Category: RUNNING STREAK (Page 26 of 34)
The trials and tribulations of running every single day
I’ve been running at 6,000 feet these past few days, and it feels like someone is sitting on my shoulders. I’ve tried to stay on flat areas because even the slightest hill takes my breath away. By the time I leave in a few days, I’ll finally get used to it, as I push towards 3900 consecutive days of running every single day. At the end of December it will be eleven years of strapping on the running shoes every morning. There is nothing more challenging than high altitude running, since my legs feel like concrete and it’s hard to suck air into my lungs. It was even more difficult here in the winter time with ice on the roads, but this morning was about 60 degrees with blue skies. A hot air balloon sailed overhead to help keep my mind off the discomfort in my legs and ankles.
I did a hike yesterday to Fish Creek Falls following my run to perhaps accelerate the adaptation to thin air. Nonetheless, I’m still not there yet! It took 11 songs and a few commercial interruptions on the radio to finish my slightly over three-mile trek. I was glad to finally take a seat at the lap-top and enjoy some writing time. My computer seems to be just as sluggish as I am – slow to react to both saving and publishing. Maybe it’s also a victim of thin air? I’m reminded of the book “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer, who also wrote “Into The Wild.” (See Post #929). Here I am in the “wilds” of Colorado, dealing with potential altitude sickness. It certainly hasn’t affected my appetite, after consuming my fair share of the Tomahawk steaks that were served last night. The higher altitude certainly isn’t making me feel thinner. My stomach is just another bag of concrete that I carried along with me this morning.
My friends are all off at the shooting range, after a stop at the gun store a few days ago for ammunition and targets. I was reluctant to join them after my last experience with a shot gun. It actually went off accidentally and fell apart in my hands. Fortunately, no body was hurt. Guns and I never seem to get along, so I’m much better off just writing about it. Rather than target practice, we got in a couple of games of backgammon just after they left – that seemed like a much safer activity. I’ve yet to ride the electric bike or motorcycle, once again fearing for my life, or at least trying to avoid injuries that might affect my ability to run. It’s just a few more days to my birthday, and as the card I received yesterday so aptly points out: “Statistics show that he more birthday’s you have…the longer you live.” Skiing is about the biggest risk that I take any more, and I’m somewhat assured of celebrating another one because there’s no snow this time of year. Instead, “Run, Forrest, Run.”
It’s just another sunny day in the glorious world of retirement. For those still working for a living, it’s also Sunday. My wife is getting ready for a business trip to Los Angeles while I gladly stay home to watch the dogs. They see Sunday as FunDay, anticipating their weekend Schnauzerthons. My wife leads feisty Tally on a leash while I run with old lady Tinker pushing her stroller. As we make our way through the neighborhood park, we’ll occasionally exchange dogs in a carefully synchronized spin around the pond. There’s even a designated poop stop, having learned our lesson about giving Tinker a timely break. She is, after all, “The Poopingest Pup on The Planet,” and the fast buggy ride seems to relax her a bit too much. Just like a toddler, we now always carry Wet Wipes just in case. Once I complete my just over three-mile daily running goal, I let her out for the short walk home. Today was RunDay number 3.864, as “The Streak” continues.
Tinker was really gimpy today as she waddled along by herself. Her regular outings are very short any more and often she doesn’t even make it down the driveway before she poops. A few steps later she’ll relieve her bladder in the neighbor’s grass and immediately head home. It’s almost like clockwork. She’ll then wait in the shade of the garage until Tally finishes her business, and will bark if it takes too long. Last night, we had dinner guests and she was very impatient. The neighborhood was so peaceful and quiet except for her demanding bark. It was the most outspoken I’ve ever seen her, so she must have thought that with guests at the table, she’d get more food if she was loud enough. As we well know, input equals output, so extra baggies were needed today.
One of my favorite SunDay morning rituals is listening to Sunday Morning Brunch on KINK radio. Although it’s a subtle reminder that I used to work there, it was a mellow way to start today. It helped me get through a sluggish hangover from too much wine and too many barks last night. I won’t be outdone by the neighbors when I set out my glass bottles for recycling tomorrow. It will look like a job well done, after another of my wife’s successful dinner parties. It may be one of our last at this home once we put it on the market in a few weeks. Who knows where we will be living next? I’m sure the neighbors won’t miss “Old Lady Bark” or the brown spots in their yard.
