Yep, it is going to be a while before I run another race. The day before Thanksgiving, I fell off a ladder, and landed on my ankle and back. When I got up, I noticed my ankle hurting quite a bit. I iced it and woke the next morning feeling pretty good. My oldest son (Cameron) and I were running in a 5K Turkey Trot in Boulder to raise money and food for those less fortunate. As I warmed up, I noticed that my ankle felt fine but my back was very tight and sore. Well, being a good soldier, I ran the race and as the day wore on, my back seized up into full spasms. At the beginning of this month, I started having severe sciatica pain down to my ankle. Well, it is now December 16th and I am not much better. Why, because it turns out that I have herniated a disc in my back severely compressing my 4th lumbar nerve root. It appears I will be going in for back surgery over the break to repair this problem. I consulted with the neurosurgeon today and I am on “roids” for a while and then surgery on December 29th.
So…. It appears that after 32 half marathons, my goal of running 100 half marathons by my 67th birthday will have to be put on hold for a period of time. What is even more disappointing to me is to have to stop our “Running to Raise Riches” program for my school. We have raised over $4,200 in just three races!!!. Running on behalf of our school has inspired me to work hard and to stay the course. But it is what it is.
As I headed to the surgeon’s office today, you might imagine my greatest fear: I do not want to hear the words that I should never run again. For an obsessive-compulsive person like me, that would be devastating. Thank goodness, he did not say that but I am not to run for at least three months.
Gary Player, the great golfer, once said, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” Well, that is what I am going to do and hope will occur. I have had my pity party (last night), now it is time to move on. Each of us must have a mountain to climb, so my new one is before me. I simply must stay the course and stay focused on the short-term realities to meet the long-term objectives. In addition, and most important, I must stay confident. I know that if I think I can (The Little Engine that Could), I can.
Thank you for your support and prayers!
Mesquite Bi-State Half Marathon, Mesquite, Nevada, November 21, 2009
Race #32, State Number 8, Arizona (Running to Raise Riches Race #3)
Below is a transcript from an interview by Jay Leno with half marathoner, Mikie Munier. The interview took place after Mikie completed the Mesquite Half Marathon that actually started in Arizona (State number 8) and finished in Nevada. The interview was generated by speculation that Mikie is “cheating” when running at SEA LEVEL! Mikie placed fourth in his age division!
Leno: Mr. Munier, there has been widespread speculation that you have performed well in this race due to blood-packing, the use of performance enhancing drugs and overdosing on Hostess cherry pies. What is your response to these incredible allegations?
Mikie: Hey, I am a clean runner, Jaw, I mean Jay. Just because I train at 5,280 feet does not mean I cheat. Go ahead and test me for positive EPO or elevated levels of testosterone or blood-packing. I will pass the test. If you had paid attention in your seventh grade science class, you would know that the air pressure is better at sea level!! You would also know your new show is a bust!
Leno: Well, you are quite the smart-alec, Mikie.
Mikie: I have to be! Have you met any of my staff at Jefferson Academy, especially Mrs. Grant and Ms. Watanabe?
Leno: Good point. Well, this must be a very proud day for you. It appears you have lost 30% of your body mass during the event. You are really a skinny little twerp. Toppling after finishing the race and having oxygen administered would suggest you went out a bit too hard for this race.
Mikie: Well, Dopey Car Collector, just because I was fed intravenously and injected with adrenaline by attending medical staff should not give you reason to criticizes my performance.
Leno: True….it is hard enough to compete in a half marathon while shot full of human growth hormone, erythropoietin, testosterone, glucocorticosteroids, synthetic testosterone, anabolic steroids, amphetamines, and one’s own pre-packed oxygen-rich red blood cells. To run as you have on water, bananas and Quaker Oatmeal (plain and unflavored, of course) is almost heroic, if not STUPID!
At this point in the interview, Mikie got glassy-eyed and collapsed. He was rushed to Mesquite Community Hospital. Mikie remains in critical condition in the PSYCH WARD, where he was placed in a medically induced coma to aid in his recovery from exhaustion, malnutrition, and loss of bone density. Attending physicians say he is expected to return to his running because he promised the parents and kids at his school that he would run nine races to raise money for the classrooms. It appears the psych ward is the appropriate place for Mikie.
Time: 2:16:42. As noted above, I placed FOURTH in the 60+ group (small group of 16 guys), missing third place (and a medal) by THREE SECONDS. Some "old" guy ran past me in the last 100 yards and stole my glory. I attempted to drown him in the hot tub at the hotel but security got involved and ripped me off of him. Boy, was he a lucky man!
BTW: The "Running to Raise Riches" program for Jefferson Academy has raised over $4,200 in just three races! Is that not COOL!!! Our families are incredible!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: Ken Garcia, former building engineer at JA is recovering from back surgery. Miles 4-6: My Uncle Joe as he continues to heal from a heart attack. Miles 7-9: Holly Hensey, principal colleague and dear friend is recovering from a stress fracture in her foot after running her first half marathon in Texas. Miles 10-13: Riley, fiancé of Justin Watanabe. maintenance man at JA: Riley experienced the trauma of being robbed at gun point at her job at a bank.
Below is a transcript from an interview by Jay Leno with half marathoner, Mikie Munier. The interview took place after Mikie completed the Mesquite Half Marathon that actually started in Arizona (State number 8) and finished in Nevada. The interview was generated by speculation that Mikie is “cheating” when running at SEA LEVEL! Mikie placed fourth in his age division!
Leno: Mr. Munier, there has been widespread speculation that you have performed well in this race due to blood-packing, the use of performance enhancing drugs and overdosing on Hostess cherry pies. What is your response to these incredible allegations?
Mikie: Hey, I am a clean runner, Jaw, I mean Jay. Just because I train at 5,280 feet does not mean I cheat. Go ahead and test me for positive EPO or elevated levels of testosterone or blood-packing. I will pass the test. If you had paid attention in your seventh grade science class, you would know that the air pressure is better at sea level!! You would also know your new show is a bust!
