T • R • E • A • D Tulsa Running Club’s Entertainment, Activities & Dates Tulsa Running Club Contact Information Mail: P.O. Box 3304 Tulsa, OK 74101 Hotline: (918) 409-0797 E-mail: i[email protected]Internet: www.tulsarunningclub.com www.tulsarunningclub.com Fall 2011 Also in this issue President’s Note..........2 Trail Safety ....................3 Sponsored Race...........5 Runner Feature............6 Sponsored Race..........7 TRC Board...................8 A Mother’s Love........10 Giving Back...............11 Footnotes ...................12 Untie the Not............14 The Tulsa Running Club is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the benefits of running and walking by providing social, financial and moral support to Tulsa and the surrounding communities and to establish camaraderie among runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Be sure to join your Tulsa Running Club Thanksgiving morning, November 24th, 2011 for the annual Von Frankin Family Food Run. This event drew about 800 par- ticipants last year and we were able to fill the Salvation Army’s truck to the brim. The customary donation is two grocery bags full of non-perishable food. But of course, all is welcomed and encouraged. Much of this donation is used for those in need on Thanksgiving Day. This year our challenge to you is to start a food drive at your office, church, neigh- borhood association, school, or wherever appropriate. A TRC board member will arrange to pick-up the items if transporting them on race day is too difficult. The run begins and ends at the pedestrian bridge at Riverside Park. The run is about a four mile loop around Zink Lake. This is a casual race, strollers and dogs on leashes are welcomed. This is also not a timed event. Hot coffee and chocolate will be provided as well as light snacks. As always, you can count on a door prize or two. New this year, the Jog the Dogs program will be in attendance collecting donated supplies for pets under their care. Any dog or cat item would be appreciated, and items such as dog and cat food, bowls, collars and leashes are desperately needed. We will be emailing out a list of needed items for those who wish to help the Jog the Dogs program. If you would like to volunteer at the Von Frankin Family Food Run or have information about corporate sponsorships, please contact Derek Jones at [email protected].
Transcript
T • R • E • A • DTulsa Running Club’s Entertainment, Activities & Dates
The Tulsa Running Club is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the benefits of running and walking by providing social, financial and moral support to Tulsa and the surrounding communities and to establish camaraderie among runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
Be sure to join your Tulsa Running Club Thanksgiving morning, November 24th, 2011 for the annual Von Frankin Family Food Run. This event drew about 800 par-ticipants last year and we were able to fill the Salvation Army’s truck to the brim.
The customary donation is two grocery bags full of non-perishable food. But of course, all is welcomed and encouraged. Much of this donation is used for those in need on Thanksgiving Day.
This year our challenge to you is to start a food drive at your office, church, neigh-borhood association, school, or wherever appropriate. A TRC board member will arrange to pick-up the items if transporting them on race day is too difficult.
The run begins and ends at the pedestrian
bridge at Riverside Park. The run is about a four mile loop around Zink Lake. This is a casual race, strollers and dogs on leashes are welcomed. This is also not a timed event. Hot coffee and chocolate will be provided as well as light snacks. As always, you can count on a door prize or two.
New this year, the Jog the Dogs program will be in attendance collecting donated supplies for pets under their care. Any dog or cat item would be appreciated, and items such as dog and cat food, bowls, collars and leashes are desperately needed. We will be emailing out a list of needed items for those who wish to help the Jog the Dogs program. If you would like to volunteer at the Von Frankin Family Food Run or have information about corporate sponsorships, please contact Derek Jones at [email protected].
2
From the TRC President...By Shawna Simpson
We are finally approaching my favorite time of the year! The beautiful change from the torture of heat we had all summer to the crisp days means that the Tulsa Run and the Route 66 Marathon must be approaching! Good luck to everyone running fall races!
With the fall also comes the Von Franken Family Food Run. Each year I am overwhelmed as runners from Tulsa, as well as visitors for the holiday, come together and work to gather food for those less fortunate. I have always said that runners are extremely generous, and this is a great way to show that spirit.