I’ll be on my own for a couple of days, so baseball, beer and fried chicken with a friend is planned. Tinker will have no one to bark at but Tally, as she quietly dreams of the next Schnauzerthon. I just hope that the Cubs can get their sh*t together after blowing a couple of key games this past week. I’m sure my Cardinal friends are thrilled. They are only “my Cubs” when they’re winning and the Brewers are taking advantage of weak relief work with back-to-back-comebacks. It won’t be FunDay unless they can win in Milwaukee today. Also, the fried chicken won’t taste good unless they can beat the Cardinals. If not, you’ll get tired of hearing my bark!
I continue to struggle with lower back stiffness and soreness. Yesterday, I made a trip to the chiropractor for some more adjustments, and next week I have an acupuncture appointment. For awhile, it didn’t seem to bother my morning run, but lately there has been some annoying pain. This morning was day 3,838, as I’ve now passed ten-and-a-half years of running everyday. Each passing day is a new endurance achievement, and makes me feel productive in retirement. My daily routine starts with a run followed by some writing. Today, I’ve scheduled a bonus “Leadership Meeting” to watch the USA soccer women play England. Perhaps, it will be a reenactment of the Revolutionary War as we ironically approach the Fourth of July.
I continue to watch Downton Abbey, feeling some embarrassment being wrapped-up in nothing more than a soap opera. However, as a completest, I feel compelled to get through it despite its perpetually tragic circumstances. It’s filled with too much eavesdropping, scandals, class struggles, awkward encounters, unrequited love, violence, and stuffy Brits. The closed captioning has once again been a blessing in helping to interpret the pompous dialogue. I next plan to watch Yellowstone, Dexter, and the newest season of Sneaky Pete.
I’ve heard back from all my adoption allies after writing them about my latest discoveries from the files the agency recently sent me. I’ve documented these as part of my Diary of an Adoptee entries in this blog. I’m appreciative of those that have been supportive in my quest to find my biological parents. It’s a controversial subject that some have preferred to ignore. I’m satisfied that I have solved the mystery of who?, but I still have questions as to why? and how? It’s a soap opera in and of itself. Maybe this is all related to my back pain? “Some believe back pain is a somatic symptom created by the unconscious to distract us from emotional issues that we want to suppress.” I will keep this in mind as I continue to try different shoes, chairs, postures, stretches, and ice packs to relieve the discomfort.
I’m talking trash today! In fact, it’s “Trash Day” in the adjoining neighborhoods, meaning Friday has come for the work force. The plastic bins scattered along the sidewalks are a simple reminder for us retired folks as to what day of the week it actually is today. As I run each Friday morning, it’s always humorous to see what items are getting thrown out. For example, this morning I saw a huge empty box of “Wrinkle Cream.” My first thought was are they bathing in it? Just how much wrinkle cream do you need, and do the check-out clerks at stores like Costco raise their eyebrows when they scan these massive quantity purchases?
I’m waiting on a UPS package from the adoption agency that may answer some more questions about my birth. I’m concerned that I might miss the delivery with my weekly “Leadership Meeting.” If so, I’ll go to the distribution center this evening. I’m very curious as to its contents, but then again there may be little of interest, as I try to contain any excitement. In the meantime, I continue to watch the soap opera Downton Abbey that is in many ways like Game of Thrones. In both cases, the central theme is money and power with a few lovable bastards, like me, mixed in to stir the pot.
My wife will be looking forward to the weekend, once she finally “punches the clock” later this afternoon. She enjoys her time with the dogs and I, always feeling like she’s missing out on something when she goes to work. It seems like I should feel a tinge of jealousy about her continued career, but I’m perfectly happy being retired. I honestly don’t miss the office and those related hassles. This week I’ve been perfectly content with sitting quietly at home. I’m just glad that I make the effort to run every morning because otherwise I’m a slug. I’ve run at least three miles every day since our last last early morning flight over a month ago when I cut back to the one-mile minimum. Currently my consecutive U.S.R.S.A. streak stands at 10.5 years (3,834 straight days). It’s one of the few things in life that I have left to brag about, other than kids, grand-kids, and my wife of 18 years.
The postman and the trash-man cometh. I refer to “The Iceman Cometh,” a play written by Eugene O’Neill in 1939. (See Post #355). The very subject matter was the topic of this earlier post two years ago, as I now approach the 1,000 mark. It was one of my early retirement goals to write a post every day and I’ve exceeded this challenge. It’s been two-and-a-half years now since I left Alpha Media and the writing and running are two essential blocks in my daily foundation. My official “Trash Day” is on Mondays, so when I see the adjoining neighborhood bins out on Fridays I know the weekend is ready to start and that I have two days to get my own trash in order.
