San Antonio Rock & Roll Half Marathon, San Antonio, Texas, December 5, 2021

 Number 83

Today I ran my 83rd half marathon with 15,000 other runners in the very hilly Rock and Roll Half Marathon in San Antonio, Texas. The hills were BRUTAL!!! 

San Antonio has four military bases in town and portions of the race honors fallen military personnel along the route with their pictures. I had some difficulty breathing during the race as I went through periods of convulsive sobbing as I tried to touch each sign and ask for a blessing on the fallen hero as well as their families! Lives cut short for freedom for you and I. So many have died in my lifetime so that I might live freely! Humbling.

Now ...... Reason #7 for “Why I Run Half Marathons:”
I EARN a tee shirt which will become a part of a quilt showing off my accomplishments. Some years ago, a few of my teachers at Jefferson Academy, asked for my first 25 shirts and presented me, weeks later, with a beautiful quilt! (See the attached picture). This is one of my most treasured possessions..... developed by staff members whom I adore and the quilt reminds me of 14 years of my professional life that can only be described as AWESOME! My running exploits may be prominent in this quilt, but to me, what is most prominent, when I gaze at the quilt, is the the love and bond the staff had with one another and our families, which helped make JA a huge success!

Jefferson Academy was one of the first charter schools in Colorado (est. 1994) and I was the lucky founding Principal. My staff and I had a huge calling and task to produce the very best educational program for our parents and students under some significant political opposition. We did not fail in our task and to this day, JA is one of the highest performing schools in the state of Colorado! I will ALWAYS be a proud Jaguar!

To the Rescue Half Marathon, Houston, Texas, November 21, 2021

Number 82

I  jogged the “To the Rescue Half Marathon” (#82!) In Houston today. I was running on behalf of the First Responders Children’s Foundation which provides financial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. For 20 years, First Responders Children’s Foundation has provided college scholarships for the children of those injured or killed in the line of duty.

It was a Mind over Body experience today. The body wanted to do less. Frankly, so did the mind but the mind knew the correct response and won.......this time.

I ran today, as I always do, contemplating something to keep my mind directed AWAY from the pounding and the pain. Frankly, I was a bit self-absorbed today as I considered the exchange with my cardiologist a few days ago. He very politely reminded me that I am, and will forever be, in congestive heart failure even after the quad bypass and a couple of special medications. Most people operate with an “Ejection Fraction” ( i.e. the amount of the blood your left ventricle pushes out to your body) of 55-65%. My EF is now 30-38% (up from 23%). You are in CHF if you are under 40%. Therefore, this appointment was a tad bit discouraging as I had hoped for more positive news.

“Still in failure” nestled itself in my mind throughout the race. I probably should have not perseverated on it. Yet, my Dad passed at 74 years old due to the same condition. Dad was not in good shape and did little to correct his condition. I am working hard to not repeat the Munier history! My previous hard work and my obsession with staying fit has sustained me over all my years. I have usually adhered to the phrase that “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” So the hand will stay firmly affixed to the plow.

Therefore, as all men with wooden legs do not behave like Long John Silver, so I will not behave as if CHF has won the battle and I will continue to function actively until I can’t. Bring on #83!!!

Best Furry Friends Half Marathon, Houston, Texas, October 31, 2021

Number 81 

I jogged the “Best Furry Friends” Half Marathon today in honor our doggies, Bailey and Gracie Munier and the Freedom Service Dogs of America a Colorado-based nonprofit organization that unleashes the potential of dogs by transforming them into custom-trained, life-changing assistance dogs for people in need. FSD clients include children, veterans and active-duty military, and other adults. These clients live with disabilities like autism, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, post-traumatic stress and more. It was a good run for a great cause. #81 is in the books!

As I have traversed (and run) through 72 years of life, I have experienced and seen many things in my journey that have been wonderful, inspiring and extraordinary. Yet, the events and episodes that have affected me the most are the simpler ones, like falling in love with my wife, running in a cool breeze in the woods or enjoying the adoration of our two doggies. My prayer for all my friends and acquaintances that read these posts is that each of you does not discount the lesser or smaller wonders of life as the fulfillment we get from them may surprise you.

