Saturday, September 1, 2012
Getting ready for New York City Marathon
Greetings one and all to the updated blog on behalf of the mad runner.
Being how today is the 1st of September and the days are counting down to the ING New York City Marathon on November 4, 2012. And to train for such an event is quite an adventure. And with a little over 60 days will be a test on my heart and my body.
Being a kid from the reservation, I have always wanted to do something with my life, and running provided me an outlet from everything around me. From drugs, from gangs, from what we refer as, "rez life". And don't get me wrong, I love where I am from because the struggles made me the man I am today, appreciative of what I have today.
When I got the call about being chosen to run on Team One Spirit and our trek to New York City and to imagine a kid from the rez in the grand city of America is like a dream come true. I am still at a loss for words for what will transpire. And with my races I have done so far have fulfilled such great memories for myself and for others, I always look forward to the next race.
Talking with Jeri Baker, the director of One Spirit, I am very honored that within weeks away from the biggest race of my career, I keep pinching myself to know that this is a dream that has become reality.
With my fellow team members, it will be exciting for us all to experience this once in a lifetime event is going to be one to remember. With our running as our backbone, we will be ready.
I have been preparing for this race as anyone would. I have been studying the course and amazed on how many places we will see. I will be excited to see a lot, like Brooklyn Bridge, Staten Island, the Bronx and Manhattan. And I have been receiving a lot of support from the public. Very blessed.
On behalf of One Spirit and our mission is to prove that we are more than just stereotypes and statistics in life. We overcame all odds and will do so on November 4th.
For more information on One Spirit and about being updated on all of us runners, please visit, www.nativeprogress.org and click on the links for more details.
And if you would like to help donate to One Spirit, please check out www.crowdrise.com/OneSpirit.
I look forward the next few weeks and for making everyone feel a part of everything I will go through.
P.S. My little buddy, Alan says, "Hello, and I can beat you at Call Of Duty with a broken arm, literally."
Peace and love to all!
Guess who's back?
Well, it is I, the mad runner and to most,the Native Ninja. And welcome to a new installment of this rant of a blog.
For awhile, my blogger would not let me access my account not fear not running fans, I am back
! And a lot of exciting news has transpired since my last post.
Where to begin? Well, after taking some time off to rehab my right knee and my neck, I came back in full force to run again. I started off with a race in Mandan, ND and out of 157the runners, I placed 7th overall and was very happy with my performance. The next race was in Underwood,ND and that was the Harvest Fest 5k for Relay For Life. And even though it was a cloudy and rainy day, I was the overall champion and had beat my time of 23:26.
Onto the next race, which was the BurliMot half marathon on August 25th, I ran with a great friend, Jason from Minot. He got me into the race months in advance and I had the privilege to stay over night at his residence. And we ran a great race. Could not ask for anything more.
I am still very honored that in the next 2 months of training, will be the big race....New York City....to be able to have a dream come true in my life is at a loss for words now. But I cannot wait for it to happen. Many thanks to the One Spirit organization for providing us with many to br able to race that day.
For many, please check out www.nativeprogress.org if you would like to be updated on the New York City Marathon and our team, Team One Spirit and our mission.
I will be typing out a new installment regarding the New York City Marathon and the One Spirit organization
For awhile, my blogger would not let me access my account not fear not running fans, I am back
! And a lot of exciting news has transpired since my last post.
Where to begin? Well, after taking some time off to rehab my right knee and my neck, I came back in full force to run again. I started off with a race in Mandan, ND and out of 157the runners, I placed 7th overall and was very happy with my performance. The next race was in Underwood,ND and that was the Harvest Fest 5k for Relay For Life. And even though it was a cloudy and rainy day, I was the overall champion and had beat my time of 23:26.
Onto the next race, which was the BurliMot half marathon on August 25th, I ran with a great friend, Jason from Minot. He got me into the race months in advance and I had the privilege to stay over night at his residence. And we ran a great race. Could not ask for anything more.
I am still very honored that in the next 2 months of training, will be the big race....New York City....to be able to have a dream come true in my life is at a loss for words now. But I cannot wait for it to happen. Many thanks to the One Spirit organization for providing us with many to br able to race that day.
For many, please check out www.nativeprogress.org if you would like to be updated on the New York City Marathon and our team, Team One Spirit and our mission.
I will be typing out a new installment regarding the New York City Marathon and the One Spirit organization
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Safety running tips and a spotlight addition
Greetings everyone of the blog world, this is the mad runner and this is my....diary? That doesn't sound quite right but nonetheless, we shall proceed.
This new blog posting is going to reflect on a recent loss on my side. A good friend of mine whom I have known for almost 7 years was hit by a vehicle early in the morning of Friday and what pained me the most was that the driver of the vehicle didn't stop to help my friend as his ribs were broken and his lung was punctured. It was sad to know he suffered until they found his body, he was already dead on scene.
So, this posting is on the safety running tips that I have been writing down and educate many on being safe and being smart. And I know that a lot of us, including myself always think to ourselves, "It won't happen to me." but how do we know? We cannot predict the future of our own self being. We don't control the drivers if they don't see us, or if they were under the influence of drugs, alcohol or even blind spots. It can happen and this is our time to rise up and be aware of this issue.
So, here goes:
Use common sense. Before you even head out for a run, take a minute or two to do a safety check. Are your shoes tied? Are you familiar with your route? Does someone else know where you'll be running? Once you start running, continue with the safety checks. Make sure you're running off the street or against traffic (so you can see cars coming at you). Watch out for cracks or bumps in the sidewalk, or rocks and branches on your running path.
Make sure you're visible. No matter time of day you're running, it's important that you're visible, especially to drivers. Get in the habit of wearing white or bright-colored clothes. When running in the early morning, night, or dusk, make sure you have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it doesn't hurt to add more. A reflective vest can be worn over any form of running clothing and will definitely help drivers see you.
Don't run alone at night. No matter how comfortable you feel running at night, there's always more safety in numbers. If you usually run solo, try to find a running group, so you'll have running partners.
Always have identification on you. Put your driver's license and your medical insurance card (in case you get injured) in your pocket or wear an ID tag on your shoe. If you're wearing an ID tag or bracelet, make sure it has an emergency contact number on it. Whenever possible, I try to run with my cell phone, and it has my ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers saved. Many runners use running belts to hold their ID and cell phone.
Limit your distractions. I know it's tough -- maybe impossible -- for some of you to run without music, but you really shouldn't use your Ipod or mp3 player for outdoor runs. Cutting off your sense of hearing means you can't hear oncoming cars, cyclists yelling to move, unleashed dogs, or any other potential threat. Save your iPod for your treadmill runs. And make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. If you let your mind wander too much, you may find yourself wandering into an unsafe area
Don't make assumptions about drivers. Remember that many drivers aren't paying attention because they're listening to the radio, talking on their cell phone, or reading a map. Don't assume that drivers can see you or that they'll let you go because you have the right of way. Be sure you make eye contact with drivers at street crossings before you cross. And, better yet, try to stay off the roads as much as possible and stick to running in parks or on paths and sidewalk.
Watch out for cyclists and other runners. Even if you're running on a path or in a park with no cars, always be aware of other runners and cyclists. If you're approaching another runner or cyclist and need to pass them, communicate with him and let them know on which side you're trying to pass. Before you stop or turn around, make sure your path is clear.
Carry cash or ATM card. It's always a good idea to have money on you, in case of emergency. For example, if the weather turns bad, you get lost, or an injury starts bothering you, you may need to take a cab or bus back to your starting point. Some extra cash may also come in handy if you need to stop and buy water, sport drink, food, or first aid supplies during your run.
Trust your instincts. If a location or person makes you feel comfortable, trust your gut and run in the other direction.
To my fellow runners and those getting into running, be aware, be safe and be strong.
And now, moving onto a new subject in this blog, I am going to be reflecting on....more inspiration. Not only I am an avid runner, I am an avid reader, yes, I do read and they are not pop up books. I was talking with a good friend of mine who found me at the age of 16 and she was looking for my father but ended up emailing me. Since then on, that friendship grew and it was based on respect and running. On my 16th birthday, she sent me a birthday gift, a book that changed my mind and my life when I was a teenager. That book was titled, Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Which is about a seagull who is bored with the daily squabbles over food. He is labeled as an outcast but he continues to learn and becoming pleased with his abilities as he leads an idyllic life. And inscribed in the beginning in the book was written by my good friend, Karen Gray Jeffers, from Wheatland, California who is still an avid runner and she is on my top list of female runners. She wrote that the last page of the book was meant for me, and that was our motto.....no limits. That my gift in running has no limits, that I still continue to grow as a passionate runner.
