Running With Fire

     Sometimes I wonder what motivates me and others to run.  I know personally I enjoy the solitude of the run, but feed off of the ever now and again support of friends, neighbors, and curious on-lookers.  I recently had a chance to experience all three.

     It was a few minutes till 3pm on Friday, May 18th as me and four co-workers took the first steps towards a 10 plus mile run for to support the North Carolina Special Olympics.  With lots of energy, IPOD ear buds in place, and a Highway Patrol Car escort (and Suburban Sag Wagon in the rear) we began our trek towards Statesville City limits.   I guess we really continued a route that stretches across North Carolina and eventually ends in Raleigh where the Special Olympics is rallied.  Even though I was running along side my co-workers, I still enjoyed the individual challenge and release this run provided.  We chatted some as we handed the Special Olympics' torch between us, all the while we were getting waves and thumbs up by passers-by. 

     For the most part, the run was good until I hit my proverbial "energy wall" at mile 8.  I fueled with a Cliff Bar and washed it down with water/electrolyte drink mix before the run.  I thought it would get me through, but realized towards the end of our run that I was reaching the bottom of my fuel tank.  As we handed off the torch to three Statesville Police Department Officers at their city limits, I retreated to the sag-wagon until we neared the last mile.  As my feet hit the pavement to join the closure of the run as we approached the rally point (Sheetz Service Station), I felt brief soreness in my feet and then I think they went numb again.  Shortly after my exit, I helped the Statesville officers light the torch and he ran it in.

     I must say alot of my motivation for this run was the "run challenge" itself, a training opportunity for my November half-marathon (My 1st one), as well as trying to lead by example to the troopers I supervise.  However, as I reflect on the true reason for the run, I want to express my thankfulness for my family's health and wellness in comparison to the very Special boys, girls, men & women that make up the Special Olympic participants.  Their victories and accomplishments through the Special Olympics and LIFE are far greater than any accomplishment or victory I will ever experience. 

From the Starting Line

     Be it stuck behind a desk with a seemingly unending list of "to do's" to finish, or a house with loving, but sometimes screaming and chaotic children, running is my outlet.  Sometimes I crave the run like the hungry person craves food. 

     Me...Well I'm 39, 5'11'' and about 167 lbs.  I'm a high energy person, with a country accent and big smile.  I love my wife dearly and have been blessed with three children (one is going to college in the fall).     I ran some in high school, never on a school team, but just to run.  I ran alot in the US Marine Corps, and ran quite a bit in Highway Patrol School.  Somewhere after my first duty station with the Patrol, a young child, and misplaced priorities, I stopped running.  Don't get me wrong, I could run some when I needed, but my cardiovascular system really declined as my years on the patrol increased.  One day, well several days, my wife (now of 19 plus years) suggested, among other things, that I run to reduce,or relieve some of my stress.  Well, let's say I took her advice and haven't looked back.  Actually, I now find myself being a bit obsessive, or addicted to running, or the outlet it provides.

     Growing forward...I continue to run toward my goal of completing my first half marathon in November, and eventually completing my first full marathon in 2013.  I've met some great people, at least electronically, along the way and have been fortunate enough to be the recipient of some great advice and offers for future training tips.