When I first started running it was all about my health and doing something I’d never think I could or would – running a marathon. That was 2006. I lost over 60 pounds and completed the Las Vegas Marathon with little scaring. After that it was all about competing. I needed a race on the calendar to keep me motivated thru the 110 degree summers of Las Vegas. Recently I’ve come to another crossroads. I haven’t felt that same fire in my gut that threw me out door day after day. I was feeling empty and needing more. That has recently changed and I think has changed my life permanently – for the better.

I’ve been thinking for some time that there was something else I could do with running. We’re out there on the roads and trails for hours on end. If you’re like me, thousands of thoughts enter my head on every subject from every angle. You’d think collectively we could have solved the worlds problems by now!!! Most of it is nonsense and I’ve always thought I could use this time for something useful and now I have. I’m using running as time to mediate, clear my head and make up for some lost time with God.

Now, I’m not a fanatic by any means but hear me out. How many times have you thought to yourself that you “don’t have the time pray.” There’s always family, work, television or some other distraction filling our lives 24 hours a day. Running is my solitude, running is my escape but I am alone no longer.

What do you say? How do you say it? There’s no formula, no rules, no ridicule or praise. There’s now a feeling of grace, comfort, belonging and a sense of purpose. Just clear your mind, open your heart and talk. It’s your time.

I’m not a pastor or priest but a runner who’s found the prayerful dimension of running. If you’d like to learn more and be inspired to take a leap of faith, check out the book “Running the Spiritual Path” by Roger D. Joslin. I’m only 4o some pages into the book and I’m hooked. I am not alone – in running or in life.

“Imagine that you are running toward God and know that far in the distance God is running toward you” – Roger D. Joslin

I want to give a shout out to Anna, Darcie, Liz and Kirsten…aka the “Cobber Chicks”. They’re running the Fargo Marathon relay May 9th. Good luck, have fun and GREAT logo!!!

I’m assuming this is not breaking news but it was to me. Like you, I’ve seen and signed up at the Ragnar booths (for the schwag – ask Tiff) at many race events. They’ve never had one close to me until now and I couldn’t be more excited.

For those of you who don’t know what the Ragnar Relays are, here’s the basic premise. You get a team of 12 runners together and take turns running legs of a long distance. The “Valley of Fire to Vegas” relay is 180 miles long. Don’t bother doing the math, that’s 3 legs of 5 miles for each runner. You get a couple of vehicles together, lots of water and food and run until you’re done (yes, no breaks or beds).

I’ve already been in touch with a couple of groups about joining their team and I seriously can’t wait. What a great way to celebrate running and connecting with people stuck in a van of sweat and dust.

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OK. I’ve never been more irritated with a video game in my life. My mother graciously got my family (mostly for my boyz but I’m always up for a challenge) a Wii Fit last week. I hooked it up – with little people buzzing around me - and created profiles (or Mii’s for us video professionals) each member of the family.

My boyz did the initial body test and everything was fine and dandy. And then…it was my turn.

I know how much I weigh. I know I’m big. But that freakin’ machine pissed me off. It took my hansom looking, well fit, well groomed Mii character and made it HUGE!!! Right in front of my eyes it just blew the little guy up and made me look like a freakin’ Weeble Wobble!!!

HA HA HA freakin’ machine. I’m thinking they do that on purpose to piss you off so you’ll workout more…stupid game!!!

Needless to say, I’m not going to let this collection of plastic, paste and programming get the best of me. I declare now in front of world wide web that I will defeat this evil among us. I am waging war and be warned…IT’S NOT GOING TO BE PRETTY!!! (Monni, stop laughing)

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Since most of us don’t have Monday off I’ve set the DVR to record the 113th Boston Marathon. For those of you that would like to do the same, it’s being broadcast on NBC’s Universal Sports.

There site has a bunch of interviews and support pieces. I suggest checking it out when you have time. Click here for the Boston Marathon site.

Big running events need to be broadcast nationally. Here’s to hoping that the big five (Boston, Chicago, NYC, London and Berlin) will all be on for us to celebrate in the achievements of our sports best.

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To quote the venerable Crash Davis, “You just got lesson number one: don’t think; it can only hurt the ball club.”

I’m finding out more and more that this applies just as much to running. The more I think about how my stride is or about hitting the right pace on any given run, the more I seem to struggle to attain it.

I’m not training for anything right now so I’m basically out on maintenance runs. If I get ten miles a week in, OK. If I hit twenty, OK. I just want to log some miles and not burn myself out before I start training for my fall races. On these maintenance runs, I’m not striving for anything in particular. I head out easy and just go.

