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

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

It’s funny how easily we can get distracted. In my case it was dealing with a runner’s low that reintroduced the iPod back into my running routine. Without thinking about it, my 0ne-on-one time with God and prayer became less and less on my runs. It’s difficult to pray with Nickelback and DragonForce blowing out your eardrums.

So it came in the form of a simple message on Facebook, from someone commenting on earlier post on spiritual running, that brought about my Easter Eight with God (sort of ironic that that someone’s name was Faith). I left the iPod at home on a gorgeous Easter morning in Las Vegas. After saying my prerun prayer, I headed out on my usual 8-mile course but with my priorities set straight once again.

I don’t want you to think that this is something you need to learn. An exact science it is not. It’s simply using the time you have during your run to talk to God. In my case it starts with a running mantra “He has risen, saved by grace.” I break up the syllables to my stride and that helps clear my mind and lets me focus on the task at hand. Usually after a mile or so, I’m ready. Today being Easter, my mantra fits perfectly and that’s what my runs prayers focused on. It’s not all about prayer though. I use this time to just talk to God. Asking questions, making comments and saying prayers for other runners and cyclists. Living in the moment and appreciating everything He has done and will do in my life.

While I know this may not strike a chord with some of you, I find it spiritually rewarding and I think you will too. This is Our time. Not performed with hundreds of people but my direct connection with God that’s not limited by rituals or time constraints. It’s from my heart and I know that He is running along side me. Not just on that particular run, but running along side me in life.

Next time out, leave your iPod and distractions at home and give it a shot. I think you’ll be surprised at the results.

He has risen. Saved by grace.
RMFR

I set myself up for this. An extra half hour of shuteye was my downfall and I mother nature had her revenge!!!

I missed my easy 3-miler on Tuesday and decided to stack in on top of my 5-mile tempo run on Wednesday. I was actually looking forward to some longer miles during the middle of the week to offset the stress a little bit. The one thing I wasn’t looking forward too was the forecast. A cold front was coming thru Las Vegas and the winds preceding it had already started howling early in the evening.

By the time I awoke at 5:30 a.m., the winds had whipped up to a constant 25 m.p.h. gusting to 35-40 m.p.h. Not wanting to skip another day of training, I strapped on my gear and head out into the waiting sunrise. At the beginning, it wasn’t that bad. Sheltered from nature’s full wrath by the surrounding homes, the first .8 miles were “breezy”. That was until I hit that stretch of Charleston/Rt. 159 heading west – straight into the beast.

A little foresight spared me from having to worry about a hat a flapping jacket but a face shield and leg armor would have been a good idea now…looking back. You know those stories your grandparents used to tell about walking to school – uphill – both ways? Yeah, this is another one. Not only did I have to fight the wind this blustery morning but I would do so – uphill.

On the way towards Red Rock, there’s a section that narrows towards the top as it cuts thru a hill. On an average day it’s a cool site – Wednesday morning, it was a NASA wind tunnel test. Struggling against an immovable object, a cyclist on the other side of the road circled back towards me and wished me luck, they weren’t having any part of this. With tears streaming from the corners of my eyes and the occasional gust expanding my cheeks, I carried on. Using the 45º angle running form, I made it to the other side with only 1 1/2 miles to go until I got my reprieve…or so I thought.

You might think it would be a “breeze” running downhill with a 30 m.p.h. hand on your back pushing you, but it’s not. It’s like being in a large fast moving crowd – move with the flow or be run over!!! If you’re not going fast enough, the wind made sure I almost toppled over. If there was any thought of skipping my tempo miles this morning, those thoughts were quickly quashed by this locomotive at my back.

The proof is in the numbers (I’m a numbers guy).
4 miles (headwind): 10:45 pace/mile
4 miles (downwind): 7:49 pace/mile

It was a crazy morning but one I’ll remember for a long time. It could have been deadly still and the run would have been just another 8 miles. Instead, I was treated to another running memory I won’t soon forget. Don’t always pack it in when the going looks rough, you never know what awaits you on the side!!!

RMFR

With a couple of weeks left of my self-induced month long rest, I’ve had time to finalize my race wish list for 2010. Of course, this is subject to change and still needs to by signed off on by my better half. I’m trying to run at least one more race per year and this year has five events on the schedule. Please let me know if you plan on running any of these races. I loved to meet you in person (just like Team Flash in Florida).

