The Journey Continues

Aloha readers. Welcome to first post of new blog since wrapped up the Appalachian Trail experience a few months ago. As indicated in that final post future plans included running the NYC Marathon, Well am in thanks to 2540, an organization that assists orphans in rural South Africa. Check out this link to learn more about what they do. www.crowdrise.com/2540NYC2015. The short video on their website is pretty awesome but the picture attached of the guy in the green shirt; well not so sure about him. Do know though that any amount give goes to 25 40 and not yours truly. I tried to get in via the lottery and thought that would but did not win a ticket that way. Since then have found out that the odds to succeed via the lottery are around 12 to 1. So given that am post medicare age figured if ever going to do what many refer to as the holy shrine for runners-the New York City Marathon- that now is the time to do so.

I have been running more or less regularly since 1977 when did my first Honolulu Marathon. A tally of past logs indicates that have run at least 20000 miles since then and probably a good deal more. Hard to tell exactly as my handwriting is atrocious and has gotten worse with age. Am pretty confident though that have run at least 6 months every year since 77 with most of those years hovering around 9 to 11. Past race times are not great but not that bad either. 4 miles in sub 27 minutes, marathon 3:39 pre chip days and as it took at least 8 minutes to get to the start line like to think that actual time was close to 3:30. Sub 7 minute time test mile at age 61, and several other decent time tests at distances from 800 meters to 3 miles since hitting the 7th decade have been encouraging.

Honestly though had no desire to do another marathon until this past summer when met Rocky Raccoon. Marathons take a toll during preparation for and the actual event itself. Have done 3 and at least 3 others entered but did not line up due to injury, weak mind, or travel. That sensation that comes around the 20 mile mark of why in the world am doing this is not always pleasant. The last time did the race was hoping for a sub 3:30 but a bad cold hit a few days prior. Did the race anyway. Ended up walking on the approach to diamond head with a beer in hand courtesy of a friendly resident. Gulped it down before the final hill throwing the can away at triangle park. Finished that one in 4:08 but was hugely disappointed. You hurt during a marathon. You hurt after a marathon. At times you hurt training for a marathon. So why in the world bother?

That is a good question. I suppose the answer lies with why in the world do bother to run at all. Is it fun? Is it exhilarating? Does it provide purpose and meaning? The answer to those questions is yes, for me it does. Three years ago I kinda thought my running days may be done for good. Experienced some severe ITB pain while on a hike which no doubt kicked in due to running. Afterwards got some PT and with continued exercises the syndrome went away. Two years ago developed a really bad low back problem and had to lie down for about 2 weeks. Followed such up with more PT and Chiropractic. Got over that as well. Have had other problems over the years including both calves, hamstrings, and attitude. This week am battling high hamstring tendinitis. Doing strengthening exercises and going back to chiro soon. Have hopes to rebound.

Have got to rebound. Am signed on for the NYC marathon!  Rocky Raccoon whom met while hiking on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania last summer talked so rapturously about his NY marathon experience that decided it was something just had to try to do. Rocky is a good guy; he wrote me after got done hiking that he was inspired that I was out there at 70 years of age. Well did not have the heart to tell him that am not that old, but no matters as look like 70 anyway.

There are 2 million people to cheer you on. When hit that hard to continue mile mark the noise is so deafening that instead of stopping the urge is to step it up. Well so Rocky said anyway. Sure hope he is right! Okay that is all for now will post more later on the workouts have been doing since finished hiking the AT last year to get to current fitness level. If you run you may find this stuff of some interest. If not well you still may but if you do not no problem- just stop reading! On the other hand will more than likely include information about other than running during the time frame leading up to November 1 that may be worth a glance!