Karen has always been a part of my running for 12 years, she has always shared her workouts and always encourage and believe in me because sometimes, that is all we need to move onto some great and so far, I did. I have moved onto something BIG in my life, from running a 5k, an 8k and now half marathons and an upcoming full marathon.
As a runner for 16 years strong, my dreams are coming true, there are more of a fact that I will achieve the biggest dream ever and that is on a later date to tell you all.
So, thank you for tuning in for another blog installment. I wish you luck, love, passion, safety and inspiration.
Be sure to tune in later this week when I will be making a trip to the Black Hills and will do some trail running and some extra features.
Have a safe week and God bless.
This new blog posting is going to reflect on a recent loss on my side. A good friend of mine whom I have known for almost 7 years was hit by a vehicle early in the morning of Friday and what pained me the most was that the driver of the vehicle didn't stop to help my friend as his ribs were broken and his lung was punctured. It was sad to know he suffered until they found his body, he was already dead on scene.
So, this posting is on the safety running tips that I have been writing down and educate many on being safe and being smart. And I know that a lot of us, including myself always think to ourselves, "It won't happen to me." but how do we know? We cannot predict the future of our own self being. We don't control the drivers if they don't see us, or if they were under the influence of drugs, alcohol or even blind spots. It can happen and this is our time to rise up and be aware of this issue.
So, here goes:
Use common sense. Before you even head out for a run, take a minute or two to do a safety check. Are your shoes tied? Are you familiar with your route? Does someone else know where you'll be running? Once you start running, continue with the safety checks. Make sure you're running off the street or against traffic (so you can see cars coming at you). Watch out for cracks or bumps in the sidewalk, or rocks and branches on your running path.
Make sure you're visible. No matter time of day you're running, it's important that you're visible, especially to drivers. Get in the habit of wearing white or bright-colored clothes. When running in the early morning, night, or dusk, make sure you have reflective gear on. Although some items (running shoes, jackets) already have reflective pieces on them, it doesn't hurt to add more. A reflective vest can be worn over any form of running clothing and will definitely help drivers see you.
Don't run alone at night. No matter how comfortable you feel running at night, there's always more safety in numbers. If you usually run solo, try to find a running group, so you'll have running partners.
Always have identification on you. Put your driver's license and your medical insurance card (in case you get injured) in your pocket or wear an ID tag on your shoe. If you're wearing an ID tag or bracelet, make sure it has an emergency contact number on it. Whenever possible, I try to run with my cell phone, and it has my ICE (In Case of Emergency) numbers saved. Many runners use running belts to hold their ID and cell phone.
Limit your distractions. I know it's tough -- maybe impossible -- for some of you to run without music, but you really shouldn't use your Ipod or mp3 player for outdoor runs. Cutting off your sense of hearing means you can't hear oncoming cars, cyclists yelling to move, unleashed dogs, or any other potential threat. Save your iPod for your treadmill runs. And make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. If you let your mind wander too much, you may find yourself wandering into an unsafe area
Don't make assumptions about drivers. Remember that many drivers aren't paying attention because they're listening to the radio, talking on their cell phone, or reading a map. Don't assume that drivers can see you or that they'll let you go because you have the right of way. Be sure you make eye contact with drivers at street crossings before you cross. And, better yet, try to stay off the roads as much as possible and stick to running in parks or on paths and sidewalk.
Watch out for cyclists and other runners. Even if you're running on a path or in a park with no cars, always be aware of other runners and cyclists. If you're approaching another runner or cyclist and need to pass them, communicate with him and let them know on which side you're trying to pass. Before you stop or turn around, make sure your path is clear.
Carry cash or ATM card. It's always a good idea to have money on you, in case of emergency. For example, if the weather turns bad, you get lost, or an injury starts bothering you, you may need to take a cab or bus back to your starting point. Some extra cash may also come in handy if you need to stop and buy water, sport drink, food, or first aid supplies during your run.
Trust your instincts. If a location or person makes you feel comfortable, trust your gut and run in the other direction.
To my fellow runners and those getting into running, be aware, be safe and be strong.
And now, moving onto a new subject in this blog, I am going to be reflecting on....more inspiration. Not only I am an avid runner, I am an avid reader, yes, I do read and they are not pop up books. I was talking with a good friend of mine who found me at the age of 16 and she was looking for my father but ended up emailing me. Since then on, that friendship grew and it was based on respect and running. On my 16th birthday, she sent me a birthday gift, a book that changed my mind and my life when I was a teenager. That book was titled, Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Which is about a seagull who is bored with the daily squabbles over food. He is labeled as an outcast but he continues to learn and becoming pleased with his abilities as he leads an idyllic life. And inscribed in the beginning in the book was written by my good friend, Karen Gray Jeffers, from Wheatland, California who is still an avid runner and she is on my top list of female runners. She wrote that the last page of the book was meant for me, and that was our motto.....no limits. That my gift in running has no limits, that I still continue to grow as a passionate runner.
Karen has always been a part of my running for 12 years, she has always shared her workouts and always encourage and believe in me because sometimes, that is all we need to move onto some great and so far, I did. I have moved onto something BIG in my life, from running a 5k, an 8k and now half marathons and an upcoming full marathon.
As a runner for 16 years strong, my dreams are coming true, there are more of a fact that I will achieve the biggest dream ever and that is on a later date to tell you all.
So, thank you for tuning in for another blog installment. I wish you luck, love, passion, safety and inspiration.
Be sure to tune in later this week when I will be making a trip to the Black Hills and will do some trail running and some extra features.
Have a safe week and God bless.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Physical therapy and much more
Hello blog readers,
Being how it has been a week since last week, a lot has happened.
First off, I have started with physical therapy and it did start off with some struggles but in the end, it was great because it means that I am making my way back to the world I have belonged to for almost 16 years. Pure blessing in it's own.
After the physical therapy, I got a steroid injection to the neck and to the arm and with the side effects were quite difficult but was prescribed medication to balance it all out and so far, so good. Staying strong.
Day after day, hour after hour and minute after minute, I just tried my best to get better and did 3 a day workouts and was putting miles and strength on my body. I was still able to run after physical therapy and it felt relieving.
And so far, I averaged 65.3 miles this past week and it went great. I ended on Saturday with a long run, 12 miles and on today's workout, I ran 20 miles at 6 a.m. and ran on a scenic highway and it was beautiful out. Even though it took me 3 hours to run the workout, I did it and felt accomplished because I have never ran 20 miles straight.
Adding onto my organizations for charities, I talked with my promoter about a new organization and I have made the decision of running for the Lupus Foundation and will be running a half marathon in September in the Black Hills and it will be great and beautiful. With time getting close to that race, I will keep many of you updated.
After running my tough workout this morning, I received a wonderful message on behalf of the One Spirit Organization for the Pine Ridge Reservation and it is a wonderful organization that helps the Lakota youth, I feel proud to be representing my Lakota people and the youth. And if many of you would like to know more about the organization, the website address is http://www.nativeprogress.org/ and you will see the wonderful things they are doing for the youth and reservation life.
With talking with Jeri Baker this morning, the director of the One Spirit Organization and she offered me a one in a lifetime event and that event is running in the New York City Marathon....and I was just shocked because as a runner, and running marathons, running Chicago, Boston and New York City is a must do. And I get that shot. And I would like to thank Jeri Baker and many of my friends and family for the support for my running. Words cannot express on how much everyone means to this mission. To give something back to everyone. The New York City ING Marathon is on November 4, 2012.
Keeping my faith in running for the Lupus Foundation and for the One Spirit Organization will be such great add ons and will be keeping everyone infomed with the future.
So, for those reading on, thank you and for those who continue to support my mission, thank you so ever much. :))
Also, Alan (little brother from another mother) says, "hi." again and such. Once again, enough said.
Have a great one and spread the goodness in your heart!
Being how it has been a week since last week, a lot has happened.
First off, I have started with physical therapy and it did start off with some struggles but in the end, it was great because it means that I am making my way back to the world I have belonged to for almost 16 years. Pure blessing in it's own.