Leno: Well, you are quite the smart-alec, Mikie.
Mikie: I have to be! Have you met any of my staff at Jefferson Academy, especially Mrs. Grant and Ms. Watanabe?
Leno: Good point. Well, this must be a very proud day for you. It appears you have lost 30% of your body mass during the event. You are really a skinny little twerp. Toppling after finishing the race and having oxygen administered would suggest you went out a bit too hard for this race.
Mikie: Well, Dopey Car Collector, just because I was fed intravenously and injected with adrenaline by attending medical staff should not give you reason to criticizes my performance.
Leno: True….it is hard enough to compete in a half marathon while shot full of human growth hormone, erythropoietin, testosterone, glucocorticosteroids, synthetic testosterone, anabolic steroids, amphetamines, and one’s own pre-packed oxygen-rich red blood cells. To run as you have on water, bananas and Quaker Oatmeal (plain and unflavored, of course) is almost heroic, if not STUPID!
At this point in the interview, Mikie got glassy-eyed and collapsed. He was rushed to Mesquite Community Hospital. Mikie remains in critical condition in the PSYCH WARD, where he was placed in a medically induced coma to aid in his recovery from exhaustion, malnutrition, and loss of bone density. Attending physicians say he is expected to return to his running because he promised the parents and kids at his school that he would run nine races to raise money for the classrooms. It appears the psych ward is the appropriate place for Mikie.
Time: 2:16:42. As noted above, I placed FOURTH in the 60+ group (small group of 16 guys), missing third place (and a medal) by THREE SECONDS. Some "old" guy ran past me in the last 100 yards and stole my glory. I attempted to drown him in the hot tub at the hotel but security got involved and ripped me off of him. Boy, was he a lucky man!
BTW: The "Running to Raise Riches" program for Jefferson Academy has raised over $4,200 in just three races! Is that not COOL!!! Our families are incredible!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: Ken Garcia, former building engineer at JA is recovering from back surgery. Miles 4-6: My Uncle Joe as he continues to heal from a heart attack. Miles 7-9: Holly Hensey, principal colleague and dear friend is recovering from a stress fracture in her foot after running her first half marathon in Texas. Miles 10-13: Riley, fiancé of Justin Watanabe. maintenance man at JA: Riley experienced the trauma of being robbed at gun point at her job at a bank.
Denver Half Marathon, Denver, Colorado, October 18, 2009
Race Number 31 (Race #2 in the “Run to Raise Riches” program)
For this blog entry, I thought I would just include the letter I wrote to my parents who pledged their support in our “Run to Raise Riches for Jefferson Academy” program. We have raised over $3,150 for our classrooms in just two races through this program.
My Dear October Donors to Running to Raise Riches,
Preparation is so important in everything we do. Teachers understand that as well as anyone. Go into the classroom unprepared, and within minutes, your students will have it figured out and you can plan to have a difficult day.
Running a half marathon is not much different. As most of you know, I had been battling the pain and anguish of an abscessed wisdom tooth for the last 4-5 weeks. I “happily” ran with this ailing tooth at the Boulder Back Roads Marathon with the aid of medication (ok, happy pills). It continued to plague me and it got to the point of crippling my training and me. It is amazing to me that a spot no larger than the tip of your finger can bring you to your knees and disrupt almost every aspect of your life. I had that annoying tooth removed on October 1st. Recovery has been interesting. Add to that, four days at Outdoor Education Lab with our wonderful (and I mean that) sixth graders and you can probably guess that I was not prepared for this race through the streets of Denver (I literally ran only five times in the last four weeks).
Yet, nothing started, nothing experienced, and certainly, nothing finished. Starting lines are one of the most important stations in our lives. We need not avoid them (although I wanted to avoid this one today). We need to seek them out. So…. I ventured to the start line and started the process of pain, anguish and blessing.
Moreover, my saga through the streets of Denver had the same story line as most stories do. Things are good, then something awful happens, then a great battle must be fought. Then, at just the right moment (or at the last moment,) a hero comes and sets things right and life is peachy keen again. Well, that occurred in classic form today. Steinbeck would have been inspired. Each of those tenets was played out in the following way:
“Things are good”……It was a brisk morning….perfect for a long race.
“Something awful happens”….to even think that providence might clear its throat and cause me to enjoy a fine race without appropriate training was probably too much to ask. As sure as shoot’ in, by mile five, not even at the half way point of the race, my legs started to throb. Such a development could only be compared to the Last Days of Pompeii. I was beginning to feel doomed!
“A great battle is fought”…..The battle was between the pavement and me. I felt like the pavement was pounding me vs. me pounding the pavement. Yet, my relaxed attitude started to engender triumphant feelings! I continued to battle and was beginning to win that battle with minimal whimpering.
“A hero comes and sets things right”….. All right, here comes the vain part. Somewhere between miles nine and eleven, as I was really beginning to struggle, I looked to the right and I realized I could see myself in the big picture windows of some of the businesses along that portion of the route. To my surprise, I looked like a runner. Not a very good runner, but a runner nonetheless. I had decent posture, my stride was not bad, and my foot strike looked good. My hands and arms were about where they should be. Like a real runner! I got excited and felt inspired, albeit, by myself! Ok, now you can gag and throw up!
“Things are peachy keen”…..Only because I finished the race without waking up in the morgue (is that possible?) and ended up at a good restaurant on Broadway ordering French toast and peppered bacon. Yum!
So…. I finished, and I was inspired by each of you! I sincerely thank you for pledging to this race. We rose over $1,400 for our classrooms, which brings our total for the first two races to over $3,150!!!! Cool, huh!!!
