What started out as a desperate situation in the Denver International Airport turned into one of the coolest running experiences I’ve ever had. This is the story of how three strangers joined forces to get to Fargo, North Dakota at any and all costs.

Our flights left early Friday morning from three separate airports. While all were short in length, the anticipation of flying to a marathon destination made minutes turn into hours. Upon landing, the connecting flight to Fargo had to be found. Finding the departure board was the first thing on all our minds and being runners, the distance would between gates could easily be reached, no matter the time constraints. Scanning the sea of on time flights, fate would have it that the flight to Fargo was not just delayed…but canceled.

On any other day, this would be considered an inconvenience but today, it was as disaster. With the 5K scheduled for later that evening, every attempt was going to be made to toe the line when the gun sounded. Nothing was going to keep these three strangers from making their destination…no matter what.

Separately, we all made it to the now canceled gate and eventually the United (yes I’m calling you out) Customer Service counter. As fate would have it, we all ended up at the smaller counter and not the mile long line we would encounter on the way to our eventual destination. The funny thing about being a runner is we can sniff each other out. Whether its the physique, the apparel or even the reading material, we know who we are. While standing in line, we found each other and instantly started formalizing a rudimentary plan. OK, to be honest, we didn’t have a plan – we winged it. While the agent proceeded to tell us we were booked on the first flight out Saturday morning, the wheels set into motion.

Us: “Can you get us to Grand Forks, ND.”
Them: “No available seats.”
Us: “How about Bismarck, ND.”
Them: “Not until later tonight and there might not be seats available.”
Us: “Minneapolis then Fargo!!!”
Them: “There are no seats available to Fargo from any city today.”

By this time, we started joining forces and racked our brains to come up with a city we could fly into and then drive to Fargo in time for the evening’s race.

Us: “Sioux Falls, SD.”
Them: “Oh, well yes, we have plenty of seats to Sioux Falls.”

Before the agent could even finish saying “yes” we had already slammed our tickets on the counter and had her book us seats immediately. Once we had the third member of “Team Fate” on the flight, we began to figure out how in the world we were going to traverse the 250 miles to Fargo. As luck would have it (there was a lot of luck flowing that Friday), one member of our running trio had enough points to reserve a car in Sioux Falls and it would be waiting for us when we arrived.

So here we were. Three runners who never knew the others existed being brought together by a higher power to share a running story that will not soon be forgotten.

Eric Selvig from Las Vegas – a running brain flying to his hometown to run with his family and looking to refuel his spiritual tank.

Dan Harbeke from South Jordan, Utah – a PR Director for Union Pacific going back home to run in his third Fargo Marathon.

Jeff Schiller from Nampa, Idaho – a CPA with his legs set on running marathons in 50 states (Fargo would be his 27th) who had the best line of the trip. “If you can’t get me there today, send me home.”

Not seated together on the flight to Sioux Falls, we still really had no idea who each other were but that was about to change. The 3 1/2 hour drive to Fargo could have been 30 minutes and I don’t think any of us would have known the difference. For as bad as the day looked when we all arrived in Denver, the drive was one for the running books.

We shared a common bond – running – and each had a story to tell (or ten). For every story and factoid there was another just as interesting around the bend. There were no awkward silences. We talked over each other and bit our tongues waiting for our turn to chime in. It was the most intense conversation I think I’ve ever been involved in. Jeff and Dan knew the same people. Dan and I shared home town experiences. We quizzed Jeff about Boston, New York and his goal of 50 states. Running strides, shoes and motivations. Diets, clothes and weather conditions. What we shared wasn’t personal (in fact I had to do some searching write this story), but it was a passion for running that can be found on the streets, trails and races all around the world. It’s the bond of the runner that turns complete strangers into comrades. Our paths may not cross again but I consider them both friends.

God works in mysterious ways. I can’t speak for the others but my soul needed a lift and it was provided to me tenfold. I never could have planned this to happen but thank God it did.

Our paths did cross once more after the weekend was over. I saw Jeff on the late local news being interviewed after the race and happened to be on the same flight with Dan on Sunday, flying back to Denver…where this wonderful journey all began.

RMFR

For the past several months I’ve been down. Through injuries, work and everyday stresses…I’m spent emotionally. I haven’t had the same enthusiasm and passion for running as I normally do and the proof is right here on the blog. The longer in between posts, the worse it is. When things are normal, I have more drafts ready to go out then I have time to write.

This weekend, I’m hoping the tide will turn. I’ll be heading up north to Fargo, North Dakota to participate in the Fargo Marathon Weekend. I’m going back home to run on the streets I once called home and I hope it’s just what the doctor ordered…a hit of passion. There are family and friends running in every distance (5K, 10K, half marathon and marathon) and the social aspect of running should be at an all time high. Friends I haven’t seen in 15 years. Family I haven’t seen in 5.

This weekend will also mark the first time I will get to run with my father since I’ve started running. Growing up, he was a maniac before there was an official club. He’s enlisted the help of a trainer to help him work thru his injuries to run a 5K. It won’t get any better than that until the roles are reversed and my kids come back to run with me. I’ll also be running with my sister, her husband, a great friend and my 86 year old grandmother (OK, she’ll be walking but I be right there by her side). That covers Friday.

