stopped and walked at every water station over the last 3 miles, taking two water cups each, just to try to stay hydrated. The last thing I wanted to do was be stupid and pass out or cramp up and not be able to finish. By the time I hit the highway for the last two miles, I had been feeling better, thanks to my walking breaks. I was able to wave at my parents while I was heading down the chute towards the finish line, and I crossed and did not fall over. I finished with an official time of 1:52:43 (now updated on the right hand side), 54th/162 amongst the men, 11th/23 in my age group, and 78th/353 for the half marathon. They don't give out placing medals for 54th, so I was headed to the Brookville Hotel for a terrific post race fried chicken feast. All in all, I was pretty happy with this run, and I have since rewarded myself by spending the entire week not running at all, not working out at all, eating everything I can find, and doing yard work. I've enjoyed all but one of those four things.
Down the road, things will be a little more interesting. I am switching positions at work, so now I will be working on 3rd shift, 10:30 PM - 6:30 AM, so my awesome schedule for running is going to be tested. The big question now is do I run when I get off work and then sleep, or sleep when I get off work and then run? I know, I have it pretty tough. Over the next two months, I have only 2 races scheduled, the first of which is the Run for Ronald 5kReTweet it, etc. I appreciate the support and readers very much. Until next time....later.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Let's Get Down to Business
I'll be heading out to Abilene later today to run through the plains. Since last time, I missed my scheduled long run and suffered a painful calf injury. I went out last Saturday, the first sunny day in forever, and was putting together a good 4 mile run, when my calf seized up in a terrible way. I know it sounds like I am always sore and hurting. It's because I am. I'm pretty sure I'm partly made of glass. Or plastic. I don't know, what thing out there is not tough or durable. That's me. Anyways, I had to limp home the last mile or so around the lake. I was pretty embarrassed, but there really wasn't a whole lot I could do. At least there were several dogs out at the lake to make me feel a little better.
I'm getting into Abilene around 7 PM to go through my packet pickup, but I'm mostly excited about getting up there and getting to the food. There is the traditional pasta dinner that night, where hopefully I'll get to meet some people before the race and just sort of chill out before I go to my hotel. (UPDATE: I have moved from the Diamond Motel to the Budget Inn. They were able to get me a non-smoking room with a King Size bed.) There isn't a whole lot to do in Abilene, I don't think, so I probably will just have to go watch some TV until I fall asleep.
7:00 AM will come entirely too soon. That is when the race STARTS, which means I'm going to have to be up around 5:30 to eat breakfast and try to catch a ride with the shuttle to the starting line. I'll go through my warm up routine and then just wait to get going. I feel I've learned a lot about being ready to run these races. First will definitely be to not try to hydrate for the entire day before the race starts. Lets just say you'll be uncomfortable and you'll regret it. Second, I've already accepted that I will not be able to sleep well the night before. It happens. I'm not the only person that gets fired up to go race and compete, so at least I know I'm not the only person out there that is probably completely exhausted. I think I got about 4 hours before the race in Kansas City back in October. Maybe the Budget Inn will be all the comfort I need to help me get well rested for tomorrow morning. I've got a new compression sleeve for my leg to help it out, plus a new knee brace, because I was really struggling about two weeks ago with some knee soreness. Of course, taking basically a week off has helped my legs to feel as good as they have felt in a long time. I'm ready.
After the run, I will be joined by my folks at the legendary Brookville Hotel, and it will be my first time to try their fried chicken, which is supposed to be magnificent. I'll be the judge. I'm extremely easy to please, so I'm sure I'll love it. I'll also try to get some photos from the Budget Inn, and the Diamond Motel if I can find it. Believe me, I have a feeling you'll all want to see these. Make sure to sign up for email delivery of new blog posts, and until next time...later.
I'm getting into Abilene around 7 PM to go through my packet pickup, but I'm mostly excited about getting up there and getting to the food. There is the traditional pasta dinner that night, where hopefully I'll get to meet some people before the race and just sort of chill out before I go to my hotel. (UPDATE: I have moved from the Diamond Motel to the Budget Inn. They were able to get me a non-smoking room with a King Size bed.) There isn't a whole lot to do in Abilene, I don't think, so I probably will just have to go watch some TV until I fall asleep.
7:00 AM will come entirely too soon. That is when the race STARTS, which means I'm going to have to be up around 5:30 to eat breakfast and try to catch a ride with the shuttle to the starting line. I'll go through my warm up routine and then just wait to get going. I feel I've learned a lot about being ready to run these races. First will definitely be to not try to hydrate for the entire day before the race starts. Lets just say you'll be uncomfortable and you'll regret it. Second, I've already accepted that I will not be able to sleep well the night before. It happens. I'm not the only person that gets fired up to go race and compete, so at least I know I'm not the only person out there that is probably completely exhausted. I think I got about 4 hours before the race in Kansas City back in October. Maybe the Budget Inn will be all the comfort I need to help me get well rested for tomorrow morning. I've got a new compression sleeve for my leg to help it out, plus a new knee brace, because I was really struggling about two weeks ago with some knee soreness. Of course, taking basically a week off has helped my legs to feel as good as they have felt in a long time. I'm ready.
After the run, I will be joined by my folks at the legendary Brookville Hotel, and it will be my first time to try their fried chicken, which is supposed to be magnificent. I'll be the judge. I'm extremely easy to please, so I'm sure I'll love it. I'll also try to get some photos from the Budget Inn, and the Diamond Motel if I can find it. Believe me, I have a feeling you'll all want to see these. Make sure to sign up for email delivery of new blog posts, and until next time...later.
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