With buckets of thankfulness and sweat, (signed) Mikie Marathoner
Time: 2:24:42. Slow but respectable considering my lack of training. Next race is at sea level!!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: Cindy Happs (one of our 1st grade aides) and family: They are mourning the loss of Cindy’s father. Miles 4-6: Gayle Brodie’s (our P.E. teacher) sister is recovering from a heart attack. Miles 7-9: The students at JA: They are valiantly fighting off the flu. Miles 10-13: Evalyn Schamaun, mother of our playground supervisor. She is dealing with dementia.
For this blog entry, I thought I would just include the letter I wrote to my parents who pledged their support in our “Run to Raise Riches for Jefferson Academy” program. We have raised over $3,150 for our classrooms in just two races through this program.
My Dear October Donors to Running to Raise Riches,
Preparation is so important in everything we do. Teachers understand that as well as anyone. Go into the classroom unprepared, and within minutes, your students will have it figured out and you can plan to have a difficult day.
Running a half marathon is not much different. As most of you know, I had been battling the pain and anguish of an abscessed wisdom tooth for the last 4-5 weeks. I “happily” ran with this ailing tooth at the Boulder Back Roads Marathon with the aid of medication (ok, happy pills). It continued to plague me and it got to the point of crippling my training and me. It is amazing to me that a spot no larger than the tip of your finger can bring you to your knees and disrupt almost every aspect of your life. I had that annoying tooth removed on October 1st. Recovery has been interesting. Add to that, four days at Outdoor Education Lab with our wonderful (and I mean that) sixth graders and you can probably guess that I was not prepared for this race through the streets of Denver (I literally ran only five times in the last four weeks).
Yet, nothing started, nothing experienced, and certainly, nothing finished. Starting lines are one of the most important stations in our lives. We need not avoid them (although I wanted to avoid this one today). We need to seek them out. So…. I ventured to the start line and started the process of pain, anguish and blessing.
Moreover, my saga through the streets of Denver had the same story line as most stories do. Things are good, then something awful happens, then a great battle must be fought. Then, at just the right moment (or at the last moment,) a hero comes and sets things right and life is peachy keen again. Well, that occurred in classic form today. Steinbeck would have been inspired. Each of those tenets was played out in the following way:
“Things are good”……It was a brisk morning….perfect for a long race.
“Something awful happens”….to even think that providence might clear its throat and cause me to enjoy a fine race without appropriate training was probably too much to ask. As sure as shoot’ in, by mile five, not even at the half way point of the race, my legs started to throb. Such a development could only be compared to the Last Days of Pompeii. I was beginning to feel doomed!
“A great battle is fought”…..The battle was between the pavement and me. I felt like the pavement was pounding me vs. me pounding the pavement. Yet, my relaxed attitude started to engender triumphant feelings! I continued to battle and was beginning to win that battle with minimal whimpering.
“A hero comes and sets things right”….. All right, here comes the vain part. Somewhere between miles nine and eleven, as I was really beginning to struggle, I looked to the right and I realized I could see myself in the big picture windows of some of the businesses along that portion of the route. To my surprise, I looked like a runner. Not a very good runner, but a runner nonetheless. I had decent posture, my stride was not bad, and my foot strike looked good. My hands and arms were about where they should be. Like a real runner! I got excited and felt inspired, albeit, by myself! Ok, now you can gag and throw up!
“Things are peachy keen”…..Only because I finished the race without waking up in the morgue (is that possible?) and ended up at a good restaurant on Broadway ordering French toast and peppered bacon. Yum!
So…. I finished, and I was inspired by each of you! I sincerely thank you for pledging to this race. We rose over $1,400 for our classrooms, which brings our total for the first two races to over $3,150!!!! Cool, huh!!!
With buckets of thankfulness and sweat, (signed) Mikie Marathoner
Time: 2:24:42. Slow but respectable considering my lack of training. Next race is at sea level!!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: Cindy Happs (one of our 1st grade aides) and family: They are mourning the loss of Cindy’s father. Miles 4-6: Gayle Brodie’s (our P.E. teacher) sister is recovering from a heart attack. Miles 7-9: The students at JA: They are valiantly fighting off the flu. Miles 10-13: Evalyn Schamaun, mother of our playground supervisor. She is dealing with dementia.
Boulder Backroads Half Marathon, Boulder, Colorado, September 20, 2009
Race Number 30 (Race #1 in the “Run to Raise Riches” program)
Today’s race in the back roads of Boulder, Colorado was the first of nine races I will run, this school year (health permitting), on behalf of my school. We are calling it the “Run to Raise Riches for Jefferson Academy.” Parents, families and students can pledge $13.10 (representing the 13.1 miles of the half marathon….clever, huh?) towards the race in any multiple from one to ten. For this race alone, our families, at our wonderful school, pledged over $1,700 to our classrooms. Every dollar is going to the classrooms that the families choose to pledge to. I had the special opportunity to run with a couple of my speedy mom’s during this race, which made it a neat experience. I felt like an old Arab sheik running with a small harem, albeit for only about a minute. Starting the race with the ladies, after my 60th birthday (which was on the 19th, btw) made it easier to acknowledge the fact that running has allowed me to age a little more gracefully and, in fact, it has allowed me to redefine my aging.
So…. I ran this race, under a newly quipped running haiku mantra: “No age, no bother.” Yep, between my prayers noted below, I recited this as I trudged up the significant 2-3% hills for THE FIRST 6 ½ MILES!!!!
What dawned on me throughout the race was the insight that it has taken me about fifty plus years to fully grasp that age really does not or should not matter. The limits we set are set by our minds, most of the time. Yes, disease can cripple us (OR the antibiotic you take before the race along with an inflamed wisdom tooth) and stop us from doing what we want to do. Yet, I understand from those who are there right now, that after a period of anger and mourning, they have been motivated to start looking for the next door or window to saunter through. That is inspiring to me! I hope I can respond the same when it is my turn to face that kind of major obstacle.
