Run By Any Means Necessary...

Run by Any Means Necessary Speech... 

I must emphasizes at the out start that I'm not here to representative Asics or Saucony Brooks or Nike Skechers or Newton Hoka or Karhu... So I have to stand here as what I was when I was Born.. A runner!!! 

Before there was any such thing as midfoot or forefoot strike we were runners...

Before there was anything such thing as Running and Being Or Born to Run... we were runners!!

Before they was any such thing as Chi or pose running we were runners!!! Before there was any such thing as 800's or hill repeats we were runners!!!

I shared this on FB and was surprised when it received over 2.5K Views

Before there was any such thing as GU or Nuun... We were runners!!! In fact before there was any such thing as football or basketball we soccer or baseball... We were runners. 

And long after the cowboys don't make it to playoffs and Donald trump fades off the scene with his hate bating rhetoric and his dumb comb over.... we will  still be runners. 

As a Sneakerholic I've Got Love For All Brands

Who told you running was bad for knees?

Who told you black men only run if their being chased by cops?

Who told black women don't run because their scared of sweating out their perms weaves and natural hair.  Well parts of that may be true but from what I understand the struggle is real and their working past it...

Who told you were going to die if you ran a marathon?

Who told you couldn't run in the rain?

Who told you we don't run in the cold and snow?

Who told to wear shorts over running tights. It makes no sense!!! Its nonsense!!! Laugh 

Humbled by the overwhelming support hope you enjoy it...

Oh I say and I say again you been had... You been took!!!

Led astray!!!

Bambozzled!!!

Hoodwinked!!! I'm here to tell like it is... We don't need a lot of gadgets to start running. But like a Garmin and banging beat playing in my head when I hit these  mean streets!!! 

We didn't land on running, running landed  In conclusion my sole brothers and sistas lace up your shoes get dressed Shut your mouth kick your excuses to the curb and Run by any means necessary!!! #grind #runutainment
RunR4Lyfe

The Case of The Blister Vs The Shoe, Sock and Runner

Blisters aren't a runners friend and if you've been running for any period time you've encountered these irritating buggers, that seek to sideline us or at a minimum slow us down.  There's a segment of the foot care industry devoted to keeping runners on their feet and hitting the pavement daily.  This is pure speculation on my part but, I can imagine a fanatical runner wanting to continue running with a blister and as a result the blister band aid was born.  Soon the market would be flooded with wicking socks, foot powder, Body Glide and Blister Shield. 

Hoka Cliftons and Injinji Socks

Blisters get a bad rap, shoes get blamed for the cause and point to socks as the culprit, after all they are closer to the feet so they must be guilty.  The smartest one out of the bunch, the runner takes a hit for the blister but, seldom jumps to assume responsibility. 

Blisters know how they are formed, add a little friction moisture and presto you've got a blister.  The case was scheduled to be heard before the RFCD-(Runners Foot Counsel on Dryness). Before the RFCD handed their ruling we took to social media court of public opinion and let's just say things weren't so cut and dry-the opinions spanned the trinity, shoe, sock and runner.  And for good measure some tossed in Obama and the republicans, must have been the runners high talking.

Injinji's felt strange...  Now I think of them as mini comforters for my toes

The only time I got a blister was while cross training in my Newton Gravity's and a pair of Nike compression socks.  For the record, your honor I'm not blaming the shoes or the socks.  Did they play a part in the hot spot? Yes, by default because they just happened to be the gear I was wearing at the time.  Newton's aren't designed for cross training and when I slipped on the socks I didn't like the feel but I loved the color.  It was a rookie mistake.  Since that experience I've been in search of the perfect sock for me and like my kicks I've tried just about every brand on the market.  Below are a few of my faves and they were  also mentioned the most in the social media court of public opinion in preparation for this piece:  Balega, Feetures, Injinji, Swiftwick and Thorlo Pads 12 

Socks play a critical role in making my feet smile

"Proper socks have changed my life"  according to Leslie.  As the responses came in I realized that runners are just as passionate about their socks as they are about their kicks.  Rae said Balega's are my favorite socks.  Tonja recalled: "The one and only time she got a blister was during a race, but I ran a full and a half marathon in the same day." Tonja later added: "I wouldn't recommend this as a best practice."  Beastmode or Crazy I don't judge!  Jeff whole hardly believes that blisters are the fault of the runner, "The runner is always to blame, the runner is the only one out of the three that can monitor the situation make decisions take action and learn from the situation."  Elsie firmly believes that it's the runners fault, her #1 rule is "As soon as you feel a blister coming on stop and take care of your feet."  The court room erupted as the plaintiffs attorney objected, "Your honor you can't allow that it's highly prejudicial and I ask that her testimony be stricken from the record". Really?  Yes I am aware that if you aren't properly fitted for running shoes and wear cotton socks these factors can invite a blister.

