tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-543859106106297022024-03-13T05:36:49.708-05:00Voices In My HeadWhen the going gets tough - They start talkingDavid-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-39588810209697034332018-05-30T15:06:00.000-05:002018-05-30T15:06:20.903-05:00Where Have The Voices Gone? <br />
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The VOICES started with one mile and, without warning, they quickly
spiraled my life into the chaos of 5k’s, Marathons and Ultra Marathons. Along
the way there were some once unthinkable spinoffs. Fundraising, BQ’s, Medals, Trophies,
Cash Prizes, Buckles, Running Clubs, Free Shoes, Free Gear, Free Product,
Magazine Articles, Podcasts, Videos, Coaches, Coaching, Blogging, Shirt and
Merchandise Sales, Unique Friendships, Race Directing, Nutritionists and more
fundraising. All of this from running ONE mile? I’m pretty sure it was just a
dream. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Where have the VOICES gone? It’s been a while since I’ve heard
them calling, taunting, pushing me to the next level. They have abandoned me and
took my mojo with them. They no longer care. They no longer need me. They have left
me without explanation. No, that’s not exactly true. The truth, as always, is much
simpler. They haven’t left me. They are still there, partying, pushing,
pulling, begging, double-dog daring me to chase a big goal. The truth is that I
haven’t been listening, the truth is that I have tuned them out and drowning
their noise in a sea of excuses and, ultimately, lies that make myself feel
better. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, none of that crap was entirely true but it seemed like a
great way to dramatize the situation. The VOICES were there long before I began
running in 2006 and they remain firmly in control today. When I talk about the
voices in my head it’s a positive thing. There is something that drives each
one of us to work a little harder, stay focused, keep the faith and stay the
course. This something inside of me is what I refer to as the VOICES. Others
may view the voices in their head as the anchor that holds them back, but I
have found that by throwing a label that usually has a pejorative connotation on
something that I see as good – it keeps me from embracing the overwhelming
desire we all have to throw in the towel when life gets bumpy and removes the
crutch of self-doubt that gets in the way of success. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The plain and simple fact is that I have lost interest in the
daily grind to be competitive in the recreational hobby of running races. I
still love to run. I still love to compete. I just don’t love to do the work
necessary to compete at running. I know that I was never competitive outside of
the local Ladies Auxiliary Pie Auction and 100 Mile Fun Run, but it was always
a good time to show up and go as hard as I could to see how I stacked up with
the other weekend warriors. Collecting medals, buckles and occasional trophy is
great for the ego but don’t mean much in the scope of life. It took me a while
to figure out that running is just something I do to fill in the gaps between
real life events but I’m glad I did. <o:p></o:p></div>
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People ask me, “What changed?” and I really don’t have a solid
answer. I still get the craving to throw on a doo-rag and run through the woods,
yelling “WOOO” as I go through an aid station on the way to picking off the
runner in front of me. I still celebrate as I watch my friends bust out a PR or
see a runner that I coach cross the finish line of a goal race. I still love
running. I still love racing. I just don’t love the idea of putting in the long
hours it takes or the effort it takes to do my very best in every race. I could
use the old cop out that things have changed in the running community since I
started but… well, things have changed, a lot, for the better. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Races are much more inclusive of everybody these days.
Marathons aren’t just about chasing a BQ anymore – they are about pursuing a
goal and enjoying the accomplishment. 5k’s aren’t always about running until
you puke or cross the finish line. Or both. They are open to runners, joggers,
walkers and baby strollers. Trail races have become a normal part of any runner’s
world. Even the once “impossible” 100-mile races aren’t looked at as the
ultimate distance and the curtain has been opened to reveal that 100 miles,
while difficult, is easy to cover if you put in the work and resolve to finish.
Road Ultras are more prevalent than ever giving more opportunity for runners to
test their mental toughness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will
always be a certain element of mystery to any new distance, but social media
has proven time and again that anybody can do this stuff if they want to do the
work. <o:p></o:p></div>
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None of this stuff is bad. It’s all good. There are some
arguments to be made about etiquette and reducing the number of competitive
runners in big races but, honestly, those same old complaints where there 10
years ago. There has always been an element of runners who take this hobby way
too seriously and act like divas at every event. I’m okay with that. It’s their
life, their money, their time and I don’t have to live with their egos. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am free to run as fast or slow as I choose,
spend as much time at the aid station or porta potty as I need, wear the race
shirt during the race or not. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So… what HAS changed in the past 3-4 years? My choices and
priorities. It’s really that easy. I have a 3-year-old daughter so that’s an
easy math equation. My boys are getting older, one in high school and one in
elementary school, and they have become increasingly busy with extracurricular
activities. I spend all my free time during the late summer and fall organizing
a youth football league and coaching my son’s team. The last few years have been
filled with coaching little league baseball, basketball and football year-round.
I even had an awesome experience as a soccer coach a couple of years ago. Throw
in summer basketball, fall basketball, track meets and other school functions
for my oldest and life got a little busy. Of course, there is always time for
more so when the opportunity to coach a semi-pro football team popped up… yep,
I was on it. Did I mention the part about coaching runners in my spare time?
Probably. Doesn’t really matter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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All this stuff is fun, but I still had to work a day job –
the crusher of dreams for most runners- but even that still left time for
homework, family dinner, bath time, story time, playing in the yard, swimming
in the pool and other family activities. What it didn’t leave time for was –
running, lifting weights and chasing goals. Well, it just fooled me into
thinking there wasn’t time. The time was still there as it always was. I used
to wake up at 2 a.m. for a 20-mile run before work on a Tuesday morning – that time
was still available I just didn’t have the desire to sacrifice. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Obviously, none of this nonsense matters but just the act of
writing about it helps me understand why I have placed the running VOICES on a back
burner for a while. I have been running consistently in 2018 and have a nice
little streak going and things are falling into place but I’m not sure where
its heading or if it will rekindle the passion to chase big goals anytime soon.
What I do know is this – I love to run. I used to tell people that I was a
runner. These days – I realize that running is a part of who I am but it’s
really such a small part that I struggle to understand why I had placed so much
emphasis on that part of my life once. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever run a
marathon or 100 milers again. Today the answer is a very easy and loud “NO” but
tomorrow, next week, next month or next year it may change, and the VOICES will
be front and center. When that happens, I’ll give my coach a call and we will hit
it with a plan that will push me to my perceived limits over and over until the
goal is a reality. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Until then – I’ll just enjoy the miles as they come. Life is
good, and the VOICES are still jabbering – just in a different way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-40449584173953877162017-10-20T01:08:00.000-05:002017-10-20T09:52:05.321-05:00Play Hard. Have Fun. Do Your Best. <div style="font-family: ".sf ui text"; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">Orange. Strawberry. Grape. Root Beer. The reward for playing a great game. Or maybe it was the reward for a not so great game. I really don't remember the actual game but I do remember the sweet nectar found in the coach's cooler. Cheap off brand soda that had us scrambling and working hard to get to the cooler first. The game itself may have been over, the score recorded into the history books, but the real competition always came after the game. Losing at this competition usually meant being stuck with a cream soda. That was bad. The game itself? Man, we just played. Everybody wanted to win but at the end of it all... we just played. No pressure from parents. The coaches didn't scream or throw a fit. The umpires were jovial and enjoyed the game. We were just kids. 7, 8, 9 and 10. Summertime meant baseball and baseball meant playing until past dark on fields without lights. It also meant cheap soda. And good times. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">We kept score. You had better believe we kept score. It mattered. It was the most important thing in the world for an hour or so. After that? The score was recorded into that famous history book where all little league scores are kept and quickly forgotten by the participants of both teams. We left the field, went home, watched TV, ate ice cream and carried on with life. Even when we lost. My dad never sat me down and told me about all the mistakes I had made in the game. He never told me that my coach sucked and didn't know what he was talking about. He never mentioned anything really. If he didn't make it to the game, because parents didn't come to every game or practice back then, he would ask how we did - not how I did but how WE did. There was a simple and subtle lesson in that one word. It was, and remains in my mind, a team sport. He would always ask if I had fun. Always. Seemed like a dumb question back then. Did I have fun? What? I was playing baseball dude. Of course it was fun. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">I remember winning a 2nd place ribbon for a bicycle race when I was in 5th grade. In fact, I still have it and it is one of my most cherished awards ever. Second place? The first loser? Yes. 2nd place. Why do I care about this dumb ribbon so much? Because it reminds me of a time when the competition was between kids - not the adults watching. It reminds me of a time when I dug deep and pushed myself out of the inner desire to win. Sure, I lost but it was a good day for me. I worked hard, had fun and did my absolute best. Was I disappointed about not winning? Sure I was. I lost to a ninth grader on a ten speed (remember those things) but that was not an excuse. In fact, my old Huffy dirt bike with the knobby off road tires beat several older kids on much better bikes. I lost because, despite trying as hard as possible, that other kid beat me. The world didn't end and, best of all, nobody pointed out my flaws. When I showed my dad the 2nd place ribbon he didn't ask who beat me, what kind of bike they had or even tell me that I would do better and "get them next time". He simply told me he was proud that I had worked hard and had fun. Simple words - big impact. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">Another great memory is from a weight lifting competition. I was 11 years old and weighed 90 lbs. How can I remember that I weighed 90 lbs? Because I bench pressed a whopping 120 lbs to win the top medal. I don't have the medal anymore but, honestly, it wasn't very important. I was more excited to discover that I could do much more than I thought. I was skinny and not the best athlete in town. I definitely wasn't the first kid picked for kickball, baseball, basketball or football. I was usually picked towards the end of the middle. But that day I felt the exhilaration of success and the genuine surprise in the words of congratulations from the adults in charge. A few words of praise from those in charge meant the world to me. I never even bothered to tell my dad about the medal- it was that insignificant at the time but the memories of the accomplishment remain solid. I could have came in dead last in the competition and still walked away feeling great about myself. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">In 3rd grade we played flag football. The league, for me, was a great place to learn the game. Only a few things really stand out from that season. My coach was not a jerk. He didn't yell or scream at us if we made a mistake. He was quick to use mistakes as an opportunity to learn while making us feel like we were superstars. I don't remember his name but I do remember the example he set. We played under the lights in the big game that year. I truly have no idea whether we won or lost but I know the other team's coach was a raving lunatic that scared the heck out of me. Us? We had cheap, off brand soda and a smiling coach on our sideline. My dad was at that game. I know because he came down to the field smiling when it was over. I was drinking that cheap, off brand soda and he told me how proud he was to watch me play. We probably lost because I don't remember a trophy but, in retrospect, we definitely won.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">That was almost 40 years ago and society has changed in many ways. There is a much bigger emphasis on winning today than there was all those years ago. We are quick to look for the best teams for our kids to play on. We sometimes pay crazy fees for the privilege of participating. Coaches are selecting kids based on current talent in kindergarten and first grade in an effort to put together a winning team. Potential talent is overlooked, for the most part, because we want to win now. This feels like a mistake to me and doesn't appear to translate into championships at the High School level. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">Some young kids have "it" and are identified as early as kindergarten as athletes. They work hard. They put their head down and do the work. They have more coordination, drive and focus than other kids their age. To pretend like they will be the only ones that stand a chance of success later would be very narrow minded and naive. Many kids are overlooked at a young age because they are clumsy, lack focus, aren't aggressive or confident enough and are encouraged to find something else they have a talent for. Many of these kids grow, mature and find confidence later in life but have already been written off as not having talent. It has been reported that 7 out of 10 kids choose to quit sports all together by the age of 13. Some of this can be attributed to poor leadership, pressure from parents and burn out. Of course, some probably just realize they don't like whatever sports they are playing but my guess is those numbers are much lower. Talent selection based on current ability over potential future talent by coaches is a driving force in many cases. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">Does this mean that private coaching or competitive traveling teams are bad? Nope. Absolutely not. They are very much worthwhile if the expectation is to have fun, become better, learn the proper techniques of the game AND the kid wants to play. If the expectation is just to win or get a jump start on that college scholarship or the pros then it may be more harmful than good. Good examples of character, learning the fundamentals, teamwork and sportsmanship are great lessons to learn at a young age. An unrealistic expectation to always be the best or win every game isn't going to do the kids any favors. Should these teams include everybody just because they want to play? Probably not in most cases. That's up to the coach, the sponsor and the parents. It's an argument for the benefits of expanding the perspectives and looking long term instead of short term with these very young ages. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">I have heard it said many, many times over the past few years that if kids don't win they will lose confidence and eventually quit playing sports. I don't think that's all together true. Dodging the better teams to pad the stats and ensure victory is a great way to build short term confidence. It also sets up unrealistic expectations for the future and can ruin any chance of overall team success at the next level. Sure, at some point, losing every time will get old but there is a major tipping point before that happens. That tipping point has nothing to do with the kids, the game or the level of competition. It has everything to do with attitude. The attitude of the kids when they decide to weigh success or failure by a scoreboard is guided, for the most part, by the adults around them. Parents fighting with each other at a football game, yelling at the ump in a baseball game, coaching their kids from the sidelines and bleachers, pointing out every flaw on the ride home from the game, the look or sounds of pure disappointment on a bad play and a crazy obsession with winning are great ways to leave a kid with the impression that life is all about winning. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">It's okay for kids to have fun. It's okay for them to smile. That's why they play. Because it's fun. And a game. It's not a job and, most likely, never will be. They should never cry over a loss or a bad play. What's the point in that? Passion for the game? Really? That brings up an entire subject about how unhealthy it is to steer and direct little kids to find their passion. Maybe we could give them a few years and more experience before they have to make that tough choice. My feeling is that passion is a great cover up word for poor sport or feeling they let mom, dad or the coach down. Maybe not. Could be genuine passion. I feel less confident in that assessment than I do with this one ---> Coaches that "motivate" kids by yelling and threatening to bench them for making a mistake aren't doing much for confidence or future psychological happiness. It doesn't motivate the kids to do better. It humiliates, scares and makes them play worse. They know that even if the team wins the coach will still point out their mistakes in front of the team. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">It is a competitive world. That's something I hear a lot. There is truth in that statement. Learning how to compete and navigate through life is important. Losing is a part of life. Most successful adults have lost, failed or come up short several times before it all works out. Why? Because they have learned that it's okay to take shots even when they don't have all the tools in place or the odds are stacked against them. They understand that winning is great but real experience and skill is learned in the losses. They can enjoy the journey without pressure because there is no expectation to always win. The risk is the reward. The lessons learned in the early years - play hard, have fun and do your best - carry over into adulthood. Trophies from grade school don't mean much if they can't cope with adversity later in life. When adults, coaches and parents lose the true focus of youth sports they are paving the road for disappointment and failure. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">Wins and losses are not always measured on a scoreboard. Am I perfect? Nope. Not by a long shot. I have had moments when I allowed myself to be sucked into acting like a fool on the sidelines, yelling directly at kids instead of coaching them and pretending a dumb game was the most important thing in life. I have used those experiences as lessons for what I do not want to become. They serve to remind that the words I choose to use with kids has an impact on them and will carry a lot of weight over the years. They may forget my name as the years go by but hopefully they will remember the lessons. The important stuff like. Mistakes are okay, even expected, because nobody is perfect. We practice to get better. We don't always win but we always play to win. Good sportsmanship is just as important during or after a win as it is in a loss. It's a game so smile and have fun. A championship trophy at this level will not change their lives. They will do the exact same thing after the game if they lose - go home, eat ice cream, watch TV and be a kid. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">All of this probably makes you think I am just not a competitive person. That my personality doesn't jive with the reality that it takes hard work and desire to succeed. That's not exactly true. I am the most competitive person I know. I despise losing. I don't want participation medals for everybody. I want to keep score. There should be winners and losers in every game. When I set a goal for myself there is no thought of failure. As a kid, I played to win. As a Marine, I competed to be the best. In college, I worked my butt off to graduate summa cum laude. As an adult, I have worked hard in my job to rise through the ranks. In recent years, I have raced everything from 5k's to 100 mile trail races with the intention of competing for the podium. Nobody plans to lose but... it happens. When it does there is no crying, throwing a fit or a desire to quit and find something else I might be good at - just a note to myself to work harder if I want to win. Even when I have won there is a note to myself to work harder and do better. The trophies and medals still don't mean much. They are just things collected along the way. The friendships, laughs, highs and lows during the hard miles are what keeps it fun. And FUN is what keeps me going back. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">If this felt like a lecture to you - it probably was. Relax. It's just a game. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17.41pt;">If this felt like common sense to you - that's because it is. Good for you. </span></div>