I look back with amusement as I remember some of my thoughts I had years ago as to what I thought I would……..look like….or act like…… or be like…. when I turned the big 6-0. None of the gruesome pictures or negative scenarios has come true. Thank goodness.
So…. as I plodded through the race today, crossing the finish line with my SLOWEST TIME EVER (mostly due to heat and getting sick to my stomach…first time that has happened in 30 races), I was able to gain my composure, remember my full name and date of birth, (which reminded me that I was not that young anymore), and be proud that I had completed the 30th half marathon of my life and have 70 more to complete.
NO AGE, NO BOTHER! Just get it done, Munier!
Time: I am not telling you. It was that bad. Seven minutes in the port-a-potty, in the middle of the race. made it even worse. One of my car pool friends ended up with heat exhaustion!!! I am just glad I finished the darn race. The wisdom tooth has to go before the next race in October!!!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-2: Carleen Clark’s mom’s surgery (and she is recovering) for a brain aneurism. Miles 3-5: Our granddaughter, Alexis Munier: She is having surgery for the removal of a cyst on her temple. Miles 6-8: Kyle Kawasaki – a Marine medically discharged and preparing for the next special adventures in his life. Miles 9-11: The Roeder family: They are grieving over the loss of Jason’s dad to Amyloidosis. Miles 12-13: Janelle Bratten is facing a battle against breast cancer in the months ahead.
Today’s race in the back roads of Boulder, Colorado was the first of nine races I will run, this school year (health permitting), on behalf of my school. We are calling it the “Run to Raise Riches for Jefferson Academy.” Parents, families and students can pledge $13.10 (representing the 13.1 miles of the half marathon….clever, huh?) towards the race in any multiple from one to ten. For this race alone, our families, at our wonderful school, pledged over $1,700 to our classrooms. Every dollar is going to the classrooms that the families choose to pledge to. I had the special opportunity to run with a couple of my speedy mom’s during this race, which made it a neat experience. I felt like an old Arab sheik running with a small harem, albeit for only about a minute. Starting the race with the ladies, after my 60th birthday (which was on the 19th, btw) made it easier to acknowledge the fact that running has allowed me to age a little more gracefully and, in fact, it has allowed me to redefine my aging.
So…. I ran this race, under a newly quipped running haiku mantra: “No age, no bother.” Yep, between my prayers noted below, I recited this as I trudged up the significant 2-3% hills for THE FIRST 6 ½ MILES!!!!
What dawned on me throughout the race was the insight that it has taken me about fifty plus years to fully grasp that age really does not or should not matter. The limits we set are set by our minds, most of the time. Yes, disease can cripple us (OR the antibiotic you take before the race along with an inflamed wisdom tooth) and stop us from doing what we want to do. Yet, I understand from those who are there right now, that after a period of anger and mourning, they have been motivated to start looking for the next door or window to saunter through. That is inspiring to me! I hope I can respond the same when it is my turn to face that kind of major obstacle.
I look back with amusement as I remember some of my thoughts I had years ago as to what I thought I would……..look like….or act like…… or be like…. when I turned the big 6-0. None of the gruesome pictures or negative scenarios has come true. Thank goodness.
So…. as I plodded through the race today, crossing the finish line with my SLOWEST TIME EVER (mostly due to heat and getting sick to my stomach…first time that has happened in 30 races), I was able to gain my composure, remember my full name and date of birth, (which reminded me that I was not that young anymore), and be proud that I had completed the 30th half marathon of my life and have 70 more to complete.
NO AGE, NO BOTHER! Just get it done, Munier!
Time: I am not telling you. It was that bad. Seven minutes in the port-a-potty, in the middle of the race. made it even worse. One of my car pool friends ended up with heat exhaustion!!! I am just glad I finished the darn race. The wisdom tooth has to go before the next race in October!!!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-2: Carleen Clark’s mom’s surgery (and she is recovering) for a brain aneurism. Miles 3-5: Our granddaughter, Alexis Munier: She is having surgery for the removal of a cyst on her temple. Miles 6-8: Kyle Kawasaki – a Marine medically discharged and preparing for the next special adventures in his life. Miles 9-11: The Roeder family: They are grieving over the loss of Jason’s dad to Amyloidosis. Miles 12-13: Janelle Bratten is facing a battle against breast cancer in the months ahead.
Langley Half Marathon, Whidbey Island, Washington, July 12, 2009
Race Number 29, State Number 7 (almost a third of the way to my goal in both categories!)
Cameron and I headed to Seattle this past weekend to partake in some of the interesting sites and sounds of Seattle. First, we went to the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (a Star Trekkie's heaven on earth), took a walking stroll through Pike Market Place, snapped a picture of the Space Needle and the long line to ride it to the top and finally, a ride on the Monorail. This was all in preparation for the main events in the evening: dinner at The Brooklyn Restaurant and two wonderful hours listening to the aforementioned sounds of the Seattle Symphony. They were performing the incredible music of "Final Fantasy" by Nobulo Uematsu, the composer. It was amazing!
Now going away to another state, I am always enticed by the opportunity to run in another half marathon if one is available. Well, lo and behold, I found a race to meet my 'high standards' on the fanciful Whidbey Island. This race ran along the waterfront road and overlooked the Puget Sound and Saratoga Passage with (as advertised) rolling hills. Absolutely beautiful.
As I prepared to toe the line for this race, I was experiencing that blend of elation, excitement, and apprehension one feels when heading out on a long passage of thirteen miles. I really thought the oysters and clams at Brooklyn's would replace my need for my gel packs....but (deep sigh) that was a silly thought because clams and oysters know little of quick locomotion and the incredible light speed by which I travel (hey, no smirks....the oysters and clams think I am fast!). I found myself prepared (albeit, minimally) for this race if it was not for those BLASTED, as advertised, HILLS!!! OMG!
