Week14 - We Are All Under Construction

"My life is a work in progress."

- A Friend from Canada

Well, there's now officially just slightly less than four weeks left to go to the Columbus Marathon.  Today was supposed to be a 12 mile run.  I traded this weekend for last week's half marathon, so today was almost a 20 miler.  I called in the dogs at 18.5 miles. No regrets.  It was enough. Next week is a 50 mile week.  After that, I begin the tapering process.

I was inspired this week when a wonderful friend of mine referred to their life as a "work in process."  It's so true of all of us.  For most of our lives, we get endless second chances to get it right. The word "right" in this case would be defined in the spirit of Dr. George Sheehan as, "Becoming the person you believe you were meant to be."  To achieve this goal, it takes work and its an everyday effort, whether it relates to running or other aspects of our lives.  There's one thing for sure.  My journey to Columbus has helped me deal in a positive way with whatever disappointments I have encountered in the past fourteen weeks in all areas of my life. It's really been quite a wonderful experience up until now.  I feel like an athlete.  

There have been some close calls but I have had no accidents and no injuries.  These final weeks to Columbus will be spent working on my race day pace, nutrition, and preparation.  I am going to adjust my sleep schedule and life style each day so I can emulate having to get up earlier on race day. I want race morning to feel as normal as possible.  

The Summit Athletic Running Club is hosting a public breakfast at Canal Park the morning before the Akron Marathon featuring marathon great Dick Beardsley.  The event is to honor and support the work of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.  I love the dedication of the people at the Foodbank.  Their life's work is to feed lots of people who need a hand up.  I cannot imagine a hungry student being able to learn.  Those young people's lives without proper nutrition are like running a marathon without training for it.  You can possibly do it, but the odds are against you. It all serves as a guide for me to get it right these final weeks. The breakfast event is an outgrowth of my journey and encouragement of the folks from the Akron Marathon. We are going to have a great turnout at the breakfast!

Dick Beardsley:

Here's the personal scorecard for now.  I was 245 pounds earlier this year and 235 when I started this Blog.  My weight is volatile but within a range of 219 to 225 pounds.  A lot of this fluctuation is caused by not completely eliminating sugar from my diet other than from natural sources.  As of tonight, processed sugar is gone from my diet except for the next four Saturday afternoons when I watch college sports.  While I have been eating much better, I will be more gratified the evening of October 18 if I stop most sugar use now. It's probably that one more thing I can do that will help me have a positive marathon race experience.  By the way, my blood pressure has significantly improved over the past fourteen weeks, and all of my other health readings like cholesterol etc. are excellent.  

This is THE last week of full-on running and body stress until marathon day. The next four weeks are building a foundation for the rest of my life for however long that may be.  Know this.  I'm happy.  I'm inspired by the support I have received regarding this Blog.  After this posting, I will be closing in on close to 5,000 reads of weezersandgeezers.blogspot.com.  I know what I am doing is not any more special than what other runners are doing to prepare for their running events. This however is my journey and I am so glad that I have shared my experiences. The emails, personal comments, and the fact that my compositions have brought me closer to people I haven't seen in some cases for years, like my awesome cousins. The accountability of the Blog has helped me take the first step out the door to the scheduled training runs.

The journey and a dear co-worker helped connect me with a wonderful organization:

This is a group that helps people who have been stricken with cancer go on their own personal journey and adventures. I truly would not have fully appreciated this organization without the experience of the past fourteen weeks. (lifeisgoodnomatterwhat.org) The lives these folks help, have a shorter time line in their life's process.  All have a motto: "Celebrate Life Today Like There's No Tomorrow." What I have learned most is that the motto doesn't just apply to the people Life Is Good supports.  More than ever, it applies to you and me. 

So many positive by-products of the running schedule.  So many good things to look forward to on a daily basis.  It's worth repeating. "Celebrate life today like there's no more tomorrow." 

As my friend said, "My life is a work in progress." Yeah, you and me too. Together, our journey's are far from lonely, a lot more meaningful, and most of all, fun.  What do you say? Since we are all people "Under Construction," let's each of us celebrate the chance to be just a little bit better person, every single day. For me, I do that through running and I couldn't have gotten this far without your interest and support.  Many thanks! I"ll be celebrating the evening of October 18.....no matter what.

Week 13 - "No Watch, No IPod, No Problem"

"Log off, shut down, and go run."
- Anonymous

The series of pictures above and the confrontation itself, changed so much in not only the running community, but in the social conscience of America and in many parts of the world.  These pictures say so much when you just look and study them.  Know what you don't see?  IPods, headphones, watches, and smartphones, and you might as well throw in today's technologically designed clothing. In spite of all that, Kathrine Switzer managed to change history.

Here's another pioneer in running.  It's Roger Bannister breaking the four minute mile. Let's pile on the list of don't haves of yesterday's runners by looking at their lousy running shoes by today's standards.  Somehow, these two icons of running were able to be forces of nature without the help of today's technology.

