Number 64
Ran this one with my fiancé and sweetheart, Holly, in overcast and rainy conditions. We both finished with good times. Fun course but not easy.
Blitz the Coastlne Half Marathon, Long Beach, California, October 7, 2017
Race #63
This race was run at 5:30 in the morning on a cool, 59 degree day in Califonia. One of my better races in a while. I came to CA for my 50th Reunion for Estancia High School in Costa Mesa. We were the first graduating class!
This race was run at 5:30 in the morning on a cool, 59 degree day in Califonia. One of my better races in a while. I came to CA for my 50th Reunion for Estancia High School in Costa Mesa. We were the first graduating class!
Fallfest Half Marathon, Westminster, Colorado, September 23, 2017
Number 62
This blog post is about love. It will not be about my run on Saturday, which went just fine, thank you.
This blog post is a further testimony of the devotion and adoration I have for the woman I love more than anything in this world. I so cherish the special relationship and love we have for one another and I count myself a very lucky and fortunate man to have found my soulmate.
Many of you do not know or have not met my sweetheart. So, I will take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about her..... She is very loving and very caring. She is exceedingly thoughtful and intelligent. She is kind, very wise and exceptionally compassionate. But best of all, she loves me with her whole heart and I deeply love her with all my being! She has tolerated my weaknesses and she has embraced my handful of strengths. I truly adore and cherish her as she adores and cherishes me. Did I already say I am a very lucky man?
My writings about my half marathons have been fun. But it must come to an end as I no longer want to write about my exploits. I just want to devote all my energy and passion into my marriage and relationship with the most beautiful (inside and out) and wonderful woman in this universe. My new finish line is to strive to be the best husband I can possibly be, with God's help!
I can truly say, I am blessed beyond measure! I ran on Saturday, full of joy and love in my heart and mind.
I love you so very much, Holly Anne Hensey!!!
This blog post is about love. It will not be about my run on Saturday, which went just fine, thank you.
This blog post is a further testimony of the devotion and adoration I have for the woman I love more than anything in this world. I so cherish the special relationship and love we have for one another and I count myself a very lucky and fortunate man to have found my soulmate.
Many of you do not know or have not met my sweetheart. So, I will take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about her..... She is very loving and very caring. She is exceedingly thoughtful and intelligent. She is kind, very wise and exceptionally compassionate. But best of all, she loves me with her whole heart and I deeply love her with all my being! She has tolerated my weaknesses and she has embraced my handful of strengths. I truly adore and cherish her as she adores and cherishes me. Did I already say I am a very lucky man?
My writings about my half marathons have been fun. But it must come to an end as I no longer want to write about my exploits. I just want to devote all my energy and passion into my marriage and relationship with the most beautiful (inside and out) and wonderful woman in this universe. My new finish line is to strive to be the best husband I can possibly be, with God's help!
I can truly say, I am blessed beyond measure! I ran on Saturday, full of joy and love in my heart and mind.
I love you so very much, Holly Anne Hensey!!!
Dam U Half Marathon, Aurora Reservoir, Aurora, Colorado, September 10, 2017
Race Number 61
I am going to call this my "Engagement Celebration" run! Yep, Holly and I are going to tie the knot in March of next year. I proposed to her over the Labor Day weekend in flooded Houston (BTW: she has been safe and had some leaks but no flooding). One of my dear cousins was wondering if Holly was CRAZY to marry me...... I guess she is...... CRAZY IN LOVE!!!! I reminded my dear and precious cousin how smart, charming and handsome I am, but he thought I was full of Gatorade ....... which I was for a few hours today.At each mile marker, I prayed for Holly and me and I asked God (and Holly) for forgiveness, in advance, for all the dumb things I will say and do in the years ahead. Yes, sweet Holly, you are marrying a bit of an idiot, but I am a nice idiot, most of the time.
I jogged real slow again today. My feet seem to be giving up on me or at least staging a revolution. I had x-rays done but there is supposedly nothing wrong ........ yet, the metatarsals hurt badly after the sixth or seventh mile. So, I may have to try a new brand of shoe. I have been running in Asic Kayanos for years, with no issues. So I am perplexed. I am certainly never going to admit it has anything to do with my age.
Today, I read a quote as I sat in my car getting ready to jump on the course today. It was written by Jacqueline Gareau, the 1980 Boston Marathon Champ:
The body does not want to do this.
As you run, it tells you to stop
but the mind must be strong.
You always go too far for your body
You must handle the pain with
strategy .....
it is not age, it is not diet.
It is the will to succeed.
I succeeded today.
