Good times, are they around?

Generally people do not view running as a funny thing. Many view it as serious item as it requires much discipline.

On this site I have shared a few experiences that at the time did not seem funny. However looking back on them I can’t help but laugh at them. Whether it is through a clumsy act, freak of nature, high school kids, or a nice slice of humility served up when I am taking myself too seriously.

Some of you who read this site often have read such experiences such as: The angrycaveman, winter time again, and others.

At one point I was feeling like a king. I had gone up one of my usual routine trails in the deep snow. I was the first one to set foot on the trail after a big snow storm, and that had me feeling proud. While I found my shoes to be incredibly effective when going up, I found them to be less than ideal for going fast downhill when there is a layer of ice below the fresh powder.

While heading down the trail, down I went and sideways I rolled. I rolled over the next switch back and kept rolling until I rolled over 4 switch backs. When I finally stood up I distinctly saw the trail my rolling body carved out of the snow, bypassing a good quarter mile of the trail.

I quickly got up and kept running not wanting to know if I had been seen. The good news about this was that it cut some time off of my routine time on this trail. Now I could either blame my shoes or blame the sun reflecting off the snow caused me to do it. However the truth is I was just not paying attention and stepped slightly off the trail.

The stories go on. I could write a 10 page report only about the encounters I have had with idiot drivers while running. With all honesty I view these events as comical because I choose to do so. I know some people who would not choose to see it that way, and that is their choice. Part of running has taught me to laugh about my experiences so that I do not get overly frustrated in my training. This has been a great life lesson in my life.

Fundamentals of running

This morning I hit up my usual routine trail. Lately as you have read, my runs have not been the most exciting. I don’t know why or what made this morning better than usual but it was better. I find that the earlier in the mornings I start my runs the better they seem to be. With my job going until midnight I sometimes struggle to make it happen early. I notice that early in the mornings my mentality is usually a lot more easy going and running is more fun/enjoyable.

Anyways I just wanted to spread the good vibes. I feel my long distance rhythm coming back. I hope you have caught the good bug as well. 

Now the real fun begins!

This past week has been mediocre. Why? Well I am glad you asked, actually I am not. This is one of those times when my relationship with running is on the rocks and I am not talking about the rocks under my feet while running. Yes I have been going but I still struggle mentally right now.

I hate saying this because of how many people have told me that I encourage them to exercise. However I think being truthful can be more helpful than just saying a bunch of encouraging quotes. “No matter how good the excuse, the result is still the same” right? This is just one of those times (and it will pass) that exercise is a struggle.

Truth be told though, I can be pretty hard on myself. For some reason right now I have just come to a crossroads. In a lot of ways I feel as if I am starting running and other exercises for the first time. Maybe I have preached about exercise one too many times and am in need of a good reminder of how difficult the starting line can be.

Another fact is this, I will not quit. I hope that you will not either.

King of the mountain once again!

 For the last bit I have been getting over a lame back injury. The sad thing is that when I was injured my fitness level was already on the down swing. Between trying to fit more family time in and just overall becoming lazier, I have gained some serious weight back. I have always been blessed with confidence, but confidence can be a 2 edged sword. In my case I became over confident. 

 

You see when most fatties like me come to realize they need to lose weight they are plagued with bad eating habits, poor fitness level, and low self esteem. I on the other hand have always had the not so healthy eating habits, but figured running and other exercises would justify that. I am fortunate that for the most part it did work, but not very fast and when exercise decreased, eating would not.

I figured that since I am in such wonderful shape and can out run most people who weigh even 50 lbs less than me, I will have no problem getting back into the lean mean Gator running machine. So came the moment of truth this past weekend.

I headed out to a regular route that I have done dozens of times and figured that yes I might be a little slower, but overall I am the king and am therefore entitled to no problems, right? 

As I huffed and puffed up and down the steep hills on Saturday I hit my moment of truth. I am an out of shape fatty once again. Now to toot my own horn I was able to run a good chunk of the 9 mile loop and my time was not as horrible as it could have been, and I thank my lucky stars that I still have somewhat of a strong fitness base. However I must confess that as I approached certain parts of the trail I was tempted to call my wife for a ride home. When I felt that way I truly was very tired, but mostly bored. This brings me to what really is the tough part, accumulating a positive mind set again.

Since I have this site already up I figured that I might as well use it to keep others up to date on my progress.

Come back

Alright to be completely honest I thought about not coming back to this site. I don’t know what it is about this place that I have such a love/hate relationship with.
Part of me hates feeling like another blog in cyber space, let alone a preachy know it all blog about exercise. That’s not to discredit my experience or knowledge on the subject. I spend many hours studying exercise and love to talk about it with willing listeners.  That is one of the reasons I keep coming back. Another would be the fact that this is my own site and can really put whatever I want to on it. It’s like a little kid who gets his own clubhouse, might not be much but it’s a place to be you.

Running for me has its likes and dislikes.
But obviously there is more to like that will keep me coming back for more. Right now I am still struggling with a stupid back issue I have and running has slightly changed. While it is frustrating to deal with the loss of muscle and coordination during this time, there is a spark of determination that has been ignited in me.

While out on the trails I will sometimes take the time to glance at the scenery and appreciate the outdoors. However lately, there is a drive inside of me now that was not there before. When I go out to run I do just that, I am there to run. 

Yes it has its frustrations and time commitments that can run a person down. In fact that is why I love it. No matter how hard it gets, you will always get what you put into it. If you want to accomplish an ultra marathon, half marathon, 5k or whatever, it is up to you. You can decide how to react to the sport. You can also decide how to reward those who support you as well. I know it all sounds so simple, right? Well that is up to you. Get movin!

Side note:

For me this upcoming year I am not signed up for any races. I don’t know why but I am really turned off by the marketing of trail runs and road runs alike. I hate it! To me running is sacred in its own way, to treat it like a product gets under my skin. That is not to say I may not end up signing up for some stuff, but we shall see. Needless to say I am very picky about joining organized events.

Checking out

Due to a back injury right now I have not been able to run and do not know when I will be able to get back into full swing. I probably will not be posting for some time. This does not mean that I will stop exercising, only taking a break from this site for a while. Thank you for all of the emails I have been sent and for all of the personal stories that have been shared with me. I have met some great people through this site, and hope to meet more in the future. Until next time, STAY ACTIVE!