Ok! Now the pressure is really on. Over the weekend I went ahead and signed up for the St. Jude - Memphis Marathon on December 4, 2010. And, I have done so as a St. Jude Hero. To learn more about this amazing facility, just click here on St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
What is St. Jude Children's Research Hospital you might ask? Well, for Memphians, if FedEx is the city's heartbeat, and the Tiger Basketball team is the pulse, and Blues Music and BBQ are the life blood, then St. Jude is unmistakeably the soul. It is a place where children with cancer come to get better, regardless of ability to pay or where they come from. Just like cancer is a non-discriminatory disease, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is a non-discriminatory cancer fighter. Over the years some cancer recovery rates have actually flip-flopped. For instance a cancer that at one time had a 5% chance of recovery, now has a 95% chance of recovery. Absolutely miraculous. And, they share their cancer fighting successes with other hospitals, so even if your child or a child you know with cancer never comes to Memphis, chances are a child battling cancer in your community is benefiting from the research done right here in Memphis at St. Jude. And by the way, it takes about a million dollars a day, to keep the place going. That sounds to me much more daunting than me traipsing along 26.2 miles of Memphis scenery this coming December.
This will be my 4th year to run in this event; my 3rd time to run as a St. Jude Hero, and it will be my first attempt at the full marathon. I can tell you, there is nothing like watching the families, and the children themselves who line up along the route to cheer us on. There is an unbelievable power that comes to the runners, as they know they are the one's who in turn, are cheering on these bravest of kids and their families with funds raised as Heroes.
As I have run along the roads, I have had to fight back tears as I ran and thought of how blessed I have been to have two healthy boys who never had to deal with this disease. And I've had surges of energy as I approach a runner ahead of me, with a picture of a smiling wild eyed, bald child on the back of their t-shirt. When you see a beginning date, and an end date beneath that smiling face, it is impossible not to pick up the pace and ignore the pain of the run.
Running the 26.2 miles for me is going to be tough, I know that. Making a financial contribution in this rotten economy is tough, I know that too. But these kids are fighting for their lives, which seems much tougher than anything I've ever had to do. So, won't you consider contributing to help them in their fight? To make a contribution please click here: Tim Riley's St. Jude Hero Page.
Thank You!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
It's not Thanksgiving, but I Can Still be Thankful
Wow, what a week. It didn't seem like such an awesome week, but as I sit here recovering from a hot and humid run this morning, I can think of some pretty neat things I experienced this week, and they add up to an absolutely awesome week.
I read an article in Runner's World by Todd Balf on Sunday evening, about his bad knees. He had gone to some specialists to see what could be done to get him back on the road after dealing with osteoarthritis of the knees. The story didn't end well, and it was doubtful anything could be done for him. He could still bike and swim and such, but road running looked doubtful for him. I reflected on this Monday morning as I headed out to run my 3.5 miles. I was so thankful that my knees don't give me this problem. At 52, they aren't quick, they aren't powerful, and they get a little weak after 10 miles, but they do allow me to get out there and "waddle" along. For that I am thankful.
On Tuesday night I had dinner with an awesome lady. My wife was out of town, and she actually suggested I ask this young lady out for Mexican food, especially since my wife doesn't care for Mexican food, and she knows how much I do like it. So any occasion she can pawn me off on a Mexican food dinner date, she likes it. The awesome young lady? My daughter-in-law. With my wife spending time with her mother, and our son Sean out of town on business for the week, it gave Kristen and I a nice opportunity to share a Mexican meal. The food was great, and I loved spending time with Kristen, just one-on-one. I got to know her even more as a gentle, loving, and deeply spiritual person of faith. I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time with her like that, and to have her as part of our family.
