I Made It

I didn't expect this entry to cover the following topic. Yesterday, on the day that I completed my streak of 1 year, my family buried my grandfather. He died this past Tuesday, December 23rd. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer about 2 years ago. We're pretty sure he had it for some time before that...why...because a year prior to the diagnosis he skipped the same appointment because it was scheduled when he was to be traveling. Anyone that knew him knew that nothing got in the way of traveling. I don't believe the cancer necessarily killed him. The radiation and small amount of chemo drained him completely. His energy and stamina virtually disappeared overnight. He never recovered from that and I think at that point he was ready to go.

My grandfather was a great man. His life was the epitome story of the immigrant who came to America with nothing, scraped to get by, obtained an education and citizenship, sponsored many other relatives into the country, and started a business (with 3 of his brothers) that grew to a chain of over 100 restaurants. In the latter part of his life, he traveled the world and spent time with the people he loved. He continued to "work" as a sort of godfather to the family business. Of course, I mean that in the most positive way. Everyone looked up to him and sought his wisdom and advice.

Baba, I will always miss you.

So, did I run yesterday on the day that we laid my grandfather to rest? Yes I did. And it completed my goal of running one mile per day for a year. Some may wonder if it was disrespectful to plan the day around getting my run in. If you put it in perspective, I don't believe it was at all. Knowing the funeral was coming, I thought about the events of the day. Everything started at 11:00am and was potentially going to stretch into the late evening. Seemed pretty simple to me. Do it in the morning. That's what I did. It didn't get in the way of anything and no one had to wait on me.

There have been too many events/excuses that could have gotten in the way throughout the year. That's why I decided to do this. I was tired of all the other times I had quit running or working out. Being active, healthy, or whatever, takes a little effort. You have to work around other obligations.

Completing the year has been surreal. I remember when I was so proud that I completed 100 days. It's hard to believe that was over 260 days ago. Even though my streak has always come up in conversation, it's excitement certainly was not always there. The past few days though were pretty neat. When I got to under 10 days/miles to go, each time I went out, I think I had a smirk on my face, knowing that I was almost there. My brother went out with me on day 365 (remember 08 is a leap year). He lives in California and came into town for the Holidays.

How about some stats for the year:
1. Completed approximately 700 miles
2. Lost 35 lbs
3. Dropped 50 points on my cholesterol
4. Ran two 5k races
5. Ran two 10k races
6. Average pace 9:36/mile


So will I run today...what do you think

In rememberance, I lost two other people close to me this year. In January, Kirk Burdick. A lifelong friend/mentor only 40 years old. He died of cancer.
February 29th, my grandmother (other side of the family) died. She had lived with my mother past few years. Mom was taking care of all her daily needs. Though a great burden, Mom wouldn't have had it any other way. She provided the best care for her. Grandma taught me how to fish. She explained to me that you can't push a rope (pretty big lesson here though I'm only devoting a sentence). She shared her love for music and art with me. Shortly before she began to live with Mom, I was able to take her on a short trip to her favorite place...New Orleans. I will always love you Grandma.

So on into year two. It's just one mile per day.

Journal Review - Feb 08

I only made two journal entries this month.

I covered the weather. February was brutal (for Cincinnati). I think the coldest mile I ran was completed at 16 degrees F with a windchill of ZERO. I actually stayed out for an extra mile. I think I was excited that I was actually out in it. It took about 10 minutes before the pain left my forehead from the cold. Yes, I had a hat on. Good thing There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather...

Then there was the snow storm. I got my mile in that day fighting through about 7 inches of snow. Our streets had not been plowed yet. We live in a hilly park, so while trying to just stay upright and not break an ankle, I was also dodging SUVs that were carrying sled-riders to our (in)famous sledding slopes.

I also clocked myself a couple times. The first two times, I ran my mile in 9:30. The third time, I got it down to 8:59.

By the end of the month, I had crossed over 60 days. For reminder's sake, I started my streak on Dec 27th, 2007.