After the physical therapy, I got a steroid injection to the neck and to the arm and with the side effects were quite difficult but was prescribed medication to balance it all out and so far, so good. Staying strong.
Day after day, hour after hour and minute after minute, I just tried my best to get better and did 3 a day workouts and was putting miles and strength on my body. I was still able to run after physical therapy and it felt relieving.
And so far, I averaged 65.3 miles this past week and it went great. I ended on Saturday with a long run, 12 miles and on today's workout, I ran 20 miles at 6 a.m. and ran on a scenic highway and it was beautiful out. Even though it took me 3 hours to run the workout, I did it and felt accomplished because I have never ran 20 miles straight.
Adding onto my organizations for charities, I talked with my promoter about a new organization and I have made the decision of running for the Lupus Foundation and will be running a half marathon in September in the Black Hills and it will be great and beautiful. With time getting close to that race, I will keep many of you updated.
After running my tough workout this morning, I received a wonderful message on behalf of the One Spirit Organization for the Pine Ridge Reservation and it is a wonderful organization that helps the Lakota youth, I feel proud to be representing my Lakota people and the youth. And if many of you would like to know more about the organization, the website address is http://www.nativeprogress.org/ and you will see the wonderful things they are doing for the youth and reservation life.
With talking with Jeri Baker this morning, the director of the One Spirit Organization and she offered me a one in a lifetime event and that event is running in the New York City Marathon....and I was just shocked because as a runner, and running marathons, running Chicago, Boston and New York City is a must do. And I get that shot. And I would like to thank Jeri Baker and many of my friends and family for the support for my running. Words cannot express on how much everyone means to this mission. To give something back to everyone. The New York City ING Marathon is on November 4, 2012.
Keeping my faith in running for the Lupus Foundation and for the One Spirit Organization will be such great add ons and will be keeping everyone infomed with the future.
So, for those reading on, thank you and for those who continue to support my mission, thank you so ever much. :))
Also, Alan (little brother from another mother) says, "hi." again and such. Once again, enough said.
Have a great one and spread the goodness in your heart!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Greetings to everyone to a brand new blog entry to the diary of a mad runner and I am sorry that it has been too long since I have posted anything. It has been quite busy.
Since April, I have been busy with running and new training and well, injuries and a new hurdle, but I am getting too ahead of myself here. Let me try to explain it more in some details.
In April, I pulled double duties in Bismarck, ND. On April 28th, I got to compete in a 5k for Parkinson's Disease on behalf of a running team I belong to, the Dakota River Runners with Universal Athletics and the morning started off cold and wet because it was raining all day but it did not break my spirit in running. The guests at the hotel I stayed at were surprised to see me in my running apparel. I was sporting the Superman shirt and socks with capes and some took pictures with me and some got a kick out of it. But the race was wonderful because a lot of people showed up on a cold day. I took 17th with a time of 24 minutes and after that, I boarded onto the bus and went over to the gymnasium of Century High School for the Great American Bike Race for Cerebral Palsy and I got to bike 20 minutes at 2 sessions and I averaged 12.7 miles of biking at 20 mph speed! It was a tiring day but I felt accomplished.
Now, onto the month of May, well, it was a month I will never forget. The week for getting ready for the Fargo Marathon in Fargo, ND was pretty crazy. I was training pretty hard for this race because it was a first for me and I was excited too. I averaged up to 77 miles in one week, a personal best. And the week of the race, I lost a lot...I lost my aunt, my grandfather and my job. But that did not break my spirit because I used that emotion of loss to win. I was honored that the people I was running for were there to cheer me on, a nice gentleman with Cystic Fibrosis and a young lady from a previous post with Cerebral Palsy showed up to inspire me and boy, did it work! I ran and ran....and ran, by the time I was wondering what mile I was on, because the scenery was so great, people all over the course, cheering, having a good time and inspiring us all and when I noticed a sign said, Mile 10 and I felt so great to have run so far without no problems. I finished the last mile with a strong pace and my goal was to run it in 2 hours and 30 minutes and I finished in 2 hours and 24 minutes. What a perfect finish because I did it strong and loved every mile.
With the month of June, well....I only ran 1 race so far and it was not a good one because I ran hurt. At the end of May, I slipped and hurt my knee and had a knee sprain and the doctor's said I would be out for a month and by the 9th of June, I ran a 5k in Wilton and ran it in 26 minutes, like I wanted but I was too focused on my knee and it got the best of me. My only regret. I did have a race every weekend in June but ended up forfeiting because of my knee and also, a severe injury.
For those tuning in, since 2007, I have had problem with my neck and the first time in 2007 was a surgery that a tumor was removed and 3 years later, in 2010, I had left over tissue removed and suffered nerve damage and had to deal with that from then on. I just never knew that it would come back around but in a diferent harm than usual.
For awhile, I was experiencing tension in my neck that would effect the left side of my face and I figured that was normal but it wasn't. I was even having this feel like someone rubbed icy hot all over my neck and finally, after a recent check up concerned the doctors to call me to see me urgently to find out what was wrong.
So, yesterday, June 21st, I went in to get checked out with an MRI and other nerve conduction tests and biopsy. I made the trip to Bismarck, ND to St. Alexius Medical Center and got in just in time to go straight to do the MRI and after 50 minutes in the machine, I had a lot to think about. My doctor was Mr. Eric Belanger, a neck specialist and after 4 hours of tests and finding out what was happening, he told me that I tore 9 muscles in my neck and arm combined. How did I manage to do that? Well, having a nerve damaged arm doesn't help when you lift and you don't know your limits because you can't feel much. And stress added was not a good thing to have too.
Dr. Belanger said that the muscles I tore were the scalene, pectoralis, trapezius and muscles by my clavicle (collar bone) in my neck and in my left arm, I tore my brachioradialis and my biceps. I suffered atrophy, also known as muscle loss.
Their solution? Well, Dr. Belanger said that it will be a TOUGH road to recovery and he thinks that I have a 20% of making a come back to racing. Which scared me. But after talking with the physical therapists have reassured me that with physical therapy, I can make it back. I will have to do a lot of physical therapy and prednisone injections, which is a steroid to help repair my muscle damage. I even have to do more electric shock therapy on my arm.
Whatever it takes, I will be back and just in time for August and the 5k rematch and the half marathon on the 25th. I am a fighter, we always find a way to the next round.
On a good note, I appreciate many who have stuck by me through all this, the good and the bad. And I am honored to have you all be a part of what I go through.
P.S. my little bro, Alan (A-Rage) says, "Hi" and "Do work!" Enough said. Haha.
Since April, I have been busy with running and new training and well, injuries and a new hurdle, but I am getting too ahead of myself here. Let me try to explain it more in some details.
In April, I pulled double duties in Bismarck, ND. On April 28th, I got to compete in a 5k for Parkinson's Disease on behalf of a running team I belong to, the Dakota River Runners with Universal Athletics and the morning started off cold and wet because it was raining all day but it did not break my spirit in running. The guests at the hotel I stayed at were surprised to see me in my running apparel. I was sporting the Superman shirt and socks with capes and some took pictures with me and some got a kick out of it. But the race was wonderful because a lot of people showed up on a cold day. I took 17th with a time of 24 minutes and after that, I boarded onto the bus and went over to the gymnasium of Century High School for the Great American Bike Race for Cerebral Palsy and I got to bike 20 minutes at 2 sessions and I averaged 12.7 miles of biking at 20 mph speed! It was a tiring day but I felt accomplished.
Now, onto the month of May, well, it was a month I will never forget. The week for getting ready for the Fargo Marathon in Fargo, ND was pretty crazy. I was training pretty hard for this race because it was a first for me and I was excited too. I averaged up to 77 miles in one week, a personal best. And the week of the race, I lost a lot...I lost my aunt, my grandfather and my job. But that did not break my spirit because I used that emotion of loss to win. I was honored that the people I was running for were there to cheer me on, a nice gentleman with Cystic Fibrosis and a young lady from a previous post with Cerebral Palsy showed up to inspire me and boy, did it work! I ran and ran....and ran, by the time I was wondering what mile I was on, because the scenery was so great, people all over the course, cheering, having a good time and inspiring us all and when I noticed a sign said, Mile 10 and I felt so great to have run so far without no problems. I finished the last mile with a strong pace and my goal was to run it in 2 hours and 30 minutes and I finished in 2 hours and 24 minutes. What a perfect finish because I did it strong and loved every mile.
