We Are ALL Runners Today

What was suppose to be the biggest day in endurance running, turned into a day that no runner will ever forget. The Boston Marathon is a the holy grail of marathons, think of it as the World Series for baseball, or the Super Bowl for football. This isn’t any race. You have to earn your place in the field of 25,000 runners. You have to train hard, and qualify to even apply to run this race. This race is now in it’s 117th year. It is the oldest marathon on the planet. What started as a day of excitement and positivity, sadly turned into a day of tragedy. Two bombs were detonated at the race today, one near the finish line and another two blocks away. At least two people were killed and many others were wounded.

I was in such a state of shock and disbelief I actually had to go home from work today. I have friends that were in Boston today, running and spectating. I have dreams of running this historic course! And for some people, that dream was cut short.

As endurance athletes, we all share many things in common but this one is for certain. We have endurance, tenacity, the drive and will to succeed. When things get bad or we feel we can’t go on, we keep moving! We all came together via social media and comforted one another. We checked on our friends! We offered support however we could. That is what this sport is about! We may compete with one another, but even though I may not ‘know’ you, YOU are my family. You are a a runner and I respect you. I respect your struggle, your training, your tears, your accomplishments! And today, members of our running family were attacked and had their dreams stripped from them.

Do not run scared. Do not be afraid. Stand up in the face of this tragedy and say with confidence that you are a runner. That is YOUR finish line, and no one will keep you from it!

To my friends that were in Boston today, I salute you. You are brave. You are strong. You are a runner. Be proud. We will recover from this and we will be stronger than ever!

And Then A Hero Comes Along

Not many days go by that I don’t sit back and think about what I have set out to do and accomplished in such little time. I mean, I haven’t even been at this running thing a year and the influence that I have on people is one of the most humbling things that can be described. So to all of my readers, tweeters, and Facebook likers, I want to first start by thanking you. If my blog, tweets, and posts help at least one person then it is not for nothing. This is for YOU!

So tonight, I participated in my very first #FitBlog chat on Twitter. Essentially, using hashtag #FitBlog you get to answer questions about wellness, fitness, and the impacts social media has on the community as a whole. I actually stumbled across it tonight by accident and I am so glad I engaged in the fantastic chat! There were athletes of all skill levels on the chat tonight, answering questions, sharing stories, seeking advice, and just having a grand ol’ time. I sat back and read many of the threads that came across my laptop and I actually pin pointed a common theme…many of the folks online felt that there were so many fitness blogs out on the Internet that if they started or continued it wouldn’t make a difference because cyberspace is so saturated with blogs.

Well, I find this to be a very valid concern. I however interjected and shared my perspective. I consider myself an intermediate runner. I have run quite a few half marathons and only 2 marathons. I do not profess to know everything there is to know about running and truthfully, I don’t even think elite runners know everything there is to know about running. Running is a personal journey that takes you on a roller coaster up and down…with a few loops thrown in there. Everyone has their own story and that was makes this community so unique. Running has so many different areas of interest and expertise. runDisney, Ultra Running, Trail Running, Marathoning, River Boat Casino! You name it, it’s probably out there. And you want to know the best part, there is someone out there that shares your interest! I guarantee it.

A blog should be a place to share your thoughts, your feelings, your successes, your opportunities, your good and bad days…everything! No one has a perfect training. No one runs a perfect race every time. Your strength comes from the times you aren’t the strongest. Don’t be afraid to share that with the world. I have had some terrible races, you’ll find my recaps range from extremely happy and energetic, to the ‘well that sucked’ range. But that is okay! We are humans, not machines and we have limitations. What counts is how we push through look forward and say, yeah I had a bad day but tomorrow I am gonna kill it!

You as a person have way more influence that you think. This is a lesson I learned. So many people are interested in what I have to say…and I am just a normal guy just sharing my feelings. I am no celebrity, I am not famous, and I haven’t graced the cover of a magazine…unless I was thinking it. The point is, influence is key. Someone, somewhere is looking at you and watching you succeed. Someone is cheering you on and hoping you do a great job. There are also the haters, and I have no energy to spend writing about them. Throw them shade and do the best you can. Remember, you’re running a race, what will they be doing while you are collecting your bling and creating a memory that will last a lifetime…probably sleeping.