I came across this blog by momslittlerunningbuddy-(I think there's an additional buddy) on IG which had 5 Ways to Prevent Blisters While Running and thought I'd share it with you.  I would like to enter it into evidence.  After hearing all the evidence the RFCD had this to say prior to ruling on the case: "blisters will continue to haunt runners and while we have measures in place to reduce friction and treat blisters and hot spots after the fact, runners are strange birds stubborn and tenacious who run in circles to simple round off their run so as to not end on an uneven note."  For those who are new to running they will be granted a pass for obtaining what some consider a badge of honor but, for those season veteran runners the RFCD has determined that, the responsibility for a blister lies squarely on the shoulders or should I say toes of the runner.  

RunR4Lyfe 

MLK Run/Walk In Bklyn with BGR and BMR

A few years ago I reconnected with a High School Buddy on FaceBook and found out we shared a passion for running. Neither Alden or I ran in High School, we both discovered running later in life.  Its through Alden and Var that I was introduced to Black Men Run.  BMR was created in 2013 by Jason Russell and Edward Walton, to promote a healthy brotherhood within the African-American community.

The Incomparable K-Rod 

Many would consider BMR as the male counterpart to BGR-(Black Girls Run) a running community created by Toni Carey and Ashely Hicks in 2009 in an effort to tackle the growing obesity epidemic in the African-American Community and to provide encouragement and resources to both new and veterans runners.

The Men and Women of BGR and BMR NYC

Both organizations have chapters across the U.S. and beyond.  Its one thing to read about an event or hear about it from a friend, but it's different experience it up close and personal.

Kovon Flowers, the Capt of the Brooklyn Chapter sent me an invitation to a joint run/walk event with BGR & BMR in Honor of Martin Luther King Day.  And I'm glad accepted the invitation.  I was rushing to Bklyn from CT heading down the FDR Hwy hoping not to miss the meet greet and group picture, the video below describes scene.

The  Brooklyn Ambassador for BGR, Ethell K. Wilson-Diallo reached out to Kovon for assistance in rallying the men of BMR for the event, being a man of action Kovon said: "Let's do this" and started spreading the word.  According to Var Kelly: "The men BMR NYC have asked for an event for us both to come together for a while. We often see one another at various events around the city; we often take pictures together as well. There is already such a high level of communication between BGR NYC and BMR NYC that it was inevitable that an event such as this would eventually occur. And now, I think both groups are going to want to do more of them. LOL"!  

Kovon's poll of some of the Men of BMR confirmed the desire of for more collaborative events during the year.  "Many of the women knew about us but, it was good for us to come together and run"  As the cars passed on Court Street, you could see the   surprised looks on the faces of the occupants, we definitely made an impact."

Kovon Flowers with Monica and Var Kelly

The energy before the race in a word was "Crazyelectric" yeah I know that's two words.  The plan was to meet downtown Brooklyn for a group picture then head over the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan and run along the West side Hwy to 59th Street and back.

BGR ladies making their way across the bridge

Do you think I could get $29.99 a pop for the digital pics?  lol...

Even though I grew up in Brooklyn, I felt like a tourist stopping along the way to snap a few flicks of the sites, I was just starting to warm up and settle into my stride and then I remembered it wasn't a race-duh!!  I could relax and enjoy the company of other runners.

Marlon aka(Lean Fast Strong) BMR Bklyn Co-Capt
and Christopher J P Sewell

I typically train on my own, I've done a few fun runs with my LRS and the only time I run with a group is during a race and even then I'm running alone.  Group runs offer a different dynamic, one of the things I found interesting was the concern for the safety and well being of the runners.  Given the icy conditions from the previous days freezing rain storm, Marlon was nominated to survey the route to ensure the safety of the runners.

