Running for pleasure

I enjoy running for pleasure, as crazy as that sounds to a non-runner. 

I was reminded of that last week after a conversation with a non-runner who just couldn't get past the best thing I enjoy about running: Just running.  I was challenged to explain how I found pleasure in the repetitive act of running.  I trotted out my usual explanations: The health benefits I've experienced after years of running...blood pressure, weight management, stress release.  I noted the friendships and shared experiences from running, especially the Reggae Marathon experience I look forward to each year. I almost ventured into my planned 100km run in 2018 but that would have caused his head to explode. Nothing broke through.  He was simply unable to understand or appreciate how someone could go running for pleasure.  And that's when it came to me.  

"Don't work so hard".  "Lower your expectations". "What if you fail?" 

And what if I do fail?  If it wasn't fatal, it wasn't a failure.  Getting back up, licking the wounded pride and moving on again...that's the real pleasure I get from running.

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Winter Running

Who likes running outside in the winter?  True confession:  I do! But it takes me a couple of weeks to get used to the cold before I can honestly say I enjoy running outside in the winter.  

I actually prefer the minus double digits temperatures because I get to use all my deep freeze running gear:  Socks, double layer of tights, full head balaclava, mitts. Getting dressed and undressed is a real pain though and Sally is unimpressed with the room I take up in our guest bathroom with all my drying gear.  Ahhh...the pleasures of apartment living.

Here's my mantra for running outside in the winter:

See you outside in the cold!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Wakey, wakey...time to get Running

I had a heck of a time getting motivated to go running last weekend.  It may have had something to do with the weather...we had a big snow dump in Toronto and the sidewalks and streets were sloppy. A Reggae Marathon hangover also could have contributed.  The bottom line was that until I went to my trusty source of running motivation and inspiration, Gibson's Daily Run Quotes I wasn't going running.   The first two reminded me of why I keep running;  the third one got me out the door

"Don't try to rush progress. Remember– a step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction. Keep believing."

-Kara Goucher, two-time Olympian & elite marathoner

"Track and field is unique also in that you can be a 'winner' every time you compete. Not everyone wins the race, but you can improve your performance each time you perform, and when the timer's stopwatch shows you've run faster than ever before you're a 'winner' regardless of what position you finished in the race. This is a little victory. A succession of little victories is what builds a champion.

I know that every athlete I coach is not a world-class champion, but every athlete can demonstrate the 'right stuff,' that is, the character traits and training attitudes that lead to consistent improvement. If you are disciplined, if you show determination, if you persevere, if you're willing to go that extra mile—to try again—you will become the track-and-field athlete you want to be. And nothing beats getting where you want to go—regardless of how fast you got there."
-Jason-Lamont Jackson, Assistant Coach of Women's Track and Field at Seton Hall University

"You don't have to finish a marathon to be a runner. There are lots of great runners who never run 26.2 miles. A runner is someone who runs; it's that simple—and that grand. Be that someone. Be yourself. Be your own runner, whether the challenge is four times around the junior high school track or qualifying and running in the Boston Marathon."
-Amby Burfoot, Runner's World Complete Book of Running

These and other motivational and inspirational running quotes can be found on their Facebook page, Gibson's Daily Running Quotes.  

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Some Running "Pick-me-ups"

I run for no reason at all.

I used to run to win.  Not to come in first...I am not an Elite.  I set goals:  Not last; Top Half Overall; Top 10 in my age group.  It was fun for a while and for a couple of years when I competed in Triathalons I expended a lot of energy setting, training and competing to hit those goals.  I knew I had gone too far though when one day after making a delicious Pasta meal I referred to the meal as 'Fuel'.  Sally was not impressed!  She is an excellent cook and the meal was spectacular.  So after 30 years I'm back to just running.


Even though I love running some mornings I'm challenged with getting out of my warm bed and heading out for a run. Especially when it's dark, cold and wet.  On those mornings I turn to motivation quotes for a pick-me-up.

I especially like this last one.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

We had a little rain in Toronto last week! Messed up my Running!

