The Jail Break Run Half Marathon, Baytown, TX, February 29, 2020

Race #75
I just ran my 75th half marathon, the Jail Break Run Half Marathon in Baytown, Texas. The Jail Break Run is sponsored by the police charity - Project Blue. The race took us to the top of Baytown's Fred Hartman bridge (the climb to the top of the bridge was a cruel 5-6% climb) with breathtaking views of the Houston Ship Channel and Baytown, Texas. Monies raised are for police officers who face non-service-related illness and injuries.

For races 75-79, I am going to share my 13.1 reasons why I run these races. I will basically share three reasons at a time primarily because I am so loquacious.  Here are my first three reasons....

74 Medals and now one more......

1. The MEDAL..... Yep, I run for the bling, the shiny thing that usually hangs off of a brilliantly colored ribbon. Vain? OF COURSE IT IS! Not many men get to wear or should wear jewelry (don’t get me started on my disgust for gold chains around the neck, piercings and big gawky cowboy belt buckles). So, for part of a day, I get to strut around like a Super Bowl champion, flaming my stuff. Then I hang that medal on my medal rack with the other recognitions of a job well done. BTW: I put those all around my neck once and weighed myself. 15 pounds of scrap medal.
 
2. The CHOCOLATE MILK at the end of most races. If you don’t like chocolate milk, then you are not my friend anymore. I mean that- I am not joking at all. Chocolate milk is consider a great recovery drink anfter a race, according to Runner's World Magazine. I am pretty sure the manna that the Israelites consumed in the desert was really Borden chocolate milk. It’s in the Hebrew text.....really. I am not lying. I know this because I can read Hebrew (or I use to be able to. I took Hebrew in college). It’s right there in Exodus 16. “Shalom. Bevakasha chalaph the chocolate manna. Todah rabbah.” (Translation: “Peace. Please pass the chocolate manna. Thank you very much”).

 

3. The RUSH of ENDORPHINS. This benefit keeps my disposition in check..... Well...., kind of. My wife has keenly identified my mood swings and her medical diagnosis (she has a two degrees and I think one of them is in medicine or psychiatry or something like that) is always right. She is the first to say, “Get over it Nancy! Go workout and you will feel better.” Darn it, I hate it when she is right 98% of the time. Waaaaait, she is going to read this....... she is right 100% of the time. Glad I caught that. Whew! Happy wife, happy life!

Next three "whys" after race number 76......! 

Always Time to Run Half Marathon, Houston, TX, January 26, 2020

Number 74

Today, I ran my 74th half marathon in Houston. Yep, just one week after running the Houston Half Marathon with 25,000 running fanatics, I made the late decision to run another one.  I ran this half marathon from the Rice Military area of town, along the Buffalo Bayou to Minute Maid Baseball Park and back. The half is called the “Always Time to Run Half” and benefits the Give an Hour Foundation which focuses on providing free and confidential mental health care for our veterans, and their families.

I agree, there is always “Time to Run.” I started my running career in high school as I ran with the cross country team in the fall of my senior year to prepare for wrestling and track season in the winter and the spring. No football for me that year. Like others, I have experienced some athletic success in my life. Unlike others, my successes happened infrequently and without my help. My accomplishments have always been unexpected. Accidental for that matter. In fact, most of the truly magical sports moments in my life have come not because of me, but in spite of me. Again, accidental. I could write them on a 3X5 card. It’s a short list.

Mind you, running as an accidental athlete isn't without its rewards. Some runners can predict their training pace and race pace with great accuracy. For the accidental athlete, however, every run can be like a blind date. Some are extraordinary. Some are forgettable. And a few are truly laughable. (BTW: I went on one blind date in College: It fit the third description and was with a gal who “used” me to get to a Neil Diamond concert at the Greek Theater in LA).

For the accidental athlete, every run or race holds both the promise of enlightenment and the threat of embarrassment. Each mile has the capacity to embrace us or punish us. Every run or race has the potential to be a celebration or a humiliation. The excitement comes in never knowing for sure which it will be. The preverbial “Box of Chocolates.” 

Yet, despite that, there is always Time to Run. Number 75 is on the horizon. I don’t know where or when.


Finishing the last mile at the Houston Half. It ALWAYS hurts!

 

Aramco Houston Half Marathon, Houston, TX, January 19, 2020

Race #73

Holly, Thomas (Holly's brother) and I ran the Houston Half today with 25,000 other crazy people under blue, yet cold skies.  All three of us pushed hard but the massages afterwards exposed many muscles that were stressed to the maximum.

