Running Towards Fitness

Personal Awareness
The ancient Greeks used to believe that a healthy mind and a healthy body not only went together, but were both critical for happiness and a successful life. They were also intertwined, meaning that a weakness in either area would affect the other. When I started this transformation I was overweight and full of excuses. And by overweight I don't mean just a few pounds - I weighed over 70 pounds more than I do now. I finally took my life into my own hands and started exercising. At the time, I had no idea where it would lead - to a stronger body, a happier, more nimble mind, and a chest full of race medals. Healthy mind, healthy body, indeed! It hasn't been easy, or without issues, but I wouldn't trade the experience for the world.

Two weeks to go

Well, there are just two more weeks until Motorola. And a day. Got up early enough to get to the seminar, and almost wished that I’d slept in some more. Debra spent a long time talking to us about preparation, much of which I’d already heard from various online discussion groups. Still, there were plenty of eager listeners. They also reviewed places along the route that were good for having friends and family watch out for us.

Marcus joined me for today’s run, which was very cool. We went out to Deep Eddy and did about 10 minutes of stretching, sharing our favorite exercises and variations. We also got to marvel at just how flexible Rona is - she could probably do competitive yoga, if there is such a thing. My ITB was acting up a bit - not doing the runs during the week, and slacking off on my stretching, was really showing. Stopped to stretch more than I should have needed to, given my performance last week. I was also still a little tired - again, I really need to get out during the next two weeks.

We finished the 7.39 miles in 1:33, with an average (running) pace of 10:35. On mile 5, we actually averaged a 9:56 pace - pretty cool.

Calories burned: 1018
Days remaining: 15

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About

I'm Richard Stanford, a fit, happy runner. Of course, that wasn't always the case. Dip into the archives to follow my progress from couch potato to sub-four hour marathoner.

I also like to cook, write, code, and play with power tools...

Personal Records

DistanceRaceTimePace
Marathon2006 Freescale3:54:078:56
20 Miles2006 RunTex3:00:089:00
30K2005 RunTex2:42:448:45
Half M2006 3M1:42:577:51
20K2005 Decker1:40:428:06
10 Miles2005 Pervasive1:20:138:01
10K2005 Dublin Dr Pepper48:437:51
5 Miles2005 Turkey Trot37:017:24
5K2005 Margarita Run22:327:15
4K2006 Fila Relays17:247:15
1 Mile2006 Congress Ave6:236:23

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Famous Marathon Times

RunnerTimePace
Al Gore4:58:2511:23
Oprah4:29:3010:17
P. Diddy4:14:549:43
Will Ferrell3:56:129:01
George W. Bush3:44:528:35
John Edwards3:30:188:01
Carrie Sapp3:29:067:59
Boston Qualifier3:10:597:17
Lance Armstrong2:59:366:51
Gilbert Tuhabonye2:23:075:28
Paula Radcliffe2:15:255:10
Paul Tegat2:04:554:46

People I Train With

Alex - Addicted to Exercise
Carrie - Tri to be Funny
Erine - Thousand Miles
Frank - Running Blog
Gilbert - Gilbert's Gazelles
Jay - Leotian Blog
Mike - BROTH