BMR NYC Group has 3 runs a week. These occur on Wednesday (7pm @ Prospect Park), Saturday (usually 7 am starting at Prospect Park) and Sunday (11 am @ Prospect Park). Wednesday runs are short runs of about 3-miles. They are for all levels runner/jogger/walker. Someone is always there to ensure the motto “No Brother Left Behind” is in play. Saturday runs are long runs. These are for those who are in the midst of training for various races. These long runs usually are over 6-miles. They sometimes stay within Prospect Park, Brooklyn NY but mostly go around NYC.  Sunday runs are similar to Wednesday runs; the schedule is for short runs usually within Prospect Park. 

The BMR NYC group has long been a group that many other northern states have looked at for motivation and inspiration. We continue to be a lead model for them. Also, this chapter generally supports many local chapters including NJ, Penn, and DC. Since travel between these states is around 2 hours, it is no problem for us to travel to them or them to us – in order to support and build the brotherhood

I could have dropped a layer.  What a great day for a run...

Should you every find yourself in Brooklyn and want go for a group run consider running with BGR or BMR, whatever you decide run happy.

Special thanks to Kovon, Ethell, Marlon, Monica and Marlon aka Lean Fast Strong for their contributions in helping with this post, but more importantly their leadership passion participation and building of the vision of BGR and BMR.

RunR4Lyfe

How to Run Like You're In Your Shower...

Singing in the shower isn't a new phenomenon, many people imagine themselves as Beyoncé doing the booty dance on stage or Amy Winehouse, Adele, Meghan Trainor, Jay Z or who every your favorite artist might be, plug their name in above and let's move on.  The combination of the aucustics and privacy of your bath room gives you the courage to be a badass, singing on or off key.

This practice spills out of the shower booth into bars and nite clubs in the form of karaoke.  I can't sing but I do dream and imagine myself performing in different venues.  Growing up in Brooklyn I was like most kids, spending hours in the park dribbling a basket ball, imaging myself making the winning shot in a championship game.  For me it was basket ball, I don't know what it was for you-maybe it was hockey, soccer, football, lacrosse, golf or tennis. 

When I started running the only thing on my mind, was why the hell were my legs burning and itching.  When I found out people paid to endure the pain, I was like hell nah, you kidding me. But, soon I found myself forking over the dough and traveling out of town for a race.

How To Run Like You're In The Shower

Somewhere on the planet there's probably a nude race, running in the nude isn't what I'm alluding to in this post, running like you're in the shower means catching a glimpse of yourself performing as your favorite elite athlete.  For me it's a way to past the time, focus on my form and breathing, it happens sometimes when a dark car pulls up next to me and I see my reflection.  

I was curious to see if it was just me being weird or did other runners imagine themselves running as an elite, so I took the net with this question: 

"On your runs do you ever imagine yourself as an elite runner if so who? For me sometimes it's Meb as he's coming down the stretch in his Boston Victory at other times it's Ryan Hall, most recently it's been Kipsang"  Who is it for you?

Ryan Hall Ole Ole

Kipsang

I Know its not Boston finish of Meb, but I like this pic

As the responses started rolling, I realized I wasn't alone, Tanya said: "Oh I imagine I'm an elite, and then I see a race photo and I look like an elite hippo, Ha! Hey, in my head I'm Kara freakin Goucher.  Whatever keeps me moving.😄

Kara Freakin Goucher

Shelly fantasizes that she's Anton Krupicka's twin sister during her Long runs, wishing she had his carefree easygoing running stride.

Anton Krupicka... Luv my AK Ultimate Direction Vest for long runs..

Brenda and a few others, imagine themselves as Deena Kastor winning Chicago, she's a fierce competitor.

She's focused man!!! 

Bill Rodgers and Ted Corbitt were favorites also, someone even mentioned prime time Deon Sanders.😁 

Bill Rodgers

Ted Corbitt

For Amanda and Katie it was Shalane, "Always Shalane.  And her ponytail awesome effortless form".

Shalane

That kick and lift is crazy... Flight Time

I though of mentioning Shalane but, that woulda been odd for certain.  Getting out kicking up asphalt doesn't have to be a chore, break up the monotony with some creative mind games.  What do think about on your runs to keep you engaged?

Mary just looked so cool and relaxed here I had to add her.

