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.

Buda Prep

Well, I picked up my race packet at lunch today - I’ve got lucky number 843. I also got a $25 off coupon for RunTex, which is pretty darn welcome at this point since I need to get a new pair of shoes to start switching out with for the big race anyway. I bumped into all sorts of happy people at the store too - Decker was close, but this is really the first race where only the more serious runners bother to show up. 18.6 miles is a long way.

RunTex did a great article summarizing the race if you’re not familiar with it. It also has some great advice for anyone doing a long race. You know what? I’m actually looking forward to Sunday. This should be fun. I just wish I’d remembered to pick up Gu while I was at the store… Now I have to go back and, maybe, get some more shoes while I’m at it.

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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

10 total comments, leave your comment.
  1. Go number 843! Good luck, especially with those last 4 miles.

  2. Hey, that IS a lucky number!

  3. excellent link for general info, thanks for sharing that. Good luck with the 30K — I’ll be thinking of you as I do my little 5 & 10 milers this weekend!!

  4. Good running, Richard. We’ll be thinking about you!

  5. New sneakers…lucky you! Are you looking for a particular type?

  6. Hey, good luck!!

  7. Mia
    Jan 15th 2005
    1:45 PM

    Go Richard!! I’ll totally be cheering you on, from waaaaay over here. Have a great day. - Mia

  8. BD
    Jan 15th 2005
    7:48 PM

    It’s fun to receive the race packet. Good luck!!! I look forward to reading about your experiences!

  9. Good luck tomorrow!

  10. Good luck in the race today, Richard!


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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