New to the run is the participation of the TSPCA Jog the Dog pro-gram. They will not only be run-ning with their dogs, but will also be gathering much needed supplies for the dogs and cats.
The Tulsa Running Club has had a wonderful time providing occa-sional drinks and snacks after the Speedwork sessions at the Univer-sity of Tulsa. We will have a few more of these before the weather turns cold, so make sure you come out and enjoy the friendship and food!
And before it gets too late in the year, don’t forget to register for the Post Oak Run! Registration is discounted if you register dur-ing 2011. This is a wonderful event in some of the most beautiful trails and roads near Tulsa. The 10k/25k/50k trail runs will be held Saturday, February 25th and there are wonderful new changes for the Sunday events! You won’t want to miss it so go to www.postoakrun.com for more details!
Once again, I would like to use this space to ask for board members for your Tulsa Running Club. Many of our board members fulfilled their terms this year and have left the board. We are currently in need of volunteers and board members to continue the programs and events we enjoy. We have received emails asking why some events have been eliminated and the simple answer is, we need you! These are volunteer positions, and we will never ask for more than you can give - I promise!
Run Happy,
Shawna Simpson
2011 Newsletter Advertising Rates
Discounts available for multiple month runs. Sponsored Races receive additional discounts. To schedule an ad, please send an e-mail to [email protected].
• Business card size ad: $20• ¼-page ad: $40• ½-page ad: $55• Full page ad: $100
We Want Your Articles!
Do you have an article you would like to see printed in the TRC newsletter? If so, please send an e-mail to [email protected].
The new Tulsa Running Club website will be unveiled very soon! Keep your eyes open for a brand new calendar, forums, and updates!
Information will be sent to you on how to access your account and membership information as soon as the new site is active. You will soon be receiving emails if your membership has expired or is due, as well. Follow the link to renew your membership and continue supporting the Tulsa Running Club!
If for any reason, you are not re-ceiving this newsletter or emails, please email us at [email protected] so we can get correct information. We want you to be a part of YOUR Tulsa Running Club!
14 3
Fall Into New Safety HabitsBy Major Julie Harris
For couch potatoes contemplating a new exercise, fall is the perfect time to begin a running or walk-ing program. Temperatures have cooled down to make exercise en-joyable. Beginning runners/walk-ers will encounter a lot of other fair-weather athletes who have stayed out of the summer sun and are ready to resume their workouts.
A hazard of working out during this time of year is the limited vis-ibility during the late after-noon and evening. Runners and walkers can enjoy a safe run or walk if they follow the following tips:
ReadySafety in Numbers - Contact a local running store such as Fleet Feet, Tulsa Run-ner, or Runner’s World and get involved in one of their training programs. Running in groups is a good idea because there is safety in numbers.
It’s a good idea to tell a friend or family member where you plan to run. In the event you are unusually late, they will be able to let the po-lice know where to start a search.
Select a Safe Spot to Run – Take advantage of a running trail such as LaFortune Park, Riverside Trail and/or the Creek Turnpike. By fol-lowing these paths you will reduce your chances of getting hit by a vehicle.
SetBe Prepared – Wear reflective clothing and/or bright colors to keep you visible. If you don’t
have reflective clothing, purchase a reflective vest that can be worn over your clothes at all times of the year.
Carry water or energy drinks to keep you hydrated.
If running at dusk, carry a flash-light or cap light. This not only il-luminates you to oncoming traffic, but will help you see if you need to dial a phone.
Don’t forget to carry a cell phone, and if it is raining place it inside a zip-lock bag to keep it dry.
If the hairs on the back of your neck are standing up, it’s for a reason. Don’t be afraid to call 911. Many crime victims said they had
a feeling something bad was about to happen, or someone looked sus-picious. So, when in doubt, call!