Wine tasting in Oregon is just another justifiable excuse for “day drinking.” (See Post #964). My wife has made plans today for us to pick up our membership shipment of wine from Bergstrom followed by a private tasting appointment at Beaux Freres, The dogs will ride along, as hopefully we can find a shady table outdoors for them to join us. Otherwise, they will wait patiently in the car. Both of them should be exhausted after our morning “Schnauzerton,” about 4 miles of running and walking, while exchanging turns with Tinker’s dog stroller. She’s 15+ years old and stumbles quite a bit when she walks. It reminds me of watching my mother-in-law’s health slowly deteriorate and humbles me to realize that I’m not far behind. My back continues to bother me and it probably doesn’t help pushing Tinker in the stroller while I run on weekends. However, nothing will stop me from continuing my consecutive streak of now 3,829 days (10.48 years).
We went to see Disney’s Alladin movie last night. My wife preferred the Broadway productions that we have gone to see, but I enjoyed the humor that Will Smith brought to the genie’s role. I could see in my mind the next Disney park ride with an adventure into a cave full of treasures and a ride on a magic carpet. I love the fact that Disney always brings out the child in me. However, as I looked around at my age peers, I wondered if they saw themselves as young like me in the mirror or if I was just in denial. It’s difficult to realize that some of them are my age or older. Do I really look like all those other grandfathers?
My son, his wife, and their 3 kids spent last week at Walt Disney World. I’ve been there multiple times and never tire of it, so I was envious to not be part of it. I haven’t been to Disneyland nearly as often, but my wife and I were just there last year (See Post #757). My son lives near Orlando and has bought annual passes for the last 5 years. It’s been an important part of their lives, as passed down by my enthusiasm. With a new baby this year, they are having to cut back, and so last week’s trip was their last for awhile, as they let their passes expire. Hopefully, my wife and I can get down there and take them, but it’s so expensive to pay for 7 admissions, food, and lodging. I’m the classic Disney grandpa, although I’m not in a position to continue supplementing their annual pass costs. It will probably be good for them to seek other options for entertainment until their youngest can fully appreciate the Disney experience. In the meantime, Grandpa will selfishly sneak off to Disneyland without them.
We’re on the move today, satisfying my wife’s need to keep busy on her precious days off. She arranged an early dinner with friends last night and made plans to visit the Vancouver, WA farmer’s market this morning. We have to pick up a case of wine that we bought on our way back from Walla Walla a few weeks ago. We’ll check out a few of the sights from the other side of the Columbia River while we’re there and maybe grab some breakfast. In the meantime, we’ll give our bored dogs some exercise and fresh air via a “Schnauzerthon” through the neighborhood park. It’s Day 3822 of “The Streak,” and the dog outing breaks up the loneliness and monotony that often accompanies my day-to-day roadwork. I’ll push our aging pup Tinker at a fast pace in the stroller during part of the 4 mile challenge this morning, and try to get Tally to “run like the wind,” that usually turns out to be “dragging” her reluctantly along on the leash. I’ll then leave my wife with both dogs and the stroller while I jog the winding path through the woods on my own. Two schnauzers, my walking wife, a stroller, and solo sprints make up the various legs of our weekend “Schnauzerthon.” I continue to struggle with a sore lower back.
This family activity has been going on for nearly a year now, since my wife bought the stroller at an auction fundraiser. (See Post #617). This year, we’re skipping this Soulful Giving event that comes around again in another few weeks in favor of a Zupan’s Market “Oregon Bounty” dinner with friends. We’re also not going to Polo Noir that happens the weekend after with this same couple. We had all attended the first two of these “Sport of Kings” events because of the music acts that included Bruce Hornsby. It was like going to the Kentucky Derby to watch all the fashionable outfits. It has no appeal this year.
I just got a few more gift cards for Father’s Day from my wife. We’ll have steak salad for dinner tonight in honor of the occasion and maybe a bottle of the wine we’re about to pick up at the Vancouver Market. My wife slept in a little bit this morning while I wrote this post, but the dogs are getting anxious for their “Schnauzerthon.” Hopefully, Tinker won’t poop in the stroller like she did a few weeks ago during the American Heart Association 5k. She’s usually pretty good about letting us know – with a bark – when she needs to get out and do her business. However, you never know with an aging pup of 15 years that’s earned the reputation as “The Poopingest Pup on the Planet.” (author note: the poopsident happened despite this premonition – however, an easy clean-up this time.)