You are a hero…and as Wreck-It-Ralph taught us, only heroes can earn medals! You don’t even need to go Turbo to get one…

Write Your Masterpiece

So, today I feel particularly inspired to write. After a satisfactory performance and finish at the Asics LA Marathon on St. Patrick’s Day and evaluating my race schedule for the rest of the year naturally many thoughts start to surface. While corresponding and interacting with my awesome Twitter followers today discussing post-race topics, one of my friends asked me for some advice. They really wanted to run an upcoming race that I will be participating in, but have the dilemma of wanting to save money and do the right thing for their finances. The conversation continued where they said always see my posts about my medals and my great gear and didn’t want to miss out on the action. I am 100% humbled and flattered by that. This person asked me what they should do…so of course I do what any good natured person would do. Spill the truest tea and nothing but the tea.

I told this person that they should make the right decision for themselves. This is one of many races. If you can’t make this one, plan accordingly and find a race coming up in the future. This will also give you adequate time to train and maybe even PR at this upcoming race! Then I said something that actually shocked me. I literally had to go back to my Twitter feed and evaluate my statement. I said the following “Always remember to run your own race! Every medal and every race is a page in the story that is your life. Write your masterpiece one race and one day at a time.” Talk about Inspirational Realness! Now let me see if I can explain this.

We have all heard the phrase ‘Run your own race.’ That isn’t new and I didn’t come up with that. But I think for runners this is a small quote that we apply to our everyday lives and situations. Run your own race could be applied at your job, in your home, in other hobbies or activities. I think it just fits. Do you and be the best you that you can be at all times.

Every single race medal we earn tells a story! No two races are ever the same…EVER! I can pull any medal off of my rack and tell you a story about that race day. How I felt, where I was, the emotions and thoughts I felt when I was there, how I felt at the finish line. They are small chapters in my personal novel that is my life. Racing is a part of who I am. My life has other wonderful chapters and stories within it. But when I sit back and I look at how seemless the pages fit into the book, how the impacts of running have changed my life and the lives of others….THAT is a masterpiece.

Tomorrow is not a promised day for anyone. When we leave to move on to the next stage of life, what is the legacy you want to leave behind? Not to be morbid, but it’s gonna happen. I want my novel to be a Pulitzer Prize winning, New York Times Best Seller piece of literature. Sure, I am not perfect. No, I don’t know all the answers. Yes, I’ve screwed up. And the meaning of life is ’42.’ But what I do know for a fact is that we all have an obligation to ourselves first to be the best people that we can be. You will stumble. But it’s in how you recover. Grace. Love. Dignity. Respect.

Go forth and write that novel! Run those races! Cheer on your friends! Appreciate and love those that are closest to you! Forge new bonds! Add chapters to this book of yours. The best part about it is, your book can’t run out of pages.

RUN ON!

World Marathon Major #1 - The Chicago Marathon

I find it absolutely incredible that I have been able to push the limits of my mind, body, and spirit in such a short period of time. It hasn't even been a year since my first race and I feel like my racing life has just launched into another dimension! It almost feels surreal at times. It is truly inspiring. And today, I am happy to announce and share some very exciting news!

I have secured one of 45,000 spots in my first Wold Marathon Major! I will be running the world famous Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October!!!! Now, you are probably wondering how I secured my spot so soon since the remaining bibs went up for lottery and the pool entry started today. Well, being the crafty little so and so that I am...I researched. I was curious about the charities that are being represented at this race. One of the official charities is The American Cancer Society! Now, most people know that I am a huge advocate for cancer research and finding a cure for any and all types of cancer. Cancer is pure evil. It tears families apart, takes friends away, and causes pain for all people involved. It knows no boundaries, it affects everyone! Some of you may remember that I raised more than $1,300.00 for Stand Up To Cancer during my Goofy Challenge fundraiser, and for those that gave generously I and the people you helped thank you!

So, I will be a proud member of Team DetermiNation for the American Cancer Society! I will be running proud for any of my friends or family that have been touched by this disease! We can find a cure! I go out there and run for those that can't! I am your voice! I am your advocate! I'm here for you! This race has become so personal. For me, it is my first Major, but beyond that I am running in a high profile event to help raise awareness and funds for cancer!

Want to jump-start the fundraising efforts? Let's go! Click here and let's start to change the world!

Get Into It! This is incredible!

Yes, You Can!

If that little voice in your head is telling you that you can’t. If you see someone’s race finisher photo and say ‘I could never run a half or full marathon I envy you.’ Stop saying that. You have more power in you than you realize! All of us marathoners were once beginners…which made us nervous, anxious, scared, and excited. At least those were some of the emotions that I felt when I decided to take on my very first half marathon with no prior running experience. I have been asked by many folks about how to start training for a half marathon. Is it hard? Will it hurt? What can I do to prevent injury? My answers are simple, yes it is hard work and dedication is required, you bet it’s going to hurt but you will soon learn to love the pain, and listen to your body. If you want to set a goal to run a 5K or even a half marathon, allow me to share some of my lessons learned that may help you in  your journey.