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David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-71384137033918308062017-09-08T01:14:00.001-05:002017-09-08T09:38:16.041-05:00Fat Elvis and Eye on the Prize<div style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal;">
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">Three and a half years. I haven't "really" ran in three and a half years. Why? Because I haven't. Sure there are reasons, excuses and multitude of other blah, blah, blah's I could throw out there but the bottom line is simple. I got lazy, lost the desire and mental focus that it takes to compete. The thrill of the challenge and the drive to exceed self imposed expectations haven't been prevalent for a while. The VOICES have been eerily silent like an old friend who I've lost touch with. It's been kind of weird and awesome all at the same time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">It's easy to live in the past. The glory days. The best of times. We all do it at some point. The ex-jock from high school that needs to talk about the 5 touchdowns in one game. The former high school track stud that set all the records. The genius in college who could make a bong out of play dough. The stud Marine that never got into trouble. I was none of the above but I did okay in a lot of races from 5k's through 100 milers back in the day. A couple of sub 3 hour marathons and a handful of sub 24 hour 100 milers made it easy to fall into this trap. As time goes by the way these stories are told change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">Back "in the day" I never bothered to tell a story about a race or feel the need to proclaim my PR to somebody I just met. Nope. No need. I just showed up, ran the race, collected whatever award if warranted and went home. I was never what I considered as fast but it was good enough to win a few local downtown ladies auxiliary pie auction and 5k races. Over time this evolved into a reputation in the area as a "fast" runner. I never thought I was but one day, after a 10k, the runners who I considered as fast gathered for a picture with their medals and trophies. I was told to jump in but declined saying something about the fast runners. One of them said, "Dude, you just ran a 37 minute 10k, you ARE one of the fast runners." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">Okay. 37 minute 10k isn't fast by many standards. People will tear me apart for my "huge ego". I get it. But the fact is this- sometimes a 37 minute 10k IS fast. Sometimes a 17 minute 5k does win. Sometimes a 2:58 marathon, 4:20 50k, 7:31 50 miler and 19:37 100 miler is considered fast. The 7:31 50 miler set a state record in Missouri for the 35-39 year old age group in 2011. It still holds the record for 39 year olds. The other ages have fallen to faster times but they have been on flat, dedicated courses. Mine was on a hilly road course with heavy traffic, unmanned aid stations and 85-90 degree southern Missouri humidity temps. Not that it matters. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">Okay... this is the kind of nonsense I am talking about. Buying into your own legend. It's a joke but it happens. My first marathon was good for a Boston Qualifying time and I just assumed that was what was expected. I once ran a marathon with pneumonia and finished in 3rd place. My first 1/2 marathon was ran with the flu but I managed a 5th overall with a 1:30 time. I limped 50 miles with a knee that looked like a football and still came in top 10. My first 50 miler was a climb over Mt. Pinnacle on the Ouachita trail in Arkansas and netted a 3rd overall. I finished 4th overall at one of the oldest established 100 milers, the Arkansas Traveller, on a rainy, miserable day. My first 100 miler was on a trail in Texas during an an ice storm and I finished in under 21 hours. I have ran five 100 mile -true trail- races in under 22 hours. 60 miles on an old, busted up asphalt track in a pink tutu. More that once. Started a dumb little running club that turned out okay. I did some unique, at the time, fundraisers for the ACS and raised over $50,000. Blah, blah, blah..., </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">3 years ago I fell. Not literally. I had fallen many times on trail runs before then. I fell. I had trained for a 100 miler with the goal of 18 hours. Race day weather took its toll on me and the humidity won. I finished in 21:30 and felt like a failure. Looking back it's stupid to consider a 21:30 finish a failure but whatever. A couple of months later I was smoking a 30 hour timed event in Oklahoma when I slipped in the snow covered clay mud and pulled a calf muscle. I knew I would win this event and the forced decision to stop messed with my head. Once I was able to run again, really run, the desire to compete was gone. The focus was gone. I lined up at the Leadville 100 later that year out of shape and with a big ego thinking it was only 100 miles and I could fake it. After a mere 40 miles I pulled the plug and recorded my first DNF. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">My daughter was born roughly two and a half years ago. She is what my wife and I call the" bonus baby". Unplanned and unprepared for. You would think at 42 and 45 we would have known what could happen but.... Her birth changed my life. My two boys are amazing and I love them more than life itself but the new Princess? Oh yes. She is a game changer for me. So things slowed down on the running side. There were months when my total mileage was less than 20. Considering I had averaged 250 mile months for almost 10 years this took its toll. Combined with crappy nutrition and a general dismissal of strength training, the overall result has not pretty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">Did I mention that I coach baseball, basketball, soccer and football for my kids? Or that I am the head coach of a semi-pro football team? Or that I serve as president of a youth football league? Or that I coach runners from all over the country - and across a few borders? Or that....who cares? Excuses. Things that I choose do. I had always managed to find time to train in the past regardless of work or other obligations. I had simply lost my focus and the drive to compete. It was easy to claim that there weren't any challenges left and I had already proved that I could do anything I set out to do. My life was full of schedules and activities but it was also empty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">Try being a "legend" on social media for a while. The things you did in the past are celebrated for a while. Then they are talked about some. Then they are unknown. Soon the only people that know are the people that used to look up to you but can now kick your ass in any distance. It kind of sucks to be honest. My ego is not fragile or huge like some may think but I do have one. We all do. And it kind of sucks when you think people don't care or respect what you have accomplished. It's silly but it's real. Especially when you know the only reason you have become "Fat Elvis" or "washed up" is because you no longer care. There is no physical impediment or injury holding you back. It's all about heart. It all comes back to Eye on the Prize. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">Eye on the Prize. Focus. Determination. Grit. It's all the same. Decide on a goal. Resolve to accomplish it. Do the work that sucks to make it real. Don't chase shiny objects. Make it happen. Seems so simple when I type it. Putting it into action is much more difficult. Thankfully, I have finally reached the point in my personal journey that I understand what it takes to crawl out of the funk and back onto the trail. I have remembered WHY I want to run. WHY I want to train. WHY I want to compete. Along with that I have found a renewed desire to "do the work-no excuses". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">Over the past few months, I have begun working with a purpose. I have Coach Jeff back on the job scheduling my training and keeping me in check. I have put in consistent base building mileage. I have found that old burning motivation to get up at 3 a.m. and run 1-2 hours before going to work. I have figured out ways to squeeze strength or yoga in after work and before my kid's practices. I have the focus to run 10 miles or more before coaching football all day. I have signed up for a few short-ish distance races with the goal of chasing buckles again soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: '.SFUIText'; font-size: 17pt;">I don't expect to ever run "fast" but I do expect to prove to myself that I can run long and be proud of my accomplishments. Will I ever run a sub 3 hour marathon again? Or a sub 20 hour 100 miler? What about state records? Don't know- don't care. The goal is to do what I can while I can and not ever live in the past again. The glory days may be over but that doesn't mean I don't have some pretty decent days to look forward to. Eye on the Prize is still my favorite mantra. I have realized that Fat Elvis is still Elvis. Just go do what makes you happy and life is good. </span></div>
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David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-81057840074287417842017-04-30T14:29:00.001-05:002017-04-30T14:29:18.388-05:00Garmin 235 Raffle <br />
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Idiots Running Club Relay for Life Garmin 235 Raffle<br />
New in box Garmin 235<br />
$8.97 per ticket<br />
150 tickets will be sold<br />
Winner will be selected using a random number generator app<br />
Winning number will be drawn when all tickets are sold<br />
Drawing will be recorded on video<br />
If all tickets are not sold he winner will be chosen on June 10th 2017<br />
Purchase tickets through PayPal and your number will be emailed<br />
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<br />David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-28221571028044518262017-04-03T17:02:00.000-05:002017-04-03T17:05:34.629-05:00Win Or Don't Come Home <div style="color: #454545; font-family: '.SF UI Text'; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Win or don't come home. This is what I tell the athletes I coach. "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." Saunders, and later, Lombardi had it right in my opinion. At least to some degree. Winning is important and must be regarded as the ultimate goal in every race, contest or game. Why? Because even from a very early age, competitive people realize that losing sucks and winning makes us feel good. Of course, winning doesn't always mean the top of the podium or the most points on a scoreboard. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Winning can be measured in many different ways but, for me, the only real unit of measurement is self satisfaction. When running a race myself or coaching athletes through a race or game the definition of winning is set early in the training cycle or practice. It's a simple formula. Look at the areas of strength that are already in place, identify the weaknesses and assess the realistic potential to improve in both areas. Have a basic idea of where you would be on that day if the race or game was scheduled and then look forward and set a lofty but realistic goal that you want to reach. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Set a plan. Do the work. No excuses. Be ready to overcome obstacles that will get in the way and mentally lead you off track. Know that the motivation isn't going to come from a YouTube video or meme on Facebook. It must be a self motivation that lives in your heart. It can't be just words you say or something you pretend you want because it sounds cool. It must be real, true and non-negotiable. The days will be long, the hours and minutes you dedicate should make you question your sanity and your friends and family will claim you are obsessed. All of that is good. And necessary if you truly have your eye on the prize. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Do all of that and you will win. When it's time to compete you will be prepared, confident and focused to chase the goal. But.... be smart. Don't try to do more than you should or more than you can. Know what you need to do for YOU to be successful and stick to the script as much as possible but adapt quickly to changes or setbacks. Attempting to overreach will always put you in a situation that rarely has a successful outcome. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Does this mean you shouldn't put it all on the line and take chances? Absolutely not. It means that you should consistently put it all on the line but take calculated chances. Being brave and confident is much different than being brave, confident AND stupid. Success and winning are born out of pushing past the perceived limits we have set in our minds and expanding the knowledge of our abilities. If we stay comfortable being comfortable then we will never get better or understand the potential for greatness. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>Winning is defined by you. Any improvements gained from the first training session or practice will shine in the overall breakdown of performance when it's all over. They will be easy to see for most people looking but always difficult for the athlete to recognize. Even when ALL the goals are met and the podium, personal record or scoreboard dictate that you are a "winner" there may be a lot of self doubt and questions about what you could have done better. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, without it you will begin a slow decline into a losing mentality. Never settling for good enough and always wanting more is the only way to continue winning. Look at the good, learn from the bad and move on. Remember yesterday but focus on tomorrow. Growth comes from true self evaluation and honesty not from the number of likes you get on Facebook. Knowing that you have pulled off a win even when others don't immediately recognize the situation is enough to keep the train on the tracks and headed in the right direction. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: ".sfuitext"; font-size: 17pt;"><b>In the end, winning and losing isn't measured on a scoreboard, podium, trophy or any other outside judge. When done right- Winning is a mindset that begins with a goal and earned through the self motivation to become better. Being the best at anything is fun to dream about but is rarely a realistic outcome as there is always somebody, somewhere who is willing to work harder and longer than you. But you can easily and realistically continue to strive to become the best that you can be. Will you ever achieve the goal of becoming the best that you can be? I hope not. If you do then you have settled for good enough. Good enough will always mean - Could be better. Be better. Win or don't come home. </b></span></div>
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David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-56754713739923700982016-06-06T11:26:00.000-05:002016-06-06T11:36:02.148-05:00GoPro or Hot Tub Relay for Life Raffle Another raffle?? Yep. Another raffle to benefit the ACS via the Idiots Running Club Relay for Life Team in our quest to rid the world of the evil that is cancer.<br />
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A very generous supporter has donated your choice of a portable hot tub or theGoPro Hero4 Silver Camera Bundle. </div>
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It will be tough choice for the winner to choose between the two but I have faith that you will make the right decision. But... if you screw it up and wish you had picked the other - it will be okay. </div>
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Why? How will it be okay? Well... Because tickets for this raffle are only ONE DOLLAR each. One dollar. $1. One buck. With ticket prices that low you will have some cash piling up to be spent on the other. (Disclaimer- This is a hypothetical situation. I do not know, nor can I guarantee that money will be piling up at your house waiting to be spent) </div>
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Donations for tickets can be made directly to the Relay for Life via this link -> <a href="http://bit.ly/PrizeEyeing">http://bit.ly/PrizeEyeing</a></div>
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******Please be sure to add GoPro/Hot Tub in the notes.*****</div>
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Drawing will be held on June 10th/11th live during the Ozark County Missouri Relay for Life event. </div>
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Quick... Buy ALL the tickets. <a href="http://bit.ly/PrizeEyeing">http://bit.ly/PrizeEyeing</a><br />
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Free Shipping in the continental United States only. </div>
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David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-8586269161278641452016-06-02T13:54:00.003-05:002016-06-09T13:17:53.536-05:00ElliptiGo Arc Raffle Round #2****ONLY 74 TICKETS HAVE BEEN SOLD - YOUR ODDS OF WINNING ARE FAVORABLE*** Updated 6/9/2016 13:15<br />
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The first raffle for the ElliptiGo Arc was a great success. Unfortunately there could only be one winner. Everybody knows that second place is the first loser. That sucks if you didn't win. Once in a while in life we get a second chance at greatness. This is a really dramatic and drawn out way of announcing another ElliptiGo Arc raffle for the Idiots Running Club Relay for Life Team. So... Buy ALL the tickets.