Walt Disney World Marathon
Orlando, Florida
January 10
Mission Complete

6 Tunnels Half Marathon or Red Rock Canyon Half Marathon or both?
Henderson, NV/Las Vegas, NV
March 13/March 6

I need to do a little more digging on these races. I ran the Red Rock half last year and it’s great. The course is run on the scenic drive that weaves through Red Rock Canyon and the views alone are worth the $70 entry fee (until 2/21). The inclines are steep and yes your legs will be put to the the test but the organization was great and the medals were a really nice surprise.

The 6 Tunnels half looks really cool and I’ve heard good things about it. It is all the way across the valley (Red Rock is literally 5 minutes from my house) but the course route follow an old railway line that was used in the building of Hoover Dam. It goes thru tunnels cut thru the mountains and there are views of Lake Mead and Hoover Dam along the way. It happens to be a day before my wedding anniversary so I need to tread lightly on this one.

Fargo Marathon
Fargo, ND
May 22

Yes, I’ve finally committed and will be going home to run in the city I grew up in. After being lobbied by several friends for several years, my boyz and I will be going back to my roots. This will be another chance to run with my sister and I’m really excited to be running with one of my very good friends from high school who is going to run for the first time since a cervical spine fusion in 2000. They’re shooting for 20,000 runners this year so if you’re looking for a great race around this time, this one’s for you!!! Runner’s World ranked Fargo the 8th in the Top 10 marathons in the U.S. They’re also breaking off the 5K this year a day earlier and are offering participants the Go Far Challenge where you can race both the 5K and either the 10K, half or full marathon and earn a special medal (much like Disney’s Goofy’s Challange). Go Far in 2010!!!

Running With The Devil Half Marathon
Boulder City, NV
June 26

I almost ran this one last year but I think I was a little beat up. This is one of those “what are you thinking” races. The event ranges in distances from 5K to 50 miles but the kicker is the starting times. Each distance is planned to start so you’ll be racing during the hottest part of the day. This is June by the way and it’s the desert – you put two and two together and you’ll understand the race name. The marathon starts at 10 a.m. and the half starts at noon. The one good thing about this race is you don’t have to worry about getting up at 3 a.m. to make it to the corrals. Heck, you might even have a chance for a nap before the gun sounds.

Disneyland Half Marathon
Anaheim, CA
September 5 (Labor Day Weekend)

This will be my fourth year running this race and I can’t imagine not having this race on my schedule. This is the fifth year the race is being held (can’t believe I didn’t know about the first one) and they will be offering a special 5th year medal. This race will also complete my Coast to Coast Challenge – running Disney World and Disneyland in the same calendar year. The Angels won’t be in town again this year so that should mean the route will take us thru Anaheim Stadium again. It’s a crazy adrenaline rush and I’ve been know to walk that section just to spend a little more time in there.

Ragnar Relay
Valley of Fire to Las Vegas, NV
October 22-23

This is going to depend on two things and two things only. First, how is my body feeling and second, can I find a team this year. I was so excited that Ragnar came to Vegas last year. Since my fist expo when I picked up one of their brochures, I wanted to run this race. So last year, I thought I had a team all lined up and ready to go when it all just seemed to fade away. This year, I’m going to be looking high and low for a team. Whether I know you or not it won’t matter – just give me a holler and I’m there.

Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon
Las Vegas, NV
December 5

I plan to bookend my marathons this year. Last year’s inaugural Rock-n-Roll “rocked” and I expect more of the same next year. With over 23,000 participants last year, I’m fully expecting this race to boom in the next couple of years into one of the nations bigger marathons. The organization was top notch, running up and down the strip is crazy and the course is well thought out. Even though I struggled last year I still thought the whole experience was one of my favorite of the year.

So that’s it (for now). After looking over this list after I typed it, I realized that I could be doing 7-8 race this year. That’s double what I’ve ever run before so we’ll see how it goes. I can guarantee that Fargo, Disneyland and Las Vegas are in stone – the others will fall into place.

RMFR

So many times we get caught up in our training runs that we forget how enjoyable running can be when we put all that other crap else behind us. Such was the case with me last week.