With the month of June, well....I only ran 1 race so far and it was not a good one because I ran hurt. At the end of May, I slipped and hurt my knee and had a knee sprain and the doctor's said I would be out for a month and by the 9th of June, I ran a 5k in Wilton and ran it in 26 minutes, like I wanted but I was too focused on my knee and it got the best of me. My only regret. I did have a race every weekend in June but ended up forfeiting because of my knee and also, a severe injury.
For those tuning in, since 2007, I have had problem with my neck and the first time in 2007 was a surgery that a tumor was removed and 3 years later, in 2010, I had left over tissue removed and suffered nerve damage and had to deal with that from then on. I just never knew that it would come back around but in a diferent harm than usual.
For awhile, I was experiencing tension in my neck that would effect the left side of my face and I figured that was normal but it wasn't. I was even having this feel like someone rubbed icy hot all over my neck and finally, after a recent check up concerned the doctors to call me to see me urgently to find out what was wrong.
So, yesterday, June 21st, I went in to get checked out with an MRI and other nerve conduction tests and biopsy. I made the trip to Bismarck, ND to St. Alexius Medical Center and got in just in time to go straight to do the MRI and after 50 minutes in the machine, I had a lot to think about. My doctor was Mr. Eric Belanger, a neck specialist and after 4 hours of tests and finding out what was happening, he told me that I tore 9 muscles in my neck and arm combined. How did I manage to do that? Well, having a nerve damaged arm doesn't help when you lift and you don't know your limits because you can't feel much. And stress added was not a good thing to have too.
Dr. Belanger said that the muscles I tore were the scalene, pectoralis, trapezius and muscles by my clavicle (collar bone) in my neck and in my left arm, I tore my brachioradialis and my biceps. I suffered atrophy, also known as muscle loss.
Their solution? Well, Dr. Belanger said that it will be a TOUGH road to recovery and he thinks that I have a 20% of making a come back to racing. Which scared me. But after talking with the physical therapists have reassured me that with physical therapy, I can make it back. I will have to do a lot of physical therapy and prednisone injections, which is a steroid to help repair my muscle damage. I even have to do more electric shock therapy on my arm.
Whatever it takes, I will be back and just in time for August and the 5k rematch and the half marathon on the 25th. I am a fighter, we always find a way to the next round.
On a good note, I appreciate many who have stuck by me through all this, the good and the bad. And I am honored to have you all be a part of what I go through.
P.S. my little bro, Alan (A-Rage) says, "Hi" and "Do work!" Enough said. Haha.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Inspiration in different forms
Greetings one and all to an overdue blog from the mad runner,
I apologize if it has been awhile but with how things are going, it has been very busy on my end! Whether it is getting stuff done before I train and run or if it is keeping up with a lot of things in my life, I would take a vacation but I feel like this is my vacation because I am enjoying myself with everything around me.
Finding inspiration is one thing in the beginning but when you use it for your own good, it becomes more than inspiration, it becomes a mission. And lucky for me, I have been reminded in many forms. In the past few weeks of training and running, I have been improving on my running and I feel great. And I am quite proud to say that last week, from Sunday to Saturday, I averaged 56.7 miles and my goal was 50 miles. And yes, I am an over achiever but it sure feels good to go past my expectations.
But on a side note, my first half marathon that was in Champaign, Illinois has changed because of discouragement in finding an open hotel but no luck at all. But on a good side note, I have switched it for a 5k race for Parkinson's Disease in Bismarck, ND. Also, I am hoping to make it on a team for the Great American Bike Race for Cerebral Palsy where I get to bike over 20 miles. And yes, all in one day! I am that crazy to try both events on and succeed in my own way, with heart and inspiration.
With my upcoming first half marathon being in Fargo, ND, I am very EXCITED! I am being impatient for that race because there is going to be so much going on there, I will have a lot of people there to support and cheer me on as I run. And I have 2 special guests of honor and they are Shane Wilhelmi whom I never met but I know his parents well enough and on behalf of Shane, I will be representing him and Cystic Fibrosis as that is his case he deals with on a daily basis and the other guest is Miss Taylia Bauer, whom I recently just met through some friends I have made here in the town of Washburn, ND. Having met Taylia reminds me of what I train for, that everything I will go through is worth it, just for recognition and respect. Because this race is not for me but for those who are my own personal heroes. And I cannot wait to meet Shane in Fargo and to have both special guests and their families plus extras standing on the sidelines to help cheer me on, I am truely blessed and humbled.
The next question I have for myself, what crazy thing should I do to help make this half marathon be fantastic and fun? Well, I am sure I will think of something creative and fun. Whether is rocking the colors or dying the mohawk again.
Here is Miss Taylia, my guest of honor for the 2012 Fargo Marathon on May 19th. Thank you, Ginnie Grove Swanson, meeting her and her smile is the motivation that I need to push past the miles and make her and everyone proud.
I apologize if it has been awhile but with how things are going, it has been very busy on my end! Whether it is getting stuff done before I train and run or if it is keeping up with a lot of things in my life, I would take a vacation but I feel like this is my vacation because I am enjoying myself with everything around me.
Finding inspiration is one thing in the beginning but when you use it for your own good, it becomes more than inspiration, it becomes a mission. And lucky for me, I have been reminded in many forms. In the past few weeks of training and running, I have been improving on my running and I feel great. And I am quite proud to say that last week, from Sunday to Saturday, I averaged 56.7 miles and my goal was 50 miles. And yes, I am an over achiever but it sure feels good to go past my expectations.
But on a side note, my first half marathon that was in Champaign, Illinois has changed because of discouragement in finding an open hotel but no luck at all. But on a good side note, I have switched it for a 5k race for Parkinson's Disease in Bismarck, ND. Also, I am hoping to make it on a team for the Great American Bike Race for Cerebral Palsy where I get to bike over 20 miles. And yes, all in one day! I am that crazy to try both events on and succeed in my own way, with heart and inspiration.
With my upcoming first half marathon being in Fargo, ND, I am very EXCITED! I am being impatient for that race because there is going to be so much going on there, I will have a lot of people there to support and cheer me on as I run. And I have 2 special guests of honor and they are Shane Wilhelmi whom I never met but I know his parents well enough and on behalf of Shane, I will be representing him and Cystic Fibrosis as that is his case he deals with on a daily basis and the other guest is Miss Taylia Bauer, whom I recently just met through some friends I have made here in the town of Washburn, ND. Having met Taylia reminds me of what I train for, that everything I will go through is worth it, just for recognition and respect. Because this race is not for me but for those who are my own personal heroes. And I cannot wait to meet Shane in Fargo and to have both special guests and their families plus extras standing on the sidelines to help cheer me on, I am truely blessed and humbled.
The next question I have for myself, what crazy thing should I do to help make this half marathon be fantastic and fun? Well, I am sure I will think of something creative and fun. Whether is rocking the colors or dying the mohawk again.
Friday, February 24, 2012
A personal service annoucement
Greetings and salutations everyone,
I come before you not as a runner but a person who has been dealing with an effect that is an epidemic across the states and other parts of the counties. And that effect is, suicide.
I was notified yesterday that a good friend of mine who I met through running many years ago had passed away, from suicide. He was only 26 years old and a fantastic runner, he was always a tough runner when I met him because of his attitude and his ability. We shared many good moments together with encouragement. Even when I went through my neck injury, he was there with many emails telling me that it wasn't over for me. I just wish he would've told himself that when he needed it, or maybe I should've. There is a part of me that feels guilty because the loss of contact between us and if I was around to talk or listen to him when he was going through a hard time but it is a burden I shouldn't carry because guilt can lead to depression. And from what I heard, he got depressed for losing a race he was good at, he was looking for that perfection. To me, he is still a strong runner and always a champion, no matter what place he took.
Did you know that in America, for every 2 people killed by homicide, 3 people are dead by suicide and that over 300,000 Americans take their own lives every year? I did not know much about that facts because when you are hit by suicide, you think of everyone around you but not everyone in the world.
To me, that is not right at all because life should be embraced by everything, life, love, happiness, joy, family and friends. And sure, there are bad times in the world where you feel like you do not matter but to everyone else, you do. There is help and asking for help is not a sign of being weak, it is a sign of taking a step to being better.