One should feel that a certain amount of exertion should go into the effort, of course; i.e. the requisite mortification of the flesh, so to speak, before reaching the finish line. But, come on folks, those hills were masochistic even at sea level! Basically, I hit the wall like a monarch butterfly on your windshield. I mean to make clear that I did not fold my hand or my tent during this retching experience, but I sure considered it. I think the clams and oysters were even looking for a way out as they sought to escape through the two openings available to them. But I persisted (as did my bivalve mollusk friends).
Does all this engage you in rapt admiration? It should not. My time reflects my struggle. 2:21:22. Adieu Whidbey Island. I may try to conquer you in another lifetime, but without the help of bivalve mollusks.
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: Samantha Norton and the re-working of her entire intestinal system. Miles 4-6: Bentley Ryberg, our Kindergarten teacher as she finishes her battle against an awful bacterium in her colon. Miles 7-9: Dawson Ryberg, Bentley's 5th grade son who will have his sleen and gallbladder removed on July 16th. Miles 10-13: Robin Munier as she seeks to find a new kitty to replace the one she had to give up due to "issues."
Cameron and I headed to Seattle this past weekend to partake in some of the interesting sites and sounds of Seattle. First, we went to the Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (a Star Trekkie's heaven on earth), took a walking stroll through Pike Market Place, snapped a picture of the Space Needle and the long line to ride it to the top and finally, a ride on the Monorail. This was all in preparation for the main events in the evening: dinner at The Brooklyn Restaurant and two wonderful hours listening to the aforementioned sounds of the Seattle Symphony. They were performing the incredible music of "Final Fantasy" by Nobulo Uematsu, the composer. It was amazing!
Now going away to another state, I am always enticed by the opportunity to run in another half marathon if one is available. Well, lo and behold, I found a race to meet my 'high standards' on the fanciful Whidbey Island. This race ran along the waterfront road and overlooked the Puget Sound and Saratoga Passage with (as advertised) rolling hills. Absolutely beautiful.
As I prepared to toe the line for this race, I was experiencing that blend of elation, excitement, and apprehension one feels when heading out on a long passage of thirteen miles. I really thought the oysters and clams at Brooklyn's would replace my need for my gel packs....but (deep sigh) that was a silly thought because clams and oysters know little of quick locomotion and the incredible light speed by which I travel (hey, no smirks....the oysters and clams think I am fast!). I found myself prepared (albeit, minimally) for this race if it was not for those BLASTED, as advertised, HILLS!!! OMG!
One should feel that a certain amount of exertion should go into the effort, of course; i.e. the requisite mortification of the flesh, so to speak, before reaching the finish line. But, come on folks, those hills were masochistic even at sea level! Basically, I hit the wall like a monarch butterfly on your windshield. I mean to make clear that I did not fold my hand or my tent during this retching experience, but I sure considered it. I think the clams and oysters were even looking for a way out as they sought to escape through the two openings available to them. But I persisted (as did my bivalve mollusk friends).
Does all this engage you in rapt admiration? It should not. My time reflects my struggle. 2:21:22. Adieu Whidbey Island. I may try to conquer you in another lifetime, but without the help of bivalve mollusks.
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: Samantha Norton and the re-working of her entire intestinal system. Miles 4-6: Bentley Ryberg, our Kindergarten teacher as she finishes her battle against an awful bacterium in her colon. Miles 7-9: Dawson Ryberg, Bentley's 5th grade son who will have his sleen and gallbladder removed on July 16th. Miles 10-13: Robin Munier as she seeks to find a new kitty to replace the one she had to give up due to "issues."
Casper Half Marathon, Casper, Wyoming, June 7, 2009
Race Number 28
State Number 6
My biggest enemy in a half marathon race is my sense of humor (if you can call my twisted view of life and myself, humorous). The idea of me and another runner of similar ability “racing” to the finish line is enough to send me into a squall of uncontrolled laughter. “Chariots of Fire” music begins looming in my head and I just can't get over the absurdity of thinking I can beat the 20-something female who has been running in front of me for the first six miles! Bottom-line is, I may be spending too much effort on deciding who will finish first among the middle of the pack.
Yet, I am not a competitor to be taken lightly. All the runners in the Casper Half Marathon should have been shaking in their $130 motion-controlled, cushioned running shoes. I would have warned them I was coming to Wyoming to throw the gauntlet down but I ran out of time to update my Facebook or contact the national emergency warning system. I did make contact with the local sheriff to warn him of my arrival, but his glance of disdain left me wondering if he took me seriously.
As I tried to gain ground on my 20-something rival, I tried to telepathically convey to her that the heavy breathing and pounding footsteps she was hearing was, in fact, not an overweight Bill Clinton, but a man who considered THIS race, the race of his life. She did not seem to get the message that she should be in for the race of her life, as well.
I am sorry to say she did not give up and wave goodbye as I passed her for the 10th time (which suggests she passed me at least nine times). So….. I had to visualize one of my favorite cartoon characters, Popeye the Sailor Man. Of all the heroes on TV, he had the best system. Any time there was trouble, all Popeye did was reach into his shirt, pull out a can of spinach, squeeze it open and pour the spinach in his mouth. Presto-chango! He had instant muscles, instant strength and instant solutions.
Oh my, to think that help was just a squeeze away and the finish line was only two miles away!
Problem was I had NO spinach or even spinach-flavored gel packets in my fancy waist-belt carrier. My instant “Popeye” solution was not available to me so I had to do it the old fashioned way, CHEAT. Yep, I tripped the gal, she lost a few steps and I beat her to the finish line. I was filled with deep satisfaction that I had won and experienced the same feigned joy as Manny Ramirez and Barry Bonds!
I have learned that there is no failure in running, or in life, as long as you keep moving, clawing and scratching. It is not about speed and medals, it is about refusing to be stopped, even if it means tripping your opponent. :-)
My time: A glorious 2:14:40. My legs felt good but the right side of my face was a bit sore from the slap I received from 20-something girl.