That is a total understatement!  125 millimetres of rain fell in Toronto in under 2 hours.  Historically this is the most rain that has fallen in Toronto since...well since forever actually!  Even the torrential downpours of Hurricane Hazel didn't dump that much.  There was extensive flooding, power outages and general disruption  during the storm and for days after.

It negatively affected my running and my commuting but I only got my shoes wet.  This guy was not so lucky.  I took this photo shortly after the first deluge.  3+ feel of water accumulated in the underpass 50 metres south of the entrance to our apartment building.  Some vehicles made it through...not so lucky the SUV on the left.  Stalled at the depth of the water for 20 minutes.  When he was finally pushed out and opened his doors, water poured out.  Ouch, that's gotta hurt.  Going to be a challenge explaining that to his insurance company.




But nothing tops this guy.  There he was driving his $200K Ferrari at the height of the storm on his way to catch a plane. His car stalled and he didn't want to miss his flight!  What?  It was raining...planes were grounded!  Bright guy that he was he abandons his Ferrari as the water topped the wheel wells and told a reporter that he 'had a flight to catch'!  More money than brains...why does Ferrari sell cars to guys like this?  I can see the Craigslist vehicle ad now:  'Ferrari for sale.  Slight water damage.  Going cheap!"  Oh, and did you note that he left the windows open!






One good thing about all this rain and accompanying humidity:  great training for Negril and Reggae Marathon this December.  Actually with Humidex readings in the mid 30's Celsius, it will be cooler in Negril!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy


++++++++++


I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

• The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
• The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

More Muffin Tops

From the reaction on Twitter last week, it seems I hit a raw nerve with the Muffin Top story.  The Muffin Top photo to be exact...my Muffin Top photo:

From Larry Savitch (@opus00)
so glad to have seen That first thing in the morning..  

Navin Sadrigani (@navin48):
The 1st muffin was good to watch,the 2nd would have been good to read abt, at most

My cousin, Karin Wilson had this to say (@Yardedge):
Muffin tops only good 4 eating Nothing another reggae marathon won't take care off!

Navin waded back in (@navin48):
ha ha, funny to see everyone respond. You at least are now certain that you need to let go of both muffins :-) Cheers.

After I deleted the offending photo, Navin had this to say (@navin48):
And the world is normal again :-D

And Larry Savitch had the last word...or so he thought (@opus00):
I was diggin the pic, just not 1st thing in the morning, was a brave move to post

Larry, here is another photo of...the Muffin Top :)

Delicious...

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
2. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Muffin Top...Love Handles...oh my!

This Muffin Top causes the
'other' Muffin Top

Well it happened.  Gravity seems to have won.  I knew it was inevitable but hoped it would wait until my 6th decade.  Nope, 55 it was to be. Muffin Top!

I've tried 'sucking in my stomach' to minimize/eliminate it.  Works for about 15 seconds.  

I've bought larger size pants with 'high rise' but that just means my waist has moved up to my lower rib cage...not an attractive look for a middle-age guy...and it would only get worse.

I've gone to bulky sweaters.  That works well in the winter but not so cool in the summer.  Especially now that the hot, humid weather and temperatures have arrived with a vengeance in Toronto.

Am I finally past the stage of running tights?  Running shorts:  that option is even less attractive!  Unless I run at 3 am in the morning under cover of the dark, the Fashion Police will haul me in for sure.

Maybe I finally have to embrace weight training.  Yuck!

Dare I say ask the question, "Is my Muffin Top here to stay?"  Say it ain't so!!  I'm not ready to give up just yet.  I have 5 months until bathing suit weather in Negril at Reggae Marathon.  "Gravity...and age...you haven't won just yet!

So here's the plan: eliminate the salty snacks and junk food (including diet pop), smaller portion sizes, reduce alcohol, keep running.  

Muffin Top of the real Muffin courtesy of Wikipedia:  Edible Muffin.  Mmmmm....