In addition, carry identification. In case of emergency, public safety workers will know who to contact to care for you.
Go!Route Selection - Select a route that is well illuminated. Use the city
parks, trails or detention ponds that are well-lit.
Avoid Being a Victim - Be sure when leaving vehicles that all valuables are already stored in the trunk. Bad guys like to watch potential victims place valuables under the front seat, under a towel, or in the trunk. Then after you are long gone, they make their move to steal your cell phones and wallets.
Run with a partner if possible. Bad guys generally won’t con-
front pairs or groups. A single person, running in a darkened area, away from a crowd is most vulner-able. Take steps to avoid being a victim.
Major Julie Harris is a 26 year veteran of the Tulsa Police Depart-ment. She currently is the Divi-
Tulsa Running Club Offers Speedwork
The Tulsa Running Club offers a weekly speedwork track session. All levels are welcome!
When: Tuesdays at 6 p.m.Where: University of Tulsa track (Sixth and Delaware)
4
5
Tulsa Running Club Sponsored RaceRed Ribbon Run
Hundreds of students and adult runners are expected once again topack the starting gate at Operation Aware’s 10th Annual Red Ribbon Run early October 22, celebrat-ing drug-free youth in our schools. And this year TRC members can save $2 off registration.
Red Ribbon Run will be held Sat-urday, October 22. The course is USATF-sanctioned and is certified by Glen’s Road Race. Participants can choose to enter the One-Mile Fun Run, 5K Run, or 5K Race-walk.
Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. Registration will open at 7:00 a.m. at 31st and Riv-erside Drive in Tulsa.
The 5K will begin at 8:00 a.m. and go north on Riverside, followed by the Fun Run at 8:45. All runners will finish back at 31st and Riv-erside. Pre-registration forms are downloadable at www.operation-aware.org.
Why does Operation Aware orga-nize a foot race? For over 30 years, nonprofit Operation Aware has equipped youth, through profes-sional prevention education, with the knowledge and skills to make positive life choices.
They work directly with schools, youth groups, service organizations and others to accomplish this goal. Red Ribbon Run is a fitting way to promote the mission of Operation Aware and get kids active.
Red Ribbon Run also serves as a kick-off to local activities tied to national Red Ribbon Week, which
was started after DEA agent Kiki Camarena was murdered by drug traffickers in Mexico City in 1985.
In Camarena’s memory, the Na-tional Federation of Parents for Drug Free Youth joined the DEA to create a red ribbon campaign in schools to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use. Red Rib-bon Week is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people.
Every year, hundreds of youth participate in the Operation Aware Red Ribbon Run, making their commitment to be drug-free. They are accompanied by parents, teachers, school principals, adult runners, and race walkers.
This year, Operation Aware in-creased its invitation list to nearly 180 schools! To keep things fun for all ages, several local sports mascots will be on hand to work the crowd before and during the races.
As of publication date, scheduled mascots include Eli the Eagle (ORU Gold-en Eagles), Hornsby the Bull (Tulsa Drillers), Routiethe Road Runner (Tulsa 66ers), and Operation Aware’s own Red Ribbon Man™.
Being focused on youth health, the race is free for children 11 and younger. Because registration fees alone do not cover all event costs, however, Operation Aware does solicit sponsors to help them reach as many Tulsa-area children as pos-sible.
Pre-registration for age 12+ is $15 with t-shirt or $10 without, while age 11 and under is free with no t-shirt or $5 with a shirt. Add $5 for race-day registrations, except age 11 and under is still free with no t-shirt.
Pre- registration and packet pick-up will be Oct. 17-20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Operation Aware office, 7226 East 41st Street, Tulsa. TRC members enjoy a $2 discount on these fees.
Sponsors include Tulsa Kids Maga-zine, Wassco Bottling Co., Tulsa Running Club, and Tulsa Area UnitedWay.