BTW: Do not expect a wedding invitation. We are going away to get married. Just the two of us. We did not want a big to-do. Sorry.
Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half, Georgetown, Colorado, August 12, 2017
Race Number 60
Race number 43 was the last time I ran the GTIS Half (a hard downhill run from 8,530 ft to 7,640 ft), which was on August 13, 2011. You can read my desperate account of that day by flipping back a page or two. I made reference, in that post, to a pesky speed-walker who passed me as if I was running in slow motion.
Well, sometimes history repeats itself and that was the case today. Except I have a good excuse for why the speed walkers (yes, that is plural) passed me today as the ONE did 17 races ago.
I have had SIGNIFICANT foot pain, in the metatarsal area of both feet. One of my parents, at PRA, is a Physician's Assistant and she heard I was really worried about my race due to the foot pain that literally, forces me into a walk and not a run. Mrs. B was kind enough to inject my right foot with medications that she was hoping would relieve my pain and misery. It worked for a while yet the punishment of the run beat the drugs into submission by mile 9.5. I was reduced to hobbling along at a speed that many of my kindergartners could keep up with. So, the speed walkers were triumphant again today!
Despite the pain, I did keep up my prayer vigil for my sweetheart, Holly, at each mile marker. She is doing very well and just found out her CT scan was clear from any cancer! You cannot imagine the joy that is in my heart for this news!
I finished my 60th half marathon with one of my PRA teachers (Mrs. Gamble) and a PRA pare nt (Mrs. Walker) running the race a lot faster than Festus Munier. Yet, we connected at the end and shared our stories on our return bus ride to Georgetown.
I will be scheduling a visit with my doctor soon. I am NOT stopping at 60…… PERIOD!!!
Well, sometimes history repeats itself and that was the case today. Except I have a good excuse for why the speed walkers (yes, that is plural) passed me today as the ONE did 17 races ago.
I have had SIGNIFICANT foot pain, in the metatarsal area of both feet. One of my parents, at PRA, is a Physician's Assistant and she heard I was really worried about my race due to the foot pain that literally, forces me into a walk and not a run. Mrs. B was kind enough to inject my right foot with medications that she was hoping would relieve my pain and misery. It worked for a while yet the punishment of the run beat the drugs into submission by mile 9.5. I was reduced to hobbling along at a speed that many of my kindergartners could keep up with. So, the speed walkers were triumphant again today!
Despite the pain, I did keep up my prayer vigil for my sweetheart, Holly, at each mile marker. She is doing very well and just found out her CT scan was clear from any cancer! You cannot imagine the joy that is in my heart for this news!
I finished my 60th half marathon with one of my PRA teachers (Mrs. Gamble) and a PRA pare nt (Mrs. Walker) running the race a lot faster than Festus Munier. Yet, we connected at the end and shared our stories on our return bus ride to Georgetown.
I will be scheduling a visit with my doctor soon. I am NOT stopping at 60…… PERIOD!!!
Blaze the Oceanfront Half Marathon, Long Beach, California, July 23, 2017
Race Number 59
Today I ran half marathon number 59 with a disquieted heart. I tried to stay focused, but it was difficult.
I have spent the last six weeks in Houston with my sweetheart, Holly. I flew down in the middle of June to be with her as she faced a major surgery and the recuperation process. I was blessed that I could be with her, care for her and love on her during this time. When I was not tending to her, I spent quite a bit of time getting Holly moved from her one bedroom apartment to a larger townhome. She is so excited to be in a place where she can have a craft room and plenty of space for her shoes, purses and clothes. I highlight those three categories because it took MANY hours to move those items ..... alone (I thought the kitchen would be hard, but I was wrong). I own about six pairs of shoes. Two pairs are running shoes. Holly has 125+ pairs of shoes. I will curtail my commentary at this point in fear of retribution!
Holly's surgery was successful but they did find some cancer. They are confident they got it all but there will be some follow up over the months and years ahead. Holly is one tough lady who I admire and love very, very much. She (We) are very positive about the future prognosis.
So ...... I ran an "OK" race along the boardwalk/running path of Long Beach, California today. Yet, my attention was drawn to getting to each mile marker and sending up a special prayer, at each of those markers, for Holly, as I recognized how much I adore and cherish my beautiful sweetie!
Now on to some surfing here in CA, (for a week), and seeking the perfect wave!
Today I ran half marathon number 59 with a disquieted heart. I tried to stay focused, but it was difficult.