Thursday night Matt and I went to a Redbirds game. We had great seats overlooking home plate and it was fun just hanging with Matt. A couple beef dogs, Ghost River Ale's, a bag of warm peanuts and a great baseball game -what more could one ask for? Going into the top of the ninth, the 'Birds had a 5 to 1 lead. But the Bees scored 6 runs! I was disappointed, because I wanted to see a 'Birds victory, but also it was getting late...10:00 o'clock, and I was ready to head back home. Extra innings was not something I was hoping for. In the bottom of the 9th, somebody hit a two run homer to tie the game. "Great!" I thought sarcastically, now it's going to go extra innings. But, then another Bird, hit a line drive over the left field fence for a game winning home-run. 'Birds win! And I was glad we stayed, along with the other 1000 or so faithful to savor the victory in person. I was thankful for an evening of great baseball with Matt.
Friday, I picked up my wife Bonnie from her mother's house. Our house is way too quiet when she's not here. She was tired and a little worn out from being out of her element all week long, but she enjoyed her visit...which wasn't nearly long enough for her mother, but I know she was glad to get back home. We enjoyed a late lunch at McAlisters, and then hit the road. It was nice having her back in the house, filling an emptiness that had been there all week. To have the love of my life back in our routine was something to be very thankful for.
And so, I could reflect on some things this week that didn't go my way: my streak ended at 10 on the ESPN Progressive Streak game when the A's beat the Ray's last night, quashing my dream of winning the $100,000 at the end of the month. I bought a couple lottery tickets this week, and broke about even, well short of the $100,000 grand prize there. And there were numerous other minor irritations in the day to day living of the week. But all told, it was a great week, with much to be thankful for.
And so, I thank you Lord for the "ups", and also for the "downs" that make me appreciate the "ups." I'm reminded of the saying: "All sunshine, makes a desert." Here's hoping you relish the things in your life that give you joy, and that you can find it in your heart to be thankful, without the turkey and dressing.
I read an article in Runner's World by Todd Balf on Sunday evening, about his bad knees. He had gone to some specialists to see what could be done to get him back on the road after dealing with osteoarthritis of the knees. The story didn't end well, and it was doubtful anything could be done for him. He could still bike and swim and such, but road running looked doubtful for him. I reflected on this Monday morning as I headed out to run my 3.5 miles. I was so thankful that my knees don't give me this problem. At 52, they aren't quick, they aren't powerful, and they get a little weak after 10 miles, but they do allow me to get out there and "waddle" along. For that I am thankful.
On Tuesday night I had dinner with an awesome lady. My wife was out of town, and she actually suggested I ask this young lady out for Mexican food, especially since my wife doesn't care for Mexican food, and she knows how much I do like it. So any occasion she can pawn me off on a Mexican food dinner date, she likes it. The awesome young lady? My daughter-in-law. With my wife spending time with her mother, and our son Sean out of town on business for the week, it gave Kristen and I a nice opportunity to share a Mexican meal. The food was great, and I loved spending time with Kristen, just one-on-one. I got to know her even more as a gentle, loving, and deeply spiritual person of faith. I'm very thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time with her like that, and to have her as part of our family.
Thursday night Matt and I went to a Redbirds game. We had great seats overlooking home plate and it was fun just hanging with Matt. A couple beef dogs, Ghost River Ale's, a bag of warm peanuts and a great baseball game -what more could one ask for? Going into the top of the ninth, the 'Birds had a 5 to 1 lead. But the Bees scored 6 runs! I was disappointed, because I wanted to see a 'Birds victory, but also it was getting late...10:00 o'clock, and I was ready to head back home. Extra innings was not something I was hoping for. In the bottom of the 9th, somebody hit a two run homer to tie the game. "Great!" I thought sarcastically, now it's going to go extra innings. But, then another Bird, hit a line drive over the left field fence for a game winning home-run. 'Birds win! And I was glad we stayed, along with the other 1000 or so faithful to savor the victory in person. I was thankful for an evening of great baseball with Matt.