Now, Reason #6, “I Run Half Marathons:”

I get to wear skimpy running gear. I could live my whole life in reduced clothing. Adam and Eve really screwed things up for humankind. No other species has to wear stuff on their bodies. Additionally, I get to sweat profusely without being self conscience about it.

BTW: Bicyclists get to wear the the most colorful clothing, don’t you think? I think they have to because most of them do not obey traffic rules and thus, looking like a peacock helps keep them from getting run over.

Never Forget Half Marathon, Houston, Texas, October 10, 2021

 Number 80

I jogged the “Never Forget Half Marathon” today at Memorial Park in Houston. It was number 80 for this old fella. My IT Band tear is 90% ok, but I must admit, there was quite a bit of favoring of the left leg the last six miles. Eighty-two degrees and 90% humidity was not helpful, either . 

This race was a virtual race ( i.e. I upload a picture of my watch time and distance to a website to verify that I ran the distance plus, I run without a crowd cheering me on). As a participant, I raised money for the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. The museum is a collection of authentic artifacts, presenting visitors with personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope. As a monument to human dignity, courage, and sacrifice, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum honors the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and recognizes the courage of those who survived, and salutes those who risked their lives to help others.

Please see the picture of the beautifully etched 4″ medal I will receive for my efforts which shows two New York City skylines: one side of the medal has the Twin Towers standing tall, and the other side of the medal has One World Trade Center in their place. Somber as well as disturbing to this day.

I generally do not engage in political or religious discourse on social media. But after watching a couple of documentaries over the 9/11 weekend, I was reminded of my deep disdain for extreme fanaticism in political and religious thought or philosophies which seem to always lead to harming people whether mentally, spiritually or physically. My pastor, Tom Stipe, use to say, “Sin makes you stupid!” I would add that “extreme fanaticism” also makes you stupid! That is all I have to say about that .... (Forrest Gump).

Now, Reason #5 as to Why I Run Half Marathons:

I stay fit! I weigh the same as I did when I exited active duty in the military in 1975. Some of you have seen me in my dress greens. What you have not seen (under the longer coat of my uniform) is the fact I cannot secure the top clasp on my army issued 30-inch waist slacks. That area has expanded two inches (OK, maybe 2.5 inches). Yet, my doctor says I am a walking, talking testimony to staying fit and thus, making a valiant effort to overcoming hereditarily based heart disease. Hopefully, my effort will allow me to run (and LIVE) for many years to come.

It appears #81 will take place in November with real runners in La Porte, TX. Until then.....blessings to you all!

Houston Aramco Half Marathon, Houston, TX January 16, 2021

 Number 79

One year ago, I was RUNNING hard in the Houston Half Marathon unaware that my heart was operating at half its capacity and had four arteries blocked at 90%. Today, Holly ran, and I jogged, the same race, virtually, with the above maladies repaired. Although 20 minutes slower than last year, the thirteen miles felt very good! I am grateful to be alive to share my saga.

And.......Reason #4 of Why I Run Half Marathons:

It is NOT a Marathon. I have never, nor will I ever run a full marathon. My brother-in-law has run many, and he said it is BRUTAL. I hear you have to sell your soul to the running devils and give up your sloth time in front of the TV, thus missing episodes of The Amazing Race or Black List or, God forbid, FOOTBALL or GOLF! So....I will continue to run my half marathons because they are “Half the distance and twice the fun.”

Number 80 is on the horizon, I just don’t know which horizon.

Dumpster Fire Half Marathon, Houston, TX January 10, 2021

Number 78th

2020 was a year that just kept on giving… kicks to the butt that is! The Dumpster Fire Half Marathon virtual race was set up to say GOODBYE to a rough year!

Well, the race was a dumpster fire all on its own as I jogged in drizzle and a full rain storm for the ENTIRE race. It was cold and nasty. The rain seeped through three layers of clothing and I think I have lost the use of my fingers for the balance of the day. This reminded me so much of running to the rifle range in the winter at Fort Ord, with full pack and weaponry on my person. The only thing that kept me going during this race was remembering how so many of our men went to Vietnam and had to deal with the monsoon season for months on end. My couple of hours of being cold and wet was no comparison and I just needed to hang tough. Hooah!

Next race? Next weekend as Holly and I run the Houston Aramco Half Marathon. Yep, back-to-back weekend races, but I will be ready!!