Truth is, I can read you so many facts about the leading causes of suicide and sadly, that list can go on and on as things are added like depression, mental state of mind, anger, or thinking that death is a way out of life when you are having a bad moment. It is not a way out of everything bad because it creates more bad in the world as younger generations or those of the same age level think of it as an example and that leads on to more related deaths.
Growing up on the reservation, it was something I would see and hear about and the community was shocked, just like everyone in the world. I lost friends and relatives to suicide and I have to tell you, it hurts and the effects are still hurtful years later as they did the first time you experience them.
Even though there is a national Suicide Prevention or Awareness day in September, I think that there should be one every month. Just a personal opinion because I believe in life.
And I know some of you may ask, "What can we do to help prevent this?" And that is, if you know someone who is depressed or having a bad day, do not add to it. Make that person's day by telling them something great, to boost their confidence. Studies show that those who attempted suicide and still surviving gave life another chance to live and found someone who made them happy. Goes to show you how far a smile or gesture can take someone. And for those who read this who feel less than perfect in life, you are perfect to me and many others.
There are many websites, counselors, phone numbers to call to seek help. And it is never too late to do so, it does get better and I do mean that. You are not alone.
Even if you need someone to talk to, I am here for you as well. And I don't judge or tell anyone of the conversations we may have.
Here are some links if you need them:
http://www.afsp.org/ Toll-free: 1-888-333-AFSP (2377) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Thank you for all who read this, I appreciate this because even if this was on my charity list or not, this is an issue that I will do my best for, for suicide prevention and awareness. Give life another chance.
I come before you not as a runner but a person who has been dealing with an effect that is an epidemic across the states and other parts of the counties. And that effect is, suicide.
I was notified yesterday that a good friend of mine who I met through running many years ago had passed away, from suicide. He was only 26 years old and a fantastic runner, he was always a tough runner when I met him because of his attitude and his ability. We shared many good moments together with encouragement. Even when I went through my neck injury, he was there with many emails telling me that it wasn't over for me. I just wish he would've told himself that when he needed it, or maybe I should've. There is a part of me that feels guilty because the loss of contact between us and if I was around to talk or listen to him when he was going through a hard time but it is a burden I shouldn't carry because guilt can lead to depression. And from what I heard, he got depressed for losing a race he was good at, he was looking for that perfection. To me, he is still a strong runner and always a champion, no matter what place he took.
Did you know that in America, for every 2 people killed by homicide, 3 people are dead by suicide and that over 300,000 Americans take their own lives every year? I did not know much about that facts because when you are hit by suicide, you think of everyone around you but not everyone in the world.
To me, that is not right at all because life should be embraced by everything, life, love, happiness, joy, family and friends. And sure, there are bad times in the world where you feel like you do not matter but to everyone else, you do. There is help and asking for help is not a sign of being weak, it is a sign of taking a step to being better.
Truth is, I can read you so many facts about the leading causes of suicide and sadly, that list can go on and on as things are added like depression, mental state of mind, anger, or thinking that death is a way out of life when you are having a bad moment. It is not a way out of everything bad because it creates more bad in the world as younger generations or those of the same age level think of it as an example and that leads on to more related deaths.
Growing up on the reservation, it was something I would see and hear about and the community was shocked, just like everyone in the world. I lost friends and relatives to suicide and I have to tell you, it hurts and the effects are still hurtful years later as they did the first time you experience them.
Even though there is a national Suicide Prevention or Awareness day in September, I think that there should be one every month. Just a personal opinion because I believe in life.
And I know some of you may ask, "What can we do to help prevent this?" And that is, if you know someone who is depressed or having a bad day, do not add to it. Make that person's day by telling them something great, to boost their confidence. Studies show that those who attempted suicide and still surviving gave life another chance to live and found someone who made them happy. Goes to show you how far a smile or gesture can take someone. And for those who read this who feel less than perfect in life, you are perfect to me and many others.
There are many websites, counselors, phone numbers to call to seek help. And it is never too late to do so, it does get better and I do mean that. You are not alone.
Even if you need someone to talk to, I am here for you as well. And I don't judge or tell anyone of the conversations we may have.
Here are some links if you need them:
http://www.afsp.org/ Toll-free: 1-888-333-AFSP (2377) American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The hot pink mohawk and other stuff!
Greetings everyone,
Sorry that my postings have been within a week apart from each other, and yet again this time....I got an upper respiratory tract infection and my breathing has been off and on like usual. However, I did happen to keep on running when my breathing was a bit strong and made it through. Weekly average so far is now 22.3 miles. Not bad for a person who was just ill.
On a different subject, I have done it, the mohawk is now dyed hot pink and I have to thank the lovely ladies at Hair We Are here in Washburn, ND. They were awesome on how quick they were to make my mohawk was just that perfect pink color to help motivate for breast cancer. And so far, there have been many feedback on the color and such. Some were very awesome because they are my friends and some who live here in Washburn. And some have been....quite interesting because they don't think that men should have a pink mohawk and I just chuckle because I told them that if you are a man, you are comfortable with everything, color or the person. I do enjoy it because it is out of my ordinary. I am not the flashiest runner, I don't wear all that bright clothing or shoes. But now, I see a complete change because I am now sporting the hot pink mohawk, the pink or tye dye socks and bright colors of clothing and I have to say, I like being goofy to help catch the attention to tell them why I am wearing crazy stuff, to help boost information on the charities I am running for. Fun times, I tell you what.
Other than having a hot pink mohawk and feeling quite awesome, I am doing awesome. Despite anything that kept me down for a bit, I am doing quite alright.
And there it is, in all it's glory....the hot pink mohawk. What a lot of people were awaiting and it is here. And I am very proud of it too.
Do not let anyone tell you that you can't do this or anything because it's you. Even if they think it is negative or crazy, in other people's eyes, it's pretty awesome to them.
If you like this blog and want to check out some other interesting blogs, here are a few that I highly recommend because they have helped me with the attention to my blog and I appreciate them and all that they do.
http://thefirstscout.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/119180393762/
http://www.shutupandrun.net/
To my fellow runners all over, keep on running, eventually....you will get somewhere!
And to all my friends and family who read this, thank you as I am thankful for you in my life.
Sorry that my postings have been within a week apart from each other, and yet again this time....I got an upper respiratory tract infection and my breathing has been off and on like usual. However, I did happen to keep on running when my breathing was a bit strong and made it through. Weekly average so far is now 22.3 miles. Not bad for a person who was just ill.
On a different subject, I have done it, the mohawk is now dyed hot pink and I have to thank the lovely ladies at Hair We Are here in Washburn, ND. They were awesome on how quick they were to make my mohawk was just that perfect pink color to help motivate for breast cancer. And so far, there have been many feedback on the color and such. Some were very awesome because they are my friends and some who live here in Washburn. And some have been....quite interesting because they don't think that men should have a pink mohawk and I just chuckle because I told them that if you are a man, you are comfortable with everything, color or the person. I do enjoy it because it is out of my ordinary. I am not the flashiest runner, I don't wear all that bright clothing or shoes. But now, I see a complete change because I am now sporting the hot pink mohawk, the pink or tye dye socks and bright colors of clothing and I have to say, I like being goofy to help catch the attention to tell them why I am wearing crazy stuff, to help boost information on the charities I am running for. Fun times, I tell you what.
Other than having a hot pink mohawk and feeling quite awesome, I am doing awesome. Despite anything that kept me down for a bit, I am doing quite alright.
Do not let anyone tell you that you can't do this or anything because it's you. Even if they think it is negative or crazy, in other people's eyes, it's pretty awesome to them.
If you like this blog and want to check out some other interesting blogs, here are a few that I highly recommend because they have helped me with the attention to my blog and I appreciate them and all that they do.
http://thefirstscout.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/119180393762/
http://www.shutupandrun.net/
To my fellow runners all over, keep on running, eventually....you will get somewhere!
And to all my friends and family who read this, thank you as I am thankful for you in my life.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Upcoming and a switch
Hello all! And yes, before you throw rotton tomatoes at me for not posting later this week but hey, I was busy! Busy with forming new alliances with organizations, busy with phone calls, runs and workouts but I know, there is no excuse and I should't be making any but my apologies, nonetheless.
