My Life Will Go On

Back in 1998 when Leonardo DiCaprio helped fool millions into watching a movie that they already knew the ending of, a time when Bill Clinton introduced us all to the phrase "sexual relations," and a little search engine that could, (Google) was founded and being used on a relatively new thing called the internet; all while I was graduating high school and trying to find places to sleep at night.

If you're new to this blog, I grew up with a very abusive father who put me out on the streets after I graduated high school, even though I was an honor student and an athlete.  My father sending me on my way at an early age, with no where to go was a lot safer than living with the fear of being hit for something as little as having a funny look on my face.  This also helped to make me a better version of myself.  I spent most nights living with the Yerkes, but also a good portion living out of my car.

I was granted a partial scholarship for track to attend Rider University, with the promise that I would be given a full scholarship in the Spring (which would include housing) if I could drop my 800 meter time two seconds.  Uncertain housing and other life obstacles prevented me from making it long enough at Rider to improve my 800 meter time.  After missing too many classes due to my cheap car breaking down, I left Rider University in my rearview.

Fast forward to the year 2013 and that homeless, tough track kid is all grown up and returning to the four year university scene.  Tomorrow, I will begin a new chapter in my life as I travel to West Chester University to continue my journey to a degree in education.  I've always had a passion for educating others, my hardships and life experiences have only reinforced that passion.

Till we run into each other again...

Your Going The Wrong Way!

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." -Soren Kierkgaard

         This past Sunday I ran my fifth complete race going backwards.  It never gets old hearing all the surprised comments.  "your kidding right," "your not really going to run the entire race backwards," and my most favorite "something's wrong with you."  People are still easily surprised at things that are different.  A friend of mine was telling his co-workers the story of how I ran almost six miles backwards (5.7 to be exact), which they replied with a resounding why?  Before I could respond this friend said "because he can."  As if I'm running backwards to show off.  I assure you that is not my intention.  

 

         For me running backwards stemmed from an awful marathon experience.  My second marathon.  Which was the ING Miami Marathon and it took place on a very warm day that started out with torrential down pours.  The heat really took a toll on me and instead of walking I decided to attempt to run backwards to use different muscles.  I knew nothing about running backward, I didn't even really know how to run a marathon at this time.  All I knew was I was exhausted and walking was only going to prolong the pain and suffering I was feeling.  I stopped, turned myself around (I didn't do the hokey pokey), and just started running.  

 

         I planned on just running a mile, but the crowd started cheering for 'the backwards runner' and I felt obligated to continue running that direction until I was no longer in view.  I wasn't about to disappoint the people of Miami.  I ended up running closer to three miles backwards and believe it or not my legs once turned and moving in the correct direction felt rested.  I finished the race forward and ever since I have run one race a year backwards.  

 

         I have to thank Rod Messenger for being my guide this past Sunday.  Even if at one point he was too busy talking about Volvo's with another runner to see me going into a hole that could swallow a small dog.  I didn't fall, but I sure came close.  Also a thank you to my caring wife who comes back for me every time I do this to myself.  Running backwards gives you a new perspective on life, just know that your world literally spins around once you finish and face forward not to mention your calves will be screaming at you for a few days after.

Till we run into each other again...

Going Harder in 2013

          This is an exciting time for all of us, another year has ended and a brand new one has begun. This is when we get the opportunity to put everything behind us and at the same time we're given a fresh start.  I try and live each day as if it's a fresh start, but it get's tough to do at times.  But, when a year end's we can now close that book and place it on the shelf with all the other ones.  This year I plan to live by a four letter word...'hard.'  You gotta get your heads out of the gutter people, lets focus. 

          Once upon a time I was on a long sabbatical from running.  When I say long, I mean years with no running, none, nada, zippy-de-do-dah.  I was really focused on weight lifting.  I was more concerned with how much weight I could bench than my actual weight.  The reason I just went on that little tangent is to explain why the below poster was on my bedroom wall between Michael Jordan and some swimsuit model.  "Go Hard...Or Go Home." was something I lived by and I plan to return to in 2013, just this time it will be applied to my running. 

           We all know that there is no miracle cure to getting healthier, faster, or losing weight.  No matter what those infomercials are selling it all goes back to whether or not we're working our asses off or not.  If you work hard and when I say work hard, I mean really work at it for a long period of time and only than are you going to get results.  I'm currently fifteen pounds over racing weight and the flab is flowing free.  I needed the year to end to open my eyes and motivate me to get back in shape.  I'm making a promise to myself to "go hard" in everything I'm involved with in 2013 which includes YOU!  The Bucks County Speedsters will not only be "Digging Deep" but also going hard.  Tomorrow at 6PM join me for a killer hill workout.

Here is the entire quote with obvious changes: 

“ Go Hard…Or Go Home. Balls-to-the-wall training.  You sweat.  You push.  It hurts. [Out] here, there’s no room for crybabies, no place for talking trash. Just raw [running].  This is the real deal…”

Picture taken from gympump.com