Friday, I picked up my wife Bonnie from her mother's house. Our house is way too quiet when she's not here. She was tired and a little worn out from being out of her element all week long, but she enjoyed her visit...which wasn't nearly long enough for her mother, but I know she was glad to get back home. We enjoyed a late lunch at McAlisters, and then hit the road. It was nice having her back in the house, filling an emptiness that had been there all week. To have the love of my life back in our routine was something to be very thankful for.
And so, I could reflect on some things this week that didn't go my way: my streak ended at 10 on the ESPN Progressive Streak game when the A's beat the Ray's last night, quashing my dream of winning the $100,000 at the end of the month. I bought a couple lottery tickets this week, and broke about even, well short of the $100,000 grand prize there. And there were numerous other minor irritations in the day to day living of the week. But all told, it was a great week, with much to be thankful for.
And so, I thank you Lord for the "ups", and also for the "downs" that make me appreciate the "ups." I'm reminded of the saying: "All sunshine, makes a desert." Here's hoping you relish the things in your life that give you joy, and that you can find it in your heart to be thankful, without the turkey and dressing.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Living, Running and Learning
Last Tuesday, I headed out for a speed workout. For me this simply means running harder on the backstretch of my 3.5 mile run, between the light poles. I run maybe 120 to 150% of my normal pace, for 2 to 3 light poles along the street, and then walk/recover for one light pole. This keeps me from being too much of a slave to my watch, which I do too much of already.
Anyway...I had noticed some slight pain in my right heel that morning. It had been creeping in the week to 10 days prior, especially at night or first thing in the morning. But, I hadn't had any kind of injury in over a year, so I just thought it was just a minor ache or pain associated with running after 50. Ignoring the pain was not a smart move on my part; but running hard with it was really just plain stupid.
When I got home from my speed-work, it was very sore, and as I continued my morning routine of breakfast, shower, etc. it became extremely painful. By lunch time, I could barely walk on it. Oh great! Achilles tendinitis, "just as I begin some of the longer and more intense runs on my marathon training schedule."
But I remembered, "I have had this issue before"- about 2 years ago. So, I was concerned, but I didn't panic. I tried to keep a positive attitude, and decided to ice it, and rest it, and just see what would happen. Over the course of the next two days it continued to be pretty painful, but I did not give into despair; but rather continued the rest and ice.
Today was my first day back on the road, and I am happy to report that I have virtually no pain, just some minor soreness. So, I will put some ice on it tonight as I watch a little TV or read, and hopefully when I step out of bed in the morning, it will be ready for action-a 40 minute run around the golf course.
What lesson did I learn? Two years ago, I fretted, worried and attempted to return to running too soon, never giving my mind or the tendon a chance to relax and heal. Maybe in the future, I'll try to remember to take it easier when the pain first crops up, and definitely not try a speed workout on the sore wheel.
The lessons we learn in life are definitely one of the advantages of aging. I just need to make sure I'm listening, and then have the good sense to act accordingly.
Anyway...I had noticed some slight pain in my right heel that morning. It had been creeping in the week to 10 days prior, especially at night or first thing in the morning. But, I hadn't had any kind of injury in over a year, so I just thought it was just a minor ache or pain associated with running after 50. Ignoring the pain was not a smart move on my part; but running hard with it was really just plain stupid.
When I got home from my speed-work, it was very sore, and as I continued my morning routine of breakfast, shower, etc. it became extremely painful. By lunch time, I could barely walk on it. Oh great! Achilles tendinitis, "just as I begin some of the longer and more intense runs on my marathon training schedule."
But I remembered, "I have had this issue before"- about 2 years ago. So, I was concerned, but I didn't panic. I tried to keep a positive attitude, and decided to ice it, and rest it, and just see what would happen. Over the course of the next two days it continued to be pretty painful, but I did not give into despair; but rather continued the rest and ice.
Today was my first day back on the road, and I am happy to report that I have virtually no pain, just some minor soreness. So, I will put some ice on it tonight as I watch a little TV or read, and hopefully when I step out of bed in the morning, it will be ready for action-a 40 minute run around the golf course.
