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.

Easy Run

I got to sleep in this morning - I didn’t roll out of bed until after 6:00 - almost 6:15! Can you believe it? Running close to the house is pretty nice after so much work down on the trail; I just got up, tossed on some old running clothes, leashed up a (very excited) old running dog, and headed out the door.

We did 35 minutes worth of running at about a 10:00 pace. That’s pretty slow, but Bear was so happy to be out there. Its hard to run with him and keep proper form, especially with my arms when I’m holding his leash, so its been a long time since we’ve done this. I ran down to the park and did two laps, then came back a different way so that we could end our run with the traditional sprint downhill on our street.

I did confirm one thing: its just as humid down here as it is by the lake in the mornings. Seriously, I felt as if I was running through treacle! I don’t know what this bodes for my 10K this weekend, but - well - I’ll deal with it, whatever happens.

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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. Treacle? Is this some English food that involves animal guts?

    The only problem I can see with running with a dog is if he sees a rabbit off to the side and wants to go chase it. And rips your arm off.

  2. jeff
    Jun 8th 2005
    10:15 AM

    so, are you planning on racing the 10k, or is it just a training race?

    jon, doesn’t all english food involve animal guts?

  3. I planned to do the non-trail neighborhood thing yesterday morning, but forgot to set my alarm and never made it. Perhaps I subconsciously did it on purpose since my run was to include Wilke…
    Have fun in Dublin- are you taking that crazy early bus?

  4. I don’t know how hard I’ll race it yet - I’m going to see how I feel on the day. And no, I’m not taking the 4:30am bus - we’re staying with friends in Temple, only 90 miles from Dublin, so that will be a *little* easier - we can leave as late as, oh, 5:45!

    BTW, treacle is a thick sweet sugary substance. No animal guts involved - take it from a lifelong British vegetarian :)

  5. tracy
    Jun 13th 2005
    12:50 PM

    You could write a book about “old running dogs”! I have one too. THough he was accused of being a puppy yesterday.

    Back into some running after a week off. Good to read your notes and get re-inspired… At least I’ve got a tan to show for my laziness…


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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