I was talking on the phone and saw that my running medal rack was kind of a mess. I didn’t feel like talking so I started organizing it a bit. That’s when I realized that each medal had a little bit of history. It was not just a nice little decoration but I remembered some nice things about each medal.

I decided this would make a nice blog post. In 144 characters or less, say why each medal has meaning. Forget about the date or my result. That doesn’t matter. But what was happening during the race and my life when I did the race.

So, here we go!

The Great Race of Agoura

This was my first half marathon in 20 years. It was a trail run. Beautiful race. My wife and kids were so proud. I was dying.

Warrior Dash

This was my first attempt at extreme running (though it was only a 5K). Very dirty. Very fun. I ran with Ken Shumaker, a co-worker. I ran it the next year with him.

Rock n’ Run

I ran this with my best friend who had never run before and hasn’t run since. I was divorced and needed the companionship and this was a great way to get close. We also got to run through the Rose Bowl. But, better yet, she got to meet Nitro (that’s some guy from an 80’s game show).

The Great Race of Agoura 5K

This was a special race. It was Sarah’s first 5K (and only so far). She ran the whole thing.

The Los Angeles Marathon

This was my first race after my separation. I even asked my ex if I could afford to do it. I felt so good when done. I remember it rained terribly (worst storm in years) and was so cold. All my kids were there (it was held on my birthday). The dinner and shower after were phenomenal.

Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon

This was a hard race. It was held in Oregon on the 4th of July. I was on travel for work and was alone. I decided to do the race (and almost did the marathon). My job paid. It was a beautiful race. I almost want to move to Oregon. The medal was made of recycled bicycle chain and cardboard. Typical of hippies.

But, on a sour note, My dogs were killed at the end of the trip. The killer breaks my heart further. No more about that.

Tough Mudder

A two hour drive to Lake Arrowhead. Twelve miles of brutal hills and fucked up obstacles. Throw in lots of mud, water, snow and 20 degree weather and you have torture. I though I was going to lose fingers to frostbite.

One thing I will never forget: there was a hill that went straight up. It was brutal. I ran and walked. I picked someone up and motivated him to get to the top. After twenty minutes, we made it. I kept getting pats on the back from the other runners. Turned out that guy was a marine who was recovering from the war in Iraq. He was doing this for his friends who died. The people give me kudos were his comrades from the war.

I never told anyone that before.

The Bulldog 50K

I read a book. It was called “Born to Run” and it was about the Tarahumara Indians and went through the history of the ultra marathon. I posted on Facebook my desire to run one some time. My friend’s mother said her mother was doing an ultra. I ran Nancy Shura-Devin’s Bulldog 50K. The worst and best experience of my life. And the starting gate for the discovery of my potential.

Los Angeles Marathon

Another marathon on my birthday weekend. My father actually backed into my car. My car was fine. His Porsche lost a bumper. I need to tell him that I appreciated that he drove me to this race at the wee hours of the morning. And he stayed in a good humor even though he messed his car up.

He needs to know that. I need to tell him.

 Harding Hustle 50K

This was a prep race for my first 50 mile race. I went with Larry Solecki (I really need to see him again). The race was at 6000 feet and was VERY hilly. It was brutal.

I was cramping horribly. But I met someone who taught me about nutrition. I learned about the need to balance my electrolytes and water.

So beginnith my running education.

Wow! I didn’t realize how many races I have done and how important they are to me! So I’ll end this now and post the rest on my next blog entry. The best is yet to come!