Below is a Dr. Seuss type poem I wrote depicting the event:

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! (oh sure...)

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!

Trudge those miles at near 0% 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 leg pain is now nearly 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? (especially at mile 12)
Two hours and fifty 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 pain does 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 poo!
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 lay off the bong. (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
That chocolate milk will taste so fine!

Holly and Mikie after the race!

San Antonio Rock & Roll Half Marathon, San Antonio, TX December 8, 2019

Number 72

Half marathon #72 was surprising enjoyable consider my concern for my well-being due to a significant hamstring and glut injury. I probably should have not run this race, but I am a frugal soul who likes to get something for the time and money invested (ROI).

Sunday’s “jog” found me appreciating the fact that I can continue to compete in races like this. I am grateful that I am physically able to work and exercise. That may seem trivial … but I have friends and family who have bodies that do not allow them (and not by their choice) to do either work or play. I hurt for them and I need to be grateful for what I am able to do right now because it could change tomorrow.

I have often forgotten there are more aspects to good health other than the physical body. I am so blessed to have a spouse and best friend who helps me stay focused on mental and emotional happiness and not get all wrapped up in the insignificant and unimportant things in life. She has her hands full with this obsessive, compulsive, determined, and often pessimistic soul. I am so grateful for her and her sacrificial love! BTW: Holly ran a good race too!

Holly and I will be running (or jogging) in the Houston Half Marathon in January. Training starts again this weekend. No more slothfulness for us. Yet, I am grateful. So grateful.

The Honor Flight Half Marathon, Houston, TX, November 24, 2019

Number 71
Today I ran my 71^st half marathon in support of the Honor Flight program, which is dedicated to transporting our Veteran’s to Washington, DC to visit the memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. 

This was a difficult run for me as I ran/jogged on a pretty significant right hamstring and glut injury I incurred about three weeks ago on a training run. I stumbled on a stump in my path and was trying not to fall flat on my face and chest and in the process of resisting the fall, the right hammy and glut were damaged.  Yet, as I struggled to complete the 13.1 miles, my thoughts were directed to the men and women who have served our country and are having the opportunity to board an airplane and experience the special memorials in their honor.  My pain was insignificant when it was measured against their sacrifice and service.

I have made quite a few trips to Washington, DC over my years and I always take time to visit the War Memorials, especially the Vietnam War Wall.  That Wall has personal significance to me as there are five men's names on that wall that I knew as childhood friends or I served with during my enlistment.  It is always hard, emotional, and still fills me with sadness. Grief is a hole that never gets completely filled, you just have to hope it gets smaller over time so that you do not fall back into it. Notwithstanding, it is not easy to resist the hole.  

Number 72 is in two weeks in San Antonio (The SA Rock and Roll Half).  I may not be able to run if my healing does not improve. Please pray with me for a quicker recovery.




WW II Vet who landed on Normandy- now in his mid-nineties!

 

The Harvest Half Marathon, Van Nuys, CA, September 22, 2019

Number 70:

I ran my 70th half marathon today on my 70th birthday weekend in Van Nuys/Los Angeles, CA. Holly and I came to Southern California to celebrate my birthday with my extend Lebanese family in Encino. It was also my dear sweet Aunt Louise’s birthday (She turned 90) and my second cousin, Lisa’s, 40th birthday. We congregated at the Lakeside Country Club for a great meal and a wonderful time of family fellowship!

I ran this race in honor of my dear Aunt Louise on her 90th birthday!  I love my Aunt and my Uncle Joe so very deeply. Losing my Mom and Dad much to early in my life had left an emptiness in my heart. That emptiness, was and has been filled, over the years, by my Aunt Louise and my Uncle Joe. At every mile marker, a special prayer went up for my adopted Mom and Dad.

Wow! I am seventy years old. I do not feel like it (or what I imagined it would be like when I was younger..... I cannot rid myself of imprinted images of Tim Conway and the oldest man in the world) I really don’t think I look or act 70 either. My cousins and my wife think I still act like I am 12 years old. Well, I am not going to live by the calendar. Seventy half marathons proves it. Being a gym rat proves it. Being an elementary/middle school principal most of my career, proves it. I will not be hemmed in by chronological age, as that may lock me out of valuable opportunities and blessings.

I have chosen to define my “later” life as a time of growth instead of inevitable decline. Plus, Holly has requested that I live until I am, at least, 100. I plan on fulfilling that charge and loving and serving her to the end! I am BLESSED!

