Why I Started Running:
A few years ago I went for my annual physical. I am a fluffy kind of guy but have been mostly healthy considering my size. The doc opens up my test results and screams with jubilation, “Finally, I Got You!!!” Now some people would have been offended, but my doctor and I have a really fun relationship. We make each other laugh. and he never got too much on my case, unless I got a bad test back. We have a mutual respect for each other. On this day, the tests said my blood pressure high. It had been high for a couple of visits. We talked and it was time for me to take it serious. I started taking blood pressure medicine that day. I hate taking any kind of medicine. Period end of story. So besides attempting to modify my diet, I had to figure out what I could change in my life-style that would work.
I started doing group workouts at my job and my buddy Mike suggested I join him with running Sarcoma Run that August. This was a 5k foot race for charity. Now I have never ran any real distance other than a couple of blocks at this point in time in my life. And even then most of those came with a purpose, food and fun. I said to Mike, “Lets do the Color Run. And if I don’t die, I’ll join you for the Sarcoma Run.” I did my own couch to 5k training prior to the race. Still had no idea what I was doing. But Mike was also training for the Sarcoma race. He is a Sarcoma survivor and this race was not only redemption, but it was his way to prove physically he was back. Mike and I did the Color Run together. He introduced me to intervals, the walk-run, technique. And I have to say I didn’t die.
After the color run, I joined Team Never Quit for the Sarcoma Run Philly. I had a great time and finished the race faster than I expected. I even left my friend Mike but I went back for him. He had some loving, caring curse words for me, but we both made it. I have been running ever since and enjoying every moment. No matter how fast or slow I may be. I stay in the moment.
My Favorite Moments / Biggest Achievements:
-Being able to participate in charity runs: STOMPS 5k, Sarcoma Run Philly, March of Dimes Walk/Fun with my family, PAWS 5k.
-Completing longest distances to date: Broad Street 10 miler 2xs, Hot Chocolate 15k, Runners World Run Festival 10k
-Meeting a lot of awesome people in the running community including (not limiting to) Bart Yasso. I really never thought on any planet I would be meeting him not alone participating in Run Festival.
But last and never least, is seeing the smiles on my kids faces after every run. They ask if I earned a medal. I kinda do every time.
Future Goals:
Immediate Goals:
9/15 RnR Half Marathon
10/19 Runner World Festival 5 and Dime – first time attempting to run a total of 15k in one day on this course. Its hilly as can be.
11/23 Philadelphia Half Marathon
3/29/20 Love Run Half Marathon – I was in my bffs wedding this year, so this race is on my bucket list