76
I Am A RunnerBy Kymberly Swope
I am a runner. Words I thought I’d never say; yet there they are. I started running a year ago and have since finished 8 5K’s, 2 10 K’s and a half marathon. I am a changed person from those experiences and each finish line brings about a sense of pride, confidence and ac-complishment. I have come a long way in the last year and I enjoy the continuing journey; knowing there are no limits to what I can do keeps
me going on days I don’t want to. At the beginning, I had to look up the meaning of each term used in my training. Now, however, I throw them around in my every-day talk. I can use my Garmin in my sleep and often wear my CoolMax tops instead of a jacket. Tempo is a training run to me, not the beat of music. Fartlek is not some-thing I laugh at; it’s something I do. I still dread long runs but love the feeling of just me and my thoughts. My first race filled me with anxiety; yet that morning I was entering my second. I had become addicted before I even lined up for the gun. I started entering a race a month and be-gan a year of constantly training
for a race. I still feel nervous and a little excited every race I line up for, regardless of the distance. I am looking for-ward to longer races and may even try some ultra-marathons. The journey has not been without bumps. There have been nay-sayers who tried to pull me down. I always dedicate my next run to them, whether it was a training run or a race. Many times I want-ed to give up, thinking I was crazy to even start. When that happens, I hit the asphalt to remind myself of the freedom of being out there. I also have those people that keep me go-ing and remind me constantly
how proud they are of what I’ve already accomplished and support my dreams/goals. The road has not been easy but with determina-tion anyone can reach the goals they have; regardless of who doubts them. I have inspired many since I began but few have stuck with
it. When people ask me how I started, I point them in the right direction because every person is different and what works for one person may not work for another. I do tell them, however; I will attend their first race with them. I also promise them it is not easy; if it were, everyone would be do-ing it but it will be worth it. I have been saving my bibs (with finish times on the back) along with any finisher awards I received to give my daughter. I would like her to know that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. I am even planning on entering her into a few races as she gets older; to help her self-confidence and keep her active.
14 7
For over 25 years, One To The Other Ministries has taken medical teams to over 55 nations, bringing hope to desperate areas. The teams organized to go with the ministry are all volunteers paying their own way to serve side by side in an ef-fort to bring assistance and healing to people who have mostly never had any medical care. Doctors and nurses give of their time to make a difference in someone’s life.
This summer, the organization traveled to the Dominican Republic where a majority of the patients that were seen were Haitian refu-gees. These people were living by the side of a canal outside of the little town the medical clinic was set up.
Several men, women, and little ones were treated for skin condi-tions that we will never see here in
Tulsa Running Club Sponsored RaceRace4Life 5k/10k
America because they were bathing in this water filled with filth from the townspeople. In four days of clinics conducted in four different towns, over 500 patients were seen.
Volunteers would arrive at the site to be greeted by people waiting in line for hours. Many times, people have had to be turned away because of the overwhelming need in that town and the insufficient amount of medicines available to distribute.
Next year, OTTOM is going to the mountainous region north of Lima, Peru. Already, volunteers from sev-eral states are making plans to join up and travel to this foreign land to lend a much needed helping hand to the local Peruvians.
Year after year, the costs for medi-cines and medical supplies con-tinue to rise. OTTOM’s desire is to
continue to bring hope to the na-tions in the future. For this reason, Race4Life was created! A race that will bring people together on a day of healthy competition, with hopes to raise the funds needed to con-tinue the vision of going, loving and caring!
So, on Saturday, December 3rd, come and have some fun with fel-low runners from all over Oklaho-ma and surrounding states and help us help others by running for LIFE!
After the race, random drawings for prizes will be conducted. Last year, 2 Branson, MI., weekend getaways were given away, as well as 2 black memberships for Planet Fitness.
It is the desire of the organizers of this race to make this event a memorable one for you.
Articles Wanted!
Runners. What is it about runners that allow us to have such an open conversation about any-thing and everything with other runners? I guess a better question might be how can we have these conversations with a random runner we don’t even know?