Coming off what I considered a somewhat disappointing Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon, I was entering a runner’s low. I took off the whole week before starting up training for the Walt Disney World Marathon. I needed a recharge and it came with snow.

Las Vegas occasionally gets snow every winter and this year has been no different. Instead of putting in a short easy run to get the muscles firing again, I put on the trail shoes and headed up to the white fluffy stuff. Overnight, mother nature had deposited a nice dusting of snow up in the foothills. Since running in snow is something I don’t get to do that often, this was a situation I had to take advantage of!!!

I had my Garmin but didn’t look at it once. Instead I let myself blend in with God’s creation and tried to take everything in. I stopped. I walked. I even thru a couple of snowballs. When I reached a point to turn back, I took photos. I even took the time to call my dad and share with him the beauty that surrounded me. This was running for the pure enjoyment of it. I didn’t care what my mile splits were. I didn’t have any goal except to be one with the moment. Yes, my batteries are recharged and I’m going to try and remember that running IS enjoyable. If it’s not any fun, why do it?

RMFR

Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon Review (2 of 3) Kids Rock Las Vegas

Since I’ve started running, I’ve tried to encourage my kids to be more physically active since they’re really not into any sports. Earlier this year, we all ran in Mickey’s Main Street U.S.A. 5K as part of the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon weekend. With the inaugural Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon, another opportunity presented itself with Kids Rock Las Vegas.

This event was part of a training program by Rod Dixon and sponsored by McDonalds and Springfield products. As part of the event, kids were asked to partake in an 8-week training program which would total 25.2 miles. Then on December 4th, all the kids got together at the UNLV track and ran the last mile together. Although the boyz and I did not complete the entire training program, it was a great event to keep them active and running.

It just happened to be the coldest morning of the winter so far in Las Vegas but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the hundreds of kids at the track. There were a number of schools that participated and they showed up by the bus load. On the infield, they had areas for all the kids separated by grades Kindergarten thru 6th grade. Members of the UNLV track team were there and did a great job warming up the kids and getting them to the starting line. My only suggestion next time would be to have the younger kids go first. Waiting over an hour for the younger kids seemed to make things a little harder on the kids AND volunteers.

The event started with the national anthem and a flyover by two military helicopters – we didn’t even get a flyover for the marathon!!! Just as they would eventually do in the marathon, the kids were started in waves. Not only did this prevent some crazy smashups but it also allowed more than one runner to jump out to a lead. Ronald McDonald was in the house and ran the first half lap with the kids and then stayed at the finish to high five the runners as they passed (yes, this was a big deal). After completing 3 1/2 laps, they had a entire finish area set up for just the kids. They got to take photos, receive a goodie bag and were treated to free food and drinks. The biggest deal of the whole thing was getting an actual metal medal!!!

I really thought it was cool to have Rod Dixon at the event. Not only was it his program but he personally ran with each age group. And he didn’t just run up front. He picked out a kid that was slow or struggling and ran the entire mile with them encouraging them the whole way. In between races he signed autographs and chatted with a bunch of the kids.

Overall it was a great event and I can only hope that it grows with more kids and schools participating every year.

Well race week is here and the only the final runs of my training schedule remain. I have a distinct advantage of working near Miles 16-22 of the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon course. So with that in mind, I’ve planned my 3 runs this week to run sections of the marathon course. By the way, can you believe it’s December already?

Tuesday, Dec. 1 – 3.5 mi.
For this run I plan to run miles 16, 17 and 22. Running up Hacienda, I’ll turn and run Rainbow down to Tropicana and head back the same way I came. This way I get to reacquaint myself with the mild hill on Rainbow that crosses over the wash. Hacienda is by far my favorite city street to run in Las Vegas. On Sunday, you’ll find out why.

Thursday, Dec. 3 – 5 mi.
Again, I’ll head up Hacienda and run past Rainbow. This covers parts of miles 16 and 18-22 of the marathon course. Going west on Hacienda is uphill but it’s gentle which I’m hoping will look just as gentle on Sunday late in the race. You’ll also see Spring Valley Hospital on this route – my 5 star spectator spot.

Friday, Dec. 4 – 3.5 mi.
I’ll repeat my Tuesday run again today. As familiar as I am with this area, I think these “refresher” runs will help give me confidence late in the race to help bring me in for a PR in my second full marathon.