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
2. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Running through my mind

Sunrise over Toronto

What's so special about running?  Ridiculously simple and doesn't require any really special equipment.  A decent pair of running shoes, comfortable and weather-appropriate gear and the great outdoors.  Dead simple.  I've tried swimming and cycling...for a couple of years I competed in Triathlons.  Sprint distances only but I gained respect for elite athletes.  I liked both swimming and cycling although the wet suit and Tri-Bike were serious investments.  But I loved the run...is it any surprise that Triathlons finish with a run?

So after a lot of thought and consideration...OK, I really thought about these on my latest run...here are some random thoughts:

• "If running is easy why is this run so hard"
• "Breathe, breathe, breathe..."
• "Dam...that driver doesn't see me...I'll go behind the car".  Better to be alive than injured
• "Love the birds chirping".  Ahhh...it must be spring
• "Keep moving".  I hate stop lights!
• "Fresh air".  I live and run in a heavily populated urban area but am blessed with the running routes lined with mature trees.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

A few of my favourite runs

Another run on the Beach

I've been running for a long time.  Lots of training runs, fun runs and races.  And I've run in just about every place I've traveled.  I have lots of memories of great runs and very few of the bad ones.  Funny how running seems to do that.  For this post on a -4 degree Celsius morning on April 2 (I thought April Fool's Day only lasted until 12 noon April 1), I'm motivated to share a few of my favourite runs:

• Calling myself a runner way back at this early stage is a bit of an exaggeration.  A shuffler maybe, a jogger for sure.  But after making the decision, I made it through my first 10 K:  My 1st 10 K
• By the time I wrote this next blog post I'd been running for many years.  I'd completed numerous 10K races when that distance was all the rage.  I'd done some 15K races and even a couple of Half Marathons.  But I'd never completed a Full Marathon.  Could I call myself a real runner?  My first attempt at the Full Marathon distance was to be my last for many, many years:  The Unfinished Marathon
• It wasn't quite a backpack trip through France and we didn't stay in First Class hotels but when I traveled through France with my friend Tim, I enjoyed a number of great runs with him in places such as Tours, La Rochelle and Biaritz.  Her is one of my favourites from that trip:  Tim and Chris run in Tours
• When I look back on the Christmas of 1997 I still shake my head in amazement that I managed to handle the stress and challenges of taking Court, Andrew and Holden on a two week vacation to Australia.  The long flights were worth it though:  on stopovers in Vancouver on the way down and in Hawaii on the way back, we took in a lot of experiences.  We had fun...we bonded.  It remains a highlight of my life to be sure.  And of course I got to run in Australia.  My favourite:  Coogie Beach, Sydney
• 2008 through 2009 was a tough 18 months.  Time has softened it a bit but it was still challenging.  From the passing of my Dad in September 2008 though loosing my job at the depth of the recession, running was constant.  The highlight was the Reggae Marathon in December 2009 where I successfully finished my first marathon:  Unfinished business finished at Reggae Marathon

To be sure there are many other running experiences and stories.  Some written and many to come.  These are just a few of my favourite runs...so far.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Running saved my life

Lisa reminded me of why I love running.  And I don't just mean because of the positive health benefits although managing my weight and blood pressure were the reasons I started running in the first place.  No, beyond the physical, running saved my life during those dark periods in my life when it looked as if I would never get through the 'Life Challenges'.  Discipline, mental toughness, "Just do it' are all part of the running experience.  In running as in life, the only way to succeed is to "Just keep moving!"  And running saved my life again recently.

I was drawn to this train of thought after a particularly intense conversation with a fellow runner this past weekend.  She mentioned that beyond the health benefits, one of the reasons she joined a running group was that it gave her the motivation and inspiration to keep going through a particularly difficult time in her life.  Her words spoke to me.  The past couple of years have been particularly challenging.  I've only make it through because I've kept running.  Not running scares the crap out of me!

First it was the 'Age Thing'.  It's taken a while but I've finally accepting that I really am 55.  Now when I see myself in pictures I don't wince at the image of the 'Old Guy'.  Well, not much anyway.