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You know you NEED one of these.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_AEn3MFlvRg" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Raffle tickets are $16.58 each with a limited quantity of 181 available. Retail value is $1299.<br />
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Why the weird numbers? Because.<br />
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All proceeds above my costs will benefit the ACS via the Idiots Running Club Relay for Life Team.<br />
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After you complete your purchase I will send you the potentially winning number. On June 10th (or before if the 181st ticket is sold prior to the 10th) a winner will be selected using a random number generator app and will be streamed live for all to witness. That's as fair as it gets.<br />
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Delivery will be approximately 10 days after a winner is chosen. Free Shipping included in the continental U.S. Only.<br />
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Use the paypal button to purchase ALL the tickets. Good luck.<br />
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Congrats to Norman Eubank from Pontiac, MO on winning the first ElliptiGo Arc Raffle. .<br />
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David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-50723226914198773382016-05-30T00:59:00.001-05:002016-06-01T12:03:13.570-05:00Arkansas Tornados Part One<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DgIF7px3JIc/V0vWOlUW1JI/AAAAAAAAGkc/hSYqgEFmLpc-5fe2rcOengATDeFXS6XvQCLcB/s1600/12783549_10154005396284686_3022443251147095120_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DgIF7px3JIc/V0vWOlUW1JI/AAAAAAAAGkc/hSYqgEFmLpc-5fe2rcOengATDeFXS6XvQCLcB/s320/12783549_10154005396284686_3022443251147095120_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>With less than 10 seconds left in the 4th quarter during the DCFL playoff game it was easy to sum up the first season in the history of the Arkansas Tornados football franchise with just four simple words. Heart. Determination. Perseverance. Unity. The scoreboard showed we were going to lose by a wide margin yet the faces of the men on the field showed a resolve to fight until the final whistle. They could have taken it easy and coasted through the final minutes but, as expected from those who had watched them play all season, they chose to stand tall in a symbol of unity, brotherhood and family. As I watched from the sideline, beneath the lights and in front of the jubilant Tornado faithful, a line from the old baseball movie, Field of Dreams, came to mind. If you build It, they (he) will come. It was clear to me that even in defeat this team and this season was a resounding success. The hard work from the players in practice, the dedication of the ownership and more than a few late night hours of game planning from the coaches all combined to bring a final product to the field that the community could be proud of and would support.<br />
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Back in January or February of 2015 I received a call from Eddie Elliott. He explained that he and Bob Van Haaren were starting a semi-pro football team in Mountain Home, Arkansas and asked if I would be interested in coaching. My first inclination was to laugh because, really, there are much better football minded people in the area. We talked about some different options and settled on me coming aboard for strength and conditioning. This was an area that I felt fully confident in and knew that if I could train ultra runners to go distances from 31 miles up to 100 then getting players ready for four quarters of football would be within my capabilities.<br />
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I made it to my first practice with a preconceived notion that these guys would already be in shape and would simply need a little fine tuning. That was very naive of me and I was suddenly very thankful we had almost a full year before the season started. Unfortunately, we had a lot of work to do in recruiting players. For the next few months and into the summer the Tornados consisted of 10-15 players. They weren't always the exact same 10- 15 players either although there was a core group that showed up consistently for our once a week practices. There were times when I truly wondered if I was on some local version of the show “Punked” but I was excited about the idea that this might all somehow work itself out and become the real deal.<br />
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I'm not sure when it happened but sometime towards the end of summer our offensive coordinator had to leave the team due to a job change. Over the next couple of practices I filled in and soon it became evident to me that I was the replacement. At first, I wasn't sure that his was going to work or that I had any real interest in taking the helm of offensive coordinator on a first year (or any year for that matter) semi-pro team. My experience was limited to one year of high school ball and a few years of coaching little kids in the Ozark Football Association league. But with everybody looking at me for the plays I quickly adapted and became comfortable with the role. Over the course of the next few months I would experiment with different offensive schemes in an attempt to solve the riddle of which was best suited for the players and talent level we had. Our defensive coordinator, Jason Reiss, was a huge help during this process pointing out talents and strengths in several different players. Over the course of the past year we have spent many hours working together and I am proud to call him a friend.<br />
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Things came together fast over the last months of 2016 and we soon had enough players to truly commit to making the upcoming season a reality. Eddie and Bob, along with many of the players, worked hard to bring in sponsorship dollars to purchase equipment and jerseys. I can honestly say that I have never met a person like Eddie Elliott. He never showed a sign of stress or worry despite the grim outlook that we faced for many months. He said it would happen and it did. I have a ton of respect for his drive and follow through. I'll never forget how excited the players (and coaches) were to finally have a full contact practice. I remember it as a thing of beauty. The popping of pads and cracking of helmets on a crisp fall day that filled the empty stadium with the sounds of gladiators going to battle. Or some nostalgic nonsense like that. In reality it was kind of ugly with all the amped up testosterone that had been building but, thankfully, nobody was seriously hurt. The Tornados were ready to play. Almost.<br />
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As we came closer to our first preseason game I felt pretty confident. We were slated to be playing in the DCFL, a developmental football league of the CFL. This was for first year teams or teams that weren't ready to compete with more established teams of the CFL. I felt like we had a great opportunity to take advantage by playing in this league. Sure, the offensive line was inexperienced and undersized but we had some great talent in the backfield and I hoped that would overcome our inexperience on the offensive line. Of course, I just didn't want to admit what I already knew…. I always preach to the pee wee kids that everything starts up front and we cannot win without a solid offensive line. Football is like no other sport. Every single player has to execute in order for any given play to have success. Once in awhile, a great running back or quarterback will find a way to overcome errors and weaknesses that have been exposed but that is not the norm. The majority of the time it takes everybody working together in perfect synchronicity for a play to evolve and reach its full potential.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBQdknCx7RE/V0vWOoSoSCI/AAAAAAAAGkY/OGA4bN-t0EQeP6e5frciO1GiNqytNDe7wCLcB/s1600/12744095_10153976790669686_2768982487823989978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBQdknCx7RE/V0vWOoSoSCI/AAAAAAAAGkY/OGA4bN-t0EQeP6e5frciO1GiNqytNDe7wCLcB/s320/12744095_10153976790669686_2768982487823989978_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Our first preseason game against the DCFL Arkansas Raptors came and the stands were packed. People came from all over to check out this new team. The Arkansas Tornados were confident and ready to play. When it was all said and done we had 30 plus penalties, lost our starting running back in the first quarter and the scoreboard showed 13-0 favoring the Raptors. Defensively, Jason had the team firing on all cylinders. Offensively, we were a mess. Every time we moved the ball 3 yards forward we would have a penalty and take it back 5. Nothing was clicking. Guys were jumping before the snap, running the wrong routes, snaps were on the ground and the offensive line was destroyed. When Todd Bowman, our starting running back, took a shot to the knee in the first quarter and was knocked out for the season, I did not have a backup plan and didn't adjust. That was 100% on me. Our QB, Tommy Fellicia, did everything he could to keep us competitive but the play calling was limited as I tried to adapt and find a suitable replacement. After the game I felt like I had let the team and an entire community down.<br />
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Fortunately, I have a background that doesn't let a little failure bring me to my knees. I served in the U.S. Marines and to this day still live by the two mottos I learned. Semper Fi is popular and well known to most. It is short for Semper Fidelis which means “always faithful” in Latin. The other motto is a little more obscure but has great meaning to those who have served. Improvise. Adapt. Overcome. These three words let us know that things won't always go as planned but quitting is not an option. When things go bad, and they usually do, you find another plan of attack and accomplish the mission. I have carried this attitude with me through my adult life in running and it has helped me to accomplish many Boston qualifying marathon times, a Missouri Age Group State Record for the 50 mile distance and 5 sub 24 hour 100 mile trail race finishes. I know that quitting isn't an option and hard work will bring success - it's simply a matter of adjusting and putting in the time. Our players were dedicated and we would find a way to improve.<br />
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Game two. Our second preseason games was against another CFL powerhouse team, the Enid Enforcers. They destroyed us. Our offensive line played better but was still no match for these monsters. With Todd Bowman out, I went with Dakota Sutterfield in the backfield. One thing I learned about Dakota that night is that what he lacks in size he more than makes up for in heart and leadership. Our offensive line played much better and cut the penalty margin down significantly but was just outplayed by a solid Enforcer defensive front. We had an unfortunate incident where one of our best offensive lineman took some swings at an opposing player and was ejected from the game. This, coupled with another off the field incident, led to him being released from the team. Defensively, Coach Reiss had them playing well once again and they held solidly until a few big plays late in the game made the score board look very lopsided at 30-0. Offensively, we couldn't get the ball moving and, once again, I didn't adjust properly. Time to improvise, adapt and overcome before the first regular season game against another CFL powerhouse team, the NWA Battle. What could possibly go wrong here?<br />
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To be continued.........<br />
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<br />David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-27078387719582160612016-05-29T23:18:00.002-05:002016-05-29T23:18:35.822-05:00What is a Running Coach? I am 100% sure that I will take some heat for this one but that's okay.... Just post in the comments and don't hide behind an "anonymous" tag.<br />
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What is a running coach? That seems to be an easy question on the surface but like many things these days it’s a little more complicated than it used to be. Gone are the days where only elite caliber athletes had a coach to help guide them to overall victories and championships. In the modern era of running it is not uncommon for mere mortals to hire a coach and seek personal goals or PR’s. A simple Google search on the interwebs for ‘running coach’ will yield 195,000,000 results in .68 seconds. (For real, try it) I am sure that within all of those results there can be found a fantastic definition of a Running Coach that will sound reasonable. Of course, everybody may not agree on which definition is best but there will probably be something for everybody.<br />
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Because running has become so widespread with athletes of all ability levels and backgrounds, I find it very difficult to slap a one size fits all definition on the term and can only describe how I coach. As with most topics in life, there will be some that fundamentally disagree with my attitude and approach. I can simply and humbly say that they may be correct as there is no true recipe or conclusive evidence that shows any one style to be better than the next. I will do my best to explain my outlook on the subject.<br />
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I am the Ultra Running Head Coacih for PrsFit, an online based coaching program founded by my mentor and personal coach, Jeff Kline, that works with athletes in a one on one basis primarily through emails, phone calls, social media, video analysis and online logging. I don’t have certifications from any of the major or minor programs available. This is something I do not attempt to hide or dance around when somebody approaches me for a potential coach/athlete relationship. Some people want certifications and I am always happy to point them in the right direction. The athletes I coach are looking to improve and believe that I can help them based on my own experiences and results.<br />
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Ultra running has grown substantially over the past few years. With the growth there have been many changes, some good and bad, along the way but that is a topic for another day. One thing that has not changed is the amount of work it takes to walk away from an ultra feeling like you hit all your goals. I have found that not all runners are wired the same. Not just physically but mentally. Every individual has their own goals and vision of what they want to do. It is not a coach’s job to tell them what they want - it is a coach’s job to listen and help them achieve the realistic dreams that are uniquely their own. Some people come to me with the goal of finishing a 100 miler under the cutoff. Others want to shoot for a sub 24, sub 20 or a sub 18 hour finish time. Each one of these athletes will require a different course of action and planning that is specific to their expectations. The world of ultra running has grown to encompass all levels of trails, terrain and we are seeing many more road or smooth surface races such as the Frisco Railroad Run. A one size fits all approach or pre-written plan might work to some extent, as it does at any level or distance, but it won’t get the athlete the maximum results possible.<br />
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I am a believer in effort based training over paced based training. I do believe that pace based training has it’s benefits but overall I find that effort based training works better for the athletes I coach. Running the majority of training runs at 65-75% max effort yields great results and allows runners to log more miles and learn how to run on tired legs, body and mind. Ultras are weird. For the majority of us they aren’t really a race in the traditional aspect - they are more about personal achievement and finding out what they can do. 50k’s can be run much like a marathon, training can be similar even when run on a trail, provided the course isn’t too technical. But when jumping to a 50 miler many things change. The race doesn’t really start until the back half and knowing that the body can continue to push when the mind is screaming to stop is huge.<br />
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My general approach to winning this battle is to train by time. Mileage based training runs tend to wreak havoc on the brain. “Oh man… I have to run 25 miles today. That’s going to take XXXX hours. I can leave at XXXX and be home in time for….” That’s great unless it doesn’t go as planned or the idea of TWENTY FIVE FREAKING MILES is intimidating. With a time based plan I can tell them to go run 5 hours or whatever amount I think it will take for them to cover the mileage I would like to see based off of their previous running logs. 5 hours is 5 hours no matter how you cut it. Leave at 6 am and get home at 11 am. There is no reason to freak out or wonder if they will be home before the in-laws show up for lunch at noon. In most cases the mileage matches what I had in mind or gets very close, give or take a few miles. But… everybody is different and some may need the set parameters of mileage. In those cases we adjust.<br />
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I like for ultra runners, from 50k to 100 miles, to run 5 days per week with strength, core work or yoga mixed in on the non-running days. Each workout sets up the next. Depending on goals, there may be a good mix of step up runs, intervals and hill repeats mixed in once the base period is over and the goal event gets closer. Some runners may never see any real ‘speed work’ as their experience and goals dictate. Jim Lane finished his first 100 last September after a couple of DNF’s. His goal was to finish. We didn’t mix in any speed other than the occasional short negative split run. He finished in spectacular fashion and has an awesome buckle to show for it. Others will have a lot of harder effort runs mixed in to reach realistic but lofty goals. Derek Glos is a recent example of training for a 100 miler with a healthy dose of ‘speed work’ mixed in. It paid off with PR of almost 3 hours and a sub 18 hour finish in the 100 Mile National Trail Championship held at Rocky Raccoon in February.<br />
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There is a general misconception that effort based training for ultras make runners slow down. This isn’t exactly true. I have had many athletes PR 5k’s through marathons while training for longer races without specifically targeting the shorter distances. Last year I had one that shaved one minute off his 5k time and 43 minutes off his marathon PR while training for a 50 miler. Just a few weeks ago, Kris Bossert set a half marathon PR on her way to the upcoming Frisco 50k. Many athletes come out of a big ultra, take a short break to reset and then ramp up to a half or full marathon with amazing results.<br />
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Does everybody need a running coach? Nope. I really don’t believe a running coach is for everybody. Running is a journey. A very personal journey. The vast majority of us are weekend warriors that have embarked on a mission to change our lives for whatever reason. A BQ is awesome. A sub 24 buckle is a great feeling and really helps boost the self esteem level for a few days. But then it’s right back to real life. Job, kids, all the adult responsibilities that always get in the way of our hobbies. Hiring a running coach is just another option or a step in the process. Not everybody is there and some may never find a desire to change what they are doing. We learn by doing, experimenting and exploring. Ultra runners, for the most part, have a strong will (this means they are unusually stubborn and hard headed) and set in their ways. Many don’t want or need the structure of a plan or the accountability of a coach. Others, like I did myself several years ago, find themselves stuck in the crossroads and need a little direction in order to get over the hump and step up to the next level. Only those who are willing to be coached should actually look for a coach. There is no reason to hire a coach if you plan to continue doing it your own way. <br />
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When I talk to potential clients, we interview each other to make sure it’s going to be a good fit. My expectations are simple. I want somebody who will set a specific goal. The goal does not have to be a race on the calendar but it does have to be specific. They need to be committed and realistic. Their family needs to be on board because without the support and backing from the entire household it will be very difficult to find the time and make it work. They have to have the desire and motivation to see it through. I also coach youth football, youth soccer, little league baseball and an adult semi pro football team in my spare time. None of that has anything to do with running but it does help reinforce the notion that desire and motivation are internal things that can not be coached. I can provide support, accountability and a roadmap of how to get there but I can not be the only reason they are getting out the door on a daily basis. That has to come from inside and be set in stone. I also want them to know that it will be hard. They will be tired. They might want to quit. They will probably have to slow down. This almost always means they will have to deal with the embarrassment of trying to explain when they post on Strava, Garmin Connect or Facebook. That is something they will have to get past. Nobody really cares anyway but it’s tough on the ego. Basically, let your friends race on training runs and you can pass them on race day.<br />
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On the flip side of that they need to know what the general plan is, what equipment they need and what my fees are. They should expect that I will be available and willing to answer questions within a reasonable timeframe - meaning don’t text me at 2 a.m. and expect an immediate answer to a question about yesterday's run. Unless they are at mile 75 of a 100 miler - then I will probably be up and waiting for them to call or text. They should expect that I will look at their logs everyday, monitoring progress and will provide feedback as necessary. They should know that running is physically tough but injuries can be avoided by simply communicating. I will never tell them that they put too much information into a workout log or they should just gut it out when dealing with aches and pains. If we communicate on the little things and the plan is executed properly the risk of injury goes down to almost zero. They should expect that I will listen to complaints, or talk them off the ledge when life seems crazy because… well….the mental side of running is much tougher than the physical. While I can’t make it to every race, as the people I coach are scattered throughout the country, I do make an effort to go to as many as possible to crew, support and pace.<br />