With the last posting of going home, I was inspired (once again!) by talking to a great guy who I got in touch with about running for the Med Center One Cancer Care Center and he is the Executive Director of the Med Center One Foundation who helps many in different areas and we shot out a bunch of ideas and got to know each other more. And it was fun because we have that same energy with everything we do!
So, look forward to me running on behalf of the Med Center One Foundation and trying to keep everything home based or nearby. Next stop will be the North Dakota Diabetes Coalition with helping out with them and then, helping out my Reservation where I grew up on. And it was quite funny that I called on my lunch break to talk to someone who could help me out with running for the reservation for diabetes prevention and awareness but after being routed to many different numbers, I got the right location and sure enough, after being polite and introducing myself, and explaining about me running for charities....he hung up on me. Rude, yes but will it stop me? No.
Coming in September is a race that a lot of people have been waiting for, Jeff Turning Heart Sr. vs. Jeff Turning Heart Jr., and you don't need to adjust your eyes, I said it, Senior vs. Junior, to run for diabetes during the Labor Day Fair in my hometown, Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Senior agreed to it and I will send out more information when time gets near. A race that I am looking forward to because we have never EVER raced against each other. We tried but failed at times to get this race going but now, I will do my best to keep it active on my roster.
Another switch I have is that I was intended to run the Chicago half marathon, the Bank of America Marathon in October but they closed the registration because they have capped out, meaning that they filled all the slots for the race. But have no fear, I will be changing it to the Twin Cities Marathon, on the same date, October 7th. Good planning on my end but still a bit sad that I will not be running in the Chicago Marathon, my dream run but next year.....it will happen.
Now, after reading through the online newspaper, the Bismarck Tribune, a story caught my eye that dealt with a fellow runner, a teacher out of Montana who went missing during her early morning run and so far, the details are quite sketchy because they found her shoe and then have suspects in custody and the FBI came in to investigate as they found a body part and it has spurred a lot of people to care for this lady and her family and I feel for her and many other female runners that are attacked or kidnapped.
So, after reading the online article, it mentioned that they are going to have a virtual run in honor of her, her name is Sherry Arnold and this run is however you want to approach it, run a mile, run 20 miles or beyond because just run for Sherry, and if you go to http://www.shutupandrun.net/, they have a printable bib to wear on your run and this run is not only here in North Dakota but in the town where Sherry lived at and even in Canada, and if you want to see the article, it is online at http://www.bismarcktribune.com/ and donations can be made on the Shut Up and Run website and bracelets are available too. You can bet that I am wearing my bib proudly on Saturday and even donating to the family she left behind.
So, I encourage you to do your part in honoring a wonderful woman during the dark time and sad news. Be the miracle and be the strength for others. God bless you.
With the last posting of going home, I was inspired (once again!) by talking to a great guy who I got in touch with about running for the Med Center One Cancer Care Center and he is the Executive Director of the Med Center One Foundation who helps many in different areas and we shot out a bunch of ideas and got to know each other more. And it was fun because we have that same energy with everything we do!
So, look forward to me running on behalf of the Med Center One Foundation and trying to keep everything home based or nearby. Next stop will be the North Dakota Diabetes Coalition with helping out with them and then, helping out my Reservation where I grew up on. And it was quite funny that I called on my lunch break to talk to someone who could help me out with running for the reservation for diabetes prevention and awareness but after being routed to many different numbers, I got the right location and sure enough, after being polite and introducing myself, and explaining about me running for charities....he hung up on me. Rude, yes but will it stop me? No.
Coming in September is a race that a lot of people have been waiting for, Jeff Turning Heart Sr. vs. Jeff Turning Heart Jr., and you don't need to adjust your eyes, I said it, Senior vs. Junior, to run for diabetes during the Labor Day Fair in my hometown, Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Senior agreed to it and I will send out more information when time gets near. A race that I am looking forward to because we have never EVER raced against each other. We tried but failed at times to get this race going but now, I will do my best to keep it active on my roster.
Another switch I have is that I was intended to run the Chicago half marathon, the Bank of America Marathon in October but they closed the registration because they have capped out, meaning that they filled all the slots for the race. But have no fear, I will be changing it to the Twin Cities Marathon, on the same date, October 7th. Good planning on my end but still a bit sad that I will not be running in the Chicago Marathon, my dream run but next year.....it will happen.
Now, after reading through the online newspaper, the Bismarck Tribune, a story caught my eye that dealt with a fellow runner, a teacher out of Montana who went missing during her early morning run and so far, the details are quite sketchy because they found her shoe and then have suspects in custody and the FBI came in to investigate as they found a body part and it has spurred a lot of people to care for this lady and her family and I feel for her and many other female runners that are attacked or kidnapped.
So, after reading the online article, it mentioned that they are going to have a virtual run in honor of her, her name is Sherry Arnold and this run is however you want to approach it, run a mile, run 20 miles or beyond because just run for Sherry, and if you go to http://www.shutupandrun.net/, they have a printable bib to wear on your run and this run is not only here in North Dakota but in the town where Sherry lived at and even in Canada, and if you want to see the article, it is online at http://www.bismarcktribune.com/ and donations can be made on the Shut Up and Run website and bracelets are available too. You can bet that I am wearing my bib proudly on Saturday and even donating to the family she left behind.
So, I encourage you to do your part in honoring a wonderful woman during the dark time and sad news. Be the miracle and be the strength for others. God bless you.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The trip home
Greetings to everyone, and yes, I know it has been awhile since I have blogged and it is because of the fact that I have been busy, which is a story of my life so far.
And what has happened since I got busy? Well, a lot. I have been training like none other, with the warm weather has blessed my feet with good running conditions. And with a recent trip back home on the reservation has opened my eyes back up again to focus on what needs to be done with my running ability.
To be able to go home and take in all what I went through as a kid from the rez was great because overlooking the track I used to run on constanly and to go inside the school where it has been close to 10 years since I have graduated from. To talk to students on not giving up on their dreams and to tell them that there is life off of the reservation. To follow a dream and take it by storm. The feedback was great and so was the interaction between both myself and the students. And the questions were great because I wasn't lecturing them, I was talking to them as if they were adults. Some students had great questions and some were happy to know that Native Americans can do what they thought was impossible. I just told them that I am not the first and I will not be the last.
To see locations I have ran at before and to touch the pavement like I did once before too was great because that environment is what got me through the hardest times of life. I enjoyed seeing everything and meeting everyone I could and I will have to say that in March, I will be back, for many reasons.
I missed my sisters, my brother, my mother, my grandmother and the rest of my family because they are what keeps me going in life. Even back when I was younger.
My mother has been great because she never gave up on me and never will. I admire that because I know that it is instilled in all mothers but as a person, she will never give up on me. And for my sisters, they are all different in many ways but I love them the same. And I could ramble on and on about my wonderful family because they mean the world to me.
Like I told many on facebook, I stand at 6 foot 1 but with my family and friends, they make me feel like I am 10 feet tall and growing. It is quite true.
As of today, 87 more days until race day and I am prepared to make that journey because I have been training well for it and when it comes to 30 days til race day, I will be training like a mad man because there is no stopping me and will be a new runner. Patience is the key.
I invite you all to do one thing, rewind your life to when you were a kid and remember what it was like to walk into something brand new and run with it and see how proud you were when you took something and make it your own. And how excited you may have been to try something new. That is how I felt when I went home and be reminded of my roots. Never forget your roots, they are your foundation.
Thanks again for reading this random thought and experience I have encountered and hope you stay tune for more. Take care and God bless.
And what has happened since I got busy? Well, a lot. I have been training like none other, with the warm weather has blessed my feet with good running conditions. And with a recent trip back home on the reservation has opened my eyes back up again to focus on what needs to be done with my running ability.
To be able to go home and take in all what I went through as a kid from the rez was great because overlooking the track I used to run on constanly and to go inside the school where it has been close to 10 years since I have graduated from. To talk to students on not giving up on their dreams and to tell them that there is life off of the reservation. To follow a dream and take it by storm. The feedback was great and so was the interaction between both myself and the students. And the questions were great because I wasn't lecturing them, I was talking to them as if they were adults. Some students had great questions and some were happy to know that Native Americans can do what they thought was impossible. I just told them that I am not the first and I will not be the last.
To see locations I have ran at before and to touch the pavement like I did once before too was great because that environment is what got me through the hardest times of life. I enjoyed seeing everything and meeting everyone I could and I will have to say that in March, I will be back, for many reasons.