Editor’s Note: Mikie did not trip that girl. He is a liar. Actually, they crossed the finish line almost at the same time with 20-something girl finishing .04 seconds ahead of Mikie. Oh, what a battle it was!!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: The Onstott family, my dear friends who live in windy Casper, WY. Miles 4-6: The JA Class of 2009. Fifty-eight students graduated from 12th grade of which 22 students that started at JA in either Kindergarten, first or second grade. Miles 7-9: Our maintenance crew at JA as they refurbish the building this summer. Miles 10-13: The students at Jefferson Academy and their well-being this summer.
State Number 6
My biggest enemy in a half marathon race is my sense of humor (if you can call my twisted view of life and myself, humorous). The idea of me and another runner of similar ability “racing” to the finish line is enough to send me into a squall of uncontrolled laughter. “Chariots of Fire” music begins looming in my head and I just can't get over the absurdity of thinking I can beat the 20-something female who has been running in front of me for the first six miles! Bottom-line is, I may be spending too much effort on deciding who will finish first among the middle of the pack.
Yet, I am not a competitor to be taken lightly. All the runners in the Casper Half Marathon should have been shaking in their $130 motion-controlled, cushioned running shoes. I would have warned them I was coming to Wyoming to throw the gauntlet down but I ran out of time to update my Facebook or contact the national emergency warning system. I did make contact with the local sheriff to warn him of my arrival, but his glance of disdain left me wondering if he took me seriously.
As I tried to gain ground on my 20-something rival, I tried to telepathically convey to her that the heavy breathing and pounding footsteps she was hearing was, in fact, not an overweight Bill Clinton, but a man who considered THIS race, the race of his life. She did not seem to get the message that she should be in for the race of her life, as well.
I am sorry to say she did not give up and wave goodbye as I passed her for the 10th time (which suggests she passed me at least nine times). So….. I had to visualize one of my favorite cartoon characters, Popeye the Sailor Man. Of all the heroes on TV, he had the best system. Any time there was trouble, all Popeye did was reach into his shirt, pull out a can of spinach, squeeze it open and pour the spinach in his mouth. Presto-chango! He had instant muscles, instant strength and instant solutions.
Oh my, to think that help was just a squeeze away and the finish line was only two miles away!
Problem was I had NO spinach or even spinach-flavored gel packets in my fancy waist-belt carrier. My instant “Popeye” solution was not available to me so I had to do it the old fashioned way, CHEAT. Yep, I tripped the gal, she lost a few steps and I beat her to the finish line. I was filled with deep satisfaction that I had won and experienced the same feigned joy as Manny Ramirez and Barry Bonds!
I have learned that there is no failure in running, or in life, as long as you keep moving, clawing and scratching. It is not about speed and medals, it is about refusing to be stopped, even if it means tripping your opponent. :-)
My time: A glorious 2:14:40. My legs felt good but the right side of my face was a bit sore from the slap I received from 20-something girl.
Editor’s Note: Mikie did not trip that girl. He is a liar. Actually, they crossed the finish line almost at the same time with 20-something girl finishing .04 seconds ahead of Mikie. Oh, what a battle it was!!!
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: The Onstott family, my dear friends who live in windy Casper, WY. Miles 4-6: The JA Class of 2009. Fifty-eight students graduated from 12th grade of which 22 students that started at JA in either Kindergarten, first or second grade. Miles 7-9: Our maintenance crew at JA as they refurbish the building this summer. Miles 10-13: The students at Jefferson Academy and their well-being this summer.
Colfax Half Marathon, Denver, Colorado, May 17, 2009
Race Number 27
(If Dr. Seuss wrote for Mikie Marathoner about the Colfax Marathon)
Mikie, there is the start line, that's the start,
So toe the line and get set to dart.
You must go far, please go far,
The end of the race may have a bar!
If your wee legs can go fast,
This race may not last and last,
Yet you are old and without blast
I hope you can survive and last, survive and last.
Mikie, give it all you got I say,
Weak you may be, it may be that way.
But you must go, yes you must go.
So make it so, please make it so!
Climb those eight miles of 2% grade,
You will not fade, you will not fade.
Don’t say I can't, for I know you can,
You must, you will, you certainly can. You the man!
The heart danger is now past,
You can run and run, and impress the cast!
Your body is on fire, you say,
That is what happens when God makes you pay!
You ask how this could be?
Who lit the fire, the fire you flee?
You say, not me, not me?
You say not I, not I.
You ask how long til you die?
Two hours and more to say goodbye.
Mikie may I suggest a course to take?
You could, I think, quite safely make.
Drink the water and the Gatorade,
That will stop the fire and you will say Hurray! Hurray!
Think positive and please don’t desist.
We understand hills do exist. We get your gist.
But you can get your body to go,
Keep in the flow, keep in the flow!
The last two miles are so hard to do,
You really are such a fool.
Oh I hope you get there soon,
For you may be dead by Sunday noon.
But Mikie you are marginally strong,
You will succeed if you remove the thong. (Just kidding-at least it rhymes)
You would not stop, you would not fall,
You would not slow, no, not at all!
You broke the tape and crossed the line
In two seventeen and twenty-nine. (i.e. 2:17:29)
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: New board members elected to our JA Board, Miles 4-6: My students at JA who think summer vacation has already arrived. Miles 7-9: Amanda Rubenking-had gall bladder surgery. Miles 9-13: My dear staff as they finish the last two weeks of an incredible year of achievement!
(If Dr. Seuss wrote for Mikie Marathoner about the Colfax Marathon)
Mikie, there is the start line, that's the start,
So toe the line and get set to dart.
You must go far, please go far,
The end of the race may have a bar!
If your wee legs can go fast,
This race may not last and last,
Yet you are old and without blast
I hope you can survive and last, survive and last.
Mikie, give it all you got I say,
Weak you may be, it may be that way.
