90 days until my toughest race yet

As a young runner growing up in the Ohio Valley, the Big Boy Classic 20K was our Super Bowl. Every May, the top runners from around the world traveled to Wheeling, WV to battle the course the great Bill Rodgers tabbed "the toughest course anywhere". Don't believe, Bill? Check out that elevation chart! Like many in the "valley", I looked forward to the Big Boy. For an entry fee, we were given the opportunity to line up with the best in the USA and around the world. For a few years, the Big Boy was the national championship for that distance (12.4 miles). In either 1984 or 1985, I won the 20-24 age group. Been so long I cannot remember that special day.

In moved away from that area in 1989 and have grown accustomed to flat land running. In 1999, I returned to Wheeling to battle the beast, and after having to walk up 1/4 of Wheeling Hill, promised myself that I would never run it again. The years have come and gone. The event is now sponsored by Ogden and has been lengthened to a half marathon. Another half mile of pain! I always look up the results and recall the magic of that event, but have not considered going back on my word. Until now.

My wife and I trained for two half marathons in 2014. Somewhere during a conversation, I mentioned something about running the Ogden Half in 2015. I'm not sure what made me speak those words, however, since doing so, I have started looking forward to it. Of course, I have family there so that could be a reason to be excited. My mom and dad, brother and sister, aunts and cousins along with many of my closest friends all remain in that area. As great as it will be to see them, none of them are going to get me up 29th Hill (it's that BIG spike in the map. All 1.8 miles of it). I've got 90 days to get ready.

I have always joked that the biggest hill in Wilson, NC (my home) is whatever setting you place on a treadmill. Training here doesn't bode well for my Ogden success. I'm a savvy veteran so I will come up with a plan. Our 12 week training schedule begins on March 2, but I'm a 90 day guy. My life revolves around 90 day cycles. Today, I ran an easy three miles. Training has begun.

I plan to document my 90 day journey through this blog. I will blog at least once per week or whenever I feel the spirit to do so. During this 90 day cycle, I plan to knock off 20 pounds. I believe an 180 pound Tom will get up those hills much easier. At least that is the thinking. Please wish me well on my journey!

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Who said compassion was dead?

I attended a local running event last evening and came away with a great feeling. The event was an off road 5K run around the grounds of a produce farm. Sounds like an enjoyable little romp thru the fields, however, I can assure you that off road running is a higher scale of difficulty than street running. Trust me! I am betting there are a few folks with some sore lower legs today!

If you ever want to witness human compassion in motion, attend a running event. Of course, the gun goes off and it appears to be every person for themselves. Yes, there is a lot of that. In most events, there are trophies to be won and age group titles on the line. It can be very competitive! If you look through all of this, you will see another environment altogether.

This event was sponsored by the local YMCA. The Y is all about family & community so a lot of Mommies, Daddies and kids were in attendance; some running their first 5K and doing so together. In my eyes, it's hard to top hearing the encouragement of a parent running (or walking) along side their child. Always gives me a warm feeling inside!

Being a local running coach, I knew or recognized many of those that attended. There was a large group (6-8) of women that came in together and were in the back of the pack. They mostly walked, however, they were upbeat, chatty, and full of motivation for each other. As I watched them approach the finish, most of the focus appeared to be directed at one member of their group. Just a few feet from the end, they began to jog and crossed the line together. Hugs and high fives all around; heck I even joined in!

Of the 200+ runners/walkers in attendance, it would be interesting to know the percentage that may not have entered had they not been encouraged. What percentage of those that entered may not have finished without positive praise from others? I've been around long enough to know that those numbers may surprise you!

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Back on track

Every Tuesday, I lead a group of local runners and triathletes in a "quality" workout session. Today, I jumped in the workout! It marked the first time in (at least) three years that I've done this type of workout. While my running fitness leaves a lot to be desired, I am happy to have made it thru the workout and with no pain.

It was funny to see the expressions on the faces of some of our newer runners when I arrived at the track in running attire. "Going to run today, Coach," one of the guys asked me. He has been coming for the last six weeks and, to him, I am just "Coach". In fact, since I have been leading these weekly sessions, that's all everyone knows me as. Most know that I had a decent running career back in the day, but mostly I am just the guy that provides the workout.

Since my multiple knee surgeries in 2012, my run training has been hit and miss. Since the beginning of this year, I have been able to piece together large chucks of training and even ran a half marathon in April. My wife, Natalie, and I have another half planned for early November so I need to get some miles on my legs before our training begins in late August. Also, I am helping her train for a Fit & Fabulous Mom event so we are using run training in our plan.

Will see how I feel tomorrow. Right now? I feel awesome!

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