For those of you reading this who do not follow me on Facebook, I ran in the 16th Annual Hermes River Half Marathon Run that goes from Berea, Ohio to Rocky River, Ohio.  The course is on the Valley Parkway in the Cleveland Metro Park System.  It is absolutely one of the most beautiful half marathon courses that can be run. In the past 140 days, my half marathon time has decreased by approximately forty-five minutes.  

Today, I ran another race without a watch, IPod, or IPhone.  I found myself once again focusing on not only the running experience, but each moment of the race.  I made the commitment from the start that I would enjoy each and every step of the run and NOT PUSH myself.  Below is a picture of me at the start of the race.  I'm the big guy in the brown shirt, grey running shorts, and the compression socks. The man and woman in the matching grey shirts had headphones on and were yelling to hear each rather than take an earbud out while trying to communicate.  That made them the most annoying people in the race and helping to document today's thesis.  I couldn't wait to get away from these folks.  Toads!

About two miles into the race today I met this lady. Her name is Vanessa. As I came to find out, she has a son with cerebral palsy.  She had a great attitude towards life and I would have totally missed running with her had I been in my own little world.  While we separated at eight miles, I have to say that she made a positive difference in my experience today.

Vanessa and I split up when I decided to pick up the pace slightly but not in any manner that would tire me.  My thoughts turned to runners I know who have impacted me particularly some of my more recent friendships.  One such friend, Melodie Sams and I got to do "high fives" early on in the race as she was heading out and I was heading towards an early turnaround in the race.  That was very helpful to my perspective.  Shortly after her, The Boss came by. Perfect.

I was feeling really good about the day as I focused on my pace and my breathing.  I truly felt like a runner.  I traded humorous remarks with the aid station volunteers. I thanked them for volunteering.  At no time did I reminisce about the runner I used to be.  Today was about acceptance of where and who I am today.  

With today's effort, I got 52 miles in for the week. This was unimaginable 140 days ago.  I know there are plenty of people both faster and slower.  I wish them all well.  For me, I'm just going to keep moving forward in a measured fashion.  This gentleman got it exactly right:

One thing is for sure.  I will be running in more events without today's technology. I'm going to keep focusing on the whole race experience. I can't do that with noise that shuts me off from the rest of the world.  Somehow, I know that the1967 version of K.V. Switzer would approve as would Roger Bannister.  You know who else would approve?  The 1983 version of Steve Hailer who ran 39:45 (6:25/mile) for a ten kilometer race in Dunkirk, Ohio and then later that year a ninety three minute half marathon in Dayton at the age of thirty-three.  Know what he didn't have that day? Yep, current day technology. That guy ran by feel.  Based on experience, I think I'm on to something. 

I had plenty of energy left today at the end of the 13.1 miles.  This best explains what I was thinking after I crossed the finish line:

Regarding Sunday, September 13th, nothing more needs to be said except, "It was a great day."

Week 12 - Running, Stress, Depression, Peace (W&G Special Edition)

"The farther I run, the smaller my problems become."

- Anonymous

Running helps me deal with stress.  I can put my life in perspective when I run.  The smell of the woods, the sounds of the traffic, the feel of my running shoes hitting the pavement or wooded trails, the sweat during and then after a workout, and the rush of endorphins from my physical efforts are my game changers.  When I run, I can't remember what my problems are.  Those times that I add music or listen to the radio, a different positive experience is created.  

It hasn't always been like this.  I got away from running in September of 1989.  By May of 1990 the pressure of my work became an emotional burden. The general stress of life and all of the pressures I was dealing with at that time landed me on the road to depression. I stopped eating only to later over compensate for this period.  And yes, I had thoughts of suicide. Fortunately, I had, and I have, a loving wife, family, and friends.  Make no mistake about it though, I struggled. 

My loss of confidence was crippling at times.  I felt like this guy:

Little by little though it got better.  I remember my exact comeback moment in June 1990 like it was yesterday.  My immediate family and I were on a whale watch cruise off of Provincetown, Massachusetts at the very northern tip of Cape Cod. On the way back to port, it began to rain lightly and everybody else went inside the cabin for cover.  I went to the bow of the small ship and just looked off in the distance as Provincetown got closer.  I realized that my son Adam, who was twelve at the time, had come out on deck and was standing next to me.  He asked me, "You thinking about work dad?"  I looked down at him and smiled and said, "The hell with 'em!"  My son responded, "Good for you dad."  Then we hugged.  I remember smiling and thinking to myself, "It's time to face my problems." When we got back to our cottage, I went out for a run.

I have come to understand the definition of the word stress.  Its pretty simple to define actually.  "Stress is the gap between our expectations of life and our personal standards."  The pathway into happiness can be as simple as lowering your expectations but not lowering your standards. The game plan really is that simple.  The commitment to want to get better for me was the challenge. That simple moment with my oldest son helped me breakout of my emotional loop.  This is the cycle that anyone who is feeling down is up against:

Every now and then I would go for a run. I started to feel better.  It wasn't easy.  It took several years to get completely back to where I needed to be. Again, I had a support system for which I will always be grateful. Family and friends helped me understand that it was general negativity of my then work situation that was destroying my sense of inner peace.

