I finally uploaded the data from my Garmin 310XT for the Undy 5000. Here’s the course map — enjoy!
Category Archives: Running
I ran my undies off!!!
The Undy 5000 has come and gone, and I ran my race.
OK, so I didn’t set any land speed records, and I didn’t run faster than last year — slower by about two minutes, in fact — but I ran a better race this year. I was crazy nervous about this race. You see, this was my first race since Race for the Stars last summer, and while I knew I could run the distance from my treadmill work over the winter, it’s a whole different thing when pounding the pavement.
Add to that the cold, cold weather — about 35 degrees at racetime — and I was a nervous wreck.
Becky brought Bailey, which helped ease my nerves, and while we were standing there waiting to get going, a good friend of ours from work, Scott, showed up to run with me. Now, I’d tell you that I’m probably taking great liberties with the phrase run with me. I ran my 5km in just over 51 minutes; Scotty blazed the trail in under 30 minutes!
Like they say, even slow miles are better than no miles. I’ll take my slow miles, any day of the week.
And my slow miles actually went pretty well. The course is configured with the finish line sitting atop a rise. Last year, it’s all I could do to sorta jog (and mostly walk) up that rise. This year, I zoomed right up it. Part of that’s probably that I’m in a little better shape this year than last year, but it might also be that I paced myself better this year. Last year, I zoomed through the first half-mile or more in a big ol’ pack. This year, I didn’t start in the big pack, and I kept a little more consistent pace throughout the whole course.
Once the race was over, I got a little post-race sustenance, and waited for the Survivor’s Ceremony. This is a special time for me. All the survivors gather at the stage, and are honored for their successful fights. And once they’re honored, folks who’ve lost someone to CRC are brought up, and are honored. It’s a moving, moving ceremony. This year, though, the folks from the CCA added a little extra touch.
Each of the survivors got a finishers medal to honor us for running our race, and raising our funds.
I’m not one to toot my own horn, and I’m generally a little uncomfortable when someone does that for me. This was no exception, and I had a tough time holding myself together when the gal put the medal around my neck.
So I’d call it a success, both personally and for the CCA. I ran well and strong, I raised some money, and I got a medal. There’s just not a much better way to start a Saturday morning!
The Undy 5000
Last year, I ran in the Undy 5000 just a few months after having been diagnosed and cured of colon cancer. The Undy is a fund raiser for the Colon Cancer Alliance, who do a terrific job of awareness, advocacy, and support for colon cancer patients and caregivers. I’ve been associated with them since shortly after I was diagnosed in 2011.
This year on March 23rd, I’ll be running in the Undy 5000 again. And of course, I procrastinated getting my donation page out there, but it’s out there now, and you can find it here. If you’ve got a spare shekel or two, and wanna put ’em to a good cause, please donate them on my participant page, and know that my feet will be pounding 5K of pavement come March 23rd in appreciation of your donations!
NED
Today is the anniversary of one of the biggest changes in my life. A year ago yesterday, I had colon cancer. A year ago today, I didn’t. I was NED… “No Evidence of Disease.”
It’s really hard to believe that it’s been a year. I had really intended to use the gift of what I consider to be “bonus time” to do some big things. And I have done some big things, but I’ve still got plenty of road to travel.
So what were those big things for me this year?
I ran. For the first time in two decades, I ran. Now, I haven’t been very regular about it since the heat came during the summer, but now that the cold weather is here, I’m really driven to get back on the path.
I biked. I returned to the Katy Trail after a four year absence, exploring the new trailhead in Research Park. I thoroughly enjoyed this return, although I shoulda put more miles under my butt.
I started a new job. During my recovery from surgery, I accepted a new position within my company, returning to a team and technology that I left nearly a decade ago. It’s been a blast, and I have found a new joy in going to the office every day.
I returned to Florida. When I was a kid, I spent a ton of time on Pine Island in SW Florida. Becky and I returned there in September, marking at least 30 years since I was last there. And it was amazing! I desperately want to return to the island soon, and put some more “relax” in my soul.
Those are pretty big steps. This year, I have a few new things in mind, and I definitely want to expand on some the things I’ve learned through this last year. The thing that I learned through this is that I have more strength — with God’s help! — to tackle much higher obstacles than I ever knew I could. Remembering that and applying that to my running and cycling, as well as other parts of my life, is the biggest goal for this year.
Oh yeah… I’ll also try to write more here, and I’m thinking about taking up a “Project 365” effort again this year.
I’m Melting
Well, not quite melting, but I feel close to it.
Today was our 8th day in a row of 100°+ highs, and our sixth record temp in this spell. There hasn’t been a run like this in 75 years. And, if the forecasters are right, there’ll be at least two more of these really hot days before we get a break.
Ugh.
I drove home tonight with the windows down in the Big Green Box, trying to make the best of the air flow, along with increasing my gas mileage ever so slightly. By the time I got home — about 25 minutes — the 105° temperature nuked me. I was wobbly, and just didn’t feel well. And I’d been drinking water all day.
Needless to say, I haven’t run in about two weeks. I badly, badly wanna get out there and continue my journey-on-foot, and the weather simply hasn’t been cooperating. I’ve discovered that my prime running temperatures lie between 45 and 65. I’m no math major, but I’m pretty sure 105 doesn’t sit in that range.
Maybe next week… 
The Undy 5000!
Yesterday, I ran in the Undy 5000. I’ve gotta tell ya, it was a blast.
I got up early, and ate a breakfast suggested by the folks at Fleet Feet — English muffin, some peanut butter, a banana and water. Becky, Sio and I headed to Forest Park right after breakfast, and started walking around the site once we got there… and then I got an incredible surprise.
Jay showed up.
Jay’s been very supportive during my fight with colon cancer, so having him show up to run with me blew me away. And even though we didn’t run together — he was quite a bit faster than me! — it was great to know there was someone in the throng of over a thousand folks that was running for me. Way cool!
And I did finish the 5k run, walking at least as much as I ran. I had been targeting a finish under 50 minutes, and I was just able to do that, with my chip time coming in at 49:22.
More importantly, I helped. I helped the cause of fighting colon cancer. And I’ll be back next year, running again, and running faster!
The Undy!
As I talked about earlier this week on The Deauxmayne, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I was lucky, with an early detection, and a clean bill of health coming out of taking a couple of months off from life to get healed.
Next weekend, on Saturday (March 31st), I will be walking in the Undy 5000. This is a fundraising walk to raise money to fight colorectal cancer. Given my recent history, I thought this would be a great way to work toward others not having to fight this disease.
If you’ve got a little folding money that’s burning a hole in your pocket, would you consider donating to my fundraising for the walk?
You never know… the ass you save might be your own!!!