Couple current issues.
If you're a runner and aren't going out with any identification, you might be awfully sorry someday. Nobody plans to get hurt, but if something bad enough happens, you may not be able to help yourself. He comes the plug. Go to www.roadid.com and check them out. They sell identification gear that's perfect for runners, bikers, climbers, etc. Really, their products are great for anyone, not just athletes. You could use them with kids, elderly, etc. Anyway, just go check the site. Their prices are reasonable.

Also, I said that I listen to Bruce Murray's podcasts, The Running Shoe. We taped a conversation/interview last night regarding my streak and he's posting it tomorrow night (or maybe Friday) at his site. The address is listed here in my Links section. We talked about the ups/downs over the year, what I plan to do the day after I complete my year, and just why in the world I even decided to do it. I was honored to do it and hope that it helps someone find the motivation to get out start their own streak, or at least get active. Check it out.

Thanks for reading. See you next time.

Journal Review - Jan 08

The first couple weeks of my streak didn't present any great big challenges. Of course, by virtue of going out everyday, my feet and shins were a bit sore. I should mention that I work in the restaurant business, so I'm on my feet all day before running. And prior to starting my streak, I had already been wearing orthotics for about a year. Stretching my calves off my steps helped a lot with my feet and shins. A neighbor of mine recommended doing this stretch everyday, as she said her doctor doesn't believe in plantar fasciitis and says that it's just a stretching issue. To believe or not believe...I don't really care. The orthotics helped instantly and stretching made a difference too. So I never put on a pair of shoes without my orthotics and I don't think I've missed stretching more than total of 10 days the whole year.

While searching the podcasts to listen to while I ran, I found The Running Shoe ( http://www.therunningshoe.net/ ). It's a podcast dedicated to running, fitness, nutrition, and road racing. It's hosted by Bruce Murray. I was hooked immediately. Bruce's voice and tempo throughout his podcasts are great. At least for me they are. The first one I listened to was "There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather." Since it was the first couple weeks of January in Greater Cincinnati, it sounded like a great topic. The entire saying goes like this; There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. Pretty much sums it up. So I went on down to Walmart and Dick's Sporting Goods and got some gear. I guess I spent about $35-45 and I was set. It's a lot easier to take that first step everyday when you're properly dressed.

In that first month, I ran in the cold (very cold), the wind (and the cold), and pouring rain (in the cold). And I loved it. Eleven minutes per mile seemed to fit me pretty well. It felt slow, but knowing I would be going out everyday, I didn't see any need to push it.

Wannabe Runner

As long as I can remember, I've always admired people that go our run day after day, month after month, etc. Even as a kid, it seems like everytime we were in the car in our town, we saw the same guy running. Appropriately we would call out, "There's The Runner. I win. I saw him first." Through college and after, I can't tell you how many times I've started running, only to quit a few weeks later.

Last December (2007) ESPN.com featured an article about Robert Kraft. He lives in Miami, Florida. In an effort to reduce his stress, he began running. He hasn't missed a day since...Jan 1, 1975. Yeah, 1975. I read the article at least 3 times. I told my neighbor to read it. He did. We then both committed to give it a shot; run at least one mile per day for a year. I couldn't wait, so I put in my first mile on Dec 27, 2007. My neighbor started Jan 1, 2008. Here's a link to the ESPN.com article. http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=streakrun

We've both agreed that upon finishing the year there's no way we can stop. Why break the streak for no reason? It only takes a mile to keep it alive. Who doesn't have 10 minutes? Everyone does regardless of their schedule. It just depends whether they want to or not. So on Dec 27 and Jan 1, our streaks will move into their 2nd years.

Why the title for this post? I haven't missed a day. I'm getting in 60 miles a month. I ran 90 miles in July. I ran 4 races this year (2 of them 10k). I've been fitted for shoes and orthotics. I listen to running related podcasts to learn more about the sport. With that said though, I don't consider myself a runner. Not sure why. I'm proud of saying that I run everyday, but I couldn't tell someone that I'm a runner. Just doesn't feel right.

Test

I've never blogged. Not sure I really get it. We'll see.