Pick a race/distance you honestly feel you can complete! If you are a novice runner looking to get in shape and set a personal goal, then a 5K maybe right up your alley. It’s only 3.1 miles and is generally a good starting distance. If you want a bit of a challenge, choose a half marathon. For your first time out, I suggest finding a course that has a flat elevation for the majority. Both of these races will require you to train and there are plenty of training plans available online. Runner’s World and Jeff Galloway are great resources. Find a plan that works for you. I also found that registering the race and paying the entry fee will drive me to train and make sure I am ready. No one wants to waste money, especially in THIS economy.

Dedication is Key! Your training will either lead you down the path of success or be your demise. As I mentioned earlier, find or create a training plan that works best for your skill level and ability and stick to it! There will be days where you do not want to go out and run or cross-train but you have to tell that voice in your mind to hush and let you drive. Every work out you do is critical to your success. Remember races are surrounded around endurance. You’ll need all the endurance you can muster, especially if this is your first time out of the gate. Even with as many races as I do, I have to push myself to do my maintenance runs…trust me I feel your pain.

Dont Over-Do It! I find that most new runners get caught in the excitement of training and seeing results and may sometimes push their bodies beyond it’s limits. If you feel you can go farther, do it gently. Do not throw your body into high mileage or faster paces if it isn’t ready. You’ll risk injury and recovery is no fun for anyone.

Stay Encouraged! Before a training run, have your own mantra or envision your goal at the finish line. Motivation is key. Your friends or family can be this motivation, running for a cause such as cancer research can motivate you, how about your health or wanting to loose weight, or even the image of the event finisher medal can be enough motivation for some…and there are some pretty bad ass medals out there let me tell you! Find a support group of runners on Facebook,Twitter, or in your local area running club. No one ever finished a run alone. There is always something driving you to the finish…find what that is for you and keep it in mind.

Have FUN! Your runs should be as enjoyable as possible. Although, we are human and we have bad days. Use those bad days and that negative energy and turn it into fuel for your race. You should enjoy your runs. Make a playful game out of your training. Can I go farther today? I’m feeling pretty good today, can I increase my overall pace? Nike+ and RunKeeper have great tools that can help with this.

I hope this entry will help silence that voice of doubt in your mind if you are considering running a race of any distance. And hey, if you aren’t wanting to race and just want to run as a form of exercise, then I hope this helps as well. Running for me is more than a hobby…it’s become a lifestyle. Running has given me so much confidence, strength, endurance, pride, and comfort I don’t know how I can ever repay it…yes I do. I can encourage you and pay it forward. Go get your blessing…and if you ever need encouragement, just give a little whistle.

RUN ON!

Holiday Half Marathon 2012

What birthday is complete without some kind of race, right? Well, that was my thinking when I registered for the Holiday Half Marathon...not to mention the race venue was at the Los Angeles County Fairplex...which is conveniently two blocks from my house! So a race that is so local I can throw a rock and hit the gate plus the fact that was my birthday, seemed like a no-brainer.

I arrived to a venue blanketed in fog, and the sights of many runners with candy cane stripped socks and reindeer antlers...cute for them. I decided to just show my Half Fanatic pride with my blue tech tee. I took my place in the start corral with the 2:10 pace group...not sure why I felt so ambitious that day, birthday high perhaps?

So the gun goes off and the start line awning starts spewing snow...or snoap (snow/soap). I thought that was cute touch...just don't eat it. We headed out into the Fairplex and ran all over the vacant fairgrounds. I was hoping I would run into a fried Twinkie or chocolate covered bacon stand but to no avail. We continued onto the AAA Auto Club Drag Strip where we got to run on the actual rally strip. So, I guess I didn't have to wait until Walt Disney World Marathon weekend to experience this :)

We headed out of the Fairplex and headed to the Frank Bonelli Regional Park, home of the Puddingstone Lake and Raging Waters. This is where race got especially beautiful. Nothing but wonderful trees, the sun reflecting off of the lake, and the birds. One sight that caught my attention was the dew hanging on the ends of the pine needles on some of the trees. If we were in denial about it, guess what kids Winter is on her way. We ran around the park until we came upon the Puddingstone Dam. This is historically a local trail for bikers and runners alike, but to see so many runners pounding the pavement was just such an inspiring sight.