Saturday will be the half marathon where I hope to overcome all my injuries from the year to let my hair down and let it all hang out. Add into the mix 20 or so family members and you’ve got emotions to the nth degree. If this weekend doesn’t lift my spirits, I either dead or lost.

Here’s to a weekend full of emotion and a recharged battery!!!

RMFR

Well, we’re less than 4 weeks out from the Fargo Marathon and our Fargo Fitness Challenge on Facebook has been a great success. While we hit 70 fans and at least 32 confirmed runners, I have a feeling that it’s impact is going to be much larger than that.

Let’s just take a look at my immediate family for an example. The Selvig clan has slowly grown into a running family. My father was a runner before the boom and as a result, is a little broken down. His running has been limited (by physicians, not him) but has sought the help of a trainer and will running the 5K. While it took a little work on my dad, my mom was “gung ho” from the beginning. She’s always been in shape and a dare anybody to stick with her exercise schedule. My sister and brother-in-law will be running the 5K and 1/2 marathon with me and I talked my cousin and his wife to join the family reunion run. Now, to top it off…my 85 year old grandmother wants to walk the 5K. 85!!!

Side note: there will be over 20 people staying at my parents place that weekend!!!

For those of you that lost count, thats 8 fair-skinned Norwegians that will be hitting the streets of Fargo, ND – all in the name of fitness and health. It didn’t take a whole lot of encouragement. It was more infectious than anything. People get excited if your truly excited and motivated to do something.

Sometimes we keep to ourselves because we don’t want to drown a conversation with our running stories. I challenge you to dangle the bait the next time your in a group of nonrunners and see who takes the bait. You never know whose life you could change by introducing them to running.

RMFR

San Jose, California it is not…but let’s not write off “Sin City” just quite yet.

Bert Sperling of Sperling’s BestPlaces culled data on 50 U.S. cities from both public and private sources and tested each city against 50 select measures in five major categories: physical activity, health status, nutrition, lifestyle pursuits, and mental wellness. Here’s the MSN link.

In this study, Las Vegas is ranked #42 and I think the city gets a bad rap. Yes it is true that we have 24-hour gambling, drinking and general debauchery (enjoyed mostly by out-of-state visitors). We also have 24-hour gyms, suitable weather and loads of Californian transplants – bringing their active lifestyles and healthy regimens with them.

With a Convention Authority that likes to taut and promote an “unhealthy” lifestyle, it’s no wonder most health analyses of Las Vegas would be negative. If I have to see another “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” commercial, I may decide to throw my running shoe at the television (but I digress). If you lived here and saw the amount of people out running and biking on a Saturday morning, you would definitely draw a different picture in your head at the mention of Las Vegas.

While runners are outnumbered 20-1 by cyclists, I couldn’t believe the amount of runners I saw Saturday morning. While the number of us crazy runners at 6:00 a.m. haven’t increased (love the number of hard core faces on my long runs), the shear number of people out running in the mornings is inspiring. From mothers and their daughters to groups of men running/walking on the sidewalk has me believing that it’s a turn for the better. What once was a playground for gamblers at the table is slowly progressing into a playground for the healthy at heart.

With the growing number of running clubs and events (Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas had nearly 23,000 participants), I’m hoping this trend keeps picking up speed and we’ll see Las Vegas move up this top 50 list in years to come.

RMFR

OK. I’m running the other day and a runner pops out in front of me about a 1/4 mile up the hill. I love it when runners appear in front of me because it stirs the competitive drive in me and pushes me a little harder than I may normally go (if you need the whole scoop, check out the Bunny Post here).

This guy was a Hare. I was near the end of my run and I didn’t have that final push in me. What I did notice was this guy was little. I’m 6′-2″ and this guy had to be all of 5′-6″ with a slight build – maybe a buck thirty. Point is, this guys turnover was incredible. Absolutely flying up the hill. I’m pretty confident up hills but I could never hit that guys pace.

That got me thinking. Besides the obvious advantages, I’m guessing the smaller you are the quicker you can run (to a point). The physical pounding the body takes has to be way less than the torque I put on my joints. Personally I know that I’m much faster at 200 pounds than I was at 270. Let’s be honest, NOBODY is quick at 270!!! I found some height and weights of some notable runners:

Emile Zatopek – 5-8 1/2″, 154 lbs. (average size)
Kip Keino – 5′-9″/146 lbs. (9% below average)
Sebastian Coe – 5′-10″, 120 lbs.(over 20% below average)
Linford Christie – 6′-2 1/2″, 170 lbs. (10% below average)
Ingrid Kristiansen – 5′-6 1/2″, 128 lbs. (4% below average)
Tatyana Kazankina – 5′-3 1/2″, 110 lbs. (6% below average)
Grete Waitz – 5′-6 1/2″, 110lbs (17% below average)
*From Weight and Performance article.