I missed my sisters, my brother, my mother, my grandmother and the rest of my family because they are what keeps me going in life. Even back when I was younger.
My mother has been great because she never gave up on me and never will. I admire that because I know that it is instilled in all mothers but as a person, she will never give up on me. And for my sisters, they are all different in many ways but I love them the same. And I could ramble on and on about my wonderful family because they mean the world to me.
Like I told many on facebook, I stand at 6 foot 1 but with my family and friends, they make me feel like I am 10 feet tall and growing. It is quite true.
As of today, 87 more days until race day and I am prepared to make that journey because I have been training well for it and when it comes to 30 days til race day, I will be training like a mad man because there is no stopping me and will be a new runner. Patience is the key.
I invite you all to do one thing, rewind your life to when you were a kid and remember what it was like to walk into something brand new and run with it and see how proud you were when you took something and make it your own. And how excited you may have been to try something new. That is how I felt when I went home and be reminded of my roots. Never forget your roots, they are your foundation.
Thanks again for reading this random thought and experience I have encountered and hope you stay tune for more. Take care and God bless.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Let's find some inspiration
Greetings one and all to the blog that will never end!
With the weather here in North Dakota has taken a great turn of temperatures! We went from having a day of 60 degrees to negative 20 with the windchill! I am so glad that last week I averaged 53.7 miles of running outdoors and now I can do my workouts of weight lifting and cardio. To go from one extreme to the next was just ridiculous but it is North Dakota, enough said.
What has been going on this end was a lot, with running and talking with many since the article came out, I decided to just talk with many about the charities and hopefully something will stick with them. And on great news, I will have a foundation page on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation page and will making an appearance in early May to meet the rest of the team, the Great Striders of Fargo because in May, we will be running for Cystic Fibrosis and I will also be running for the American Cancer Society and the Med Center One Cancer Care Center in Bismarck. And with both local in the state, I feel priviliged to be able to run for them and help raise not only the funds for research and what they may need for their survivors and patients, I will be also running for awareness for many.
My inspiration has always been the people. No matter how far they are away from me to someone standing next to me, I have always been able to just sit down and hear their stories to help motivate me to keep going that extra mile. To carry them with me, in my mind and in my heart. Because like I said earlier, these races are not for me, they are for them, the people. I am just honored that I get to run in honor of many and they all express their gratitude as I express my appreciation on them not giving up on their battles.
One that caught my attention that I still think is false, someone who has said they would like to be disclosed from being referenced on my blog said that she called me a hero. To me, they are my heroes because of the strength they have shown me. My character and actions may seem like I am a hero but I do not feel like one. I just feel like a stepping stone for many to be inspired to take something they are passionate about and turn it into a blessing.
To be able to carry many on my shoulders and to carry them in my heart when I run and ready for the event, I am excited and can't wait for the race, only 100 more days from today. With my training and everything else, I feel invincible, beyond my own measures. I feel like a champion because of the strength, motivation and inspiration. When I first heard a song by Nelly called, "Champion" I felt a burst of adrenaline build inside me and I felt like I could run 100 miles in one day. But let's save that for race day.
When I talked with Med Center One this past week, I was shocked and honored that I will be the very first person to run specifically for that organization, for the Cancer Care Center and a good friend of mine who works in Med Center One told me that she showed the article to many of her coworkers who are runners have been inspired to run for charities too. And that was my other mission for this running tour, to inspire many to do what they love and share it with many and help many others out in their time of need.
A question that was always on the back of my mind was, "How do you want to be remembered? For your honor or your pride?" And I want to be remembered as a guy who opened doors for many to follow of the person who showed that passion and desire comes responsibility and with heart and soul, are the 2 main engine parts that make you inspirational.
I know with many who read my blogs or my facebook messages, they grow tired of me describing on what I am up to or my quotes, I say to them, too bad because if they do not like them, many might like them. Just be inspired, in your own way.
To many who have been loyal and have follow this blog, I thank you. And a side note, Team Heart Militia shirts will be soon available for purchase for those and silicone bracelets too. For anyone who wants to be a part of Team Heart Militia and our statement....Be the miracle.
And for many, here is the song that hopefully will inspire you to become your own champion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQf1VH9DPRI
With the weather here in North Dakota has taken a great turn of temperatures! We went from having a day of 60 degrees to negative 20 with the windchill! I am so glad that last week I averaged 53.7 miles of running outdoors and now I can do my workouts of weight lifting and cardio. To go from one extreme to the next was just ridiculous but it is North Dakota, enough said.
What has been going on this end was a lot, with running and talking with many since the article came out, I decided to just talk with many about the charities and hopefully something will stick with them. And on great news, I will have a foundation page on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation page and will making an appearance in early May to meet the rest of the team, the Great Striders of Fargo because in May, we will be running for Cystic Fibrosis and I will also be running for the American Cancer Society and the Med Center One Cancer Care Center in Bismarck. And with both local in the state, I feel priviliged to be able to run for them and help raise not only the funds for research and what they may need for their survivors and patients, I will be also running for awareness for many.
My inspiration has always been the people. No matter how far they are away from me to someone standing next to me, I have always been able to just sit down and hear their stories to help motivate me to keep going that extra mile. To carry them with me, in my mind and in my heart. Because like I said earlier, these races are not for me, they are for them, the people. I am just honored that I get to run in honor of many and they all express their gratitude as I express my appreciation on them not giving up on their battles.
One that caught my attention that I still think is false, someone who has said they would like to be disclosed from being referenced on my blog said that she called me a hero. To me, they are my heroes because of the strength they have shown me. My character and actions may seem like I am a hero but I do not feel like one. I just feel like a stepping stone for many to be inspired to take something they are passionate about and turn it into a blessing.
To be able to carry many on my shoulders and to carry them in my heart when I run and ready for the event, I am excited and can't wait for the race, only 100 more days from today. With my training and everything else, I feel invincible, beyond my own measures. I feel like a champion because of the strength, motivation and inspiration. When I first heard a song by Nelly called, "Champion" I felt a burst of adrenaline build inside me and I felt like I could run 100 miles in one day. But let's save that for race day.
When I talked with Med Center One this past week, I was shocked and honored that I will be the very first person to run specifically for that organization, for the Cancer Care Center and a good friend of mine who works in Med Center One told me that she showed the article to many of her coworkers who are runners have been inspired to run for charities too. And that was my other mission for this running tour, to inspire many to do what they love and share it with many and help many others out in their time of need.
A question that was always on the back of my mind was, "How do you want to be remembered? For your honor or your pride?" And I want to be remembered as a guy who opened doors for many to follow of the person who showed that passion and desire comes responsibility and with heart and soul, are the 2 main engine parts that make you inspirational.
I know with many who read my blogs or my facebook messages, they grow tired of me describing on what I am up to or my quotes, I say to them, too bad because if they do not like them, many might like them. Just be inspired, in your own way.
To many who have been loyal and have follow this blog, I thank you. And a side note, Team Heart Militia shirts will be soon available for purchase for those and silicone bracelets too. For anyone who wants to be a part of Team Heart Militia and our statement....Be the miracle.
And for many, here is the song that hopefully will inspire you to become your own champion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQf1VH9DPRI
Friday, January 13, 2012
Personal addition to my charity list.
Greetings one and all to this Friday the 13th blog about the Mad Runner and I hope you all had a great week and continue to have a great weekend.
I know with the constant stream of emails from this blog, that someone pointed out a suggestion which hit home for me and it was a jointed charity race that I am doing this year. Which means that I combine two charities together that go hand in hand with each other. And those two charities are anti bullying and suicide prevention.
Listening to this person's testimony struck me because of how their story connected with me and the rest of America. And I sure can relate with this person on what it is like to be....different. And I promised this person that I will not disclose their name and I honor that. But I will tell you this, I was in the same boat as a kid.
Growing up, I was a shy and quiet kid (shocking, I know) but during the school years, I was quiet because there were some boys who I knew that liked to pick on others because in their eyes, we weren't part of the cool bunch. We didn't play basketball or we just hung around and talked about music or tv shows. And of course, just like any kid, I was picked on because I had spikey hair and didn't always see eye to eye with many because I did my own thing.