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There are many different approaches, styles and definitions for running coaches. For me it comes down to this - There is absolutely nothing more rewarding than watching an athlete work hard, stay focused and surprise themselves with results beyond their own expectations. Coaching is much more than physical training. It is also about creating an atmosphere of confidence and pushing the self perceived limitations set by the runner. It involves the knowledge that with the right guidance, hard work and steady resolve by the athlete along with seeing the type of results along the way that remove the mental barriers - anything is possible.<br />
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David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-52761022263007398642016-05-12T10:49:00.001-05:002016-05-12T10:49:03.993-05:00IRC Drop Bag Raffle<br />
This amazing Handmade Idiots Running Club Drop Bag will be raffled for the Relay for Life. This is the same (minus the minor differences that come from custom made products) as the bag that was previously brought $1,000 in our online auction.<br />
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Raffle tickets are $11.27 each and can be purchased by making a direct donation to the Relay for Life via this link ----> <a href="http://bit.ly/PrizeEyeing">http://bit.ly/PrizeEyeing</a><br />
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Tickets will be sold until 10 pm on June 10th and a winner will be chosen via a random number generator at that time. The drawing will be streamed live but nobody will watch so I will contact the winner that night.<br />
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After you make your donation I will send you your raffle ticket #. It may not be an immediate reply so please be patient.<br />
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Thanks to Springfield, MO firefighter and Idiot, Jim Lane, for his extraordinary craftsmanship, generosity and dedication in the fight against the evil that is cancer.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ie7AvH9mqrI" width="420"></iframe>David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-64006876613312702702016-05-04T10:40:00.001-05:002016-06-01T10:49:12.180-05:00ElliptiGo Arc Relay for Life Raffle ****0 TICKETS REMANING**** updated at 10:50 CST 5/29/2016<br />
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Congrats to Norman Eubank from Pontiac, MO on winning the first ElliptiGo Arc Raffle. Stay tuned for another opportunity.<br />
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You know you NEED one of these.<br />
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Raffle tickets are $16.58 each with a limited quantity of 181 available. Retail value is $1299.<br />
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Why the weird numbers? Because.<br />
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All proceeds above my costs will benefit the ACS via the Idiots Running Club Relay for Life Team.<br />
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After you complete your purchase I will send you the potentially winning number. On June 10th (or before if the 181st ticket is sold prior to the 10th) a winner will be selected using a random number generator app and will be streamed live for all to witness. That's as fair as it gets.<br />
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Delivery will be approximately 10 days after a winner is chosen. Free Shipping included in the continental U.S. Only.<br />
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Use the paypal button to purchase ALL the tickets. Good luck.<br />
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<br />David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-45966315024042196052016-03-09T12:45:00.000-06:002016-03-09T12:53:53.455-06:00Just Say No<i><b>We don't know what the future holds but the one thing we can count on with absolute certainty is that we are in the driver’s seat and have the ability to choose how fast we get there and the direction we drive.</b></i><br />
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Many times in life we find ourselves involved in things we really don't want to do. For runners it happens all the time. Why? Because, while running is a personal journey, it is also a very socially active community. You can show up to a race as a stranger and leave with many new friends. This is a very cool aspect of our dumb hobby but it can also cause us to do silly things. Like sign up for an event because everybody else is or it feels like people expect you to join them. Here's some solid advice- If it's not your idea, really and truly your idea, then don't do it. Don't rush the process. Just say no. Here's why….<br />
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The best part of accomplishing any goal is the journey to get there, the hours of hard work you put in and the feeling of knowing that every ounce of sweat is bringing you closer to the dream. If that is compromised then every step will follow and when the big day comes, regardless of how others view the results, you will be unhappy knowing that you could have done more along the way. Putting something on hold until you can dedicate yourself fully to the mission is much different than abandoning any notion of chasing the dream.<br />
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I had a very vivid moment of clarity during my DNF at Leadville a couple of years ago. It was something I already knew but had never really understood or tested. If YOU don't want something, if you are doing it for anybody other than yourself, for any reason other than the simple fact that YOU want to do it, if you don't feel the fire to train then YOU don't really want it and should take a hard look at why you are there in the first place. Running isn't always a selfish sport, helping others is top of the list awesome, but the decision to chase YOUR goals is, and must be, a selfish decision.<br />
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I have run many races and raised money for charities, specifically the ACS, simply because I thought it was expected of me. Note the word ‘thought’ in that statement. In reality, nothing was expected of me from anyone other than myself in some self absorbed and warped egotistical world. I can go back on my blog entries and read between the words of many race reports and tell you exactly which ones were driven by this nonsense and my mindset wasn't right for the day. I don't regret any of it, because money and awareness was always raised and that is very important to me, but there have been many life lessons learned through those experiences.<br />
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Take your time, get your head right and decide what it is you want to accomplish before jumping in with both feet. Once you KNOW what it is everything else will fall into place. It doesn't have to be a half marathon, full, 50k, 100 miler or something that will impress anybody else. Just has to be something that impresses you and makes you proud of yourself. Going from "talk" to actually doing something is an internal and very personal decision that starts and ends with you.<br />
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It's fun to dream about running the Barkleys or Badwater but timing is everything. Right now if either of those opportunities presented themselves I would choose not to take them. That doesn't mean that I wouldn't pursue them later or I couldn't get it done. Just means that right now I am at a point in my life where I am not ready to commit and truly focus on what is required to do it right. In fact, just last year I had to pass on an amazing opportunity to join a team for an adventure race of epic proportions. It was a truly tough decision but I knew that I wouldn't be able to give everything needed to truly help the team. I could have been selfish and went anyway but that wouldn't have been fair to anybody - especially myself.<br />
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The future holds many opportunities. Nothing has to happen today, tomorrow or even this year. Once in a great while something comes along that is truly a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity but those are incredibly rare. Most things can wait until the time is right for you. Run your race on your terms.<br />
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David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-72498793766229430862016-02-10T15:32:00.000-06:002016-02-10T15:32:43.658-06:00Inspired It's been a while since I last wrote about running, racing or life in general. The reasons are many but it basically comes down to an all around lack of motivation to share my meaningless thoughts. My definition of motivation is simply the desire to gain reward or accomplish a goal. Any steps required to reach the reward or goal are just the means to make it happen. The motivation for writing, for me, has always been to release some inner thoughts, views or to process something that is personal to me. Whether or not anybody actually read any of it was inconsequential and unimportant. So let that be a warning before you proceed. The nonsense written here today is basically a therapy session for me.<br />
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Often times, as adults, we struggle between real life, grown up things and holding on to our youth. As a runner, it is sometimes difficult to balance life, work, kids, bills, health and our hobbies. Over the past year or two I have found it increasingly difficult to find time for myself to continue chasing PR’s or collecting more 100 mile buckles. This is not a complaint- I have a very good life. I've been married to a wonderful and beautiful woman for 18 years, have 3 kids that I love more than anything in this world, hold a decent job, own a home in a wonderful community and am able to enjoy great moments with those who are most important to me. I am lucky and happy in those regards.<br />
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As with all things in life, there are areas that could be better. I love to run. I love to run long. I love running down a challenge and testing myself against the trail. Lately I haven't made enough time for those things. The list of reasons seem long but as I scan through them I see they are merely excuses. I coach one football team or another year round. I go to every basketball game that my boys play. I help coach little league baseball. I have a daughter that is one year old. I work a lot of hours in my “real job” and spend many hours each day going over data, workout logs and messages from the runners that I coach. I spend way too much time building and finding ways to make the Idiots Running Club a better environment and worthwhile community for runners of all abilities and backgrounds.<br />
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Each one of these things really have no bearing on why I am not training like I should. So… It brings me back around to motivation. In order to run 100 miles, or any distance, well it takes the motivation to accomplish the goal. Without the motivation to seriously challenge myself I am left with an attitude of nonchalance towards getting in the daily miles. I don't run for fitness. I don't preach a healthy, active lifestyle to those I meet. That stuff is just a byproduct of going the distance. I run to challenge myself, to feel good about myself, to push myself to a higher standard of me and to cash in on accomplishments that mean nothing to everybody else but give me a sense of inner pride.<br />
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Often times, we find ourselves in situations that seem to have no impact on us at the time but are later revealed as a turning point or ah-ha moment. I recently had one of those encounters and the fire to push myself to a new level has never been brighter. The character and motivation witnessed at the 2016 Rocky Raccoon 100 miler over the past weekend has served as a great reminder of personal goals that I have yet to achieve.<br />
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Over the period of 24 hours I witnessed a display of super human strength and endurance from normal people. People with a real life, jobs, kids, bills, families and all the extra stuff that accompanies. What I did not witness was any excuses to fail or quit. They came into the day prepared for the long journey ahead and the motivated ability to make it happen. Nobody said they didn't train because they were too busy, nobody complained about the bad weather during the training cycle and nobody thought they would not finish.<br />
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I don't advertise or discuss the fact that I coach ultra runners much in public or on social media despite having a decent audience to pimp this stuff. Not because I don't enjoy it or am somehow embarrassed by it but because I don't see a need. Coaching is very rewarding and enjoyable to me but it's not something that is for everybody. Most runners start out reading books, magazines or blogs and, in my opinion, need to figure out the basics that work for them before finding a coach. I am not certified, don't claim to be and don't have any plans at this time to hang anything on my wall. I don't say this as a slight against anybody that has any certifications, just making it clear that I don't as I know there are many for whom that is important. The athletes I coach all know this and are very much okay hiring me based on my running history and are okay with this fact.<br />
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I do coach Derek. He is a good friend and we worked together for his first 100 miler back in 2014 and he did very well. For Rocky Raccoon he wanted to do better and we put a plan together with the goal of finishing around 18 hours. He worked hard, didn't skip any workouts and never complained. Watching, crewing and eventually pacing him for the final 20 miles is a highlight in my running life. His splits were near perfect for where I had hoped and his resolve to hit the goal never wavered. At the end of a grueling day he crossed the line in 17:44:44, 11th overall and 7th in the USATF 100 Mile National Trail Championships. I was beyond excited and happy for him. He did the work and made it happen. This was his “victory” and a great finish that really and very little to do with me but… It kicked up the fires for me.<br />
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I also coach Indika. She is an amazing person and solid runner. She has been beat up by this same course before and was looking for redemption. Her training cycle was excellent. The long runs were spot on and recovery was fast. Going in, we both had zero doubts about her finishing and collecting the coveted belt buckle. Her splits through the day were spot on and she remained strong passing through each aid station. As she ticked the miles down it was clear to me that her hard work was going to pay off in a big way. Of course, nothing is ever guaranteed on these things and she encountered some trouble deep into the race. The course is notorious for its root covered trails and Indika stepped on one wrong causing severe pain and swelling in her foot. She pushed through for another 20 miles before it became evident that this was not just a simple bruise and had to pull the plug. Obviously she was very disappointed but I remain extremely proud of her and the resolve she showed. The disappointment she feels is not shared by others, we feel sympathy and an understanding that an unfortunate misstep ended her day at mile 72.5. There are many things we can't control and the only way to deal with them is to continue looking forward. Calling this attempt a failure would be stupid. Failure is an internal thing that occurs when we quit. Indika does not know how to quit.<br />
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Jeff is a dick. Not really. He is great dude and good friend. I don't coach him. (Though there is an open ended offer if he ever chooses that path) Jeff is one of those ultra runners that has more talent than most but, for some reason, never really capitalizes on his ability. We talked about this before the race, during the race and after the race. The conversation evolved from me asking him why he didn't ever just go for broke and smash a sub 20 hour finish to me telling him to keep it steady and eventually ended with me screaming and congratulating him on a great 19:30 finish. He ran very smart and focused that day. He did everything right. Derek and I passed Jeff and his pacer, Justin, on a short out and back late in the race. Jeff was at mile 85 and told me he was shooting for a 19:30 finish. I loved seeing him looking so strong and hearing him declare, out loud, that he was taking a shot. It was about freaking time. His 19:30 finish beat my own course PR by 7 minutes and, despite our never ending friendly competition, I was ecstatic for him. It also kicked the fires a little brighter.<br />
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Crewing, pacing and just being around these three amazing people over the weekend was a blast. If you ever wonder if you could run a 100 miler then sign up and make it happen. If you want to know what a 100 miler is really all about then go crew some friends and the real story will be revealed. Character, perseverance, happiness, pain, mental strength and courage are all on display throughout the day and night.<br />
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Watching from the sidelines of a 100 is a lot like watching a Rocky movie for the first time. Or the twentieth time. You come out full of adrenaline and are ready to conquer the world. Being a small part of these three runners extraordinary weekend has me thinking that just maybe there are a few goals left to chase…..<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1xMjy2qG0EU" width="560"></iframe>David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-43148936414426557662015-09-30T06:41:00.000-05:002015-09-30T15:18:50.198-05:00Rules for Life<div style="text-align: left;">
These are MY rules for life. You may have your own or none at all. It's really none of my business what you do. If you disagree with any or all of these rules... Okay. My guess is that one day, many generations from now, the world's greatest scholars will attempt to interpret each Rule as written. To avoid world wide debate, discussion and probably a few wars, I have decided to define each in an effort to protect the future of mankind and promote world peace. </div>
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<b>Rule #1 - Just be a nice guy and the rest will follow.</b></div>
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This one is simple enough. Treat people with respect, kindness and understanding. Life is a boomerang and you will get back what you throw out. Most of the time. *See Rule #2.<br />
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<b>Rule #2 - Carry a baseball bat just in case Rule #1 doesn't work out.</b></div>
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Obviously, there will be times when people just suck and act without regard to others. Treat them accordingly.<br />
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<b>Rule #3 - Don’t be a dirtbag.</b></div>
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Lying, cheating, stealing and bullying are characteristics of a dirtbag. Don't do that crap.<br />
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<b>Rule #4 - Never compromise absolutes.</b><br />
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If you draw a line in the sand - don't cross it or allow it to be crossed. Keep your integrity in all situations and don't let others dictate your principles.<br />
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<b>Rule #5 - Don’t be stupid.</b><br />
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Uhhh.... Just don't be stupid.<br />
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<b>Rule #6 - Don’t be a pussy.</b><br />
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Keep your courage strong. Don't let fear overrun the desire to succeed.<br />
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<b>Rule #7 - Eye on the Prize.</b><br />
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Resolve to accomplish a realistic goal. Decide on a course of action. Make it happen. Don't chase shiny objects along the way or let the process become derailed because the required steps take a lot of effort and focus. Know that there won't be a band of cheerleaders coming along daily to give you the rah-rah "motivation" to do the work. The prize is the only <u><i><b>real motivation</b></i></u> to do the hard, yet not always fun, work that is necessary.<br />
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<b>Rule #8 - Remove the problem and there is no problem.</b><br />
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Detach from the source of stress. Could mean cutting ties in a relationship or giving up pizza. Could mean finding a new job or career path. If you aren't happy - find the source of the problem and fix it.<br />
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<b>Rule #9 - Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.</b><br />
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Even when there is a great plan in place - things will go wrong. Don't freak out and panic. Regroup and find a way to push through. It's called perseverance.<br />
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<b>Rule #10 - Save the drama for yo’ mama.</b><br />
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Nobody cares about the senseless gossip and whining. Life isn't always fair but most of the time it is fair when the situation is viewed honestly and objectively. If you feel slighted or are offended by something see Rule #8.<br />
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<b>Rule #11 - Separate the bullshit from reality.</b><br />
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In times of great stress, sorrow or endurance simple tasks can seem impossible. During these times just take what you <b><i>KNOW</i></b> to be true and separate them from what you <b><i>THINK</i></b> to be true. Then refer to Rules 5, 6, 8 and 9.<br />
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<br />David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-52743457651525007962014-10-12T21:18:00.002-05:002014-10-14T09:48:13.407-05:00Not So Pretty In Pink.... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;">On
October 19, 2014 we will<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> </span>attempt to Turn The Trail Pink at the Dogwood
Canyon 50k. I will <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">run the course while wearing a</span> pink tutu in the spirit of
breast cancer awareness. I am asking (begging) for donations in the
amount of $5. For </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">each
$5 donation a ribbon will be personalized with the name of individuals that have been touched by cancer and attached to the tutu. ALL
of the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society through the Relay