We continued through the park to the sights of more trees and great scenery. Fast forward to mile 10 when the hills really started to show up and try to stop the show. I guess that is to be expected when you race in a canyon. So couldn't complain to much. Although, on this race I embraced the hills. I looked forward to them. You have to conquer hills and other obstacles. This builds strength in not only your body but your mind. Always remember, a race of ANY distance is just as much a mental race as it is physical. So, I drug myself over this hill and down into another beautiful valley to the sights and smells of wonderful fresh pine. I guess Holiday Half Marathon was an appropriate title for this race.

We made our way out of the park, past Brackett Airfield (which is a local small airport) and back into Fairplex for the final stretch. I made my mad mans dash to the finish line and crossed with a time of 2:23. Not to bad for a birthday run. And the high kick I did as I crossed the line added a little fun for the spectators. I think there are some small logistical items that can be reviewed and improved on in the future i.e., wave start would of been nice, a larger start corral for comfort, and more tables and stations at the finishers chute. Outside of that, a pretty successful race. And the bling isn't too bad either :)

Rock 'N' Roll Las Vegas 'Strip at Night'

So, one day I woke up and said to myself "I think it would be a good idea and kind of fun to run down Las Vegas Blvd at night time" At this moment as I share this with you, I do not doubt that was a good decision.

Race weekend started with my arrival in Las Vegas on December 1st, and my race crew (my good friend Ruby and my brother) made our way to the Sands Expo center at the Palazzo Casino and Hotel for the race expo. We did the norm, picked up bibs, safety pins, awesome shirts, swag bags, then I made my way to purchase some arm warmers. On my way I ran into fellow Team #RunDisney cohort Kelly manning the Team Sparkle running skirt booth(you really should check them out ladies...they are kind of epic). We said hello, laughed a little, and I wished her well as I continued on my journey of discovering arm warmers, GU,and Power Bars. I picked up all of the required items for my race and headed to my hotel The Mirage. Yes, this hotel was strategically picked as it was the finish line of the race. HA!

Fast forward to race day. I didn't do to much on Sunday. I grabbed a quick bite to eat, walked down to Caesar's Palace, then went back to my room and rested my legs for the busy and exciting evening ahead of me. Around 2PM, I took my pre-game shower, put my armor on, fueled up on some Gatorade, chomped down on a yummy oatmeal raisin Power Bar and by 3PM I was ready to make my way to The Luxor Festival lot. Some people may disagree, but I actually walked from the Mirage to the Luxor. Vehicular traffic on Las Vegas Blvd had been halted due to the race but it was still congested. Yes, I could of taken the Monorail...but I found the short 30 minute walk quite refreshing. I really was able to get myself into my zone of thinking...and the lovely smell of green fig from my favorite hotel Vdara didn't hurt either. I eventually arrived at the Luxor and stretched a little bit in the lobby. I knew all that awaited me outside those glass doors were windy conditions and asphalt, and I wasn't about to sit, stretch, and potentially tear my compression running shorts for anyone so that was out. Lobby it was. The stretch was nice, I met some nice people also sharing my idea of a pre-race warm up. Once I was all ready, limber, and excited, I made my way to my starting position in corral 19.

Ok, I mentioned it earlier but I will say it again, the wind was KICKING on Sunday. Silly Pacific storm. Luckily there were no dust storms on the strip. Once our corral was given the green light to slay the scene and pay the kids dust, we shot off away from the strip and past Mandalay Bay toward the famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. At about mile one we hooked back towards the strip and started the long journey toward Downtown Las Vegas. I have to tell you, It was a lot of fun running past all of the resorts on the strip. So many LED displays cheering us on, news helicopters, great bands, neon, etc etc.

We made our way past Circus Circus (barf) and The Stratosphere and headed toward Downtown Las Vegas. We ran through some sketchy neighborhood at one point which was...interesting, then made our way to Fremont Street East. The entertainment there was really cool! There was this really interesting mechanical grasshopper/praying mantis thing that shot fire out of its antenna! I couldn't get a good picture because of the lighting, but trust me when I tell you it was pretty cool! This was actually the hooking point as we headed back to The Mirage for our final 3 miles! I made my way back and continued to look all around at the interesting sights that were Las Vegas. I crossed the finish line with a smile and saw my friends waiting for me! I finished around 2:22, which wasn't half bad considering I had been slower than that in past races! My knees and body felt great! I was invigorated! Funny how Las Vegas is able to bring high energy into you life! Who knew.

All in all, a flat course that was a lot of fun! If you want a race to do that is fun and easy, this is it. Keep in mind, this is a young race only in it's third year so there are still some kinks they are working out (cough)water stations(cough). I can see myself doing this again next year for sure!