I made a commitment to myself to do more running, play the guitar, be a better husband and father, and focus on growing in my professional skills. These steps helped me amass a string of little victories along the way that built something much bigger which helped me out of my depression.

The next logical question is, "Why are you telling us this Steve?"  The answer is that I have a lot of friends right now who are dealing with depression, stress, anxiety, and are fighting their own personal issues or helping others who are emotionally challenged right now. Some of them are runners.  Some of them will be reading this and I love them all.  This is my way of letting them know that they are not alone. I've been there.  So have millions of us. There's nothing to be ashamed of or to feel embarrassed about. 

Some of the notables who have dealt with depression are: Abraham Lincoln, Billy Joel, Owen Wilson, Jon Hamm, and James and his brother Livingston Taylor, just to name only a few.  This is a pretty impressive company if you ask me.  You probably have your own list of loved ones and famous people.  

Everybody is going through something. It's life and its okay to be down once and awhile. Stand in a crowd sometime and just observe and try to imagine what everybody is thinking. Chances are that they have the same concerns or worse that you have. Two of the keys to finding your smile are: "Don't give up and don't give in."  

I don't know if this posting helps anybody but if you're every feeling down or stressed, just remember, everybody is going through something. Marathon great Deena Kastor says that its the times that challenge us the most that define us. Right now in my life, running helps me keep the challenges and disappointments of life in perspective. 

Surround yourself with positive people and by all means:

My journey to the Columbus Marathon is giving me a daily sense of joy.  My story is more complicated than it appears but then so is yours too. When I'm running, life is pretty simple. It's one foot in front of the other.  It's one mile after another. The destination is at the end of a road paved with inner peace and all the wonderful things that come with it. I'm happy and a long way from May of 1990. I think I will just keep on keeping on. I'm having too much fun.

Week 12 - Never Grow Old, Never Ever Die Young

"Never grow old, never ever die young." 

- James Taylor

Six weeks to go!

This week could not have been more special than what it was.  The highlight clearly was running in the Ohio Northern University cross country meet Friday night vs. Bluffton, Tiffin, and Ohio  Christian universities.  As I posted on my Facebook site, "I was first in my age group."

Then on Saturday morning just twelve hours later and about 147 miles away from Bluffton, in Westlake, Ohio, I ran the Celebrate Westlake 5K.  In both events over the two days, I ran without a watch or my IPod.  I just concentrated on my effort and breathing and my performance improved.

This is me running for Ohio Northern in the fall of 1969:

This is me 46 years later:

Back in 1968 and 1969 we had eight members on the cross country team.  Even better, there is now a women's team that is plentiful in numbers. This is what the men's team looks like today with one older fella in the middle, but it connects 47 years of ONU cross country history if even for only one night:

What a gift this week was for me on so many levels.  And then it got better. 

I held back during the Westlake race. I wanted to be in control.  No injuries please. I just needed a little speed work to keep myself honest. When I use to be good, I never wore a watch or listened to music.  I listened to my body, sometimes prayed, and I always experienced what was happening all around me. I did my best work back then.  The music on this part of the journey has helped to get me to this point. As I move forward these last six weeks, the music will be less and less a part of the training experience.  I just want to "be" when I run.

In the days leading up to these back to back races, this past Wednesday, was its own special moment.  I ran most of the first half of the new Akron Marathon course.  Here's a spectacular view of Downtown Akron from the 5 mile mark on the All-America Bridge:

Then on Thursday in the late afternoon, the power went out at home around 5:30 p.m. so rather than just sit around in the dark and wait for the lights to come on, I went to Sand Run Parkway and got five miles in just because.  Talk about a massive change in a Homer Simpson like attitude in a person.  The run was alone and because of the light rain and the fact the road had been shut down to traffic, I had the trail mostly to myself.  It was quietly exhilarating. Had I not gone, these are sights that I would have missed Thursday night on the Sand Run Trail:

Four solid days of running in a row.  I changed the Hal Higdon schedule slightly to accommodate my body.  I took today off but The Boss and I did a ten mile bike ride late yesterday and then went out on kayaks for around ninety minutes this morning. Tomorrow is a 20 mile run.  I think I will do two round trips of the Kent to Silver Lake Trail plus two miles.  I will let you know how I did next Sunday.

Here's the biggest news of the week for me.  I am no longer clinically obese.  I'm just overweight.  Oh yeah, my weight is south of 220 pounds.  I haven't seen these kinds of numbers since the Olympics were in Atlanta. 

So what was really special about this week? I had fun. Lots of fun.  I got a paycheck on my training and it felt good. I'm still young inside and I am reconnected to a time that gave me The Woman I'm Related to By Marriage and memories of real physical speed.  I may not be that "Sixties" guy anymore, but the spirit still lives in this guy in his mid-sixties.  Like James Taylor says in his song, "Never grow old, never ever die young."  I'm pretty sure I know what he means.  Great advice. I think I'll take it. Better yet.  I think I will continue to put it into practice. It will keep me young, and last time I checked, I'm not dead yet.  That's a very good thing!