RunR4Lyfe

Live with Passion... Run with Heart... Cherish Every Step...

laying in bed it was quite and warm, in the background lingered a faint ringing in my ears, layered a top pings from filaments of the baseboard heater, heating up.  At that point, I realized that I hadn't written anything aside from a few tweets and post about the new Saucony Breakthru early in the day.-(Check out Peter's review of the Saucony Breakthru)

Saucony BreakThru... I'm a sucker for bright colored kicks reasonable priced

What started as background noise, was now loud cinematic theme music, from a drama demanding an answer as to why I hadn't written anything.  My baseboard heater transformed into an irate customer tapping their fingers on the counter demanding an answer to a seemingly, obvious rhetorical question.  I laid in my bed squirming for an answer, stalling for time, I uttered do you want me answer that?  Suddenly the strumming stopped and I escaped being berated by an angry baseboard heater.  

Its almost time to hit the trail

Dodging a bullet, I found refuge in the silence under the covers and tried to answer the baseboard heaters question.  Was it because I didn't have time? No, I could have squeezed out at least 19 minutes out of 1,440 minutes in a day.  Was it a lack of inspiration?  No, I could have started writing about the guy siting across from me in Starbucks with a winter hat, jacket and sandals with out socks-in a snow storm.  It was clearly cold enough to for him to cover his head inside a heated building, but toes out in a snow storm wasn't a concern.

Arrows have been added to protect the identity of the innocent...

What was it then? Procrastination? I had pushed off writing in exchange for reading and started experiencing guilt associated with putting off a run-which I hardly ever do, but when I do I feel like I broke one of the 10 Run Commandments.  (Do you feel the same way when you miss a run? Let me know).  Before falling asleep, I was guilt tripped into writing and couldn't wait to run in the snow in the morning in my BOCO's but I had to get some rest if that was going to happen-(review coming soon, I initially picked up a 12.5 but experienced some puckering in the toe box so I sized down and that resolved the issue).

Newton BOCO AT

Time to Put These Puppies to The Snow Slush Test

With 8miles on deck today the challenge would be getting out the door and staying upright in the snow, I'm pretty sure I was over dressed but, I managed to avoid falling-lets call that a victory.  The BOCO's provided excellent traction in the snow, slush and kept my feet dry.

Land.... Lever.... Lift.... Hello Better how you doin

I normally don't answer calls while I'm on a run, but I took a call from my sister Vonnie, who was just checking in on me, how sweet.  Based on the shoe imprints someone beat me to the trail.  When it was all said and done I made it back home peeled out of my clothes and was faced with the news that Stuart Scott passed and it through me in an emotional tailspin.  

"Cool as the Other Side of the Pillow" Booyah

Stuart's style personality passion and swagger transformed the industry, he was a fresh voice.  In the midst of continued chemotherapy treatments and medication regiments he took to the gym for mixed martial arts and cross training workouts in West Hartford CT., it was hard but he continued to work exhausted but unwavering.  I dedicate this post to Staurt Scott's legacy, heres to you, Mr Booyah, Cool as The Other Side of the Pillow.

RunR4Lyfe

How to Put Your New Years Resolutions on Steroids in 2015

Welcome to 2015, we made it!  The weeks leading up to the first of the year, there were a few memes warning me to brace myself, The New Years Resolutioneers were coming to invade the gym and my news feed.  Along with Haagen Dazs Butter Pecan ice cream and kicks I love a good laugh.  So I'd be lying to you, if I said, I didn't enjoy the brief comic relief. 

That is until I came across a post from Brenda that read: "Instead of making fun of The New Resolutioneers we should encourage them, invite a friend out for a run or walk."  Partnering with a trusted friend or family member would be an excellent way of building in an accountability safety net, for more on this visit: Dreams Don't Live on Shelves... Run after Yours in 2015.

According to the University of Scranton, approximately 45% of Americans usually make New Year's Resolutions and about 24% fail.  For full details visit Static Brain.  

So how do you put NYR on Steroids, so you will succeed?  It's as simple as giving up Haagen Dazs, make them GOALS-(see Goodbye Haagen Dazs... Hello BQ for details)

Bidding Adieu to Haagen Dazs led to changes else where in my life that weren't
initially targeted, it was a healthy by product unlike the grease in the
Vats that Mickey D's cooks it fries in-which can be so addictive.    

A resolution is akin to response you receive from that unreliable friend or family member, when you ask them if they're going to help you move and they say: "Yeah sure, I'll try."  In your mind you know they ain't coming and you've already activated your contingency plans.  This year be a better friend to yourself.  