Everyone has had one of these chats, either during a race or just out for a training run along Riverside. And some of the topics certainly aren’t ones you would strike up while standing in the check out line of your grocery store. Nothing is off limits while running, but try to talk about any bodily function when you don’t have running gear on and see what happens.
Do you have a funny story about one of these random conversations? Did one get you through a tough spot during a race? Do you know someone who has accomplished great things running?
What’s better than hearing running stories from other runners, send your story and we will pub-lish in the next TREAD! Stories can be 200-300 words and sent to [email protected]. Look forward to hearing your tales!
8
Special Thanks to our TRC Sponsors
The Tulsa Running Club would like to recognize and thank its sponsors:
Gold Medal:
Silver Medal: Bob Soucek, CPA, CommunityCare, Glen’s Road Race Service, Peace Chiropractic, Tulsa Run & Walman Commercial Real Estate Services
If you are interested in a TRC sponsorship package or would like more information, please send an e-mail to [email protected].
Tulsa Running Club Board Members and their DutiesName: Duties:
Shawna Simpson TRC PresidentKim McCall TRC SecretaryGary Hawkins TRC TreasurerGeoff Simpson IT Director / Mohawk 5000 Race Director
Robert Anquoe Wes Hollander Derek Jones William McFadden Darryl Stillson
Questions? Interested in joining the TRC board? Send an e-mail to [email protected].
13 9
139910
“We are so different.” Words spoken to me by my daughter Jessica. I’d just called her after completing an 18 mile run on a cold and dreary Saturday morning. “I’m just not a runner mom.” I started running a few years earlier and at this point I’d run 8 or 9 marathons. Running had become a major part of my life.
Soon after this conversation Jessica and Clint brought baby Hugh into the world and Jessica was determined to shed those post-baby pounds. Dieting and workout DVDs were not providing the results she wanted. Clint actually hid the scales because Jessica was so very frustrated.
My “not a runner” girl set out on her own, secretly through the streets of her neighborhood to “try running on.” After a few months “it took”, as we like to say! Jessica
was hooked and the results were showing. She soon completed her first 5K with lots of support from family and friends.
With some encouragement Jessica decided to join a running program, as I had. At this point she was not ready to run long miles with me so she found a group that ran her pace yet challenged her. We went on to run two half marathons together, Dallas Rock’n’Roll and the Ardmore ‘A to A’.
My first marathon was in Chicago 2008. Jessica had done so well in her half marathons I was hoping she might be willing to consider training for Chicago 2011 with me. A huge commitment for any runner, but especially with a husband, a 4 year old and a newborn! She agreed and a new goal was born!
Summer 2010 was hard on everyone but Jessica dutifully arrived at my door for our long runs every Saturday morning, usually before 5 am. We carefully planned our hydration, water stops, trails and of course breakfasts afterwards.
In the early weeks I held back, keeping her pace. Gradually, her endurance grew. Distance PR after distance PR I watched her transform! It has been truly wonderful to share with my daughter the wonderful training I’ve received from my coaches Judy, Kathryn, Paul, Ben and John.
I’ll never forget the first 18 miler we ran together: unbearably hot and humid. I ran beside and sometimes behind her. I was so proud to see her strength and perseverance. A week later, on our 20 mile run, she had a bad run. Around mile 12 she was, in her words, “melting down” but I knew she could do it. It was a cooler day and a flatter course than our 18 mile run.
The only advice I could her was that if she quit, she’d feel worse when she got home than she did at that moment. My girl “gutted it out” as I’d be taught to do my Captain Insane-o.
We have now reached the glorious Taper Time and finally the weather is pleasant. We are counting the days, hours and minutes until we run that 26.2 in Chicago together. Jessica paid her dues and really is a runner after all. Maybe she is “so like me” after all!