Happy birthday, Aunt Louise and thank you for your love and encouragement over the years!

Now on to 75 half marathons (and maybe 100+ by my 100th birthday? What do ya think? )

Pasta 10K the weekend before this race.  First Place came with Chef's Hat and Apron.

The In Search of the Lost Scrolls Half Marathon, September 8th, 2019, Houston, TX

Number 69 (and the impact of a mother's voice)

Today I ran 13.1 miles at a reasonably slow gait, to raise money for the Ocean Conservancy. It is not a secret that I love and respect the ocean. I have been surfing, boogie boarding and body surfing since 6th grade. I have done a fair amount of sailing too. I grew up in Southern California, during the rise of the surf culture. I embraced it with passion. The Beach Boys songs still bring back many happy memories and I know the words to most of the songs!

In my early twenties, I had the opportunity to crew a 50-foot racing sloop from Hawaii back to Newport Beach. To consider it a pleasure cruise would be hokum. It was a very arduous task that took three weeks of toil. This trip was where I reckoned with the power of the ocean (I have almost drowned twice in the surf) and gained a respect (even fear) that has never left.

As we left Kauai, I watched the little island disappear into the distance and not until the 20th day did we see land again. Of the 21 days we were on the water, at least twelve of those days were in 10-12 foot breaking swells and horrible squalls that made it difficult to eat or sleep. Our 50ft Lapworth, the Nefertiti, and our tanned bodies, were beaten and bruised by tons of water washing over the entire boat. We were always leashed to the boat, (and in rain gear) just in case we were ever sweep overboard. Frankly, I am not sure the line would have held and I am sure we would have been dragged to our death in the violent ocean if we had gone overboard.

I learned a lot about myself on that voyage. I learned (again) what it meant to me to have an indefatigable mother who loved me and encouraged me. I will explain.

About midway in the trip, we had experienced a violent storm during the night. I was emotionally spent. Frankly, I wanted off the boat. I asked Mark, the captain and my high school friend, if I could use the ship-to-shore radio to call home. My Mom’s voice always touched my heart but this time it soothed my struggling soul. Her encouragement made the next 10 days so much more bearable. I can imagine that many of you can relate to these words. I so miss hearing her voice. Always cherish your moments with your parents.

Well, Number 70, in California, is in two weeks! Pray that my body holds up. My sweet Holly has been my champion and encourager over the years and especially the last few months as I have been pressing to run #70 on my 70th birthday weekend. Another bucket list item soon to be history!




 

The Message in a Bottle Medal for this Race!

The Flower Power Half Marathon, August 18, 2019, Houston, TX

Number 68

I am getting closer to #70 in September in Southern California. I ran with lots of Flower Power pushing me along as I commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Music & Arts Festival this weekend. In doing so I earned this “groovy” 4″ VW bus medal. The colorful ribbon celebrates Peace, Love, Music, and Running, and it has an artificial sunflower attached!

Bear with me as I share a short story about this time of my life, 50 years ago. Woodstock took place during the summer (August) that I was preparing to enter the U.S. Army (enlistment date was 15Nov69). I had not been attending my classes at the college, spending many days on the beach being a surf bum. I had dropped a difficult art history course in the spring and therefore dropped below 12 units, resulting in the loss of my student deferment. I became very draft-able.. I had lost my way in life.

Well, it all caught up with me. My low draft number (I think it was 119) earned me a guarantee that I would be drafted. I wanted some say in where I was going to go so I jumped in my VW Bug, with my surf board still attached to the top of my car, and went for a joy ride to visit recruiting offices.

The Navy and Air Force had waiting lists. The Army took me. I served the required six years of active duty and reserve duty. It changed my life.

When I returned after active duty, I reentered college (I left with a 1.89 GPA), and I recommitted myself, with some help, to making something of myself. From that point on, at both of my Universities, (earning a BA and a MA/MBA during a time when you REALLY had to earn your grades) I got nearly straight “A’s” and a couple of “C’s.” I found my calling with children as an educator and principal. I have loved just about every minute of my calling! I never made much money, but it has been an incredible journey filled with love, achievement and very special relationships with my students, my families and my staff.

I share this story, OFTEN, with my students. Most of us tend to find our way, but some do not. We need to be vigilant to stand by kids like me, who lose their way. Do not give up on them. Thank you Mom, Dr. Scavio (my friend and caring Professor), Grandma Munier and Jesus who all kept me on the straight and often narrow path during those formative years!