RMFR

Again, seeing that the Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon is my hometown race, I’d like to offer my expertise to those of you who are not very familiar with Las Vegas. My wife and I were discussing the best place for her and my kidz to see me during the marathon route and it got me thinking of the best places for spectators to watch the race. You can also see the official race website locations by clicking here. I’ll break it down by categories:

Don’t want to deal with traffic and cool temperatures.

• Stay at home and watch the race on KLAS TV Channel 8. Last year they did 2 hours live coverage and then did an hour recap later in the day (so participants could watch). I will know the times of coverage early next week and will update my Twitter and Facebook pages with that information. Not a fan or following us in social media yet? Click on the Twitter and Facebook links now.

1/2 Marathon Spectators

• Seeing that the nearly the whole race is being run on the strip provides numerous opportunities to view the race. Your best bet is to find a place on one of the many overhead walkways that span Las Vegas Boulevard. There are sidewalks as well but a view from above should be really cool.
• The most activity will be around Mile 3 between Tropicana and Harmon (near the MGM and Planet Hollywood hotels). There will be a band there and couples will be getting married near here around 7:15 am. This spot will also give you time to hoof it back to the finish line to cheer your favorite runner home.
• Spring Mountain and Las Vegas Boulevard. On the west side of the Strip is Treasure Island (T.I.) and the Fashion Show Mall. Here you can cheer on the 1/2 marathoners return and also bid farewell to the marathoners as they venture west for their epic journey.
• Start/Finish line. From my past experience, there’s nothing like the excitement at the beginning of a race. Fireworks, Air Force fly overs and atmosphere can be thrilling (no only for runners but the spectators as well). It’s also cool to see the sea of humanity in the corrals. I still am in awe every time that there are so many of us!!!

Full Marathon Spectators

• Hands down the best spot this year is on the corner of Rainbow Boulevard and Hacienda Avenue. Black Market Music will be rockin’ the corner and you will have 3 (yes 3) chances to see runners cross this intersection. The route goes west on Hacienda and turns north on Rainbow – does a U Turn back to Hacienda – west on Hacienda where we U Turn again back down to Rainbow and towards the Strip. On the southeast corner of this intersection is Spring Valley Hospital and there will be ample parking available. It also has easy access but you need to approach the intersection from the south. I recommend taking the I-215 and exiting north on Rainbow. After your favorite runner passes you the third time, you can take Russell Road east straight down to Mandalay Bay for the finish. Depending on how fast your runner is you’ll have about 30-40 minutes to make it down – should be plenty of time.
• Any of the other 1/2 marathon sites will work here as well but you’ll have more time to hang out before your runner returns to the finish.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. See you all in a week!!!

RMFR

To be brutally honest with you I’ve been scared to run for the last week. The tragic and needless death of Jeremy Kunz in this years Las Vegas Ragnar Relay effected me greatly. Over the past couple of months we here at One Runner’s Brain have tried to advocate runner safety. Whether it’s rules of the road or wearing the correct clothing, there’s a lot we need to do to make sure we can be seen by motorists. I’ve tried to lead by example but I decided the amount of reflective clothing I wore was not enough.

Most of my long runs are on Charleston Blvd./Nevada State Route 159 which treks thru the beautiful Spring Mountains and The Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area (if you’re ever in Las Vegas you have to run out here). This is a popular route (especially for cyclists and more and more runners) because you can take this road to Blue Diamond Road (about 15 miles) and back and not have to worry about one single stop light. What you do have to worry about (especially in the dark, early morning hours) are vehicles seeing you on the shoulder of the road.

This weekend I went out and purchased a Nathan Night Fall Vest and I’m sleeping and running with a much clearer mind. Knowing that I’m going to light up like a Christmas tree to oncoming drivers is much more comforting than wondering if they’re going to see you. I still carry a flashlight and prepare to launch myself into a gully at the first sign of lights heading my way, but I know they can see me.

If you’re not wearing reflective gear, please go out get some. There are many inexpensive items from reflective tape, wrist bands and vests. Don’t leave it up to chance. We can’t stop drunk or reckless drivers but there are steps we can take to make running a whole lot safer!!!