But you must go, yes you must go.
So make it so, please make it so!
Climb those eight miles of 2% grade,
You will not fade, you will not fade.
Don’t say I can't, for I know you can,
You must, you will, you certainly can. You the man!
The heart danger is now past,
You can run and run, and impress the cast!
Your body is on fire, you say,
That is what happens when God makes you pay!
You ask how this could be?
Who lit the fire, the fire you flee?
You say, not me, not me?
You say not I, not I.
You ask how long til you die?
Two hours and more to say goodbye.
Mikie may I suggest a course to take?
You could, I think, quite safely make.
Drink the water and the Gatorade,
That will stop the fire and you will say Hurray! Hurray!
Think positive and please don’t desist.
We understand hills do exist. We get your gist.
But you can get your body to go,
Keep in the flow, keep in the flow!
The last two miles are so hard to do,
You really are such a fool.
Oh I hope you get there soon,
For you may be dead by Sunday noon.
But Mikie you are marginally strong,
You will succeed if you remove the thong. (Just kidding-at least it rhymes)
You would not stop, you would not fall,
You would not slow, no, not at all!
You broke the tape and crossed the line
In two seventeen and twenty-nine. (i.e. 2:17:29)
Prayer List: Miles 1-3: New board members elected to our JA Board, Miles 4-6: My students at JA who think summer vacation has already arrived. Miles 7-9: Amanda Rubenking-had gall bladder surgery. Miles 9-13: My dear staff as they finish the last two weeks of an incredible year of achievement!
Palos Verde Half Marathon, Palos Verde, California, May 2, 2009
43rd Running of this event (the second longest running marathon event in the United States)
Race Number 26
I flew into LA for the Palos Verde Half Marathon excitedly anticipating my stay with my dear Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise in Encino. Visiting them is always very special. My uncle and aunt are self-made multimillionaires who have worked very hard to get to a comfortable spot in their late seventies and early eighties. You can get lost in their home just wandering around. The upstairs “game room” is particularly interesting. Why? Because it really is a game room, meaning BIG GAME, of the likes of bear, lion, moose, elk, deer, boar, ducks, geese, etc. There are no mice or gophers. They are not “big” enough for a Big Game Room and quite frankly would not sustain the gun shot of the Joseph family’s arsenal.
When I am with my Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise, I always leave edified and inspired. Uncle Joe has battled heart issues and Aunt Louise is holding her own against failing eyesight. What always blesses me when I am around them is their love for their family and an appreciation for life and the years, months, days and even minutes that they have “notched.” They take each day as God’s gift to them and their faith sustains their positive and gracious attitudes and temperaments.
In a half marathon, success is all about shaving seconds off the time it takes to complete the journey. In life, it’s all about s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g time and appreciating the distance between each breath, something I did not appreciate until I was reminded of it being in the presence of my Aunt and Uncle, who have both struggled for those breaths at one time or another. They breathe and live, they breathe and love, and most importantly, they breathe and bless.
I ran this race not even close to being prepared for it. I signed up on a whim. I did not think I would clock a good time (surprise, surprise) but I realized that I ran this race because I can right now. That is how my Aunt and Uncle have done it over the years. Because they can! I could surely do the same especially after feeling sorry for myself the last few months (see previous entry).
So thank you Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise for reminding me that I need to view the distance in a half marathon in hours and seconds and that each breath is precious. Thank you for reminding me to view life, as you have, in years, days and hours (and seconds even), and realize, it is a gift from our wonderful and caring Lord! Also, thank you for all the great food and fellowship with my extended Lebanese family. I think the lamb, grape leaves, hummus, oatmeal cookies and Marie Callendar pies powered me to a very respectable time. Please tell Loretta and Jennifer to leave me alone (USC BRATS!).
Time: WOW! 2:16:32. Not bad for an old guy with an inflamed heart, poopy training for the last two months and a diet of Lebanese food the night before! Maybe that medication is not as bad as I thought! Or…. Maybe it was that sea air filling my lungs again. Gosh, I miss my beloved Pacific ocean.
Prayer List: Miles 1 & 2: Karen Prichard, our special education teacher at JA in our first eight years. Karen has multiple health issues, the latest being breast cancer. Miles 3 & 4: The Rubenking family. Kevin passed away a week ago. The memorial service started as I crossed the finish line. Miles 5 & 6: Samantha Norton, recovering from removal of her colon at the tender age of 13. Sam has been in my school since Kindergarten. Miles 7 & 8: Alexis Munier, just because she is my granddaughter. What a precious child. Miles 9-13: My Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise, who I love so dearly and they always feed me very, very well. ;-)
Race Number 26
I flew into LA for the Palos Verde Half Marathon excitedly anticipating my stay with my dear Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise in Encino. Visiting them is always very special. My uncle and aunt are self-made multimillionaires who have worked very hard to get to a comfortable spot in their late seventies and early eighties. You can get lost in their home just wandering around. The upstairs “game room” is particularly interesting. Why? Because it really is a game room, meaning BIG GAME, of the likes of bear, lion, moose, elk, deer, boar, ducks, geese, etc. There are no mice or gophers. They are not “big” enough for a Big Game Room and quite frankly would not sustain the gun shot of the Joseph family’s arsenal.When I am with my Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise, I always leave edified and inspired. Uncle Joe has battled heart issues and Aunt Louise is holding her own against failing eyesight. What always blesses me when I am around them is their love for their family and an appreciation for life and the years, months, days and even minutes that they have “notched.” They take each day as God’s gift to them and their faith sustains their positive and gracious attitudes and temperaments.
In a half marathon, success is all about shaving seconds off the time it takes to complete the journey. In life, it’s all about s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g time and appreciating the distance between each breath, something I did not appreciate until I was reminded of it being in the presence of my Aunt and Uncle, who have both struggled for those breaths at one time or another. They breathe and live, they breathe and love, and most importantly, they breathe and bless.