for Life. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;">This <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">will ma<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">rk the 5th <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">year in a row that I <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">have lined up <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">to run th<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">is event in the t<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">utu<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> and it is never gets easy<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> to w<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">ear i<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">t in front of a large crowd<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> but <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">it is ALWAYS<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> worth<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> it in the e<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">n<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">d. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>When <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">I first <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">ran in the pink tutu </span></span>back in 2010, the original idea was to
support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It still is but after reflecting
on the reasons why I got involved in the <b>FIGHT</b>, I decided it would be better to honor all people touched with <b>ANY</b> form of cancer<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> and raise money to <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">help <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">eli<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">m<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">inat<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">e this terri<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">ble d<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">isease<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;"> All donations are
gladly accepted and to show support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, <b>EVERY</b> ribbon will be pink. All donations will benefit the Relay For Life. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">The Dogwood Canyon 50k is probably my all time favorite event. It is incredibly difficult with an insane amount of steep hills to climb throughout the 31 mile course, several creek crossings and an amazing support staff that makes it a top notch event each year. The crazy thing about this race is that I ALWAYS forget how freaking hard it really is and find myself surprised during the race. Always. You would think something like that would be simple to remember. "Dogwood Canyon is a tough course" somehow becomes "Dogwood Canyon? Yeah, that's a fun one. Let's do it again". I'm pretty sure that there are several Dogwood veterans that would agree. My training is less than it has been in the past so I expect the finishing time to be somewhere in the "ridiculously slow" range but whatever..... To say
that I'm 100% would be a lie but to sit out because of that would be an excuse. The plan will be to run, smile, drink water and make a
difference. With your support- this is a very achievable goal. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">Of course, like always, <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">a</span></span>ny
name received will be honored<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> regardles<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">s <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">of donation. </span></span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">If you cannot afford <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">to make a donation at this time<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;">you can still participate <span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">by </span>sending the names of thos<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">e</span> to honor.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;"><b> DO NOT</b> let finances keep you away from this. There are other ways to help and support the <b>FIGHT</b>. I urge you to get involved with this event<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">, others like it a<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">nd d<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;">o what you can to help</span></span></span>. We all have something to offer.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;">If you do choose to donate, you can do so by one of the following options.....</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 18px;">Through my<a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY15PL?px=15457368&pg=personal&fr_id=65286"> Relay for Life</a> page-</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px;">David Murphy</span></span></span><br />
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<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" style="font-family: Georgia,Utopia,"Palatino Linotype",Palatino,serif; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="UIStory_Message">~There's only one thing that can guarantee our failure, and that's if we quit.~</span></span></span></h3>
David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-5085513354435098742014-08-28T00:23:00.000-05:002014-08-28T03:53:28.111-05:00Failure and Success <div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-0994a7bb-1b0f-9abd-fc0e-834b8a32936d" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Once upon a time there was a dude that wanted to lose weight. He was out of shape and honest enough to know it. So on a cold January day in 2006 he embarked on a one mile run. It was slow and painful, he wanted to quit after the first 100 yards but he kept going. After a mere quarter of a mile he was huffing and puffing. At the halfway point he was gasping for air and mumbling to himself. By three quarters of a mile his side was hurting and he could see the light, hear the angels singing and knew that this was the biggest mistake of his life. Oddly enough, our hero did not die on that deserted county road. As he sat hunched over gasping for air, begging for water and wiping the sweat out of his eyes he suddenly felt a burst of pride and accomplishment knowing that he had just pushed himself past the point of comfortable and into another zone reserved for those that want to finish what they start despite the overwhelming desire and temptation to stop. He understood that if he quit that day he would never reach his goals.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This sounds like a dude that I can admire and want to emulate. His passion, dedication and competitive spirit are exactly the characteristics that I have often strived for. That never die, never quit, focus and finish what you start attitude has always been something that I have believed in. That day, January 16th, 2006 changed my life in many ways. I took the first painful steps in my “running journey” but it was also the first phase of my evolution into a different outlook on many things in life. As a runner, and a person, I have taken many different approaches and looked upon situations with new perspectives. I’m less judgmental as a person now but I’m also more demanding and expect more from people. Probably the person I expect the most from, at all times, is myself. It’s part of the game, I guess, to be your own harshest critic and question your effort and motivation at every aspect of life. Confidence in ability has a lot to do with it but most of it boils down to feelings of personal insecurity that can only be overcome by a strong resolve to work hard and do your best at every goal set. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I never dreamed that my biggest failure in running would translate into my biggest success. Sounds insane when I say it. Looks insane as I write it. It probably is insane but I have never felt more refreshed, free and focused as I do in the aftermath of dropping from the Leadville 100 miler. It was the easiest decision I have ever made when it comes to running. I have had some decent success in running events and days when the moon and stars aligned just right to make it a “perfect” day. I’ve also been on some real death marches where each mile seemed to stretch on forever and injuries, poor nutrition, inadequate hydration and lows that made me question everything have completely destroyed my ego. Opposite ends of the spectrum but the one commonality is that I ALWAYS finished what I started. Marathons with pneumonia, 50 milers with a knee the size of a football, 100 milers in the rain, ice and humidity so thick it was like running through Jello. Nothing had ever clouded my focus and desire to finish with the best time the day and course would offer. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Leadville 100 miler is an old and legendary race. This was the 32nd year of the historic event and I had a bib, running shoes and a headlamp. I had everything I needed to knock out an easy 100, grab a buckle and go drink some beer at the finish line. Almost everything. Ultras, 100 milers specifically, are a mental game that requires focus, dedication and that old “Eye on the Prize” attitude. Without those tools there is no way to be successful. You have to want it, really want it- not just say you want it, or nothing good will happen. The day will be long and miserable, the night, if you are lucky enough to last that long, will destroy your will to continue and drag your ego into a deep dark place that is difficult to recover from. Physically it’s just another 100 miler and it will beat up your body, like they all do, but mentally it will destroy you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My Leadville adventure started in January. I signed up on the first day to ensure a slot at the urging of my friend Jim Lane. This was his dream race and it was to be his first 100 miler. I wasn’t too excited, mainly because my focus was on the upcoming Rocky Raccoon 100, but signed up anyway. Rocky turned out differently than I had hoped, coming in 3 hours slower than I had anticipated, and I found myself in a bit of post race funk. In March I suffered an injury at a 30 hour endurance run in Enid, Oklahoma which left me sidelined for a couple of months. My funk was prolonged and my focus on Leadville became non-existent. It was tough to get back into the grind of training and the typical 80-100 plus mile weeks just didn’t happen. It became very easy to look for an excuse to skip a run or strength workout where in the past I always found a reason to get it done. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I told myself over and over that I still wanted to run Leadville but, looking back, it’s easy to see that my focus wasn’t there. The early morning runs became less frequent and the weekend “binges” of long miles became a thing of the past. Coach Jeff laid out a great training plan but I chose to ignore it and use every excuse I could grasp to justify. So many times I would laugh and think, “I still have time, my base is great and it’s only 100 miles. I can fake it if needed.” Well…. time ran out and some things are hard to fake. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I was prepared for the altitude. I mean, I was prepared to expect it to be a little more difficult to breathe and honestly, that wasn’t much of a problem. What surprised me was the dry air that seemed to suck every drop of water from my body and just how HOT the sun would feel at higher elevations. Of course, any genius with access to a computer could have googled some of this information but I am far from genius on any IQ scale. I ran out of water early in the race, didn’t properly prepare by having a hat or sunglasses and didn’t bother with electrolyte pills and skipped the aid station food because it didn’t appeal to me at the time. All of these are rookie mistakes that a seasoned ultra-runner doesn’t make. Unless they are arrogant and foolish. I am not a rookie but I do qualify for the latter. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The trails were beautiful and completely runnable. The inclines were easily walked and enjoyable but then again… I never made it to Hope Pass. The weather was perfect, it was hot but only because I was overdressed and didn’t have a good understanding of the local climate. My cardio was good but my courage was not. By mile 20 I knew that I was done. Any chance of a decent finish time was long gone and while I wasn’t “dehydrated” I was very much behind. Nothing that couldn’t be overcome physically but mentally I was done. I started walking more frequently and thought about dropping at the mile 23 aid station but decided to continue on and see what the day would bring. Around mile 25, Jim passed me and I told him that I had a decision to make. In retrospect, it’s easy to see that the decision was made long before I lined up at the starting line.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As I walked and shuffled through the next 15 miles, I tried to find a reason to continue and finish the race. It just wasn’t happening. I kept coming back to the same thoughts, “I don’t want to be out here for 28-30 hours. I don’t want to be beat up for two weeks. I don’t want a buckle that I will always look at and feel like I didn’t earn.” These thoughts solidified my resolve to quit. I was going to violate the Idiots Running Club Oath - the oath that I wrote - and just quit. I was going to “earn” my first DNF and I was okay with that. Once I came to terms and accepted the facts for what they were a peace came over me and it was like the weight of the world was lifted. I was going to quit. And it was going to be okay. The world would not explode, children would still have christmas and life would continue on. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I took a minute to call my wife and let her know. That was more difficult. Telling somebody you love, the one person that always has your back and supports all this nonsense, that it’s time to pull the plug makes it real. I cried like a baby, not because I was sad but because I was trying to explain to her something that I really didn’t understand. Naturally she assumed I was hurt and not telling her. Yes, that is something that I would do and have done. But not this time. I remember her asking, “So… you’re NOT hurt but you are quitting? I don’t understand……” It was tough because I didn’t really understand either but I knew in my heart that it was the right thing for me to do. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As I came in to the Twin Lakes aid station, Chris Oles was waiting on the trail. Chris had drove up from Texas the day before to pace/crew for me. It was a big deal to me that he would do this. His friendship is something I value and the respect I have for him as a person and ultra runner is very high. Immediately I felt that I had let him down, wasted his time and selfishly screwed up his weekend. He didn’t care about all that. He just hugged me, smiled and told me that he was glad I was okay. My time had slipped to a point where the cutoff was approaching and he had assumed that I was injured or mauled by a bear. That is something I will take with me as I continue my journey - the character and friendship that he showed in that moment is something that I will strive for. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I hit the aid station at exactly 10 hours, which is the cutoff time to continue, and the race officials gave me the option of continuing. I was done. I looked at Coach Jeff and before I could reply he simply said, “Murph- let’s go drink some beer.” Was he reading my mind? Sometimes I wonder about him. I turned in my bib and timing chip and then went to “face the music” of all the crew members and supporters that had showed up. We had several IRC and PRS teammates running and the support was unbelievable. Runners from all over had come to cheer us on and help out. I was expecting looks of disappointment but all I received were pats on the backs, hugs and fist bumps. Ellen Losew had made the trip from Kansas to pace me during the late miles but my decision put an end to that plan. Once again, I was humbled by character and friendship. Runners are weird but very cool and compassionate. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So with my day over, I decided to go check on Jim who was making his way over Hope Pass. Jeff and I went to the Winfield aid station and waited. And waited. And waited. Finally we were notified that Jim had missed the cut off on top of Hope Pass and was turned back down the mountain to Twin Lakes. This made my heart sink because I knew how bad he wanted this race. Unlike me, Jim had worked his ass off in training and truly had focus. I would have given anything to see him get that buckle but I know he will be back to earn one. No doubt in my mind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">While we were at Winfield, Justin McCune came through and was looking like a man on a mission. I tried to help him as much as I could without getting in the way of his crew. He didn’t waste much time and quickly headed to the difficult climb back over Hope Pass. I seen Justin one more time back at Twin Lakes. He was still looking strong and picked up a new pacer, Kerri, to lead him through the night. It was getting cold and since I had a bag full of warm clothes and was obviously not going to be needing them I begged him to at least take a warm shirt and some extra gloves that I had. Runners are stubborn but he finally agreed and was off. I got the report later that he had dropped around mile 72. Another heart breaker for me because he was also a guy that was focused through training and had been dreaming of the buckle. Again, no doubt that he will be return with success. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chris and I spent the rest of the night tracking Jeff Jones, a phenomenal ultra runner and friend, along with his pacer Derek Glos. We managed to talk to them at mile 76 and they were tired, cold and basically beat up. But one look at Jeff and it was obvious that he was still in control and very much on top of the mental games that come with the late miles of a 100. I have been fortunate enough to pace him for the final 25 miles of a 100 and knew, without a doubt, that his resolve to finish would not fade. He is a tough dude that truly keeps his “Eye on the Prize”. He crossed the finish line in just over 27 hours and made us all proud. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I look back and see so many good things that happened that day. Jim and Justin both pushed themselves to the limit, leaving nothing on the course and able to walk away with their heads held high. Jeff’s perseverance and desire to conquer the mountains left me in awe. I have nothing but respect for the effort all three of these individuals put forth in Leadville. It is an honor and a privilege to include them and everybody that came out to support as my friends. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As far as my own personal feelings. I am good. I am free. The monkey is off my back. I don’t know how many people were tracking online during the race but I’m sure there were at least 2 or 3. Back when that dude ran one mile in 2006, there was no way that he could have handled to “humiliation” of failure on such a big stage. That is one characteristic that I am happy not to own in 2014. I have learned that it’s okay to have a bad day, a bad training cycle, to admit when enough is enough and to let people know that I’m not really from planet Krypton. I’m human and I can find success in the midst of failure. It’s a humbling realization to know that coming up short isn’t the end - it’s just another step in journey. I’ll go back to Leadville one day but it won’t happen without proper preparation and focus. For now…. I’m just going to run, smile, drink water and not die for a while. </span></span></div>
<br />David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-88111849483926886462014-07-07T00:33:00.001-05:002014-07-07T00:33:48.555-05:00Eye on the Prize....I'm not Blinking"Play hard. Have fun. Do your best. Be proud of yourself but stay humble." These are the things I remember from my childhood. Success wasn't always measured in wins and losses. It was measured by effort, smiles, steady improvement and humility. I wasn't a phenomenal athlete. Probably not even considered "good" by most standards but I always had fun, put forth my personal best effort, improved over time and stayed true to myself. I learned early on that competitive nature is much different from driven. Competitions can be won or lost. Drive is that weird thing that never stops. You don't ever lose but you're not going to ever win either. It's always there to push you just a little harder, leave you feeling insecure and can be very humbling no matter how well you perform.<br />
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Of course there is room for both. I have ran some races where a window has opened and allowed me to see a legitimate chance to "win". When that happens the competitive nature takes over and it's time to go. But really, most "races" for me aren't about trying to win or compete with the elites - it's about pushing myself to personal limits and looking for that steady improvement. Nobody likes to lose but, honestly, running is a sport that, in a way, rewards us for losing. This sounds bad but it's not. It's the kind of reward that brings us back to the starting line over and over.<br />
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Runners are weird. It's not the chance to win the top trophy that brings thousands of runners to a race. Most of us know that we won't even catch a quick glance at the top runners on the course. We go for ourselves. To chase personal records, course records or the reward of another finishers medal. We are okay with coming in 564th place as long as we put forth the best effort our bodies would allow that day. Success is measured individually through a private question and answer session. "Did I leave it all on the course? Could I have pushed a little harder? Did I stay tough mentally? How will I do better next time?" We will ALWAYS ask that last question. ALWAYS.<br />
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So... Here I sit. Just 6 weeks from the Leadville 100 miler in Colorado. Probably the biggest race I have ever participated in and I am questioning my "drive". This is new for me. I have a million excuses as to why I don't feel that old familiar push - the VOICES have been quiet for a while - to do the work and make it happen. Don't get me wrong, I have been working - just not as hard as I feel that I should or could. I have mentioned this before but it seems to be more in the forefront than ever.... I always feel like a fraud when I line up at the start of any race, even a 5k, but especially for a 100 miler. I look around and see all the "runners" and question everything. "Why am I here? Do I really belong? Should I get a little further back in the pack to start? Oh... this dude looks fast- don't try to keep up with him...."<br />