A Mother’s LoveBy Jeanean Wilson
1012 11
Running Without BoundariesBy Ken Saveth
When I first started running, I had no idea where it would take me, what distances I would run or what experiences I would have.
I ran my first marathon in 2000 in celebration of my 40th birthday; Rock n’ Roll Marathon in San Di-ego, CA. Much to my surprise, I did not die. Actually, I was hooked. I just HAD to run another one and another one, and so on.
I joined in a marathon training group that was started by Fleet Feet Tulsa. They had great cama-raderie as well as good friends and encouragement. My marathon count began to grow.
At some point (I cannot recall when), I began running with the Tulsa Area Trail & Ultra Runners (TATUR) where I learned of distanc-es other than the marathon. My first Ultra, was the Sunmart 50K (hooked again.). Soon after, I made the entry level for Marathon Maniacs.
With this running thing now a part of me, I looked for every opportu-nity to run.
Bring in my work as a Sr. Applica-tions Engineer for a global oilfield service company and there is the perfect recipe to run beyond the
boundaries of the USA. I have worked on every continent EXCEPT Antarctica (I am work-ing on this one) so I have had the unique opportunity to run in many countries, with many new friends and experience many different cultures and environ-ments.
I have had the chance to run in Canada, Colombia, Brazil, Vene-
zuela, Argentina, England, Scotland, Austria, France, Germany, Turkey, Oman, Egypt, Kuwait, Tunisia, Congo, Gabon, Russia, India, China, Thailand, Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia.
Running seems to be a bond with
people regardless of culture, social or economic status or athletic ability. Going for a long run through foreign landscapes, towns and villages AL-WAYS seems to get a smile, a nod of the head or a wave. One gets to really “bond” with the locals and see many things from the perspective of a commoner and not a tourist.
One also gets to “tip toe” through places seemingly unnoticed, sort of blending in. Local wildlife just looks up as you run by so one can get a close up experience. I now have many new friends and experi-ences.
As the borders across which I was breaking increased, it began to go hand in hand with the non-profit foundation that I began in 2009. Know No Boundaries (www.
knownoboundaries.org) is a founda-tion that helps people to break out of their own “self set, self limiting” boundaries.
As individuals, we often “limit” ourselves what we can and can-not do. Most of the time, these boundaries are determined within ourselves. KNB is to be the catalyst for them to break these boundaries and become what God has planned for their lives. Although our goal is to provide wheelchairs, prosthetics, mentoring and coaching, we have started out slow by looking to pro-vide wheelchairs for our community so as to allow mobility to those who feel that this is keeping them from being all that they can be.
With this in mind, KNB pushes ourselves beyond boundaries so as to be a living example to those to whom we are looking to help. THIS is the drive that pushes me to run more, to run longer and to BE that example for others. I can be con-tacted at [email protected].
12
The Pursuit of Health, Happiness, and Sports Injuriesby David A. Francis, DPM
With the chang-ing leaves and cooler weather, fall is the per-fect time of year for outdoor fun. Millions of adults will participate in sports: football,
soccer, basketball, baseball and softball, and running, to name a few. Whether you are skilled, an amateur, or enjoy individual activi-ties—adults will get active for all of the health benefits exercise has to offer. However, for some people—particularly those who overdo or who don’t properly train or warm up—these benefits can come at a price: sports injuries. The types of sports-and-exercise related injuries most commonly seen by a podiatric physician are the following: Ankle sprain is a common injury to the ligament, one of the bands of tough, fibrous tissue that con-nects two or more bones at the joint and prevents excessive move-ment of the joint. Sprains that do
not show improvement in three days should be seen by a podiatric physician. Investing in five to 10 minutes of stretching and warm-ing up and wearing the right shoe for the sport you are participating in can help prevent this common athletic injury. Muscle strain is defined as either a partial or total tear of muscle fibers in the muscle itself or the origin of the muscle. Exercisers frequently strain their lower leg and foot muscles during rapid movement sports such as tennis, basketball, racquetball, running, and sprinting. Improper and inadequate warm-up and stretching are some of the contributing factors in this type of injury. Minor strains should heal in 1-2 weeks with rest. If pain lingers longer, consult a podiatrist. Tendinitis is a common type of ankle and foot problem, defined as an inflammation of the tendons—the tissue that connects muscles to bones. The most common, Achil-les tendinitis, is where inflam-mation is located at the back of the leg where the tendon attaches to the foot (heel pain). In sports, a tendinitis injury is usually the
result of abnormal foot bio-mechanics, excessive foot pronation (tendency of the arch of the foot to flatten out too much), and history of over-use in a specific sport (e.g., basketball, tennis, running, volleyball), which requires continuous high-impact repeti-tive movements. Contact your podiatrist if ankle pain does not improve or worsens after a few days of rest and ice therapy.
