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.

Stretching

Last night I got to meet VJ and put a face to the blog. She’s had some really impressive accomplishments, and is poised to kick some tail at the half tomorrow. I’m sensing a new PR…

This morning I hooked back up with the Gazelles as planned for a 1.5 mile warmup run and some drills this morning, after which Jay led us in about an hour of stretching. It was impressive - there were some stretches that I’d never done before, and I’m feeling really good after them all. My leg is still a little tight, and my left calf feels tense as well, but both of them will be just fine tomorrow. I noticed while stretching that my hips are stiff - doing big hip circles was a little jerky - and that when I do full neck circles I click like crazy. Obviously I’ve been neglecting my flexibility somewhat.

I’m feeling good about tomorrow. I’ve trained, I’ve tapered. I’m ready. Today I just need to hydrate, fuel, try to relax, and get a good night’s sleep. Thanks to all of you for your well wishes, especially Amy who managed to surprise and embarrass me (in a good way) with her post yesterday. You guys are great, and I can’t wait to meet more of you in person.

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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

12 total comments, leave your comment.
  1. susan
    Feb 12th 2005
    10:55 AM

    Run strong, Richard. I know you will. You are prepared and focused and deserve a big one! Say hello to the other RBF runners!

  2. And see, I told you the stretching was really fun. We always act all silly like that. At least today there weren’t any spilled recovery drinks!

  3. Have a good run. Take pictures in your head and write about them later.

  4. good luck man, have fun!

  5. Good luck tomorrow!!

  6. Good luck tomorrow, Richard! Try a hot bath tonight for those still joints. Loosen you up and put you to sleep.

    On second thought, don’t do that because it wasn’t in the training and just my luck it will mess you up. Never mind.

    But good luck in the race! You do great! :)

  7. Thanks for all the advice Richard - right after we talked I talked with a friend who just ran Houston. I felt much more at ease after talking to both of you. I hope you blow your last marathon time out of the water tomorrow!

  8. BD
    Feb 13th 2005
    12:08 AM

    Have a wonderful race Richard!!! Enjoy every step of the way!

  9. Richard: Hope that your race goes well. Best to you! Kirsten

  10. Lara
    Feb 13th 2005
    10:21 AM

    Thinking of you right now! Hope it’s a great race!!

  11. BD
    Feb 13th 2005
    12:36 PM

    Thinking about you too. Can’t wait to hear about it!!!

  12. amy
    Feb 14th 2005
    4:35 PM

    Embarrassment was NOT my intent - really! I just wanted to make sure that our virtual running friends were all aware of the race. And dude, you *have* made major progress… it really is inspiring to me as I’m just starting to train for my second marathon.


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Famous Marathon Times

RunnerTimePace
Al Gore4:58:2511:23
Oprah4:29:3010:17
P. Diddy4:14:549:43
Sarah Palin3:59:369:09
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
Haile Gebrselassie2:03:594:44

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