A goal is significantly stronger and more reliable than a resolution and possesses magnetic properties to pull you toward your destination.  Once you get to the White Matter of WHY, the answers resources motivation and encouragement are released and delivered to you daily, until it becomes an automatic response-that's the steroids at work, creating a habit.

Duct Tape Your NYR to Your Bathroom Mirror, The Steering Wheel of car
Your forehead if you have to, wait that might be too extreme... 

1. Getting to the White Matter of WHY.

When I decided to say goodbye to Haagen Dazs it wasn't because I wanted to loose weight.  Butter Pecan was my reward for the torture I put myself through on the asphalt, any given day kicking back miles.  I would polish off a half pint, before the credits to a movie rolled and then the satisfying feeling was gone-like sex, sure it lasted through 3/4 of the movie.  In the end, the only thing I was left with, was an empty container and a spoon.  However, the deep satisfaction of qualifying for Boston was more important, long lasting and appealing than Haagen Dazs and that made it easy for me to say good bye.

2. Make Your Goal Attainable:

I didn't roll over the morning after finishing my first marathon in 5:23 and decide to BQ the following year.  I waited a few years.  After logging additional miles and gaining more experience the goal was in reach and seemed reasonable enough for me to go for it.

3. Believe You Can Do It

I'm dumb enough to believe that anything I put my mind to, within reason, I can accomplish.  Crossing the finish line in RI, in 2013 with a time of 4:03 reinforced the belief of possibly qualifying for Boston.  

"Champions don't do extraordinary things, they do ordinary things, but they do them without thinking, too fast for the other team to react.  They follow the habits they've learned" -Tony Dungy

4. Be Very Motivated and Committed

The thought of giving up Haagen Dazs, combined with the goal of qualifying for Boston found fertile ground in my mind body and soul.  And soon I was pregnant and gave birth to this blog.  The subtle change in my routine played a vital roll in helping extinguish my desire for Haagen Dazs.  Trying to BQ and writing the blog helped to keep me motivated and committed to my training. 

5. Build Mental Strength
In the summer I shared a post entitled: Get Your Marathon Mind Right Through Visualization in it I shared a few tips for building mental toughness during a marathon-the same principles can be applied to your NYR strategy.  While pulling this post together I came across a few resources that you may find helpful: 4 Ways To Make Your New Years Resolution Stick and The Science of Actually Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions.

I Wish you all the best in the new year as you tackle your goals running or otherwise, I'd love to hear about your struggles and personal victories.

Run4Lyfe 

10 Run Commandments... What??

So I've toyed with the idea of doing a 10 Run Commandments for a few weeks, after my Snow Flake 5k Saturday, the idea surfaced again when I asked a fellow runner what would make their list; they said "cotton underwear, no one told me I shouldn't wear them, I did and learned the hard way".  I took to FB yesterday to get a gauge on what else was out there.

Write them on the soles of your kicks and in your heart...

For the exact verbiage I revisited my original post, "What would make the list of your 10 Run Commandments? Thou shalt not wear-then I stopped typing at 9:46 am, because I realized I used the wrong wear, dammit, thank God for the edit button on FB. 

My face when I notice an error after I posted something... 

Ok I'm back after editing the post. LMBO!!  The last of the sentence was: "cotton underwear to run in, ever... Lol".  It was funny hearing my friend describe their experience and we laughed at her pain.

I took the Tighty Whitey cotton brief warning for granted, until someone asked: "Why not cotton??? What Happens??? What should one wear??? With in minutes her questions were answered, "Go commando or microfiber undies or you will chafe your hind parts" for good measure she tossed in blended wool socks.. Lol.  

So here are my 10 Run Commandments as I received from the running gods and a few of you. 

1. Shut up and run, but before you do, get fitted for a decent pair of kicks and if you don't know ask somebody, trust me stuff will come up and you'll have tons of questions-find somewhere safe to float your concerns.

2. No Quiero Taco Bell, Chilly or anything spicy before a run.  Tom suggested pooping before going out and a long run and you're not sure carry a fanny pack, with toilet care package.  And what ever you do, Pam said do not trust your fart, Sharting is mother!!!  If nature calls your name walk clear off the trail to drop a deuce-thanks Jim.