Then there's been the challenge of transitioning to career #3.  "Morales the Recruiter" has been a natural transition and I wish I had started sooner.  I am not a patient person though so when the business hasn't progressed as fast as I've wanted it to, I've been frustrated.  Every day though I remind myself that as long as I keep moving I'm a winner.

Then I had the ultimate scare with the broken foot last September:  what if I can never run again?  Seemed real at the time but I kept at it.  I swam for 3 months then as soon as I could I started walking.  Now that I'm back to running 3 - 4 days each week I can't believe how silly the thought of not running was.  I'm looking forward to my first race, the Sporting Life 10K on May 12.  I'll be running it with two of my boys.  They'll leave me in their dust but I'll be in the race.

"Just keep moving!"  I know it sounds cliche and maybe it is.  I am sure though that as long as I keep moving life with be OK!  Thanks for the reminder Lisa.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy
++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Running in the Dark

I don't like Daylight Savings Time.  "Spring ahead, fall back".  I can never get it right.  Like most others, I sleep terribly for a couple of days after the bi-annual time change. Last weekend we had the Spring Ritual of 'spring ahead' when we moved the clocks ahead. I was a marketing guy so I professionally appreciate the catchy description.  But it doesn't mask the fact that after a all too brief few weeks of early morning runs in the soft morning light, I'm back to running in the dark.

There is some irony to me running in the dark as I start regular running again after recovering from my foot injury.  That's how I started running many years ago (How it Started).  But I'm not hiding from anyone now and like exchanging the 'Runner's Hand Flip' with other runners I meet.  It's easier to do that when we can see each other.

I also hate being super vigilant in pre-dawn runs with vehicles.  I always run facing traffic and mostly stay on the sidewalks.  There is one stretch of road without sidewalks and even with the clearly delineated Bike Lane, cars and especially SUV's seem oblivious.  And I have my Running Room Reflective Gear!

There is only one day of the year when running in the dark is actually fabulous:  The first Saturday of December for the annual running of the Reggae Marathon. This year it's on December 7 and it will be my 5th consecutive time in Negril, Jamaica.  The drumming, the torch lights, the crowds...all anxious to get started promptly at 5:15 am.  And come to think of it, little Jamaica doesn't observe Daylight Savings Time!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy
++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

What do you think about when you run?

Running for me is therapy.  As much as running keeps my weight in check and my blood pressure normal, I live for those times when my mind goes totally free.  Those days and experiences keep me running even when my spirit is weak.

Having said that, I've also found that while running while my mind is free, lots of things cross my mind.  It's a cliche I know but I do solve all my problems while running.  Sometimes I think about work-related challenges, other times it's family.  Always it's a personal conversation in my head with no critics or judge.

So what do I think about while running?  Here are some of the recurring topics:

1. What the hell am I doing with my life?  I've just hit the double nickle, 55 and while running recently this has been a recurring theme: What I've done so far and what else I can do.  Other than the odd 'Mistake' earlier in my life, I have generally been blessed with a fantastic life.  Yes there have been setbacks but I've enjoyed great kids, fabulous wife, supportive family and friends.  But what's next...
2. Will this be the day I no longer run?  Over the past 3 years I've had some running injuries that for the first time in my 30 years of running have seriously threatened my ability to keep running.  I like cycling, am a strong swimmer but I hate the thought of not running.
3. Do I look like a runner?  True confession:  I cannot pass a window or glass store-front and not sneak a look at my form.  Most times I am disappointed...it looks like I'm shuffling not running.  The feeling passes quickly though...I am running!
4. What's my next pair of running shoes?  I am immediately disenchanted with my running shoes after my first run in a new pair.  Talk about short-term love!  I've had more success with the Puma Faas 500's that I ran in for a couple of years but generally I am always looking at new running shoes.  Sally hates it that I can't pass a store selling running shoes without stopping in.  Wait...make that any store selling shoes!
5. If I stop during a run was it a good run?  Traffic lights and stop lights don't count.  Most times because I'm running so early in the morning when traffic is light I don't stop.  Shhh...don't tell anyone.

