America on a runner's high

Just Call It a Homecoming

The Cedar Rapids city limit sign came at about 6:15 this morning. My eyelids were heavy and my head nodding. It was a long drive and I was tired to say the least, but nothing was going to keep me from running the Alliant Fifth Season 8K.

I got registered for the race at a little after 7, just enough time to get warmed up. Any kind of warm-up wouldn’t have mattered this morning, though - I was exhausted and ready for a nap, one of the 24 hour variety.

After lacing up my racing flats, I headed towards the start line at 15 minutes ‘til the gun sounds. It was a scene that I hadn’t been a part of in a while. Thousands of runners and walkers lined up and many taking their last warm-up strides. I started to get pumped up. This was definitely something that had been missing in my life.

My strides assured me of one thing – that I was tired and a lot of pain and discomfort was in my near future. But this was fun! My debacle at the Summer Solstice, in Tennessee, was a crazy kind of fun where this was more of excitement! Suddenly, my strides got longer and I had more bounce – it wasn’t much more but it was more, nonetheless.

I lined up, the gun sounded, and we were off – with everyone leaving me in the dust.

It may have been the shock of being in a big road race, again. No, it was me being more tired than I have ever been. Listless would be a good word to describe it. I immediately found myself somewhere in the vicinity of 50th to 300th place – a lot of runners passed me by. When I passed the mile clock and it read 5:36, I thought, “Well, you are probably out of any awards contention, already, but isn’t this fun!” It was.

The last time I had run the Alliant 8K was in 2000. I don’t remember ever seeing so many people lining the course – there were even cheerleaders! It was awesome!! What topped it off was hearing the bagpipes – that was one lasting memory from years gone by.

I finished in 29:20, about 4 minutes off my Fifth Season PR. I’m not sure of my overall place but took home the 3rd place medal for my age group.

The pleasant surprise was getting $100 for 3rd place in Linn County! I was sitting in the grass, fighting the oncoming desire to sleep right there on the spot, when I heard my name. It was a little bit of a shock. I walked up slowly because I thought that surely they made a mistake! Nope, I was third and $100 is coming my way – sweet!!

And so it marks the ending of a lifelong memory. My 14 day road trip that took me to parts all over comes to a conclusion. What did I learn?

One reason for my racing disappearance over the last several years was for fear of failing. I always looked at the shape that I was in and if I didn’t think that I could be up towards the top or at the top, then I wouldn’t race. That was entirely the wrong way to approach it.

One thing that I learned or discovered over the past 2 weeks was that it should be fun, no matter what the situation may be. And you should not let anyone take that fun away.

I was faced with a situation in Big Timber and had fun with it. I was faced with a non-friendly situation in Austin and made the best of it.

Remarkably, through the entire 2 weeks of this “search”, I was only faced with those two negatives (outside of gas prices and the miles of driving). With them in mind, if asked whether I would go back and change a thing knowing what I know now – I would keep the same schedule and the same route.

With a small exception, everyone that I met was awesome. When asked, strangers would be more than willing to take my picture. Most were more than willing to give directions (especially in Eugene). Many encouraged me when running.

One of my questions that I was hoping to get answered was why do people run? It seems to be such an easy question to be able to answer, yet so many runners struggle with it. The answers usually start with, “Oh, I don’t know.”

The answers that I did receive included:

1) The challenge.

2) A quote from the book “Once a Runner” about the nature of a runner.

3) To get into shape/lose weight.

4) The comraderie or the social aspect.

All good reasons and I will say that the social aspect is huge when it comes to running. Runners have a society that is not secret, you don’t need a code and there is no binding contract. All you need is a pair of shoes and a positive attitude, everything else will take care of itself. Never have I seen a group of people who are more encouraging to others.

Why do I run? That’s something I have battled with for years.

Initially, it was because I fit in. I found a group of people who accepted everyone, no matter what their abilities were.

One other reason had always been this – I run because I can. You never know when you may lose the ability to simply run!

A story that I have shared with people before goes like this: There was a man in our neighborhood who was diagnosed and struggled with a muscle disorder. One day I was driving by Noelridge Park and I saw him on the trail. His face was straining as he pumped his arms and legs as fast as he could – but he was going nowhere. At one time he may have been a runner or maybe he just wanted to know what it felt like to run. Nevertheless, his days had past. You never know when yours will, too.

Running is a challenge. The degree of challenge varies from one individual to the next but regardless, it is a challenge. I challenged myself a few times over the last two weeks and came out satisfied with a realization that I accomplished what few people do or even attempt to do. Many can say that they hiked into the Grand Canyon. Not many can say that they ran it.

The challenge wasn’t narrowed down to just running, however. Driving all those miles through plains, mountains, deserts, and swamps was tough. Doing it by myself and with only a select number of music CDs and Jack Benny (and a few calls from my family and J.R. checking up on me) to keep me company was extremely difficult – growing more so as days went by.

So, where do I go from here? I will continue to run and continue to have fun. I made a promise to a friend some years back that I had one good half mile race left in me, and it will be dedicated to him. I fully intend to keep that promise. This one’s for you, Al.

Going into this, I knew that there would be some people who would compare my trip to Forrest Gump - unoriginal but understandable. I would like to offer it as a combination of Forrest Gump and John Madden. After all, Forrest didn’t drive a car – only a shrimp boat and a mower.

Thanks to everyone who read my entries in all its insanity! I truly appreciate the support and encouragement that everyone has shown. It was great to hear from everyone! There were even some who I hadn’t seen in years!! Didn’t think writing a blog would reach that many people – especially one from this guy!

By the way, Hartman, I was totally recalling the Yellowstone trip when I planned this and there were some similarities. Like how we had the Chevy Van so organized when we left and how it quickly was in disarray – that’s what my Rodeo went through. And how Dave had to add oil every so often – that’s what I had to do. There just wasn’t anyone around to have a beard growing contest with (sorry you lost that one – just kidding!).

Well, in the words of Forrest Gump, “I’m kind of tired. I think I’ll go home now."

Peace

Facts from the road:

1) Number of miles driven – 8,112 (insane)

2) Number of states driven through - 24

3) Number of miles ran – 115

4) Number of Subway Roasted Chicken subs eaten – 14 (there are Subways everywhere!)

5) Number of quarts of oil added to my car - 3

6) Number of new friends made – too numerous to calculate

7) Number of phone numbers that I should have asked for but didn’t – 5

Song of the day: “Colorful” by The Verve Pipe