3.  If you run please match, no sense enduring the pain and compounding it by looking bad in the process.  Think of it as homage to your mother's admonition to you when you were younger, "always wear clean underwear in case you get into an accident."  Shorts over tights is confusing to me, but whatever gets you out for a run by all means rock out!!  This issue had fellas on both sides of the aisle.  Seth strongly advises against it.

4. Don't spit a luggie in the wind.  Look both ways before shooting a snot rocket

5.  Thou shalt not leave home without body glide  especially If thy thighs rub 

6.  Thou shalt not run without band aided nips.. Apparently this is an issue for some  just make sure their not Miss Kitty band aides.

7. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors bling, pace or any of their accomplishments or commit adultery with other fuel than the one you trained with on your runs.

8. Thou shalt not wear white socks with black running kicks or  dress shoes for that matter, only Micheal Jackson can pull this  off, lets keep the tradition dead along with members only jackets.

9. Thou shall line up with the correct pace group, if you know you're not going to finish minutes behind the elites start where you trained, you're not going to become miraculous faster on race day and it only causes bottle neck. 

10. Thou shalt honor thy rest day...

Disclaimer the running gods did not authorize this message

Whatever you do or where every you run have fun and enjoy the gift of running.

RunR4Lyfe

Dreams Don't Live on Shelves... Run after yours in 2015

Freddie came home at the end of his shift with a book that someone left behind on the bus, he said "most of these things get tossed in the trash-no one every claims them, so it was free game".  Freddie was a NYC Bus Dispatcher, he's since retired from that job, he was my father in law but, after the divorce that stopped and now he's just Freddie.  

Random thought: What if gyms posted a sign for the New Year that said, 
"No New Friends at This Time, See Us in  March if You're Serious"

When he handed me the navy blue book without a cover and worn edges I took it and turned to the spine and read the title-it was Think and Grow Rich A Black Choice by Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill.  The inside flap had a note from Sharon to her husband written in 1992, that said: "To my husband, this book has opened up many doors within me to reach for new heights.  I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have and together we will be able to achieve all our dreams and more."  Sharon closed the inscription with: Love your wife-and signed her name in case he forgot, along with Merry Christmas.

Thinking about how I can turn 2015 goals into Habits so they become automatic... 

I devoured that book and felt bad for Sharon's husband, having to explain that he lost the book, but those feeling were dwarf by my ginormous gratitude-the book is packed with timeless principles that predated The Secret by Rhonds Byrne.

Hmmm someone wrote a book on the topic:  The Power of Habit by, Charles Duhigg

Dreams don't live in book shelves they reside in our hearts minds and in the clouds along the highway.  Sitting in traffic, north bound on the Merritt Parkway heading to Fleet Feet Sports in West Hartford, to exhange my BOCO AT's for a 1/2 size smaller-I should have tried in the 11.5 while I was there last week.  

Newton BOCO AT.. Bring on the snow, when it starts I'll start asking for the Spring... Lol

After a few treadmill runs in them they felt fine, but they seemed to bunch in the toe box when I cinched the laces, its one of those irritating things that nag at you like a hang nail-you're better off clipping it put a band aide on it and be done, instead of gnawing your fingers raw.  

When thoughts of hangnails and BOCO's faded my gaze settled on the horizon and it was magical, what a glorious site, neatly filed away were the hopes aspirations dreams ideas and goals of millions of humans.  Across the hallway, on the South bound side were  room clouds of needs, problems standing waiting to be assigned solutions.  Then it happened, silent eruptions, Trillions of FB like button burps illuminated the sky like the 4th of July.  I'd never witnessed an Aha Storm before, what an experience.  

Pre Race at the Nyack Snow Flake  5k with Heather, Sorry for taking off its a habit... Lol

Someone, somewhere had just received an answer to a pressing problem that kept them awake at night and awakened them early most mornings without a clocky-(an alarm clock with rims, that rolls off your nite stand and forces you to give chase, to disable the snooze).

Introducing the Clocky an Alarm Clock on Wheels 

This could very well be your year to dust off some old plans, dreams goals or ideas and get to work, before someone is driving along the highway and your idea dawns on them, which will certainly give you a case of the shoulda's-don't shoulda on yourself this year, you'll have enough folks volunteering to shoulda on you at not cost and you won't have to post the position. 

Post Race with Tim "The Blur" because just like that he's gone finished in 21:00 and change...