I have spent the last six weeks in Houston with my sweetheart, Holly. I flew down in the middle of June to be with her as she faced a major surgery and the recuperation process. I was blessed that I could be with her, care for her and love on her during this time. When I was not tending to her, I spent quite a bit of time getting Holly moved from her one bedroom apartment to a larger townhome. She is so excited to be in a place where she can have a craft room and plenty of space for her shoes, purses and clothes. I highlight those three categories because it took MANY hours to move those items ..... alone (I thought the kitchen would be hard, but I was wrong). I own about six pairs of shoes. Two pairs are running shoes. Holly has 125+ pairs of shoes. I will curtail my commentary at this point in fear of retribution!
Holly's surgery was successful but they did find some cancer. They are confident they got it all but there will be some follow up over the months and years ahead. Holly is one tough lady who I admire and love very, very much. She (We) are very positive about the future prognosis.
So ...... I ran an "OK" race along the boardwalk/running path of Long Beach, California today. Yet, my attention was drawn to getting to each mile marker and sending up a special prayer, at each of those markers, for Holly, as I recognized how much I adore and cherish my beautiful sweetie!
Now on to some surfing here in CA, (for a week), and seeking the perfect wave!
Los Angeles River Half Marathon, December 4, 2016 , Los Angeles, California
Race Number 58
I was born, raised and educated in
Southern California. In Fourth grade, at Palm Desert Elementary School, we
studied California history and geography. When anyone asks me what part of
California a particular city or event may be taking place, I can answer with
the confidence of Junipero Serra (for you non-Cali deviants, Father Serra was
the founder of the nine famous missions of California, which were the
first settlements of the Europeans in the California region).Yet, with all this extensive and deep knowledge of California geography, I DID NOT KNOW THAT THERE WAS A LOS ANGELES RIVER! Seriously!
So,
you can imagine the deep depression I sunk into when I realized that I was NOT
the perfect and all-knowing California historian that I had lead myself to
believe. This was a significant blow to my self-esteem and I wondered if I
would ever be allowed back into the Country of California (let's face it folks,
California should be its own country) and whether TSA would block me from
getting on the plane to attend my dear Uncle Joe's 90th birthday celebration as
well as my chance to run in the Los Angeles River Half Marathon! Notwithstnding,
I made it and did not have to prove my citizenship to my former place of
allegiance.
Uncle Joe's party was wonderful. He is
an amazing man and I love him and my Aunt Louise dearly. With both my Mom and
Dad gone, they are my Mom and Dad in so many ways. Actually, I think both of them
will probably out live me!
The
race was a low-budget race, yet flat, so that made it worth it. The LA River
flows through a concrete channel on a fixed course, which was built after a
series of devastating floods in the early 20th century. It is about 48 miles
long and comes down from the Simi Hills & the Santa Susana Mountains and empties into the Pacific
at Long Beach. I ran (i.e. jogged again) 13 miles of
it on a cool but pleasant Sunday morning. Like
my previous seven races, I did not train as hard as I use to, yet, nothing
started, nothing experienced, nothing finished. Starting lines are one of the most important
stations in life. We need not avoid them.
We need to seek them out. Lou
Holtz once said, “Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation is what
you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” I have no ability, but I
do have motivation and a snarky attitude, so this was a fun race to run,
despite my waning ability.
Throughout
the race, I searched, with vinous determination, for a stray whiff of
oxygen for my beleaguered lungs. Running
at sea-level is sweetness to a Coloradan, but running 13.1 miles still requires
deep breathing and averting the rapid decomposing of your body. At the end of
the race, my feet were TROBBING!
Miles
9-13 were very difficult so I shamed myself out of walking some of it with a
hail of trash talk…… “Run you ‘pretty flower, pasty faced, wimpy excuse for a
man.’ You ‘light roast coffee with two sugars and loads of cream.’ Pick
it up, you CREAM PUFF! I succeeded and I ran theatrically over the finish line
with a huge, fake smile on my sweaty, agonized face!
At
the end of the race, I could hardly move. By the early afternoon, I could use
the shower and feed myself. My muscles
were groaning from the abuse, but I was thankful that I still had the strength
to shuffle down the concourse at the Bob Hope/Burbank airport to head home
late Sunday afternoon.
I am sure my colleagues at Platte River Academy will have little empathy for me
on Monday morning. Such is the life of a weekend
warrior!
Number
58 is in the books (and this blog) and Happy 90th Uncle Joe!
PS:
My sweetheart, Holly, was running concurrently with me as she competed in the
Rock-n-Roll Half in her hometown of San Antonio. She ran in pouring rain the
entire race. I ran in clear skies and 45-55 degrees. I guess God likes
Californians more...:-)
Carbon Valley Half Marathon for Autism, May 21, 2016, Firestone, Colorado
Race Number 57
This was a nice course although within one hour of the start the temperature had risen by 15 degrees to a very warm 75. The course had no downhill portion and climbed for 13 miles at a 1-3% grade. I jogged it and enjoyed it.
