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.

Decker Route

We just got a preview of the route for the upcoming Decker Challange 20K race. It looks like fun - plenty of hills, but most of them are of the rolling country variety. Of course, there have to be exceptions, like this one.

This race isn’t until December, but I’m already looking forward to it; its one of the classic Austin races with a long and glorious history of frustrating runners. The good news is that its put on by the local running club so there will be plenty of powerade, donuts and bagels, and all of the other amenities that appeal to the more experienced distance runners.

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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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Activity

7 total comments, leave your comment.
  1. It looks like a long-ass haul to me, Richard. Glad you are looking forward to it:)

  2. Meghan
    Nov 4th 2004
    5:58 PM

    I’m also thinking of coming out for this race. If I can get a weekend away from work. An Austin friend says this is a classic Texas road race, that I have to run while living in Texas. Meghan

  3. Somehow I think your definition of “fun” is a little mixed up. A 20K course with plenty of hills sounds more like torture. (Just Kidding) I am sure it will be fun and I know you will do a great job.

  4. Dan
    Nov 5th 2004
    1:38 AM

    Richard, thanks for your comments on my training plan. I appreciate you taking some time to advise beginners! I will certainly make sure I hit the midweek runs and I think I will try and build up the long runs more gradually than the plan shows.

    Regards

    Dan

  5. Wow. For a second there, I thought I was looking at one of the roads in my neighborhood. So I guess that rumor about Texas being flat isn’t true after all?

  6. That’s a nice looking hill. Welcome to my world!
    Sounds like a great race though.

  7. Actually, its odd - first, Austin has a ton of hills. There’s a reason that Lance lives and bikes here, you know. Second, our marathon is pretty flat and slightly downhill, but the “distance challenge” race series all seem to have fun hills in them. That means that everyone can get a happy surprise on the long race. The 30k is really interesting - no really steep hills, but the its an out and back with (basically) 10k downhill, 10k flat, and 10k of long, slow, straight uphill at the end.


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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