So be weary of the shoulda heads this year, share your give up goals with them they'll help hold you accountable and you'll enjoy proving them wrong. Whatever you do, don't share your go up goals with shoulda heads.  I wish you all the best in the coming year.

 RunR4Lyfe

2014 Rewind... A 5k Glance at The Highlights

Facebook's marketing suggestions based on my site visits elsewhere and ads telling me that one of my friends likes a particular dating site, or web page, is hilarious to me.  What if they didn't want anyone to know? Oops, too late.  And if I was predisposed to conspiracy theories, I'd get an eerie feeling in my gut big bother was watching my every move and it would make all my leg hairs salute, right down to the few on my big toe.  I did like my sentimental recap, it triggered this post-the idea must have come from his scrap booking big sister, Matilda.

Last year I posted a collage pic of images from my marathons.  I finished 2 full and 3 half marathons.  In the comment section I wrote a sappy comment: "Something special happens as you prepare during the weeks leading up to the race, the night before, the morning after and then there's the race.  Some people are going for their personal best or seeking a sense of accomplishment".  Those were a few of the ramblings that echoed in my head and I stand by them today.  

2013 Year in Review

When the show closed on 2013 and the curtains opened for 2014, I didn't have a long list of races scheduled, but I knew I was going to run, in races and around town for the sheer pain, sweat and fun of this crazy endurance sport.  This year I completed 3 Full and 4 Half Marathons and enjoyed every millimeter.  Cheshire was the first marathon in 2014 and it was my 1st time fund raising for a cause, with the help of family and friends we raised over $500.00 for Best Buddies in Ct-I set a conservative goal and finished 104% of my target).

Running Buddies not to be confused with Best Buddies of CT

Cheshire Half Marathon... Brooks Launch

In June I followed up Cheshire with the Stratton Faxon Half in Fairfield CT.  June was also my first blog post-a review of the Adios Boost V2.  After Fairfield, I photo copied my marathon training plan and posted it on my bathroom mirror as a reminder.  Between Late June and early July, I was attacked by a Hobo Running Bug-(Full disclosure enclosed in my up coming ebook).  In a nutshell the Hobo Running Bug bite causes nausa delusions and hallucinations in runners, experts attribute it to the number one reason, runners want to qualify for Boston-in essence they become Unicorn Hunters.  

FairField Half Brooks Glycerin 12's

The first 2 quarters of the year I wasn't blogging, but that changed when Dr Adios Boston suggested keeping a journal as a way of stave the side effects of the HRBB-(Hobo Running Bug Bite).  Things really started boiling after the PA Grand Canyon marathon in July.  

PA Grand Canyon Marathon Hoka Rapa Nui 2 

In June I moved from Bridgeport to Wallingford to be closer to my job and discovered new running routes and trails to conquer-with cows down the block from my house.  To keep my sanity, I run and write.  Inspired on a run, the idea of weekly challenges was born and I milked it until the week before the Sam Elprin Half Marathon in September, where I set my first Half PR of the season.  Two weeks later I broke that PR in the city of Brotherly love.

RnR Philly Hoka Clifton's

The anticipation of running NU Hartford this year was had me amped because, I had determined to qualify for Boston.  Let my Stuper Ego tell you the story, I punk'ed out because of a little rain and cold, "You shoulda man'ed up and went ghost busters, balls to the wall, but nah, you ran conservatively).  The rational, less aggressive voice in my head was thinking about my safety-guess who's laughing at me as I punch the keys?  Yes, Stuper Ego-its all good I don't take myself to seriously.  

NU Hartford Boston Boost 5

My last Marathon was MCM, it was initially scheduled as coaster run for the experience.  But, since, my BQ attempt was pushed back, cruising wasn't an option.  Two weeks to recovery from a marathon and then run another one full tilt, was my Stuper Ego's attempt at being rational-it worked. Lol.

MCM the original  world record holder Adidas Adios   

All in all 2014 was my most fulfilling, enriching, rewarding, challenging and creative summer's to date-running did that and I'm grateful.  Setting goals, pushing myself beyond the fringes of my limits into uncharted territory-was scary boisterous, discovering gems in a lively organic introspective manner that couldn't be achieved in a sedentary state.  Thanks for sharing the journey with me, Happy Holiday's and a Runtastic Prosperous New Year!!!!  

RunR4Lyfe