What lesson did I learn? Two years ago, I fretted, worried and attempted to return to running too soon, never giving my mind or the tendon a chance to relax and heal. Maybe in the future, I'll try to remember to take it easier when the pain first crops up, and definitely not try a speed workout on the sore wheel.
The lessons we learn in life are definitely one of the advantages of aging. I just need to make sure I'm listening, and then have the good sense to act accordingly.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
"Trusting the Process"
I have decided to train for the St. Jude - Memphis Marathon later in December of this year. I have run the 1/2 Marathon in this same race the last 3 years, and earlier this year I ran the Nashville Music City 1/2 Marathon; so what I'm saying is, after a modest 3 1/2 year running career, I am going to take a leap of faith and attempt to run the full marathon. I am looking at it as a leap of faith, because after running each of my 1/2 marathons, the thought of turning around, and doing the same race all over again frightens me, it actually staggers me. My biggest fear, is getting to the split, knowing how difficult it has been just to get to that point, and then heading out again for another 13.1 miles. My inner runner is shaking his head inside me, just at the thought of it all.
However, I am learning something new on this new journey: I am learning to trust the process. It is giving me a zen-like attitude towards the marathon, and in my life in general right now. Trust the process.
I am following a program offered by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield from "Marathoning for Mortals." This program is a 20 week workout that initially has been quite easy for me. I've actually cut back some miles per week, but it will be slowly building to a 20 mile run just a few weeks before the big run on December 4th, 2010. And so, right now I am not thinking too much about the end of the program, which seems daunting to say the least. I am concentrating on the present: getting up early to run 40 minutes before the heat becomes too much and getting in relatively easy 5 to 7 mile long runs on Saturdays.
This, Trusting the Process has been a great addition to my life as well. There are some tough things going on in my life right now, as there are in many people's lives; I don't know how I am going to deal with some big issues facing me. But right now, I'm just taking it one day at a time, trying to do the best I can, with what I have to work with. And, for the first time in a long time, I am able to find a way to trust, to trust in God to be with me through this tough stuff. I am able to trust that God is with me and that whatever is coming ahead, taking it one step at a time, gets me farther along the journey. This, living in the present, and having faith, has helped me find a peace of mind I haven't had for a long time. I'm thankful for my running. It has shone an unexpected light on this for me. I'm hoping for you, that you feel God's presence in your life, through your daily activities like a run, or a walk, or your family or work, or whatever you enjoy doing. Peace.
However, I am learning something new on this new journey: I am learning to trust the process. It is giving me a zen-like attitude towards the marathon, and in my life in general right now. Trust the process.
I am following a program offered by John Bingham and Jenny Hadfield from "Marathoning for Mortals." This program is a 20 week workout that initially has been quite easy for me. I've actually cut back some miles per week, but it will be slowly building to a 20 mile run just a few weeks before the big run on December 4th, 2010. And so, right now I am not thinking too much about the end of the program, which seems daunting to say the least. I am concentrating on the present: getting up early to run 40 minutes before the heat becomes too much and getting in relatively easy 5 to 7 mile long runs on Saturdays.
This, Trusting the Process has been a great addition to my life as well. There are some tough things going on in my life right now, as there are in many people's lives; I don't know how I am going to deal with some big issues facing me. But right now, I'm just taking it one day at a time, trying to do the best I can, with what I have to work with. And, for the first time in a long time, I am able to find a way to trust, to trust in God to be with me through this tough stuff. I am able to trust that God is with me and that whatever is coming ahead, taking it one step at a time, gets me farther along the journey. This, living in the present, and having faith, has helped me find a peace of mind I haven't had for a long time. I'm thankful for my running. It has shone an unexpected light on this for me. I'm hoping for you, that you feel God's presence in your life, through your daily activities like a run, or a walk, or your family or work, or whatever you enjoy doing. Peace.
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