I received my Summer issue of the United States Running Streak Association (USRSA) newsletter just after I had written Post #958: Body In Motion discussing my personal struggles with running every day. As I read these stories about fellow streakers, it always provides some inspiration about the daily mile challenge that I started over 10 years ago. The first thing that struck me was the fact that my city leads the country in the number of individuals committed to this daily discipline. I started my streak in Austin (also in the top 10) after first hearing of the organization as part of a business dinner conversation. Here are the rankings and numbers:
Portland, OR 22
Rochester, MN, Minneapolis, MN 19
Phoenix, AZ 18
Houston, TX 17
New York City 16
St. Paul, MN 13
Seattle, WA 12
Chicago, IL, Las Vegas, NV, Austin, TX 11
Atlanta, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Raleigh 10
I know 4 people in Portland currently practicing this “crazy” routine and was the area’s leader in consecutive days in Austin before moving here. Suddenly, I don’t feel so “crazy.” However, both cities are known for “Keeping It Weird.” This also only accounts for only 220 runners on a list that’s grown to well over 1,450 people who have done this at least a full year. In addition, there are 231 on an International list and over 900 retired streakers officially recorded.
This current Streak Registry touts a new book by one of the founding fathers of the organization, Mark Covert. His streak stopped due to injuries at 45-years or 16,436 consecutive days. Never Missed was a quick read and full of good advice, but it made me realize how different my story is from most of these other athletes. In fact, I only wish that I shared the same passion and love for the sport. His thoughts on focus helped me get through this morning’s run, keeping my attention on each of the 5,300 individual steps rather than the journey as a whole. This is applicable to any aspect of life.
Mark Covert and others like him look forward to their run everyday. I often tend to dread mine. Maybe it’s because they were once Champions and regain that competitive spirit when they lace up the shoes. I always feel like a winner when I cross the finish line, but never excelled in the sport. For me, it started as a way to control my weight. If I stop, my fear is putting on the pounds, so my motivation is very different. They run for enjoyment, while I run for vanity. I did, however, once win a blue ribbon in my age group on a sub-zero day when no one else showed up. I should also have more appreciation for the forty minute run each day that keeps me away from the day-to-day hassles of life, and gives me a chance to reflect on my good fortunes.
I will say that I’ve been fortunate so far not to have dealt with foot, ankle, knee, or back pain as many long-time runners experience. Maybe this is because I didn’t really start running consistently until my late 20’s, while they were in many cases high school stars. I ran the hurtles in high school because it was the shortest race possible. A friend would throw pebbles at my bedroom window, hoping to get me to join him on an early morning training run. I’m not sure that I ever did. I ran my first Marathon at age 28. In keeping with the book, I did keep a daily log as he suggests and put in as much as 120 miles a week while preparing. This is not anywhere close to the “Big Miles” that Covert and his teammates churned out while training.
Runner’s World magazine was my bible as I started training to run 26.2 miles. They stressed that days off were an important part of the process. Sundays were usually an off-day for me, after longer runs on Saturdays. In some cases, I might take two days off, but never more. After I completed the Marathon, I was truly addicted to running. I felt bad if I didn’t run, craving the endorphins that came with the miles. I eventually stopped following some injuries, but started running again years later because I found it to enhance my business performance. I also discovered that it was less mentally taxing to run day after day and not struggle with which day to take off. It was easier to just get up and run every day than lay in bed trying to decide whether to do it or not. It wasn’t until 10 years ago that I learned of the USRSA challenge and decided to earn my one-year certificate. I’ve yet to stop.
According to the rules, the fact is that anyone can maintain a running streak on as few as 7 miles a week (a mile a day). I tend to be in the 20-plus mile range, while some “streakers” average well over 50. The miles and pace don’t distinguish us from each other. The fastest and slowest all simply strive to run at least a mile every single day. It’s not a race – it’s a lifestyle.
“The race is not always to the swift, but to those who keep on running.” – Author Unknown
Newton’s first law of motion states that “a body in motion stays in motion.” After a night of rest, it’s often difficult to get your body moving again because “a body at rest seeks more rest.” It’s this tug-of-war between motion and rest that determines what you get accomplished in any given day, especially since rest is easier than motion. It’s simple physics!
Please understand that I’m not trying to preach to you, but rather to motivate myself. I fight this very battle every day, driven by maintaining “The Streak” that now proudly stands at 3,806 consecutive days (10.42 years). I’m ranked at #209 on the USRSA “Active Streak” list far behind leader Jon Sutherland who just remarkably crossed the 50-year mark this past weekend. He’s my age, at 67 and a writer based out of West Hills, California. Obviously, weather and job flexibility give him the freedom to maintain this daily regimen of getting his body in motion. I can also say from experience that getting older only adds to the challenge. My only hope of moving up on the list is attrition, as over 50% of the top 50 “streakers” are my age or older. I’m just as stiff, tired, and sore as any of them.