At the end of the race, I was interviewed by Donald Trump. SeriouslyJ. Here is the exchange (The Donald’s answers are from many of his worst yet somewhat funny quotes).
Mikie: But I do have passion, Mr. Trump. That was my 57th half marathon in nine years.
Trump: Mikie, you can be great again! In the end, you’re measured not by how much you undertake but by what you finally accomplish. By the way, do you know I am really rich?
Mikie: So even though I have slowed quite a bit due to two back surgeries and colitis, you don’t seem to appreciate what I have done. BTW: I know you are rich. Could you share some of your money with my school?
Trump: I like thinking big. If you’re going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big. You’re a loser Mikie. I’d fire you if you were on the Apprentice.
Mikie: Do you really think I care about that Mr. Trump.
Trump: It is better to live one day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep.
Mikie: Agreed. I think I have done that with this challenge to myself. But in this race, I hit the “Wall” on mile nine and really struggled in the heat.
Trump: We have to have a wall. We have to have a border. And in that wall were going to have a big fat door where people can come in the country, but they have to come in legally. I will build a great wall-and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me.
Mikie: Mr. Trump, I am talking about the “runner’s wall” which describes when you have run out of energy to run the race. By the way, there is no door in the “runner’s wall." You just have to crash through it. Also, do you realize how condescending you can be?
Trump: I think I am a nice person. People that know me, like me. All the women on “The Apprentice” flirted with me, consciously or unconsciously. That’s to be expected. Part of the beauty of me is that I am very rich.
Mikie: Would you be willing to buy me a new pair of Asics Kayano’s? My feet hurt quite a bit during this race.
Trump: I’m really rich, but I think you’d have riots if I bought you new shoes. Mikie, YOU’RE FIRED!
This was a nice course although within one hour of the start the temperature had risen by 15 degrees to a very warm 75. The course had no downhill portion and climbed for 13 miles at a 1-3% grade. I jogged it and enjoyed it.
At the end of the race, I was interviewed by Donald Trump. SeriouslyJ. Here is the exchange (The Donald’s answers are from many of his worst yet somewhat funny quotes).
Trump: So, Mikie, how did you do today?
Mikie: I ran slow and steady, but I finished.
Trump: Mikie, you don’t sound very passionate. Without
passion, you don’t have energy. You have nothing. Nothing great in the world
has been accomplished without passion. Mikie: But I do have passion, Mr. Trump. That was my 57th half marathon in nine years.
Trump: Mikie, you can be great again! In the end, you’re measured not by how much you undertake but by what you finally accomplish. By the way, do you know I am really rich?
Mikie: So even though I have slowed quite a bit due to two back surgeries and colitis, you don’t seem to appreciate what I have done. BTW: I know you are rich. Could you share some of your money with my school?
Trump: I like thinking big. If you’re going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big. You’re a loser Mikie. I’d fire you if you were on the Apprentice.
Mikie: Do you really think I care about that Mr. Trump.
Trump: It is better to live one day as a lion than 100 years as a sheep.
Mikie: Agreed. I think I have done that with this challenge to myself. But in this race, I hit the “Wall” on mile nine and really struggled in the heat.
Trump: We have to have a wall. We have to have a border. And in that wall were going to have a big fat door where people can come in the country, but they have to come in legally. I will build a great wall-and nobody builds walls better than me, believe me.
Mikie: Mr. Trump, I am talking about the “runner’s wall” which describes when you have run out of energy to run the race. By the way, there is no door in the “runner’s wall." You just have to crash through it. Also, do you realize how condescending you can be?
Trump: I think I am a nice person. People that know me, like me. All the women on “The Apprentice” flirted with me, consciously or unconsciously. That’s to be expected. Part of the beauty of me is that I am very rich.
Mikie: Would you be willing to buy me a new pair of Asics Kayano’s? My feet hurt quite a bit during this race.
Trump: I’m really rich, but I think you’d have riots if I bought you new shoes. Mikie, YOU’RE FIRED!
I am pretty sure I will not be offered the Vice President position
or any position in his cabinet if he should become #45.
Three Creeks Half Marathon, Cherry Creek, Colorado, April 3, 2016
Race Number 56
I got up at 4am this morning to prepare to run my 56th half marathon at Cherry Creek State Park. Frankly, I pondered for a few moments as to why I continue to run these races especially with the maladies my body now struggles with. But because I had already spent the money to register, I sure as shoot'in was not going to throw $70 down the drain.