That's it, that's all.  Truthfully though, I'm never sure what will pop into my mind when I head out for a run.  That's why I run.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

The Runner's Prayer

My sister Ginette sent me this on my 55th birthday last Friday and I was moved to share it.  A prayer for runners and a mention in the Bible!

O Lord, may I never just look as if I’m in the race – the race you have set before me.Instead, let me be running with all my heart. And may I never allow myself to be detoured by the difficulties of life. Amen 

“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”   Hebrews 12:1

The photo above features me with Larry Savitch on the left and Dan Cumming on the right.  It was taken after we completed our various Reggae Marathon events last December in Jamaica.  Runners...Friends...Uncomplicated.  I pray for more friends like that.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Reggae Marathon 2012 was Special!

I almost cracked open a bottle of champagne last Sunday.  The occasion?  Four consecutive days of running since breaking my foot last September.  And in really bad running conditions as well:  super cold one day, sloppy conditions the next;  clear sidewalk one morning, watch out for the black ice the next!  One thing that has kept me motivated are the memories from last December's Reggae Marathon:

Don't let the gray hair fool you...I am still a 12 year old at heart.  Just ask Sally!  I still love running straight into the Caribbean fully dressed right after finishing.  This year I remembered to take off my running shoes.

If there was ever a shot of a master at work this would be it.  Sully, no one has ever consumed a fresh cut coconut with as much skill as you demonstrated in this photo from Reggae Marathon last December.  

I have seen sunsets from Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles, Biarritz in the South of France and in Sydney, Australia.  They are all fantastic in their own way and I know I have missed a number of others but the sunset from the Cliffs in Negril's West End is my favourite!

The 'After' shot.  We're only missing Mark in this shot.  He was still working on finishing his first half marathon.  Brave sole...I hear he is training hard for the Mississauga Marathon this spring.  Oh, and did you notice Andrew's shoes?  He had a special 'Jamaica Colours' made just for Reggae Marathon.  This year I'll get him to try Pumas.

Yes I'm back running.  Taking it slowly for the rest of the winter with the goal of the Sporting Life 10K on May 12 as my first event.  If all goes well, planning on the ending the year back at Reggae Marathon December 7 for my 5th consecutive race event!  Where did those 5 years go?

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Too cold for running outside?

Some days it's really too cold for running!

A funny thing happened during my journey through injury and recovery these past 4 months:  I don't like running in the cold any more!  How did that happen?

Once upon a time I enjoyed even looked forward to running in ultra cold temperatures.  Base layer, tights, windpants, toque and facemask made running not only tolerable but actually enjoyable.  And I had some great cold weather runs including two favourites:  Anchorage, Alaska and Regina, Saskatchewan.

I was in Anchorage 25 years ago shooting an advertisement for for my client, Isuzu Trucks.  We hit upon the idea that if we showed how tough Isuzu Trucks were in a foreign environment then they would be more than good enough in Canada.  It was a pretty good idea and it worked.  It also meant a 10 day trip to Alaska in January to shoot the photography.

Now Alaska in January is cold!  The temperatures weren't significantly below what we experience here in Toronto but the wind off the Bering Sea or North Pacific (take your pick) made the temperatures seem a lot colder.  I didn't go out for a long run that morning in January but it sure was fun to run along the snow covered streets of downtown Anchorage at 9 am in the morning ... in the pitch black!  In Alaska in January they only get 5 - 6 hours of sunlight each day with sunrise around 9:30 am and sunset at 3:30 pm.  I learned about sunlight deprivation that trip.

My second memorable cold weather run happened in Regina, Saskatchewan about 15 years when I was on a business trip with Dairy Queen.  This one was not as enjoyable. In fact it was downright scary.

I always ran early mornings on business trips.  That's where 'That Running Guy' has it's roots:  my colleagues would shout that out if they saw me heading out for a run.  At 5 am that morning after donning all my running gear, I headed out from the downtown hotel for a short 6 K run. It was -40 Degrees Celsius! And to use the Prairie cliche, 'It was a dry cold'.  I thought I was prepared.  For the first 3 K things were OK.  I didn't notice that the slight wind was at my back.  It was only when I turned for the run back to my hotel that things started to go awry.

