Runners Remembrance

Just as quickly as a new year arrives, we marvel at how quickly the first month goes as Father Time shall forever be a thief if you fail to have a plan.

Locally, the bigger more telling tale is just how unseasonably cold North Texas has been since January 12th. 17 out of 19 days have barely cleared the 42 degree mark for a high, roughly 14 degrees below normal. Theoretically, this also offsets one of the hotter summers 2006 produced. This means absolutely nothing to you the reader unless you like to partake in the following.

It was October 1977 when I was introduced to the sport of jogging. Playing defenseman for our local soccer team, it was told to me how a game of soccer was the equivalent of running eight miles, or something to that effect. Being a huge baseball fan, I also found running to be a great tonic for keeping the legs in shape.

Every morning without fail, I would rise with the sun and knock out a run anywhere from 2-5 miles. I would continue this habit after moving to Chicago. The difference in the midwest is that I marveled at how on a really cold day with low temps, you tried to breathe through your nose and the nostrils would stick. No matter, running became my release, my mantra, my relaxation from life.

Looking back I regret how stupid I was to do that while being a smoker or drug abuser or even coming down from a hangover. As crazy as this sounds, try going for a two mile run first thing in the morning after you have been hit by Madame Rumpleminze with her fiancee Mr Guinness and see what happens. Crazy.

This last month I have made a fun discovery. Due to a work schedule that is always changing, I have been doing most of my running right at midnight. Where I am situated in Arlington, this has an Omega Man sort of feel (Think of Charlton Heston in the movie).

Imagine if you will being by yourself. You start by taking a mile walk to warmup the old limbs and joints, all the while marveling at the many sights and sounds in the night. Far off I can hear the roar of trains running parallel to the I 30 freeway albeit miles apart from car traffic.

Three blocks down I hear the annoying wail of a dog who barks. Is that a hungry bark, a tired bark, or a protect the home bark? Who's to say but I hear it and it takes me back to a time when I'd go run for long distances with Caeser at my side. Caeser was my golden retriever who went everywhere I did from 1976-1979.

As I near the Ballpark, I will hear and see the nightly policeman manning the area on bicycle. As well lit as Ameriquest is, I never worry about anything happening to me. If I were a woman this would be a different matter.

Looking back from the park and heading toward the Convention Center, I hear that familiar trickle of water. If it's soft, I know the levels at Mark Holtz lake are low. If it's really loud, somewhere nearby there was a good torrent of a downpour. The closer I get to the entryway on Ballpark way I know I have reached the mile mark. It is then time turn around and prepare...to...start...jogging...

25 years ago I was prompt and patient about doing a rigorous stretching routine before I took to the pavement. I also recalled three incidents where I failed to do so in rain and snow and my left hamstring paid for it. This month I am diligent to address the needs of my calves, knees, ankles and lower back. Still amazed that my body has not rebelled for being treated so badly...

With the mercury at or around freezing, and dressed accordingly with running outfit and ski cap for facial protection, I worry not about the cold wind hitting my face after I make the turn onto Randol Mill. Having timed this distance for four weeks I know that once I run past the ballpark, I will have reached the half mile mark. Each time I get to this point I also make sure I am feeling no discomfort in the joints or the extremities. So far so good.

As I go into the home stretch of the three quarter mile mark, I begin to go into that runner's high mode. With a bit of an uphill incline heading home I find my stride getting a little bit longer and my breathing much more controlled. Before January 12th when the mercury was warmer, I would hear the occasional cricket and chirping of the birds. The last two weeks nothing but that constructional din of progress being made for the Dallas Cowboys across the street. If it's 2 am I then note the cleanup truck with it's beeping sound over Wal-Mart way.

Now back inside my complex parking lot, I know that I have reached the one mile mark and the last quarter mile shall be gravy. Not without having to keep an eye on the occasional driver who wants to zoom through and go airborne on the speed bumps.

That which at first was a difficult task at a quarter mile has now evolved into a mile and a quarter. Ultimately when I reach the two mile mark that will be the limit for a time to come. The number one objective for myself in 2007 is to allow myself an hour a day to work on Willie. Once the weather gets warmer I will spend more time on the bicycle. Riding in 30 degree weather is deadly!

You have no idea what it's like to go to bed with a clear mind, knowing that you have made an investment in yourself. Compared to what was once the usual fare: a trip to the store, a half gallon of ice cream, candy bars, and a chocolate milk right before going to bed. I like this alternative choice much better! Add to this the feeling of exhilaration you experience when you have gone running in weather at or below freezing. To see your breath in the cold air, to go against the elements to stay the course, and to start to see results as you maintain discipline at the dinner table.

A wonderful beginning. Still many more baby steps to conquer. I am wondering how well I shall fare when the normal weather (AKA: Hot!) returns to these parts. Time will tell. I do know that this is the happiest I have been in a long long time. My hope is to maintain and remain grateful and in the moment. Running was my friend at 13. It remains so as I near 43 and not so limber. I am told by a friend of mine (once she decides to answer her phone and return calls and emails like before :) ) that yoga is going to be in my immediate future. Hey, I'll try anything once. This running thing definitely completes me for now. Remember to always stretch and walk things off after a lengthy jog! It makes all the difference in the world.

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will