Stress fractures are hairline breaks resulting from repeated stress on the bone. High-impact sports such as running, gymnastics, and volleyball can increase the risk of stress fractures. To prevent stress fractures, wear shoes that provide sufficient padding and support when you walk, run, dance, or per-form any other activities that stress the bones of the foot. If continued pain persists, contact your podia-trist. Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) is caused by inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts in the heel bone (the soles of your feet). Inflam-mation is caused by overuse with excessive foot flattening and is aggravated by tight calf muscles. Aerobic activities such as walk-ing or running are usually related to this injury, but it can also result from basketball, football, or soft-ball. Customized orthotics (custom devices for shoes), along with an appropriate stretching program, may be prescribed by your podia-trist to help alleviate pain. If you are suffering from any of these issues or have unexplained foot pain, don’t ignore it. If you’d like to talk with a podiatrist about any questions you may have to help maintain healthy feet, or for a complete evaluation, please give us a call at Green Country Po-diatry. Our Doctors and staff are always ready to help if you need treatment of foot and ankle condi-tions. Please logon to www.gcpod.com, or call 918-747-4855 for more information.
1313
1515714
Untying the NotBy Marty Coleman
I was not destined to be a runner. I was a swimmer growing up, we lived at the beach, we had a pool and I swam on a team. In addition, my sister and I were told by an uncle that our short Achilles and calf muscles due to our Irish heritage made us not good runners.
When I went away to college my roommate turned out to be a long distance runner. I had no interest in running since I was not a runner. When I went to my next college I saw a lot of runners. But I had no interest in running since I was not a runner.
For the next 20 some odd years I continued to not be a runner. Then I got a divorce
and went to the gym. I lost weight, got fit. I saw people run on the track. I tried once or twice. But I was not a runner.
Then I had an office mate at work who was a runner. I joined her - for the first 100 yards. Then I walked. I ran a mile or so a few times, I got a little better. But I was not a runner.
My first running buddies, leaving me in the dust.
4 5515
Untying the Notcont.
Then my wife signed us up for a training group at Fleet Feet. It was starting very slow; run 1 minute, walk 3. I could do that since it wasn’t really running, just jogging a little bit. That training led to a 3.1 mile race, a 5k. That was running yes, but I was not a runner, I was just a guy in a running program.
Then I trained for twice that distance. I remember the moment the switch flipped in my head. I was running next to my coach on a gorgeous fall morning and I said, ‘I’m a runner’ out loud to her. Whatever had been outside me; the training, the other runners, the encouragement,
everything, suddenly was inside me. I was a runner. It was part of my identity. I ran that 10k race as a runner, not as a guy in a running program.Then I ran 3 times that distance. Then I ran 4+ times that distance. Then I ran 8.4517 times that distance and I had run a marathon, 26.2 miles.
It took me 2 years. I am now a runner. I used to define myself by what I was not. Now I define myself by what I am.
Who do you believe you are? Who do you believe you are not? The not is what is holding you back, not the are. Untie that NOT.