I think common sense tells us this premise is right on. It’s just interesting to look at the facts. I have seen a couple of Clydesdales hauling ass in a couple of races but you don’t ever see many elite Clydesdales.

RMFR

After the successful implementation of Sondays, I have a new day to add to my week.

My eldest son and I take to the roads and while I run, he rides his bike. He’s great company and the fact that he likes to talk a lot and has plenty to say means my job is to just run. Well, my youngest son was feeling left out. He’s 7 and can’t ride his bike well enough to go longer distances. Something had to be done so we’ve instituted Twosdays.

Twosdays start with a Pooh lap (Pooh’s his nickname but we’re not allowed to speak it in public). A .6 mile route that covers the borders of our neighborhood. He’ll run the whole way with me and we take it real easy to keep our time together fun. After returning back to the house, my older son and I head out for a longer distance – usually whatever I need to do for my mileage for that day. Two boys, two totally different but awesome experiences.

Now unlike Sondays, Twosday doesn’t have a set place in the week. Working long hours, we’ll try and get it in as many times a week as we can. If you haven’t brought your kids into your running routine yet, I highly suggest you try it. Remember, it’s about them, not you.

RMFR

Just like an interception in the red zone or a half court shot that goes in at the buzzer, sometimes a little spark is enough to get you rolling again. I’ve come to find that those same unexpected sparks are just as important in running.

I’ve found over the years that it’s the unexpected things in life that are most inspirational. God painted sunrises, chance encounters with other runners or even spontaneous route changes. While they never seem to happen enough, they do seem to come when you need them the most. Still in my running haze, I’ve needed multiple sparks to keep my fire burning. You hear about race depression and burnout but until you struggle thru it, you can’t quite get a grip on it. No matter what people say or do, you have to do it yourself.

One of these moments came Sunday morning. Nothing spectacular by any means but it’s just what the doctor ordered. Feeling good during a 5-miler, I pushed myself a little harder than I should have this early in training. Not feeling 100% in quite some time, I need to take advantage of these moments every time they make an appearance (carpe diem). Hitting the halfway point quicker than normal, I worked on a quicker stride rate on the way back. After a strong showing on “the Hill Home” I turned in my quickest time for that route.

While nothing that will make anybody stand up and take notice, it’s exactly what I needed at this stage in the game. An affirmation that thru all the injuries and self doubt, that there is still a spark and a desire deep inside dying to be let free.

Now the only question that remains is will I let it?

RMFR

I must apologize for the inactivity of this site. This year has been a tough running year so far and I’ve come to one conclusion. If I’m not running, I got nothin’. Yes, there’s tons of crap floating around in this brain but when it comes time to right, I’m empty.

The good news? With rest, I think I’m back. I start my training schedule for the Fargo 1/2 Marathon this week and with it, I expect my running brain to start functioning again. Until then…

RUN MF RUN!!!

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sonday, Sunday.

I’ve changed my running schedule. I am now moving my long distance running days to Sunday because Saturdays have become Sondays. This is quality time that my son and I spend cruising around the neighborhood – me in my running shoes and him on his bike.

As your kids grow older, the quality time we get to spend with them seems to get less and less. I’ve now found out how cool it is to run and break down the “little things” in life with him. We find time to talk about the important things in life: the future, television shows and Bakugan. Every once and I while we get a couple of life lessons thrown in for good measure but it’s not about lecturing. This is dad and son time. It’s about being together and being active. It’s about instilling a lifestyle that you hope will stick with him as he grows older. Most of all, it’s about memories. I want him to be able to look back on these times with fondness and hopefully pass them along to his kids.

One day this routine will grow into us running together. One day my youngest son will be able to join our duet. One day, this day will be known as Sonsday.

RMFR

Believe it or not, ORB is officially 1 year old. Time has gone by so fast that it’s actually 1 week and 1 year!!! Who would have thought that 1) I would have found time to keep providing content to this website (181 posts) and 2) have enough things to write about!!!

What originally started as a place to write down the many random thoughts that passed thru my brain while running has now taken on many forms:

• Spirituality – After reading “Running the Spiritual Path” by Roger D. Joslin, I committed my time running to giving that time back to God. What better way to spend hours of solitude than sharing that time praying and meditating?
• Runner Safety – Finding myself running early in the mornings, I saw many runner’s in danger on our roadways. It has been a goal of mine to share what I’ve learned and read so that many more runner’s will be more visible while running. It went so far as Troy’s post on “Dexting” getting him interviewed in Runner’s World for Liz Robbins’ article Collision Course.
• Encouraging Others towards Fitness – With the creation of the Fargo Fitness Challenge, I’ve now embarked on another passion, encouraging others to take up running. I know what running has done for my health and if I can get one person off the coach and back into fitness, I’ll consider this one a success.

I would personally like to thank the nearly 3,500 people who have come to this site from over 50 countries and every U.S. state. To the many friends that I have met here, I’m glad that this site has been a conduit for some really great stories and friendships that span the globe.

Who knows what the future holds but if it’s anything like the last year, it’s anybody’s guess!!!

RMFR (also another thing that came about over the last year and my proudest accomplishment)