So Far, So Awesome

Mumford &Sons-The Cave

So far Minnesota rocks.  Lets just get that out of the way right now.  It has only been a couple of days, but I am really happy with my decision.  One thing about running is that you need to surround yourself with people who are positive, people who share the same passion that you do.  Running is a daunting task.  It is tough when the clouds are out and the wind is howling.  It is not easy to go out when it looks like you will end the run soaked to the bone.  However, this task becomes easier when you are asked to run at 7 in the morning.  When you know you have a couple of guys waiting for you, you somehow find the guts to get up and get out the door.  That being said, sometimes its hard to run with other people.  As guys, sometimes we like to compare, lets search for the politically correct term here, egos.  One guy decides he is going to show that he has the strength and an easy 10 mile run turns into a 10 mile race.  Out here, it has not been that way.  Guys have been welcoming on runs.  Nobody tries to kill each other because we all know we are working towards the same task.  We are all chasing our dreams.  Its easy to try and race one another, but it is easier to help one another.  

Some people have asked why I have made this move.  Some have asked why I am chasing this "silly dream." The easy way to describe it is; if I don't do it now, I will never be able to forgive myself.  Yes, maybe this is a silly dream, maybe I am dodging the "real world." To be honest though, I would rather dodge it and be happy then go right into the world and be miserable.  I see too many people today who are unhappy with their lives, who are unhappy that they didn't try something they wanted to when they were younger.  Not enough people are willing to take risks.  Runner's tend to be risk takers.  We have to be to reach our goals.  I think those who are willing to question our motives are the ones who are too afraid to chase their own dreams, and thus take it out on someone who wants to live their life.  Am I sitting behind a desk teaching the future? No.  Am I still contributing to society? I think so.  I sell shoes.  I try and promote fitness.  Whether it be a casual walker, the mom who is trying to get in shape, the guy who is going through divorce or the elite runner, I want to try and help all reach their goals.  I can pay rent and can afford food.  I am happy and content with my life choices to this point.  Maybe I will one day reach my goals, maybe I won't, but at least I when my running career comes to an end, I can say that I at least tried.

From the Northwest to the Midwest...Sorry for the delay

Kid Cudi-Do It Alone

Sorry it has been so long since the last blog.  I am also sorry to anyone who is just finding out that I have moved to Minnesota.  Yep.  You read that right.  Minnesota.  I have been toying for awhile now with the idea of relocating.  Sometimes as a runner you need a little change of scenery to make running fun again, to get that competitive edge back.  

After the disappointment at Grandma's Marathon, I took some time off.  For one, I needed to heal.  Both mentally and physically I was destroyed by the race.  I put six months of training into this race and got nothing out of it, except a strained hamstring.  But that can be the story of running.  It really comes down to how you bounce back from the bad.  I bounced back in mileage, but I was fearful of workouts.  I didn't want to re-injure myself.  I was lacking confidence once again.  I needed something different.  I had great friends in Spokane, but I needed a new spark.  I made a comment to a couple of friends, and next thing I know I am looking at places to work and live in Minnesota.  I didn't know I would be here this soon, I knew I wanted to be, but I also wanted to be settled.

I will, once again, work at a running store.  This time it will be at Start Line in Minnetonka.  Its going to be a nice transition, although this is the busy time of year with the Twin Cities Marathon coming up in a couple of weeks.  I plan on running the Twin Cities 10 miler that same weekend which is the US 10 mile championships.  Hopefully this will springboard me to an October or November half marathon.  For now though its time to get settled down.  Start figuring out living here in Minnesota.  It will be different for awhile and I apologize if I am not answering messages right away.  I will not forget those who helped get me this far, because without them I wouldn't be here.  Thank you to everyone who made Spokane great.  I miss you already, but its time for new beginnings.