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.

3M Half Marathon Picture

There I am, coming across the line - chip time was about a minute faster than clock time. I love the fact that this was a massive PR for me even though I was taking it easy; the course and the weather get a lot of credit for that of course. I do enjoy the challenge of the marathon but there’s just something special about doing the half - I could see choosing to focus on them at some point in the future. After I’ve done some of the more classic full marathons though… they rock in their own special way.

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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

5 total comments, leave your comment.
  1. vj
    Feb 7th 2005
    11:42 PM

    Great picture! And it looks like you’re being followed by a giant bubblebee.

  2. That’s a great pic, Richard. Shot of the clock for a PR. Very nice!

  3. Congratulations, you fast bastid. You’re so amazing. Look at how FRESH you look! Go run a few more 1/2s. : )

  4. amy
    Feb 8th 2005
    10:01 AM

    Awesome picture! And again, congratulations!
    Incidentally, I’ve been thinking the same thing re: Half Marathons. The distance is *just* right, not too much, not too little.

  5. holy crap!
    WELL FREAKIN DONE!


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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