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It's definitely been a strange year for me up to this point. The Rocky Raccoon 100 was less than spectacular but it was still a decent time in the overall scheme of things. I mean, a 21:30 finish isn't the end of the world and I still placed well and went home with a 5th sub 24 buckle. Obviously, it wasn't what I had hoped for and the "weather" excuse does little to console my bruised ego. That was followed by my big "comeback" in March out in Enid, Oklahoma during the 30 hour endurance run. 6 mile loops resetting every hour and a half had me thinking I could easily go over 100 miles and grab a buckle - if not win the whole event. That went bad and I had to pull out with an calf injury just 9 hours in and left me on the sideline for a couple of months. This forced me to skip my favorite fundraising event, The Annual Honor Scroll 50 Miler in Ouachita. As I eased back into training there was another personal life event that has me distracted and the whole "Eye off the Prize" thing became non-existent.<br />
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So... Here I sit. Just 6 weeks from the Leadville 100 miler in Colorado. Probably the biggest race I have ever participated in and I am.... going on the record to say that I will kick ass. It may not be the time I dreamed of when I signed up, it may not be pretty but it will be a sustained, all out, no holds barred effort to push myself over the mountain and back again. I have asked all the questions. "Do you still WANT to run Leadville? Do you still WANT to do your best? Are you willing to hurt and sacrifice? Are you prepared to push yourself to the limit both mentally and physically for a stupid belt buckle that will not change your life one bit?" No matter how many times I ask- the answer is always, YES!!!" <br />
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There is a huge difference between saying that you want something and actually doing the work to make it happen. The drive is still there. It's just been buried under a hodgepodge of nonsense for a few months. I am confident that things will work themselves out- they always do - and I will hit the starting line with no doubts about the outcome. I do WANT it and am willing to do the work. I did have some thought about making Leadville an Honor Scroll event but, for now, have decided to just run this one for me. It seems selfish in my mind but I also know that sometimes the added pressure of running for those brave warriors is very difficult and it may be more than I need to take on at this point. Of course... I have been known to change my mind.<br />
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Success is often measured in wins and losses by others. I will measure my own success by the drive, effort and pride put forth through the next six weeks of training and the relentless forward progress on race day. I will "win" when I cross the finish line with a smile and a the full knowledge that I did my best. I will remember that the goal is still as simple as it once was...... "Play hard. Have fun. Do your best. Be proud of yourself but stay humble." Eye on the Prize and I'm not blinking...... David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-40928629013490016322014-06-20T13:21:00.002-05:002014-06-20T13:22:29.264-05:00IRC Relay for Life Team<b style="font-weight: normal;"></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">As the sun began to rise, transforming night into day, the full moon remained visible in the early morning sky. For me, it was the perfect way to wrap up another 12 hour Relay for Life event. The final laps, as always, were run with tears leaking down my face and an attempt to hide the emotions from those that had braved the night. It never fails. I always cry knowing that this celebration of hope is, once again, coming to a close. I cry for those that we have lost, for those that are courageously fighting and for those that have won. I cry for the families, friends and caregivers. I cry secure in the knowledge that our children can one day live in a world where cancer is irrelevant.</span></span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJMX7fwiuhk/U6RzCaqNdrI/AAAAAAAACeg/BE33fH2Tg-o/s1600/10424280_10152534266724686_5114630902662855445_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJMX7fwiuhk/U6RzCaqNdrI/AAAAAAAACeg/BE33fH2Tg-o/s1600/10424280_10152534266724686_5114630902662855445_n.jpg" height="200" tabindex="-1" width="133" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Five years ago, I attended my first Relay for Life event. I didn't know much about it or what to expect. I only knew that I needed to go, needed to find a way to make a difference. Just six months prior, both of my parents had been diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo extensive surgery and treatment. Before that.... Cancer was just a word. Something that didn't affect me or those I loved. It was just one of those bad things that happened to other people. And then.... BAM!! I found out real fast that it was a horrible disease that does not discriminate and does affect everybody - not just other people. During the many weeks of camping out in hospitals, I would find time to slip out and hit the road for a run to clear my mind. Best therapy ever.</span></span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">During the many miles that followed I stopped asking "Why?" and started asking "What can I do to make a difference?" Somehow I came up with the idea to run a 50 miler and carry an Honor Scroll bearing the names of those that have battled the beast and, hopefully, raise some money to donate. I had been running for a few years and my running resume' included a few marathons and a 50k so it seemed reasonable to think that I might be able to cover 50 miles. I also knew that we had an event in Ozark County each year that had something to do with raising funds to fight cancer... just wasn't sure exactly what it was or if I could be a part of it. I reached out to a friend and she immediately signed me up on her team and helped with the logistics of fundraising.</span></span></b></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The first Honor Scroll run was a great success, raising over $1,000 for the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life. I somehow managed to navigate myself across the rough terrain of the Ouachita 50 miler in Little Rock, AR without completely falling apart. Looking back, it was probably the best day of running I've ever had and it completely opened my eyes to a new world. We can make a difference. We don't have to just sit back and let cancer win. If enough people do care and band together- we can win. I carried these thoughts into the Relay for Life that June.</span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I showed up at my first RFL with some extra shoes and a pink tutu in my bag. Why a pink tutu? Because somebody had pledged $100 if I wore it for one hour during the night while running around the track. I was NOT going to say no to a nice donation no matter how embarrassing. Believe me, it WAS embarrassing. For those of you that have seen the pink tutu at Dogwood Canyon the past few years - you now know how and why it all started. My plan was to run all night, for 12 hours, around our old high school track. Of course, you can't really run 12 hours at a RFL event due to ceremonies but I managed to get around 10 hours and 56 miles of running while raising a few more dollars for the ACS. I was a little surprised that there weren't really many runners at the event. A lot of people were walking, which is awesome, but I had the idea that there would be more runners. Obviously, I had a lot to learn about what exactly the Relay for Life was all about. </span></span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7X_T8BxyDA/U6RzFmZ9JXI/AAAAAAAACe0/vovXHfK_08s/s1600/10368956_10152220094733434_9102271186371571620_o.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 125px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 298px;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7X_T8BxyDA/U6RzFmZ9JXI/AAAAAAAACe0/vovXHfK_08s/s1600/10368956_10152220094733434_9102271186371571620_o.jpg" height="132" tabindex="-1" width="200" /></a></span></b></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Over the next few years I was on a team but really not a part of the team. They were great fundraisers and really knew the ins and outs of Relay but I kind of did my own thing all year and just showed up and ran. I feel very lucky that they brought me into the fold and generously helped me understand how things worked. Last year, I decided to start an Idiots Running Club team and see if we could get more people involved. It was a great experience and several runners jumped in to help out. We raised $8,800 and "won" Rookie Team of the Year honors.</span></span></b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There is a huge difference between just showing up with a pair of </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">shoes and actually being the Captain of a team. For me, the biggest and toughest adjustment is the amount of mileage I am able to run. This year I ran 27 miles.... less than half of the first years total. That's been the toughest part for me to digest but when I look around and see so many people actually RUNNING during the event, I know it's okay. Runners from all over the area (and around the country in a virtual sense) have joined the team and logged several miles. At this year's Relay on June 13th and 14th, fellow Idiot, Derek Glos made the trip to our little town and put in 36 miles to earn the top spot for most laps. Our team combined for over 160 miles of running throughout the night. That's 640 + laps around a high school track. That's a LOT of laps.</span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-37rtivw1rFs/U6RzFXWm7KI/AAAAAAAACew/-Kt8ISsogCA/s1600/1795375_10152224101398434_4343766299115937678_o.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-37rtivw1rFs/U6RzFXWm7KI/AAAAAAAACew/-Kt8ISsogCA/s1600/1795375_10152224101398434_4343766299115937678_o.jpg" height="130" tabindex="-1" width="200" /></a><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This year, the Idiots Running Club team raised close to $11,000 total through the combined fundraising efforts of many runners during the year. For us, this year's Relay for Life actually started last October with several Idiots donning pink shirts for the Dogwood Canyon events. Next up was the Rocky Raccoon 100 Miler in February where pledges of 10 cents per mile were collected. Shirts, drinking glasses and ornamental flowers were sold during the spring months. Everything wrapped up with personal donations and pledges for laps during the Relay for Life.</span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Runners are a special (by that I mean "weird") bunch of people. They are used to working hard and dedicating themselves to training for personal goals, PR's, qualifying times and trophies but this event does not offer those same rewards. It is not a race or competition. It is not about personal gain or goals. It takes a lot of time to put together a fundraiser and between work, kids, training and all of life's responsibilities there isn't much time left for stuff like this. And, to be honest, it really doesn't make a ton of sense to run several miles during a humid June night on an old asphalt track. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I am so proud and thankful to be a small part of a running community that bands together with that same dedication to make a real difference. Not for medals, trophies, buckles or Boston Qualifying times just the knowledge that they are a part of something much bigger than any of those rewards.</span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Everybody that participates in the Relay for Life has a special place in my heart. Obviously, it takes much more than one small team of runners to truly make a difference. The Idiots Running Club team was a tiny part of a huge effort in Ozark County this year. The grand total raised was over $70,000. It always blows my mind that a county made up of tiny towns that nobody has ever heard of can come together and pull this event off with such success. People are generous and hard work always pays off. I am very proud and fortunate to be a part of the Relay for Life. I strongly urge anybody that hasn't participated to get involved. For everybody that has been involved in one of these life changing events - Thank you. </span></span></b>David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-71463636832023335812014-06-12T11:02:00.000-05:002014-06-12T17:36:10.293-05:00Confidence<div>
Confidence is a tricky thing. No matter how many races or miles I run, confidence in my abilities is the one thing that I always struggle with. Usually a personal best or podium appearance is met with excitement for a short period followed by the nagging questions from the VOICES. "Was it just a fluke? Did the course measure out? Did you place well because of a good performance or was it because the competition wasn't there? What could you have done different to make it better? Did you leave it all on the course or did you wimp out and save some?" These questions are legitimate and I feel they should be asked but I also realize it can be a hindrance moving forward. I have always been and will remain my own biggest critic. I think that comes naturally to those that are constantly searching for ways to push forward through the boundaries of personal and perceived limitations.
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This year has been a tough one for me in the area of self confidence. Going into The Rocky Raccoon 100 miler back in early February I had the notion that I could, and would, finish in 18 hours and 30 minutes. Of course, like life, nothing in running is ever guaranteed and I struggled during the race. I took a chance during the first two loops and probably went too hard ignoring my hydration and nutritional needs for 40 miles. That was a big mistake but nothing I wouldn't try again. The humidity steadily increased and peaked at a ridiculous 93% and I was completely shot by mile 50. The humidity combined with my stupidity resulted in missing my goal by 3 hours. No excuses just poor planning on my part. </div>
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So... I acted like a baby and pouted around for weeks. It was tough. I refused to buy into the notion that the weather was a factor. The fact that almost half the field dropped that day wasn't enough to ease my pain because I always pride myself on performing well in the face of adversity. It's one of those things that really fire me up. My best races have come in icy conditions or crazy thunderstorms. To think that the humidity affected me so much was not acceptable. I made mistakes. Maybe I made them in training. Maybe I wasn't ready. Maybe I'm not as good at 100 milers as I thought. These thoughts are not new, in fact, there has never been a race that I lined up at where I didn't feel like a poser. </div>
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Luckily there was another opportunity in early March to regain my confidence after such a lackluster showing. The All Day Autism Run in Enid, Oklahoma. It was a 30 hour run that had a unique spin. 6 mile loops with the clock resetting every hour and a half. I could run 6 miles, grab a burger and chill for the remaining time before hitting the next loop. I could easily do 20 loops in that format, right? Wrong..... After just 6 loops (36 short miles) I experienced an intense pain in my calf muscle that ran all the way down to my ankle. It was a humiliating and devastating experience to have to pull out and watch the rest of the event play out. </div>
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Over the next month and a half I rested and rehabbed as my confidence spiraled down to an all time low. As I eased back into training, there was some serious thoughts to pulling out of the Leadville 100 this August. Thankfully I have completely freed my mind of the idea not to run Leadville. It's been a struggle to come back around, and my training is still sub par at the moment, but I'm ready to move forward and put the past where it belongs.<br />
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One of my favorite quotes says, "If what you did yesterday still seems big then you have done nothing today." I have used this to motivate and propel me towards the next big adventure/dumb stunt after some really great races. I'm not the smartest guy in he world and it takes me a while to fully grasp some things but I now understand that quote encompasses not only the good days but also the bad. I will remember that as I continue along the journey with a relentless forward motion. My own self doubt has worked as a motivator in previous years and I'm not about to let it become my Achilles heel now. <br />
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Tomorrow night, I will lace up my shoes and hit the track and run for something much bigger than a personal record or trophy. Much bigger than myself or the feelings of inadequacy that accompany most events. I will run for those that can't, for those that are fighting a battle much bigger than my own little problems. I will be running laps around an old asphalt track during the Relay for Life in Ozark County, Missouri. In the past I have put in 50-60 miles throughout the night while raising money for the American Cancer Society and I have no idea where I'll end up this weekend but I refuse to let personal issues cloud my focus and distract from the real fight against this horrible disease. I have found....no that's not right.... I have remembered exactly why I run, why I started pushing the distance, why I need to continue forward and it has nothing to do with me. That gives me a ton of confidence going into this weekend, knowing that it has nothing to do with me, that know matter how I feel or how much I whine, nothing changes unless we #FinishTheFight.<br />
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As always, I am accepting donations on behalf of the American Cancer Society via the Relay for Life. Just like in the past years, I will run laps in the pink or purple tutu. Since I will turn 42 at the halfway point of this years event- the magic number to "buy" an hour in these ridiculous costumes is....wait for it....$42. Obviously, donations for any amount will be accepted and appreciated. I would also urge you to get involved with your local Relay for Life and join in to make a difference and #FinishTheFight. </div>
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Check made payable to The American Cancer Society can be mailed;</div>
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David Murphy</div>
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212 Murphy Lane</div>
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Wasola, MO 65773</div>
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Donations can also be made online by clicking on the link below;</div>
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Or through paypal;</div>
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David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-13325206936478630622014-02-19T22:45:00.000-06:002014-02-20T10:05:55.831-06:00Rocky Racoon 100<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The trail disappeared into the darkness. My vision was blurred and it felt like I was floating. I was vaguely aware of Wilson trying to crack jokes as we made our way through a single track section of roots and rocks. I was struggling, no doubt, but that didn’t explain the odd sensation of what I knew had to be an out of body experience. Or maybe my body was just shutting down. Whatever was happening was bad. My level of despair went up ten fold as I ran off the trail into the underbrush. My heart rate spiked and my head was pounding as I went over all the possible scenarios of my impending doom. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Despite all the horror stories, myths and legends, nothing weird or mystical really happens during the late stages of a 100 mile race. I have never seen a giant elephant suddenly appear on the trail. Ghost like visions of Bigfoot have not chased me in the middle of the night. Unicorns have not magically guided me to the finish line or the next aid station. The trees do not move. Or talk. Rocks do not turn into giant frogs and hop away. These things </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">supposedly</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> happen to other people but I have never experienced anything even close. Until now. Something was definitely wrong. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Let’s back this up a little…. Rocky Raccoon 100 in Huntsville, Texas. This was the race I had been training for since last February. I had pushed everything else to the side for a chance to run a sub 19 hour 100 miler. There was no doubt that my training was there, the miles and long hours of training had been logged. Everything was in place, all I had to do was show up. It was not only a race that I was comfortable with, having completed it the past 3 years, it was also the setting for the USATF National Trail 100 Mile Championship. Of course, I had no dreams of winning but I did register and agree to run under the rules set forth by the USATF just to say that I was a part of it. Seems silly but how many opportunites does an average runner like me get the chance to “compete” in a National Championship race? </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So there I was once again in Huntsville State Park getting ready to run all day and night for the chance to “win” a belt buckle. Jon Wilson had agreed to crew and pace for me for the 4th year in a row. This time he would have a little help. Several members of the Idiots Running Club and Team PRS Fit had made the journey from all over the U.S. to either crew, pace or run the race. It really is an awesome feeling to finally “meet” friends that I had only previously had relationships through facebook and twitter. With three other PRS Fit teammates running their first 100 miler and all the support from our friends the outlook was promising and I was certain that we would all have a great race. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The pre race jitters began about 15 hours before the start. I’m pretty sure I only slept 22 minutes all night. I was ready to go. As we gathered at that starting line everybody seemed anxious to get started. The race director began the countdown and I couldn’t help but laugh at how much we look forward to running for 20 or more hours straight and how easy it is to forget just how hard that really is to do. With a lot of smiles, backslapping, handshaking and fist bumping, we were on our way. The first 3 miles went very smooth and we hit the first aid station right on time. Cruising through I started thinking how easy this day was going to be. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Never judge a 100 miler by the first three miles. Never. I should know that by now but naturally I got caught up in the hype of feeling really strong. The next 17 miles were uneventful other than the fact that I had kicked up my pace and was going slightly faster than I had planned. The temperatures remained cool but the humidity seemed to increase as I closed out the first 20 mile loop. My shirt was completely soaked as I hit the start/finish aid station 15 minutes ahead of schedule…. that should have been a sign for me to start thinking about my hydration and electrolyte situation. Should have been…. Instead, I just changed my shirt, sucked down some GenUCan and took off for the second loop. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I was feeling good but decided that I really needed to settle down and find a smarter pace. So I slowed down and tried to find the groove. Another 20 uneventful miles passed as the temps rose and the humidity really began to make the air thick. I was not prepared for this. I am not the best runner in hot, humid conditions and usually try to avoid long distance races in the summer time for that very reason. Determined to find that sub 19 finish time, I plugged along, putting one foot in front of the other, flying through the aid stations only refilling my water bottle and completely ignoring everything else. I was feeling good… why would I want any endurolytes, salty pretzels or Gatorade? Just keep running baby…. #EyeOnThePrize. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I was really starting to feel it at the mile 40 aid station. Of course I told everybody I was doing great. “Just need a dry shirt and I’m good to go.” Another 20 ounces of GenUCan and I was off. This time the loop was much tougher. The temps peaked around 75 but the humidity was a ridiculous 90% and the overcast sky made the course feel like a greenhouse. I was zapped by mile 50 and really struggled to finish this loop. My time was slipping but I was still within striking distance of the sub 19 finish. It wasn’t likely but I was still telling myself that I could make it. At this point, Coach Jeff made me stop at the crew station and drink some pickle juice. Yes, I said pickle juice. I slammed down at least 20 ounces because A.) I love me some pickle juice and B.) I knew that I was behind on my electrolytes. I had failed to take care of a very basic and fundamental part of endurance running. It was a stupid rookie mistake but it happened. Thankfully my crew recognized the mistake and set me on the path to correct it before it became a problem that I couldn’t come back from. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Coach Jeff ran with me for the next 12 miles and it was good to have somebody to talk to. By mile 65, I admitted to myself that my goal had slipped away. I told Jeff that there was no way I could make a sub 19. He confirmed that I wasn’t going to make it but reassured me that I still had an opportunity to finish around 20 or 21 hours. I really appreciated his honesty because the last thing I wanted was to be fed a line of bull. Things were tough enough without clouding my head with unrealistic expectations at this point. The humidity had zapped the energy out of me along with the usual lighthearted enthusiasm that has helped me persevere through the hard miles in the past.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I had been looking forward to nightfall because I really thought it would cool down. In the past years, Texas was like another planet during the nighttime hours as the cold would set in and chill me to the bone. Not this year. My headlamp struggled to shine the path through the humidity and it was tough to keep moving. For most of the day I felt like I was swimming through the thick air but at night it felt more like I was trying to kick my way through Jello. I have never actually kicked my way through Jello but I can only assume that’s what it would be like. At mile 72, Wilson took over and we ran the next 14 miles together. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When I say we “ran the next 14 miles” I really mean we “slowly proceeded along the trail for the next 14 miles”. I can honestly say that I have never felt so defeated in my life. I could sense the time slipping away and had become content with the idea that a 23 or 24 hour finishing time would be okay. I hate to admit that I became that weak mentally but it’s the truth and it’s something I can learn from. At mile 80 my friend Norene wanted to get a picture to send to my wife. She told me to smile and I let her know that I was not going to smile because I wasn’t having fun anymore. This really disappoints me as I look back because running IS FUN and I should have been more thankful of the fact that I was on the course doing something that I really do love. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wilson relayed a conversation that we had around mile 82. Apparently, I was talking in the third person and telling him that “David Murphy don’t be messin around. David Murphy is an ultra runner” and other nonsense like that. Now… I know that Wilson is a man of impeccable character and I’m not calling him a liar but… I don’t remember any of that. Not even a sliver of it. How is David Murphy not going to remember David Murphy talking about David Murphy in the third person? Re-donk-u-lous. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">So there I was… floating. My out of body experience. I was certain that I was going blind. I told Wilson as we approached the mile 86 aid station that I was going to stop for a few minutes and figure out what was wrong. I made a promise to my wife and kids back before my first 100 miler that if I ever felt like it was too much that I would quit. This seemed to be the time. At the aid station I found a chair and sat down. Sat down. That’s something I really don’t like to do. Especially this deep into a race. My crew gathered around and I began whining about not being able to see anything. Maybe I was going to die. I’m sure I sounded like Fred Sandford… “This is the big one, Elizabeth! I’m coming to see ya!” Thankfully, Wilson is really smart and realized that my headlamp was very dim. He changed the batteries, double checked to make sure I wasn’t going to die and told me to get going. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Changing the batteries in the headlamp made all the difference in the world. I instantly felt better as my new pacer, Ellen, took over. I figured that I would be okay even if the miracle battery thing didn’t work out because she is a doctor. Doctors save lives and stuff…. they also trip runners and blame it on “the one armed man”. As we slowly made our way around a 6 mile loop we passed a couple of runners. As soon as I went around them… .BAM. I was on the ground. In the dirt for the first time in two years on this course. I instantly accused Ellen of tripping me and she quickly blamed it on one of the runners we passed. It seems silly, corny, whatever but it was exactly the laugh I needed to bring me back from the dead. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">At mile 92, Wilson rejoined me and we made our way through the final 8 miles. It was slow but much better than the previous miles we had ran together. I thought about the events of the day as we closed in on the finish line. I had truly experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. This was new for me. I had, in the past, encountered some low points but never anywhere close to the lows I felt that day. The dreams and expectations of a solid sub 19 finish and a new PR had evaporated and I was disappointed. In fact, I’m still disappointed but it’s much easier to digest when put in proper perspective. I am very lucky to be able to compete in these events that I enjoy, and I do enjoy them, even a bad day is a good day in the big scheme of things. I met “new” friends and bonded with them in a very short time, making memories that will last forever. I finished in 50th place overall with a time of 21:27, earned a 5th sub 24 belt buckle, placed 25th in the Championship division and even managed to smile at the end of it all. Almost half the runners that started the race were not so lucky and had DNF’d. Definitely not the worst day of my life. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This was a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and I am proud to say the WE raised over $1,200 for this event. I am very aware that the struggles I had that day were nothing in comparison to those that have battled the beast that is cancer. They are the ones with true endurance as they continue the fight. One day we will find the REAL finish line together and that will be cause for true celebration. Thank you to everyone that participated, donated and supported another one of my big, dumb stunts. </span></span>David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-1621971927218936482014-01-12T17:09:00.000-06:002014-01-12T17:09:34.361-06:00Motivation "What motivates you? What REALLY motivates you?" That's an easy one. What really motivates me is.... uhhh.... errr.... well.... Could you repeat the question?<br />
<br />
This question was posed to me some time back and I have struggled with an answer. Doesn't seem that tough really. How hard can it be to give a solid, straight forward answer to such an easy question? Obviously there is some type of motivation behind running any distance and NOBODY is running 100 milers without a clear reason. Right? Yet I found myself really searching, digging deep, looking everywhere for an answer and coming up with blanks. It seems beyond crazy that such a simple question could have me so confused and perplexed. Maybe I was over-thinking the question, getting wrapped around the axle, trying to come up with a perfect answer. Maybe I didn't really know. Or maybe I just didn't like the answers I was coming up with....<br />
<br />
Motivation is at the very core of everything we do. Motivation is that thing that sets us off on a path leading to whatever destination or outcome we are trying to achieve. Motivation isn't the rah-rah, gun-ho, cheer-leading stuff that we read in a book of inspirational quotes or the speeches made by the head coach in our favorite movies. It is the thing that propels us into action in the first place, the drive that pushes us towards the desired outcome. It's the REASON we do something. It is an ongoing process that starts with the desire to reach a goal and continues with a persistent effort despite the many obstacles that will pop up along the journey and ends with the reward or satisfaction of completion.<br />
<br />
Running has been, for me, a very personal journey since that very first mile back in 2006. It hasn't always been easy or fun but it has been very satisfying. In the beginning, the motivation to run was to lose weight and change my physical appearance. I did not want to run but I did want to lose weight. The motivation was to lose weight. Running was the action that I chose to make it happen. I forced myself to run in those early days and stayed persistent in my efforts to drop a few pounds. It worked. 50 lbs in less than 6 months. I had reached the goal. The motivation to continue running should have stopped then..... but, of course, it didn't.<br />
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The motivation was not to become a runner. That is just something that happened as a by-product of repetition over time and the continuously changing motivation to reach different goals. As the pounds melted off my goals began to evolve and change. I started thinking about running a 5k. I had seen these events advertised and I thought it would be a great challenge to focus on. After 5 months of running I signed up and completed my first 5k. My finishing time of 21:07 wasn't going to qualify me for the Olympics but it was good enough for an Age Group award. That was all it took. The motivation had completely changed. I no longer cared about losing weight. Now I wanted to win medals, continue to improve my personal best times and, to be completely honest, feed my ego and prove that I was still an "athlete" at 33 years old.<br />
<br />
Medals, personal improvement, feeding my ego... that is what the motivation had become. Running was the tool but those were the desired goals. I ran more training miles, read every book, magazine and online article I could about the subject. The motivation never changed but, then again, why would it? Nobody does anything without gaining something in return. Right? I mean, what point is there in putting in all the time training if there isn't a reward? Seemed ridiculous, and reasonable, that there would ever be a reason to run that wasn't all about me. <br />
<br />
Over the period of 4 months in early 2010, life changed drastically
by a few words. You have cancer. No, I was not told this. My Dad was
told this. And then, a few weeks later, my Mom heard the same news.
Really? BOTH of my parents? C'mon man.... The days spent at the
hospital were usually broken up by an hour or two of mind clearing
running. My motivation to run had changed. I was no longer looking for
medals or personal bests. I was looking for answers and a way to preserve my own sanity. As I ran on those long, dark days I always felt
just a bit guilty. I mean, what exactly was running going to do to help
the situation? The short answer was nothing. Running was not helping.
The long answer was that it could help. With the right focus and a
persistent effort, running could help. <br />
<br />
Fast forward through the 5k's, 10k's, half-marathons, marathons and 50k's to early 2010. I found myself climbing the rugged trail up Pinnacle Mountain during the Ouachita 50 miler. This was my first 50 mile race and the reasons for running this day were very clear. I was carrying an Honor Scroll with almost 200 names of people that had been touched by cancer. Among those listed were both of my parents. Sure I was still looking to run for a medal and a great finishing time, to say that I wasn't would be a lie, but I was also running for a cause much bigger than myself and that was huge moment in my life. I ran hard that day and came in 3rd overall. I will always credit the names of those on the Honor Scroll for carrying me through the toughest parts of the trail.<br />
<br />
Since that first 50 miler, I have been on a mission to raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society through my running. My motivation, like so many of you, is to see a world without cancer. One of the tools for me in achieving this goal is my ability to run long distances. Do not get me wrong. I like to run 50 and 100 milers. I love to earn a new medal, belt buckle or trophy. My ego loves knowing that I can push myself when it gets really tough and the trail becomes a dark place that sucks the energy from my soul. These are things that motivate me on a narrow and self-centered scale. To say otherwise would be dishonest. Those are absolutely a part of why I wake up at 2 a.m. in order to get a 15 or 20 mile run in before work or why I run 30 and 40 milers on the treadmill on a Saturday morning when the rest of the world is sound asleep. But an equally important part of why I do it is so that I can somehow make a difference in the fight against the beast that is cancer.<br />
<br />
Eye On The Prize... How many times a week do I post that on facebook or twitter? How many times a day to I tell myself or those around me the same thing? Those four little words are a simple reminder of why I am always tired, why I am training when sleep sounds much better, why I am always sore, why I NEED to train. The prize is what motivates me. The prize is many different things. The only prize that really matters is a world where cancer is irrelevant. A world where my kids don't have to worry about this monster. A world where nobody has their world turned upside down by those three words, "You have cancer". <br />
<br />
On February 1, 2014 I will be running the Rocky Raccoon 100 miler in Huntsville, Texas. This will be my 5th 100 miler and I hope to run a personal best. I know the trail will get tough. I know the day will be long and there will be many low points and even a few times that I will want to quit. I also know that it really pales in comparison to the battles fought on a daily basis by those affected by cancer. I have the option of quitting at any time without any real or meaningful repercussions. They do not have that luxury. As always they are the motivation pushing me toward the real prize. If I come up short on my personal time, If I struggle and fall short that will be okay. Those goals are secondary. I will keep my Eye On The Prize no matter what the day brings. <br />
<br />
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
This
is the part where I ask, again, for your help. Please consider donating
$10, or merely one shiny dime per mile, to the American Cancer Society
through my Relay for Life page. I really don't have anything to offer in
return other than the promise to do my best during the race and to
continue fighting, with all my heart and every fiber in my body, to
secure a future where cancer is just a word and not a relevant disease. -
See more at:
http://runlikeamug.blogspot.com/2013_01_01_archive.html#sthash.D9vcE8Ww.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
This
is the part where I ask, again, for your help. Please consider donating
$10, or merely one shiny dime per mile, to the American Cancer Society
through my Relay for Life page. I really don't have anything to offer in
return other than the promise to do my best during the race and to
continue fighting, with all my heart and every fiber in my body, to
secure a future where cancer is just a word and not a relevant disease. -
See more at:
http://runlikeamug.blogspot.com/2013_01_01_archive.html#sthash.D9vcE8Ww.dpuf</div>
<div id="stcpDiv" style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
This
is the part where I ask, again, for your help. Please consider donating
$10, or merely one shiny dime per mile, to the American Cancer Society
through my Relay for Life page. I really don't have anything to offer in
return other than the promise to do my best during the race and to
continue fighting, with all my heart and every fiber in my body, to
secure a future where cancer is just a word and not a relevant disease. -
See more at:
http://runlikeamug.blogspot.com/2013_01_01_archive.html#sthash.D9vcE8Ww.dpuf</div>
This is the part where I ask for your help. I'm asking for donations of one dime per mile, $10 total, to the American Cancer Society via the Relay for Life. Last year the Idiots Running Club raised over $8,800 to fight back. This year we hope to raise $10,000. If you have a local team, I highly encourage you to become involved. If you do not have a local team and would like to join ours - we would love to have your support. You can join the IRC Team here -----> <a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY14PL?team_id=1469686&pg=team&fr_id=60218&__utma=2443503.654013782.1353894211.1389038113.1389565909.66&__utmb=2443503.2.10.1389565909&__utmc=2443503&__utmx=-&__utmz=2443503.1389038113.65.25.utmcsr=main.acsevents.org|utmccn=%28referral%29|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/site/UserLogin&__utmv=-&__utmk=240223104" target="_blank">JOIN NOW</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY14PL?px=15457368&pg=personal&fr_id=60218" target="_blank">Click HERE to donate to my Relay for Life Page</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Or HERE to donate via paypal <br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-26717479116304475512014-01-06T14:09:00.000-06:002014-01-06T14:09:12.564-06:00So Simple....I could hear the music and the occasional roar of the crowd. I was close. So close. Looking at my watch in disbelief it was evident that a PR was within my grasp. I crossed the finish line of the <a href="http://runlikeamug.blogspot.com/2013/02/eye-on-prize.html" target="_blank">2013 Rocky Raccoon </a>in 19 hours and 37 minutes. Not blazing fast in the big scheme of things but still much faster than I had run it the previous two years. Simple changes had brought me to this goal. The biggest and simplest change was working with Jeff Kline, founder and head coach of <a href="http://prsfit.com/" target="_blank">PRS Fit</a>, who was waiting for me at the finish line. He had transformed me from a "no plan having, run fast all the time, get injured, rest, repeat" type of runner that laughed at HR training and training plans into a "go slow, have a plan, heart rate training, don't get injured" believer that had just run the best, and easiest, 100 miler of my life. I quickly, and maybe got a little carried away, set the goal of running sub 19 at the 2014 Rocky Raccoon. But first... I was going to crush a 50 miler in a few short months.<br />
<br />
Of course, as things tend to go with me, I failed to remember that the key to ultra running, or running in general, is rest. Sometimes I want to do it all and think that I am Superman's long lost cousin. By the time the Ouachita 50 miler rolled around in April, I was completely burnt out. Mentally, more than physically, this race that I loved so much and had pretty decent success in, was very hard. I struggled to carry the Honor Scroll across the rugged terrain and felt very lucky to finish. I was disappointed by the result but was also completely aware of why I had such a tough day. It's always simple for me to place the blame squarely on my own shoulders when I screw up because, in the end, I am responsible for my own decisions. That and Coach Jeff had warned and advised me about the perils of over training but, as a friend, he knew just how important the <a href="http://runlikeamug.blogspot.com/2013/04/honor-scroll-2013-recap.html" target="_blank">Honor Scroll run</a> was for me and didn't call me too many bad names. <br />
<br />
Naturally, I thought I could handle back to back "A" races when, in fact, I really couldn't. The "crash" at Ouachita really got me thinking about things I done in the past. A few years ago, for example, I ran a very fast 50k followed by back to back sub 3 marathons. All were PR's and I thought I had it figured out. Really didn't buy into the idea that I was over racing. Of course, I came out injured but I had some shiny new PR's. Was it worth it? Maybe... still not sure. There is a lot of questions in my head about how much better I could have done if it had only been one race instead of three. I do know that it is relatively easy to run events every weekend but it is much tougher to run a race every weekend. Maybe I will revisit the marathon distance with a clear focus one day just to find out what I can do. Maybe. <br />
<br />
It's amazing just how much about running comes down to trial and error, learning from mistakes and figuring out exactly what we want from this dumb little hobby. After the blow up at Ouachita I decided that what I really want from running at this point in the evolution is to run 100's. Not just run 100's but to run 100's up to my maximum potential. It was almost like the fog lifted and things became very clear. My training needed to be more focused and goal oriented. Veering from the path, chasing shiny objects, as I had done so many times in the past, had to be eliminated. Previous goals, thoughts and plans for the fall racing season would have to change.<br />
<br />
Dogwood Canyon is a very difficult 50k. I love it more every year. It is also a really fun fundraising experience. Nothing better than running 31 miles over the steepest trails around in a pink tutu. My original plan was to shoot for the podium. Big stretch but I had some success in the past at this event so it wasn't completely a stupid goal. About a month before the race I had a thought.... What if I ran it completely by heart rate and didn't worry about pace? How much would the outcome change if I kept it under control and never left an easy training zone? Would I come in last place? Would I avoid the bonk that always comes on this ridiculous course? Would my recovery be any faster?<br />
<br />