The wind in my face combined with the sweat started me shivering.  "This is cold, really, really cold" I remember saying to myself.  I started to slow down.  For the first time in my running life, I felt scared.  I knew that if I stopped running, things would get really bad. I kept shuffling along and managed to make it back to the hotel.

After I had recovered from that run and while watching the early morning TV news a bit later I learned that with the wind chill, the effective temperature was around -60 degrees C.  Yikes! It's no fun freezing to death running!  

I've never run again in Regina conditions.  And recently I've found that even -10 degrees Celsius is uncomfortable.  Age, stage...some days it really is too cold for running!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

++++++++++

I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

My Top 10 Life Lessons Learned from Running

I love reading lists.  Especially the ones I create. :)

Like just about everyone I know, reading the 'Top 10' or 'Top 7' lists is appealing.  Since last September when I injured my foot and I've been walking not running, I've had some time to think about the things I've learned about life from running.  In this case, not running.  Enjoy:


#10.  Life is life!  What I'm doing today is important.  I'm not practicing for the future. Today is all I have.  I've got to live it completely and thoroughly.

#9.  Sometime it rains.  And I am going to get wet.  So what?  Clothes and skin dries so I might as well get out there and enjoy it.  It will be sunny again.

#8.  You will loose your way.  Unlike Sisyphus who did the same thing over and over again, I hate repeating myself.  I've learned that I never learn anything new without trying something new.  And sometimes I get lost...dammed if I don't experience some fun things though.

#7.  People will help you...if you ask.  If you have some idea of where you want to go, stop and ask for help in getting there.  Good people are eager to help.

#6.  Breathe.  As a runner that's why I'm outside in the first place:  to get a breath of fresh air.

#5.  'ABL'...'Always Be Learning'.  Ask a lot of questions especially when I don't know the answer.  I've found that until I fully understand something I don't sleep well at night.

#4.  Get up early!  Forget the 'early bird gets the worm...I hate worms...and fishing.  I get up early to get a head start on the day...and on life.

#3.  Listen.  Then listen some more.  I find it easy to give unsolicited advice.  Especially when I've made up my mind before I've heard the entire situation.  Life is so much better when I take the time to listen completely (I wouldn't have endured this silly foot injury if I'd truly listened to my body).

#2.  Give Thanks Every Day!  If you go to church each week that's great.  Spend a few minutes every day giving thanks that you woke up!

#1.  Go Running!  I'm a runner.  Have been for over 30 years.  If you don't run, go for a walk, a bike ride or a swim.  It doesn't matter, just get out there.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

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I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.

Stop Whining!

Thanks Ah-nold!  I needed that!!  Oh, and maybe, just maybe Sally might have mentioned the same thing...once or twice...OK, maybe a lot!  But I broke my foot! Waaaaaaa......

There...that feels much better!

I haven't run since I broke my foot last September. I've tried once or twice in the last few weeks but another injury sidelined me. In my desire to be a hero I walked 10K in Reggae Marathon in December.  It made for a nice story, I got to take some pictures while I was 'Walking' and I hit my goal of raising $2,000 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation.  Walking the 10 kilometres in Reggae Marathon likely contributed to the new injury so that's why I'm still whining.

"I haven't run since last September...!!"

If you don't run that won't make any sense to you.  If you run you feel my pain.  So what to do.

First, "Stop Whining!".  Easier said than done.  I've been running 30 years now.  Nearly everybody has said the same thing, "Maybe it's time to stop running". Might as well tell me to stop breathing.

But then it hit me:  Walking!  Duh!  I can't run but I can walk.  And yes I know the cliche, 'walk before you run'.  Flashback:  that's how I started running in the first place.  

So I promise, the whining is over!  Sally will be so happy to hear that.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

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I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December.  My planned races in 2013 include 

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.