Failure noun 1. an act or instance of failing or proving unsuccessful; lack of success: His effort ended in failure. The campaign was a failure. 2. nonperformance of something due, required, or expected: a failure to do what one has promised; a failure to appear. 3. a subnormal quantity or quality; an insufficiency: the failure of reaching your goal time. 4. deterioration or decay, especially of vigor, strength, etc.: The failure of his health made retirement from the race necessary. 7. a…
It’s been an interesting chain of events that has given me the opportunity to toe the line at one of the most storied races in the world. I honestly never thought it was an event that I would ever be able to attend, and here I sit just a few weeks before marathon Monday with my confirmation letter on the counter and a few solid long runs under my belt that have increased my confidence…
Everyone knows, running at practically any pace helps your body in numerous ways. Whether it takes 6 minutes or 12 minutes, every mile counts. This is a hobby I have benefited from for quite some time, going on 20 consecutive years of running regularly. With this experience comes the ability to help others. The basic knowledge to answer questions regarding fitness and gear from friends and family that approach for advice.
I started 2015 with the usual list of goals and standards. Some were meant to be achieved, others were a nigh impossible bar to strain for. In spite of a rather stressful personal life, I was able to make some new marks this year, as again running proved to be the glue that holds me together through the rocky moments of life. I toed the line 32 times, running practically everything from the mile up…
I’m sure everyone has their own tics and behaviors around racing, and they all work for different reasons. I toe the line dozens of times a year, for the past 19 years, and try to do the same things in preparation in the morning of and day prior to pinning on the bib. Failing to undertake any of these will not necessarily evoke a feeling of dread, but as someone who likes routine, I prefer…
Even with the exciting moments, life can seem like a lot of the ‘same old, same old’. We always remember the life changing events, or remarkable milestones that come with a great achievement or incredible experience. With years of toeing a starting line around 30 times for 19 years, I have many great ‘times’ stockpiled in my head. But there will soon be a new experience I hope to never forget. The Eugene Marathon in…
It is both invigorating and terrifying to be given someone else’s dream. For dreams, in essence, truly define a person. A dream is a desire or wish, that is held up high, as a focus, without fears or limitations to subvert the concept. In reality, unfortunately, there may be barriers that can make those dreams impossible or nearly so. That fact may cause some to mothball or completely forget those aspirations. Others hold strong in…
Some would think that after almost 20 years of running and racing, that making a mistake regarding my hobby would be impossible or at the very least a minor detail. But alas, it is easy sometimes to get distracted on the way out the door, or while packing, and it can even be possible to get so deeply into ‘the zone’ that a turn could be missed. To know we are not infallible is human,…
We all have that one friend that possesses a particular skill or knowledge that comes in handy at times. In a pinch, you know you can call them for assistance. When it comes to finding car parts, or a lot of vehicle related questions, I am that friend. I have even been asked questions about training from my more casual running friends. But my ability was truly put to the test last week. Seven days…
There are many ways to run a marathon, each with their own positive and negative attributes. Pacing, fueling, gadgets, and gear are some of the many factors that must be considered when planning for this distance. It’s easy to see them in practice at the event, as hordes of participants are following their own routine and plan within the greater spectacle of the race itself. As someone who has focused on halves and pretty much…
