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.

No running today

Well, I didn’t run this morning. I may get a run in this evening - but I may not. This past weekend we were out shopping for a hammock stand to go with our hammock (a wedding gift we’d never used). L&T were out, so we went across the street to BB&B. After we got it, I noticed that the nearby Petsmart had their adoption trailer out, so we went over to go and play with the puppies. This happens fairly often, since my wife and I are both dog people.

This time, though, something different happened. It turned out that they had a really pretty girl there - about 18 months old, and already a mom - who’d been abandoned in a warehouse with her puppies. She’s half collie (I have an affection for collies) and half GSD (my wife likes Shepherd mixes).

Can you see where this is going? If so, you’re right - we have a new dog in the family. Her name is Sabrina and she’s beautiful - and a little skittish. But she’s adapting well, as the other critters (one lab, two cats) are to her. She’s very friendly, and I think that she’ll make a good running partner too. Bear loves cross-country treks, he’s a hiking dog at heart, but Sabrina stays pretty focussed on moving forward and I think she could even learn to run on one of those leashes that you tie around your waist.

But… this is taking a lot of my spare time right now, and my running is not quite as important as playing with the new dog. She’s not used to running with anyone, but I’ve jogged with her a bit and I think she’ll do just fine. We’ll see how I manage to get these two parts of my life together in the future.

So. Anyway. Maybe I can do my 7 miles this evening, and maybe not. But I’ve got a good excuse…

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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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3 total comments, leave your comment.
  1. I think we might get a dog in the next year. My husband has his heart set on a border collie, and one of his “selling points” was that they would make good running partners. Do you have pictures of your dogs up anywhere?

    Also, good job at the Bun Run! I think you’ll be looking at a new 5K PR pretty soon. I cracked up at the age group comment you made to Bear.

  2. I don’t have any pictures of my dogs up, but I will rectify that pretty soon. And I absolutely adore border collies - they make great everything. As long as you keep them busy. A bored border collie can be a nightmare. They are so smart, you see, that they come up with new and interesting ways to kill time … most of which you probably won’t appreciate.

  3. Oh! That’s so awesome…congratulations! I must say that I’m insanely jealous - I’ve had dog fever for the better part of 2 years now. My kingdom for an English Bulldog. :)


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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