I had been training by HR for over a year but had never truly tested it during an event like this. I wanted to know if what I thought I understood was actually true and answer a few lingering questions. Was my endurance base big enough to run a 50k at 70-75% effort without bonking? How would my overall time compare to my past "all out" times on this same course? Would I struggle with keeping my heart rate low enough on the uphill portions? What about recovery? Seemed silly that, while I have read many articles and books on the subject, I had never actually put it to a strict test. So it was set. Run the 50k, with crazy steep hills, entirely in my "Zone 2" heart rate. No straying on the downhills, no "going for it" on the flats, walking the hills if it began to creep up and not looking at the overall pace until after the race. This was going to be as much a mental test as it was physical because, like most runners, I tend to be a little competitive....<br />
<br />
The results of the Dogwood Canyon 50k were very pleasing and hard for me to comprehend. I kept the HR in check by running slower than I wanted, walking at times when I did not want to and by reminding myself repeatedly that I was NOT racing. In the end, I crossed the finish line with a time that was less than 20 minutes slower than I had originally set as my goal "race time" and felt much better than I ever had at the end of this brutal course. I didn't make the podium but it was a top 10 finish. Not horrible considering.....<br />
<br />
I tested this again two weeks later at the Bass Pro Marathon and finished in 3 hours 20 minutes. Just over 20 minutes slower than my PR at this event. The course was slightly different for my PR so it's hard to completely compare results but I do know this... I felt like I could run the course again and I have never felt like that after a marathon. What now... Two weeks later I paced a friend at the White River Marathon. He was looking for a PR of around 3:30. Once again, I ran strictly by HR and kept it in my "Zone 1" for the entire distance. We finished in 3:31, he claimed a shiny new PR and I had answered all questions about whether HR training works. It does. I had always struggled in the late stages of any long distance event regardless of how hard or easy the effort. Recovery time was never fast, no matter what I claimed on twitter or facebook, and injuries generally followed. Not this time. No bonking. Recovery time? None. It was just "normal" training at this point. <br />
<br />
I finished 2013 with 2,624 miles, one giant PR, zero injuries, a new understanding of what I want out of running and a map of how to get there. The <a href="http://www.idiotsrunningclub.com/" target="_blank">Idiots Running Club</a> has grown to ridiculous numbers and even managed to get a little ink in the December issue of Runner's World magazine. I love that dumb little club a little more each day. I was also fortunate enough to be selected as a new coach for the PRS Fit team. I was very honored that Coach Jeff extended this opportunity and it makes me proud that he believes in my ability to take on the job. Watching others achieve their goals has always been my favorite part of this dumb sport and I am very excited to have the opportunity to help become a part of the process. Team PRS Fit and the Idiots Running Club have brought some amazing changes to my life and the future is filled with unlimited potential for 2014.<br />
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So... What now? Rocky Raccoon 100 is just a few weeks out and I still have dreams of cracking a sub 19 hour finish. It will be tough and may not happen but I feel like I am ready and the goal is completely realistic. Of course, 100 milers are tricky beasts and you can never really know what the day or course will bring. I do know that I am prepared. and there will be a bigger number of Idiots in Huntsville this year than ever before which is really cool. The PRS Fit Team will have 4 of us (all card carrying members of the IRC) running and have been generously sponsored by GenUCan and Altra Shoes. In my estimation, Altra Shoes are the best shoes on the planet and GenUCan works as advertised. I have been experimenting, testing and looking for flaws with this product over the past few months and can find none. Aid stations can be a killer during 100's. It is easy to waste valuable time trying to get a cup of soup or deciding "sure I have time to wait while you cook a grilled cheese" - I hope to eliminate some of this by using UCan products.<br />
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Rocky Raccoon will also be a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society as it has been the past few years. I will post information on <a href="https://secure.acsevents.org/site/Donation2?idb=324189289&df_id=1011311&FR_ID=60218&PROXY_ID=15457368&PROXY_TYPE=20&1011311.donation=form1&__utmk=240774400&__utma=2443503.654013782.1353894211.1388365826.1389038113.65&__utmc=2443503&__utmb=2443503.9.9.1389038158028&__utmx=-&__utmv=-&__utmz=2443503.1389038113.65.25.utmcsr=main.acsevents.org|utmccn=%28referral%29|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/site/UserLogin" target="_blank">how to donate (a mere dime per mile)</a> and how you can join the<a href="http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY14PL?team_id=1469686&pg=team&fr_id=60218" target="_blank"> Idiots Running Club Relay for Life Team</a> (and get one of those cool IRC Relay Ribbon T-Shirts) soon. Any help you can give is appreciated more than you know. The money we raise each year grows, last year we raised $8,800 total, and I am extremely proud to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. The idea that we can and do make a difference in the fight against the beast that is cancer remains the biggest motivation and driving force behind any of this silly running stuff. To one day live in a world without cancer is the EYE ON THE PRIZE. <br />
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<br />David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-63068799502561163582013-11-11T13:03:00.002-06:002013-11-11T13:03:44.141-06:00Thankful.....<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJnfUwhWR-g/UaO5kRqxm9I/AAAAAAAAB3I/4HLTz7-tHNY/s1600/12790_10151263059129686_785665351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jJnfUwhWR-g/UaO5kRqxm9I/AAAAAAAAB3I/4HLTz7-tHNY/s200/12790_10151263059129686_785665351_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was born on Flag Day, raised with the Pledge of Allegiance and listened with pride to the stories of family members that served in World War II and Vietnam. I grew up in the 70's and 80's during the Cold War, a time when schools had routine drills for nuclear war, and I watched in relief as the Iranian Hostages were freed, looked on in horror when 220 US Marines lost their lives in Beirut, cheered when "The Wall" came tumbling down and was shocked during the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Looking back now it is easy to understand my unwavering loyalty to the Stars and Stripes.<br />
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Superman has always been, by far, my favorite Superhero. Not because he can fly or has x-ray vision. No, that stuff is really cool and I have tried to both fly and see through.... uhhhh.... stuff but for me it was the whole, "Truth, Justice and the American Way" thing. From the earliest age I loved that he would save the world but always remained loyal to the good old USA. Crazy, I know but that was always what I loved most about the Man of Steel. Of course, I wanted to be Rambo and Maj. McCoy at different times too. As a child back in "the day" there was no shortage of war hero movies and all of this cemented the notion in my young brain that it was not only a great honor but a responsibility to serve. <br />
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Coming out of high school, I had no idea that I would join the USMC. In fact, it was a fluke that I even enlisted. The first Persian Gulf war was all over TV and coming to an end when I made the move. I remember driving home from my part-time-turned-full-time job and without much thought found myself pulling into the parking lot of the Armed Forces Recruiting Building. As I walked in, I recalled the stories of a few of my Dad's friends who were former Marines. Without hesitation I walked in and told the Recruiting Sergeant that I was ready to enlist. I'm sure this was the easiest "sell" he had ever had. I left with an appointment for a physical and ready for the swearing in ceremony.<br />
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My time in the Marines was nothing special as I was never in a combat zone, dodged bullets or had the overwhelming fear that I might, at any time, die. I remember volunteering for deployment to Somalia and Bosnia on more than one occasion. One time in particular stands out. I was, once again, asking to be deployed when a Corporal, who was only a year or two older than I was and just returning from his 3rd trip to Somalia came in. With a hardened and haunted look he told me plainly enough that I shouldn't ask to go if I wasn't ready to give it all. He had a chest full of medals, one of which was the Purple Heart, and the no-nonsense tone of a person that revealed he was the "real deal" and not a character in a Hollywood movie. As I look back, now 20 years later, I am thankful that my journey didn't take me to these places even though I thought that's what I needed to do at the time.<br />
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That Corporal, among many other grizzled and very honorable combat veterans remain constant and steady VOICES as I go through life. When I began running back in 2006, there was never a thought that I would run 26.2, 50 or even 100 miles one day. But there was the knowledge that I could if I so desired. There would be nobody to stop me but myself. Nothing in my way. No governmental intrusion or law preventing me from fulfilling my dreams. The VOICES of those that have served and sacrificed their lives to ensure that our freedom is secure fill my head on daily basis in everything I do. They are the reason that I teach my children to stand up when the National Anthem is playing, to respect our flag and say the Pledge of Allegiance without fear or shame. I fly the flag, have a picture of the Marines at Mt. Suribachi on my wall, support our troops regardless of politics and thank a veteran when I meet them. I am proud to live in the shadow they cast. <br />
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Today is Veterans Day. The day we celebrate and honor the GREAT men and women that have served in an effort to keep this country the Home of the Free and the Land of the Brave. I am extremely honored and humbled that they are willing to risk their lives so the rest of us don't have to. From the Battles of Lexington and Concord to the Mountains of Afghanistan they have served and died for our nation. I am eternally grateful and hopeful that I can live my life in way that honors the gift they have left behind. David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-12053983885625055422013-10-06T19:39:00.000-05:002013-10-07T13:45:41.947-05:00Turn the Trail Pink 2013<br />
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It's kind of weird how things just happen. Nowhere in my "life plan" did I think that I would become a runner. Or a marathoner. Or an Ultra-runner. Or a parent. Or the son of two cancer survivors. It wasn't too long ago that I was childless, 235 lbs of happily NOT running and both parents were cancer free..... Weird how things work out. But here I am.... Runner. Marathoner. Ultra runner. Proudest father on the planet of two mo/ awesome boys. And the son of not one but two cancer survivors. It's funny how life can throw us off track and change our paths.....<br />
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I started running back in 2006 for ME. Me. Me. Me. Why? Because I was 33 years old 5' 11" 235 lbs and an out of shape former Marine, ex-high school jock, brand-new-dad-going-down-the-tubes-fast, kind of dude. There was also a cash prize for a "biggest loser" on the table. I didn't start running for any kind of rewarding or noble cause... It was all about me. I would love to lie about this but facts are facts... it was all about me.<br />
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In late 2009 and early 2010 I found out that life can punch you in the mouth even when you aren't looking. My Dad was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in December and my Mom was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in February. Hello???? Nobody that I know has cancer. This only happens to other people. I send them a card, say I'm sorry... , and then it goes away. Right? This was possibly the dumbest thought I have ever had. By the time that both of my parents were diagnosed I was already the father of two, a half-lucky-wanna-be-runner-with-ultra-dreams. The hours and miles I spent on the road and trails during those few hard months helped clear my head an answer the question of "What can I do?". It was obvious that I would never be awarded the Nobel Prize for curing cancer BUT maybe, just maybe, I could do my part.<br />
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The Honor Scroll 50 Miler on the Ouachita Trail every April is pretty awesome. The Rocky Racoon 100 miler in February is a special time for me. The continuous circling of an old asphalt track during the Relay for Life in the humidity of a Missouri summer's night is always fun. But the Dogwood Canyon 50k in October holds a special place in my heart. Maybe it's the beauty of the Ozarks in the fall, the monster hills, or the outstanding collection of volunteers and participants that show up but it is by far my favorite event each year. <br />
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A few years ago I was watching an NFL game and all the players were wearing pink. Pretty cool. I started thinking that I could wear pink during a race and it just so happened that I had a pink tutu in the closet left over from the Relay for Life.... Why not wear it while running the toughest trail 50k (in my opinion) in the midwest? Sure people would laugh, point and heckle but it COULD raise money. So in the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness and in honor of ALL that have battled the beast, I decided to show up in the tutu. It was a life changing experience to say the least. I'm not an elite athlete, celebrity or a person with a super dynamic and outgoing personality that can just show up an pull this off... but I had a goal of seeing a world without cancer and that was enough motivation to push through the personal insecurity and image issues to toe the starting line. It was tough that first year. And the second. And the third. And.... I'm sure it won't be any any easier this year.<br />
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I did okay that first year so I decided to make it an annual thing. It's crazy how comfortable a person can become being completely uncomfortable..... October 20th will mark the 4th Annual Turn the Trail Pink 50k. Once again, I am asking for donations in honor of those that have been touched by cancer. The pink tutu will be adorned with ribbons bearing names of loved ones affected by this horrible disease. The requested donation is $5 per name... but for those that don't know me very well --- I will proudly place any name, regardless of donation, on the tutu and carry it for the 31 miles. Donations to the ACS (Relay for Life) are greatly appreciated but if times are tight- send the name along with the silent promise to help in another way by donating your time, skills or efforts locally. We are all working toward the same outcome.... A world where our children do not have to deal with cancer.<br />
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You can send names to runlikeamug@gmail.com<br />
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If you would like to donate directly to the Relay for Life<br />
<a href="https://secure.acsevents.org/site/Donation2;jsessionid=FD73BBF2DE899FF7A26A1AD95729A1B4.app311b?idb=1500898189&df_id=1011311&FR_ID=60218&PROXY_ID=15457368&PROXY_TYPE=20&1011311.donation=form1&__utmk=252857226&__utma=2443503.654013782.1353894211.1380252138.1381104384.60&__utmc=2443503&__utmb=2443503.2.10.1381104384&__utmx=-&__utmv=-&__utmz=2443503.1380252138.59.22.utmcsr=runlikeamug.blogspot.com|utmccn=%28referral%29|utmcmd=referral|utmcct=/" target="_blank">Relay for Life Donations</a><br />
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Or you can donate through PayPal<br />
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Or if you are a dinosaur like me... through the USPS<br />
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David Murphy<br />
212 Murphy Lane<br />
Wasola, MO<br />
65773<br />
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<!-----this--><!-----this-->David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54385910610629702.post-19445830491751394472013-09-08T22:32:00.000-05:002013-09-11T11:36:52.701-05:00Next Up.... Dogwood Canyon 50K<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-37b83500-00a4-6187-56bf-c0bf2e652df7" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">“I’m going to retire from ultras. Never again. This is insane.” These were my thoughts as I struggled through a few of the lonely miles late during last year’s Dogwood Canyon 50k. Climbing the ridiculously steep hills with the sun in full blaze above and carrying an empty water bottle it was easy enough to question why anyone would want to subject themselves to this craziness. Throw in the sheer genius of wearing a pink tutu (yes, that was me) and the fact that I had just completed the Arkansas Traveller 100 only 2 weeks prior..... never mind. Those are just more excuses. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">For some reason it always surprises me just how tough this course is even though I have ran some variation of it every year since 2008. To say that it is one of the toughest trail races in the midwest would not be an exaggeration. Fortunately, it is also one of the most organized (not counting the first year) and runner friendly races around. It’s been exciting to watch this event grow each year and expand to include a 15k giving many road runners an opportunity to experience a true trail event. The course is technical but forgiving, the hills are steep but rewarding and the overall experience will leave you beat up and swelling with pride. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I was a relative newcomer to running back in 2008. With about 2 years of road running and a couple of marathons under my belt I thought that a 25k would be easy. I could not have been more wrong. Within the first couple of miles my feet were wet, my knees and hands bloody from falling down and my legs were dead from trying to run up every hill. I had yet to learn about picking up my feet and the idea of walking during a race seemed completely against the rules of nature. During one of these uphill battles, crawling along at a snails pace, a pack of runners came flying by. They were running faster uphill than I could on the flats and it was an impressive sight to behold. I remember telling them “Good work” or something similar and this dude with crazy long hair responded with a half smile, “Well, thank you. You’re doing pretty good yourself”. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The attitude, smile and encouraging response from this elite runner was not expected and, honestly, changed my perspective about what runners should be all about. I had no clue that it was Anton Krupicka until a few years later when I lined up right behind him at the Rocky Raccoon 100 miler. He, along with Scott Jurek, Ian Sharman and a host of other elites exhibited the same encouraging behavior towards every runner in the race. It is always an uplifting experience to hear a word of encouragement mid-race from the very best in our sport to an average runner like me. It’s part of the draw that keeps me returning to the trails. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">In 2010 I showed up at Dogwood to run the 50k. Nothing special or remarkable about this except that I was wearing a pink tutu and pink shirt. This was probably the hardest thing I had ever done. The reasons for the tutu were very clear and important to me but I was nervous, embarrassed and scared as I walked up to the starting line. Both of my parents had been diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year and I had struggled with finding a meaningful and unique way to help fight back against this disease. Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Dogwood is always held in October..... well you get it. I’m pretty sure that not everybody was staring and laughing but it sure felt like it. Once the race started all of the embarrassment, fear and nervousness was lost in the beauty of the trail. Weird how that happens. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Some people have this idea that I wear the pink tutu to every race, the grocery store, church and my kid’s school functions. So let’s set the record straight here.... I don’t particularly enjoy wearing it. It’s uncomfortable, rubs in weird places and slows me down a lot. I only wear it twice a year. Once during the Relay for Life Ozark County for a few laps and during the Dogwood Canyon 50k which I have dubbed as the “Turn the Trail Pink” annual fund raiser. I’m no longer embarrassed, scared or nervous about wearing it in front of large crowds of runners. I think that most of them understand why </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">and it’s become kind of fun to let people take a picture and laugh about it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The training miles are starting to build as Dogwood Canyon approaches. Last year I knew that it would be a struggle coming off of a 100 miler. This year I know it will be a struggle because the course is tough and demanding. This will be my “A” race for the fall and the hope for a decent finishing time is high. The tutu will be back for the 4th year and I hope to recruit a few friends to wear pink shirts in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2Y2LKJlCUY/T1QMPokwhUI/AAAAAAAABJI/AuGwn4meBpo/s1600/308615_10150377110254686_676804685_8144768_812751520_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2Y2LKJlCUY/T1QMPokwhUI/AAAAAAAABJI/AuGwn4meBpo/s320/308615_10150377110254686_676804685_8144768_812751520_n.jpg" width="236" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This really is a great event. All of the volunteers, course marshals and aid station workers want to see every person cross the finish line and are willing to help make that possible. The hills are steep. The creeks are cold. The trail goes on forever. Keep the relentless forward progress and the rewards are amazing. Plus they have beer at the finish line. That helps. Hope to see you on the course. I’ll be the dude in the pink... oh, you get it....</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This article was originally published in the <a href="http://www.ozarkmountainridgerunners.org/assets/files/a4f41239eb009db8efe56fb976e77643.pdf" target="_blank">Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners September 2013 Newsletter.</a></span></span></div>
David-http://www.blogger.com/profile/15870299971287955172noreply@blogger.com0