BTW: Today's race included a heavy rain shower during miles 10-12.  I felt like I was back at Fort Ord running my Company to the rifle range..... not the best of memories.

Bend the Knee Half Marathon, King’s Landing, Westeros (i.e. Houston), July 28, 2019

Number 67 (this story will make sense to those who watched Game of Thrones)
Location: King’s Landing (actually Houston, TX)
Occasion: Mikie Marathoner escaping the evil Cersei Lannister and the Sometimes Unstable Daenery Targaryen

I ran my 67^th half marathon today, but not by choice. 

I was on a quest to head off the lovely and head strong Daenery Targaryen, as she sailed to King’s Landing to try to strike a business deal with Queen Cersei.  You see, Daenery was trying to peddle USC Trojan attire in the market square and I felt compelled to save her from this horrible decision.  I KNEW that Queen Cersei would not want the completion (although meager, at most) with her “I Love Cersei” tunics which come mostly in emerald green (aka Wildfire Green).  

So being an honorable servant to the Queen of Dragons, I sailed to King’s Landing from Winterfell, through the unpredictable Narrow Sea to try to intercept “Dannie” before she solidified this horrible alliance.  Much to my surprise, Dannie met me at the docks and had me arrested by her unsullied bodyguards.  I was promptly thrown into a jail chamber (actually the same one Tyrion Lannister was imprisoned in, high above the ground).  This imprisonment placed me about 13.1 miles away (that is as a dragon flies, of course) from the dock. 

As it turns out, Dannie had made a deal with Cersei to sell both the USC Trojan second-rate clothing and Cersei’s tunic attire and split the profits.  Sadly, Cersei and Dannie are not good business people. WHY? Because NONE of the Trojan gear had sold in any other market in the region and Cersei’s tunic only came in the one color (which the town’s people did not like as it brought back horrible memories). 

Once I found out about this alliance, I made plans to escape and run back to the docks to board my ship for home.  Yet, I was given one easy way out if I so chose.  I would be allowed to survive, IF I were to “Bend a Knee” to Cersei and to Daenery.  I chose neither as I thought I was doomed anyway due to Cersei’s evil and untrustworthy nature and Daenery’s unpredictable and unstable behavior. So my execution was sealed as far as I was concerned.

Although I am a bit advanced in age, I am still quite nimble and I was able to slither out the window of my jail cell, down the steep castle wall (with no equipment, of course, because I AM nimble) to the road below.  I then ran the 13.1 miles to the dock to board my ship home.


The Medal-It is a Replica of the Throne!

I am happy to say I have returned home, a bit sore and scared, but with my dignity in place having not “Bent the Knee” to the Evil Cersei and the unbalnced Daenery!  All is good in my world!

(This race is actual a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation.  My dear mother, Louise Munier Sanders, was crippled by this awful disease and it caused her early death at the age of 76.  I ran in honor of my Mom’s heroic fight. She did her best to not let the disease ruin her life.)



The Puppy Rescue Mission Half Marathon, Houston, TX, July 14, 2019

Number 66

Today I ran my 66th half marathon! This was a virtual run, which means, I ran by myself, logged the run on my Garmin watch and uploaded it to the Virtual Strides website for verification and acknowledgement.

I ran the “race” at Memorial Park in Houston. I started my race at 6:15am in 75 degree darkness and finished in full sunlight of 86 degrees and 60% humidity. It was brutal!

I ran the race and donated my entry fees to The Puppy Rescue Mission. This foundation assists in pet rescue, foster and re-homing when needed, in particular pets of soldiers, especially those deployed in war zones. The organization assists with requests, logistics, administration and fund-raising for the adopted stray dogs of war, rescued by and bonded with soldiers. TPRM works with or through other organizations that help our soldiers bring their companion animals home from war. Note the picture of the medal I earned and the slogan at the bottom: “Soldiers Saving Puppies – Puppies Savings Soldiers.”

Although I never served in actual combat (outside of being deployed to fight in riot torn LA in the early 70’s with the National Guard), I understand how our furry friends steal our hearts forever. Holly and I still mourn the loss of our dear Bella (almost a year now) and reap the true blessing of our new furry companions, Bailey and Gracie, each day.

It was an honor to run today for our soldiers. God bless them all AND their doggy friends from combat zones.

Bella giving the Stink Eye

Now are they not cute, or WHAT???

Sisters!