I ran this race not even close to being prepared for it. I signed up on a whim. I did not think I would clock a good time (surprise, surprise) but I realized that I ran this race because I can right now. That is how my Aunt and Uncle have done it over the years. Because they can! I could surely do the same especially after feeling sorry for myself the last few months (see previous entry).
So thank you Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise for reminding me that I need to view the distance in a half marathon in hours and seconds and that each breath is precious. Thank you for reminding me to view life, as you have, in years, days and hours (and seconds even), and realize, it is a gift from our wonderful and caring Lord! Also, thank you for all the great food and fellowship with my extended Lebanese family. I think the lamb, grape leaves, hummus, oatmeal cookies and Marie Callendar pies powered me to a very respectable time. Please tell Loretta and Jennifer to leave me alone (USC BRATS!).
Time: WOW! 2:16:32. Not bad for an old guy with an inflamed heart, poopy training for the last two months and a diet of Lebanese food the night before! Maybe that medication is not as bad as I thought! Or…. Maybe it was that sea air filling my lungs again. Gosh, I miss my beloved Pacific ocean.
Prayer List: Miles 1 & 2: Karen Prichard, our special education teacher at JA in our first eight years. Karen has multiple health issues, the latest being breast cancer. Miles 3 & 4: The Rubenking family. Kevin passed away a week ago. The memorial service started as I crossed the finish line. Miles 5 & 6: Samantha Norton, recovering from removal of her colon at the tender age of 13. Sam has been in my school since Kindergarten. Miles 7 & 8: Alexis Munier, just because she is my granddaughter. What a precious child. Miles 9-13: My Uncle Joe and Aunt Louise, who I love so dearly and they always feed me very, very well. ;-)
The 26th Half Marathon that I DID NOT Run! April 5, 2009
A Bit of Disappointing News
It has been a while since I went to the doctor for a check up. Declining race times and feeling “flat to negative” got me thinking something might be amiss. My training has been less than aggressive. Less time, less energy. I really thought that poor training might be the real issue. It may still be part of the problem. Maybe twenty-five half marathons in 2 ¼ years may also be a factor.
Hmmmm, it was a mystery.
But not any more! A couple of months ago, my doctor called me back for an afternoon visit after a morning appointment to do one more measurement. I have never been in a doctor’s office twice in one day unless I left something behind or tried to sneak out to avoid paying the co-pay, and was promptly returned to the office by the security guard.
It seems the old fella (me, not the doc) needs to accept the fact that he has a family history and cannot eat anything he wants. Blood pressure was a little high but my afternoon “high sensitive c-reactive test” was off the charts. Darn. It was medication time.
I was about as angry and depressed as any athlete of nominal ability could be. I looked at that bottle of pills for a week before taking my first one. The bottle even ended up against the wall a couple of times. I think that is called denial. Stupid and stubborn may also replace the word denial in the previous sentence. Jokingly, I ask the doctor if the meds would help improve my times and training. He laughed, and told me the meds will NOT help my performance or training and may, in fact, slow me down. He said, “Athletes hate this medication.” That did not thrill me. I may have to call Barry Bonds.
So, I was going to run my 26th half marathon today, under a small cloud of disappointment and (believe it or not) left over anger. But I did not run it. It snowed last night, the conditions were not great and I was tired after a week in New Mexico and Arizona. The drive was not in me. Depressed might describe my feelings.
I suppose I have a reason or two to never run again or even attempt my 100 Half Marathon goal. But I will keep at it because I have learned that the disappointments usually fade and are not nearly as bad as they seem at first. The “fading” part just takes a little more time with me. Plus, as most of you know, I can be as dumb and stubborn as a box of rocks.
Yet, I am an incredible physical specimen of Lebanese decent and I think I will bounce back from this. If not, well………., I won’t quit……… I’ll just FADE to the back of the pack!
Blessings!
It has been a while since I went to the doctor for a check up. Declining race times and feeling “flat to negative” got me thinking something might be amiss. My training has been less than aggressive. Less time, less energy. I really thought that poor training might be the real issue. It may still be part of the problem. Maybe twenty-five half marathons in 2 ¼ years may also be a factor.
Hmmmm, it was a mystery.
But not any more! A couple of months ago, my doctor called me back for an afternoon visit after a morning appointment to do one more measurement. I have never been in a doctor’s office twice in one day unless I left something behind or tried to sneak out to avoid paying the co-pay, and was promptly returned to the office by the security guard.
It seems the old fella (me, not the doc) needs to accept the fact that he has a family history and cannot eat anything he wants. Blood pressure was a little high but my afternoon “high sensitive c-reactive test” was off the charts. Darn. It was medication time.
I was about as angry and depressed as any athlete of nominal ability could be. I looked at that bottle of pills for a week before taking my first one. The bottle even ended up against the wall a couple of times. I think that is called denial. Stupid and stubborn may also replace the word denial in the previous sentence. Jokingly, I ask the doctor if the meds would help improve my times and training. He laughed, and told me the meds will NOT help my performance or training and may, in fact, slow me down. He said, “Athletes hate this medication.” That did not thrill me. I may have to call Barry Bonds.
So, I was going to run my 26th half marathon today, under a small cloud of disappointment and (believe it or not) left over anger. But I did not run it. It snowed last night, the conditions were not great and I was tired after a week in New Mexico and Arizona. The drive was not in me. Depressed might describe my feelings.
I suppose I have a reason or two to never run again or even attempt my 100 Half Marathon goal. But I will keep at it because I have learned that the disappointments usually fade and are not nearly as bad as they seem at first. The “fading” part just takes a little more time with me. Plus, as most of you know, I can be as dumb and stubborn as a box of rocks.
Yet, I am an incredible physical specimen of Lebanese decent and I think I will bounce back from this. If not, well………., I won’t quit……… I’ll just FADE to the back of the pack!
Blessings!
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