It's not to loose weight or keep high blood pressure in check although those are the goals that motivated me to start running in the first place.
It's definitely NOT because I look great in tight-fitting spandex...where do those ripples and bulges come from?
And it's definitely not because I am the fastest runner although I keep telling myself that 'I am improving with age'. But even though I'm not be running any faster, I am running much more comfortably even though the aches and pains take longer to recover from.
It comes down to the simple fact that it is the only time I get any alone time. For those 30, 40 or 90 minutes I am totally self absorbed with no smart phone, headphones or distractions. I'm only focused on my breathing and the occasional car that hasn't noticed me running along the side of the road.
I'm scared that it will end one day. I'm doing my best to keep that day at bay.
I stopped running December 31, 2010 due to the agonizing pain in my right foot. The pain that I 'toughed out' in last year's Reggae Marathon. I've only run semi-regularly since early summer but since I changed over to a 'natural-style' running which has included both barefoot running and the Puma Faas 500's I'm thrilled with the results. I'm running faster, more efficiently and with no pain! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Check out the video at the end of this post.
Now on to the good stuff: Fund raising races this fall for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
I've got two planned. First up is the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon on October 16. I've heard good things about this race and am looking forward to running it. Andrew and Court, my eldest sons are planning to run as well...that will be really special. And hey, this old dog may teach them a thing or two about running a 1/2 marathon...don't get in my way at the finish line guys!
Then on December 3 it's back to Negril, Jamaica for the Reggae Marathon. This will be my 3rd time at the Reggae Marathon and I'm running the 10 K so that I can add this medal to my collection of Full Marathon and 1/2 Marathon medals from the past 2 years. I'm looking forward to the coconut water, bananas and cold Red Stripe beer at the finish before an early morning dip in the Caribbean.
I'm racing in both of these events to raise money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario. I've called this year's effort, 'Run for Heart'. My goal is to raise $2,000 by December. I've set up a secure, online donation site that accepts Visa and Mastercard to make it super easy to donate. Just click on this link: Run for Heart.
I've always run for myself and it's been good. Now running to raise money for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario it is really great!
Here's that video...keep your eyes open for the red Pumas flashing by at both races
On Fort Clarence Beach just outside of Kingston, Jamaica a couple of years ago Sally and I enjoyed a fantastic lunch: Steamed Fish prepared fresh on the beach! Perfect for a runner! And yes, Sally enjoyed it as well.
We sat in our wet bathing suits at a picnic table under an Almond Tree and devoured our steamed fish along with escovitch fish, bammie and lobster. All washed down of course with cold Red Stripe. Truly a day to remember with a meal fit for a...runner!
Guess my first meal when I arrive in Negril this December for Reggae Marathon 2011? Mmmmmm.....
"Run for Heart", the name of the fund raising campaign this year. I am going to run anyway so might as well sweat for a good cause.
Sunday, October 16 at the Scotiabank Toronto 1/2 Marathon and Saturday, December 3 at the Reggae Marathon in Negril are the 2 "Run for Heart" fund raising events. My goal is to raise $2,000 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario and once again I've set up a secure online donation page with all the donations staying in Ontario: "Run for Heart".
And this year I going all out with the colour coordination: Red Puma Faas 500's will complete the ensemble. Check them out here:
Flat and cool 1/2 marathon in October followed by a flat and a little warmer run in Negril in December to raise $2,000 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario: Run for Heart.
If you see me on my early morning training runs, give me a shout out...if you can catch up with me...