To stop running would be traumatic for me because it only takes a single step to get your body in motion. Regardless of how you feel, once in motion, it stays in motion. In the process, you start to feel better and before you know it you’ve crossed the finish line. I struggle with my attitude every morning, but never regret the sense of accomplishment. I ran every day before work, sometimes adjusting the mileage to my schedule, and I’ve continued to run every day in retirement. Running provided a bridge between these two stages of my life.
Take that first step and get your body in motion. Steps lead to miles, and miles to good health. It works for me, just as they say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” A similar apple hit Isaac Newton in the head and led to his theories on gravity and motion. You don’t have to be a genius to know that running is just a matter of getting your body in motion. The first step is always the toughest, especially after getting out of bed every morning.
A spur of the moment decision to drive to Walla Walla, Washington for Memorial weekend has led to another close encounter with a DNA cousin. As I write this, I’m tuned into the start of the Indy 500, an annual ritual regardless of where I happen to be in the world. Years ago while living in Indiana, I either went to the race or listened to it on the radio. In the Indianapolis area, there was a television blackout to encourage attendance, so if I wasn’t at the track, I was near a radio and to this day still prefer the Armed Forces Radio Network coverage. However, this morning I’m watching the first year of NBC television coverage from our hotel room.
After the first few laps, we’ll take the dogs on a “Schnauzerthon” and head to Pasco, Washington, about a half-hour drive from our Fairfield hotel in Kennewick. I’ve been invited to the home of a family that shares two DNA connections. I owe a strong debt of gratitude to the father, Terry, who provided the initial documentation that led me to the location of my suspected birth mother. He was my very first contact through the 23andMe website, and although we have talked on the phone several times and communicated through e-mail have never met until this morning. His son, Fred, also is a DNA match that I’m looking forward to meeting. My wife will join me on this monumental memorial weekend encounter that will hopefully lead to finding our connection on my Jerry Banister Family Tree. As much as we’ve both tried, we can’t find the genealogical links to our DNA ancestors.
The Indy 500 must be in my Hoosier DNA. The start of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” is a real rush, especially if you have access to the grassy area on the inside of the first turn. I’ve had this privilege on several occasions when I was involved in the marketing of the race – back in my working days. Sometimes, work has its benefits! This morning’s “Schnauzerton” was even more challenging since I once again forgot my running shorts and had to wear blue jeans. They get heavy in conjunction with pushing a 25-pound dog in a stroller. I only got in about two and a half miles but sustained “The Streak” at 3,801 consecutive days. After the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” and the green flag drops, I’ll grab a quick shower and we’ll head for Pasco for a close encounter of the DNA kind.
I enjoyed meeting my cousin and his family. Their home is in a beautiful setting amidst an orchard of cherries, and we sat outside on a beautiful morning so our dogs could freely explore the fenced-in yard. Nothing new was discovered about our connection, but my wife was intrigued with the similarities of our noses. As an adopted child, it’s always interesting to finally discover physical connections with your relatives. Terry believed that it was a “Carpenter nose,” based on pictures of his family. I showed him a photo of my alleged birth father and the resemblance of the eyes. There was a definite chemistry between us, but I felt that he would get along easily with any stranger, just as I often do. Both my wife and I thought he was a doppelganger for actor Dean Norris of Breaking Bad fame. I will continue to stay in touch.
As we left my cousin’s house for our wine tasting appointment in Walla Walla, I checked on the status of the Indy 500 and my closest connection to the race, Conor Daly. His mother and I continue to be good friends after we worked together for a few years in Indianapolis. His father is also a long standing acquaintance. Conor finished a respectable 10th today after flirting with the leaders most of the day. It will be a solid stepping stone for his career, as he continues to search for a consistent ride in the on-going Indy Car Series. Hopefully, he’ll secure something for the Portland race later this year.
After today’s close encounter, I’m now even more motivated to find the ancestral link between cousin Terry and myself. He’s identified as only a 4th cousin, but was such a big factor in my search for birth parents that he feels like much closer family. We’ll both put our “noses” to the ground and resolve the mysterious genetic bond that brought us together through 23andMe. Neither of us knew the other existed even three years ago, yet we’re living only a few hours apart, so consequently got the up close and personal chance for a hug. It’s indeed a small DNA world.