One day I was a little sore and had tweaked my calf. I wanted to go out really slow and just let it work itself out. Before I knew it, I was flying. It wasn’t intentional and I didn’t even realize it until I finished. What happened? Then it hit me like an Ebby Calvin LaLoosh fastball to the brain. I wasn’t breathing thru my eyelids nor was I fixated on what to get Millie or Jimmy for their wedding present.

I wasn’t thinking period. My body took over and did what I’ve trained it to – run.

Try it next time. Don’t go out there on a predetermined pace or even a set distance. Just run and enjoy the ride.

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Yesterday was one of those runs. Where everything was nearly perfect. I’m not talking about the weather (winds gusting to 40 mph) or the scenery (city streets filled with traffic) but the run itself was nearly perfect. One of those days where your stride is just right – your breathing is controlled – and you feel like you could just keep going (if it wasn’t for that pesky thing called work).

After my midday run, I happened to email my sister (I’ll get into this story another time) and let her know about the “perfection” that had just happened. She responding by telling me about her “nearly perfect” run that very same day.

So that got me thinking…what makes your run “perfect”.

Is the scenery? Your running mechanics? A state of mind? For me, it’s the mechanics. If running becomes work, it’s not fun. Scenery definitely helps but if I’m throwing up or massaging cramps on the banks of a bubbling brook in snow covered mountains…that’s far from perfect!!!

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When I get my Runner’s World every month, I usually bust thru the entire thing soon after I get it. I love reading about running. Especially stories that have that personal touch. The story of someone recovering from some personal tragedy thru running will captivate me for hours. What are some of your favorite running books? I’m dying to add more to the bookshelf. Here’s a list of what I’ve read and my “wish to read” list:

Books I’ve Read:

Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner by Dean Karnazes
- Very cool personal story on a very cool ultramarathoner.

My Life on the Run: The Wit, Wisdom, and Insights of a Road Racing Icon by Bart Yasso
- I’d read his occasional columns in Runner’s World and reading his running legacy has inspired me even more. Really entertaining read.

Pre: The Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine by Tom Jordan
- What do I need to say?

Books I Want to Read:

Once A Runner by John L. Parker
- Supposed to be the “classic” running novel. The book has a fascinating history and is finally being reissued after 31 years. Read the “Interval Workout” excerpt in May’s Runner’s World on page 93.

Again to Carthage by John L. Parker
- This is the sequel to “Once A Runner”. Sequels are always a hard sell but it’s on my “must read” list.

50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! by Dean Karnazes
- C’mon!!! If somebody runs 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states, how can you not want to read that!!!

Out of Nowhere: The Inside Story of How Nike Marketed the Culture of Running by Geoff Hollister
- This was recommended to me at a race. Sounds interesting and it’s Nike after all.

Yes, I’ve renamed them!!! I know I have no legitimate right to do so and I doubt anybody in their right mind really cares. I never experienced a wart of any kind until I started running – now I get plantar warts frequently. Here’s the kicker…I NEVER get them where they are most common. In fact…I get them on the same foot…same toe….same spot. Right foot – on of the tip of my fourth toe.

TMI? I figured but I’ve got nothing to hide (about running). I’m taking this wart to the U.S. Copyright Office or maybe the AMA. The plantar wart gets it’s name from the medical anatomy term for the bottom of your foot. That’s way too easy and lacks all imagination. Since my wart is unique and only occurs in a specific place, I’m renaming it.

From here on out, any wart that appears on the end of your fourth toe on your right foot shall now be known as a “Runner’s Wart”. Thank you and goodnight – don’t forget to tip your podiatrist!!!

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I’ve always been conscience of my feet. We put a lot of weight and work on our lower digits. Aside from a few blackened toenails and cement like heels, I’ve never really had an issue. Before races, I always spend a little extra time trimming the claws – the last thing I want to cause me to DNF are toenail induced blisters.

Why all the feet talk? Well, for the first time EVER I went with my wife to go get a pedicure at the Red Rock Casino Resort. Not so much manscaping than “it can’t hurt to try it”. Going in, I have to say I was a little skeptical – and embarrassed. After some ribbing from my wife, I settled into a vibe. Vibe meaning a massage chair and a mini-sauna for my feet. At this point I’m thinking this isn’t half bad!!!

To be brutally honest, I really felt sorry for the girl working on my feet. I claim to have been gifted with my mother’s feet. Together we could sand my dad’s classic wood boats and still carry a little texture. After some serious scrubbing and filing – she declared success and to my dismay, it was over.

I’m man enough to own up to it. My feet feel great!!! Not great enough that it’s going to become a monthly appointment but great enough to know that being a runner, I need to treat my feet to a little R&R as well.

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