About six miles into the race, I realized why I was suppose to run this race. A dear friend of mine, Dave Anderson was running the race and came up along side of me as I struggled up a long hill. Dave and his lovely wife sent all three of their children to Jefferson Academy. Dave and Lisa's commitment and love for their children was very special. Dave has said some very nice things about their experiences at JA and we were very honored to serve them through the good times and a few rougher patches. Yet, what always impressed me about the Anderson's was their unwavering faith in the support system that surrounded them and their willingness to bless others. I would have loved to have had a whole school of Anderson's!
Dave walked with me for a few minutes as I struggled through my run. I was blessed to have him come along side of me. Too often we underestimate the power of a smile (and Dave has a big one), a kind word (I told him I did not want to hold him up and his response was "I would not trade this for anything") or the smallest act of caring (he asked how I was doing) all of which have the power to build (and this case, continue) a life long relationship. I treasure that relationship with the Anderson's as I do with so many of the families I have had the pleasure to serve.
My race ended with a slow time again, but I did not care. I drove home sore, but deeply blessed.
I got up at 4am this morning to prepare to run my 56th half marathon at Cherry Creek State Park. Frankly, I pondered for a few moments as to why I continue to run these races especially with the maladies my body now struggles with. But because I had already spent the money to register, I sure as shoot'in was not going to throw $70 down the drain.
About six miles into the race, I realized why I was suppose to run this race. A dear friend of mine, Dave Anderson was running the race and came up along side of me as I struggled up a long hill. Dave and his lovely wife sent all three of their children to Jefferson Academy. Dave and Lisa's commitment and love for their children was very special. Dave has said some very nice things about their experiences at JA and we were very honored to serve them through the good times and a few rougher patches. Yet, what always impressed me about the Anderson's was their unwavering faith in the support system that surrounded them and their willingness to bless others. I would have loved to have had a whole school of Anderson's!
Dave walked with me for a few minutes as I struggled through my run. I was blessed to have him come along side of me. Too often we underestimate the power of a smile (and Dave has a big one), a kind word (I told him I did not want to hold him up and his response was "I would not trade this for anything") or the smallest act of caring (he asked how I was doing) all of which have the power to build (and this case, continue) a life long relationship. I treasure that relationship with the Anderson's as I do with so many of the families I have had the pleasure to serve.
My race ended with a slow time again, but I did not care. I drove home sore, but deeply blessed.
Fa La La Half Marathon, Westminster, Colorado, December 5, 2015
Race Number 55
This race was cold and very muddy as we ran on trails most of the race. Nearly six miles was in mud that covered the back of my legs and consumed my new Asics Kayano's. I "jogged" it, as I have in my previous two races. It may be what I need to do from this point on.
I did re-write the Christmas carol "Deck the Halls" in honor of this race. So, you need to start humming the song as you read the new verses below. There are three stanza's. I am anticipating huge royalities from the re-write!
Title: "Jog the Race and Quit Complaining"
Jogged this race with hope and fervor,
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
'Tis the 55th in the list to conquer,
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
Don me now my Asic running shoes
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
Run in the cold 30 degree weather.
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
-----------------------------------------------
See the Porta-potties in the distance,
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
I made it there before an accident!
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
Follow me through the trails and mud,
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
While I whine about the pain and suffering.
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
------------------------------------------------
I see the finish line, it's approaching
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
Hail the medal around my neck
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
I scream with joy as I finish
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
Lead me to the burrito table
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
------------------------------------------------
Merry Christmas to all and to all good-bye!
This race was cold and very muddy as we ran on trails most of the race. Nearly six miles was in mud that covered the back of my legs and consumed my new Asics Kayano's. I "jogged" it, as I have in my previous two races. It may be what I need to do from this point on.
I did re-write the Christmas carol "Deck the Halls" in honor of this race. So, you need to start humming the song as you read the new verses below. There are three stanza's. I am anticipating huge royalities from the re-write!
 |
| Finishing @ the Denver Half |
Jogged this race with hope and fervor,
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
'Tis the 55th in the list to conquer,
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
Don me now my Asic running shoes
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
Run in the cold 30 degree weather.
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
-----------------------------------------------
See the Porta-potties in the distance,
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
I made it there before an accident!
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
Follow me through the trails and mud,
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
While I whine about the pain and suffering.
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
------------------------------------------------
I see the finish line, it's approaching
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
Hail the medal around my neck
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
I scream with joy as I finish
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
Lead me to the burrito table
Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha
------------------------------------------------
Merry Christmas to all and to all good-bye!
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