As time progressed and I got involved with sports, the same kids I grew up with would always taunt others and including myself because we didn't dress like them or talked like them either. In some of our eyes, they were seen as bullies and sometimes, when we were approached, we wouldn't say anything to anyone, our parents or our teachers because we didn't want to be seen as a narc or snitch.
The high school years were a bit different for me, because I let go of that fear of them because I knew deep down, that one day, I will be more successful than they will be because people like that have one frame of mind, making others feel bad to make them feel better. To me, that was insecurity.
From then on, I just didn't care because I was concentrating on graduating and moving on with my life to prove that through anything that was in my way, I overcame it. And I always hope that for everyone else who ever had to put up with a bully or have seen such situations.
To others, it may seem like a shock to hear this from me on my past but I want to come to you as honest and loyal as you are to me. I am not ashamed of my past because hard times make you stronger, mentally and spiritually. And I think a reason why others didn't think too highly of me is because being known as a kid who has a father whom everyone talks about because of his contributions to South Dakota running, it was quite hard to be a figment of someone's idealist on who I should be.
But now, I am standing up for the fight against bullying and what it leads to because I hear such stories from kids who are pushed too far in life. And I find it both sad and sickening on what aftermath of bullying. Some turn to venting their rampage in a form of vengance which results in such a horrific manner, school shootings and a mental breakdown and in such cases as suicide. And it is sad that just because we are all different doesn't mean we are just like any other person in America. And it is also sad that it takes a horrible way to finally get recognized from their peers.
So, to those who have ever been picked on or bullied for being different, I say this, join me in the fight against something that is personal to me and hopefully to you. Let us all stand up and say that we are proud to be different than many because if we were all the same, life would be boring!
I am proud to say that I am different because I am the type of guy who likes to meet everyone and to those who read this, if you are having problems with everyday life, please contact someone, even if you want to send me a private message, I will respond and listen to anything you may say.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3MTOjKmLXw
Here is a link that will give you an idea on how bullying in America. This is a movie that I will be purchasing to help reach out to others.
Thank you and I hope this wasn't too much preaching going on for you.
I know with the constant stream of emails from this blog, that someone pointed out a suggestion which hit home for me and it was a jointed charity race that I am doing this year. Which means that I combine two charities together that go hand in hand with each other. And those two charities are anti bullying and suicide prevention.
Listening to this person's testimony struck me because of how their story connected with me and the rest of America. And I sure can relate with this person on what it is like to be....different. And I promised this person that I will not disclose their name and I honor that. But I will tell you this, I was in the same boat as a kid.
Growing up, I was a shy and quiet kid (shocking, I know) but during the school years, I was quiet because there were some boys who I knew that liked to pick on others because in their eyes, we weren't part of the cool bunch. We didn't play basketball or we just hung around and talked about music or tv shows. And of course, just like any kid, I was picked on because I had spikey hair and didn't always see eye to eye with many because I did my own thing.
As time progressed and I got involved with sports, the same kids I grew up with would always taunt others and including myself because we didn't dress like them or talked like them either. In some of our eyes, they were seen as bullies and sometimes, when we were approached, we wouldn't say anything to anyone, our parents or our teachers because we didn't want to be seen as a narc or snitch.
The high school years were a bit different for me, because I let go of that fear of them because I knew deep down, that one day, I will be more successful than they will be because people like that have one frame of mind, making others feel bad to make them feel better. To me, that was insecurity.
From then on, I just didn't care because I was concentrating on graduating and moving on with my life to prove that through anything that was in my way, I overcame it. And I always hope that for everyone else who ever had to put up with a bully or have seen such situations.
To others, it may seem like a shock to hear this from me on my past but I want to come to you as honest and loyal as you are to me. I am not ashamed of my past because hard times make you stronger, mentally and spiritually. And I think a reason why others didn't think too highly of me is because being known as a kid who has a father whom everyone talks about because of his contributions to South Dakota running, it was quite hard to be a figment of someone's idealist on who I should be.
But now, I am standing up for the fight against bullying and what it leads to because I hear such stories from kids who are pushed too far in life. And I find it both sad and sickening on what aftermath of bullying. Some turn to venting their rampage in a form of vengance which results in such a horrific manner, school shootings and a mental breakdown and in such cases as suicide. And it is sad that just because we are all different doesn't mean we are just like any other person in America. And it is also sad that it takes a horrible way to finally get recognized from their peers.
So, to those who have ever been picked on or bullied for being different, I say this, join me in the fight against something that is personal to me and hopefully to you. Let us all stand up and say that we are proud to be different than many because if we were all the same, life would be boring!
I am proud to say that I am different because I am the type of guy who likes to meet everyone and to those who read this, if you are having problems with everyday life, please contact someone, even if you want to send me a private message, I will respond and listen to anything you may say.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3MTOjKmLXw
Here is a link that will give you an idea on how bullying in America. This is a movie that I will be purchasing to help reach out to others.
Thank you and I hope this wasn't too much preaching going on for you.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The article, plus extra
Greetings one and all to the Diary Of a Mad Runner, brought to you by these sponsors.....oh wait, nevermind but nonetheless, for those who do not get the Leader News or the Underwood News here in North Dakota. I will post the article and title for all to see. And for those who I sent the article the newspaper they are in, they are in the mail and be there soon. This is for those who requested it online.
Running with hope and faith: Local runner sets goals for 2012 by Michael Johnson, editor of the Leader News.
There's something in every runner that drives them to work their bodies to its limits. Some run for the rush of finishing as a front runner. Some run for their health. Some do it to say they could.
A seasoned runner in the area has decided that this year he's not running for himself. He's running for those in need. He realized this past year as he struggled through his own health concerns that there are millions of others that struggle everyday because of their sickness.
He was involved in running several races across the country last year with a major sponsor. As a runner, being able to fill his schedule with races in exotic locations was a great opportunity for him. But the results were doing little for anyone but himself.
In December, Jeff Turning Heart Jr. did something different. He was part of the Jingle Bell Run in Fargo, which raised money for the Arthritis Foundation.
The run opened his eyes to the condition. He learned about kids that have arthritis and have to suffer through it as well as those who deal with the pains later in life.
He ran the race in 17 degrees and had a better time than his run in the summer, which took him by surprise. Seeing all the different people running not for themselves but for others stuck to him like a pair of small running tights. He was used to the boasting and medals rewarded to those in a competitve race. This was much more rewarding.
"Back in high school and college it was all for medals," Turning Heart Said.
He caught the fever that is charity racing. He decided he would devote himself to running for others in 2012.
"Anyone can run random races," Turning Heart said. "I thought I would start doing it for charities."
He lined up six half marathons and 10 races for 2012. his schedule includes seven different charities. He fits the races in between working as an interpreter for the Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation. He ran a suicide prevention run during the Krolls Diner half marathon and a Breast Cancer Awareness run in October.
The suicide prevention race was for a friend of his he lost in July. He decided he would also run for diabetes, Crohns disease, Big Brothers, kids from broken homes, cancer survivors, and cystic fibrosis to go with the suicide prevention and breast cancer runs.
"All these races are not just for me," Turning Heart said. "Every race I'm doing is for every person that needs it."
He's calling it the Hope and Faith Tour. He decided to spread awareness of the different charities by creating a T-shirt that lists his charities.
His running starts strong in April and includes a race nearly every month through the spring and summer. One in July will take him to Napa Valley, California where he will run for the Crohns and Colitis Foundation. For that race he will be helping mentor a person who has the crohns disease. At about the same time he started mentoring, he was asked if he would consider running in a circuit that would give him a chance in the Olympics. He politely declined as he had some important people counting on him. He knows others with Crohns disease and he knew that if his gift of running could be of help then he would run.
But the runner that takes others on his shoulders is not without his own pains. He had foot, leg and neck issues last year as well as sickness that kept him from competing in some of the races he planned.
"I developed a strong mentality from previous years in college," Turning Heart said. "Runners don't have perfect days, they have to be prepared for anything."
Turning Heart learned some time ago that putting a Bible verse in his shoe has been a push for him. He often searches the New Testament for a verse that will offer guidance for the day. He reads it thoroughly, writes it out and places it in his shoe. The message sticks in his mind during the race.
During a recent race his verse included Second Corinthians 12:10. "That is why, for Christ's sake. I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
The message sticks to him through out the entire tour as he fights for strength for all that are weak.
His trademark has been the Mohawk which he proudly brought back even in the cold of winter. Some look at it as a rebellious look. Turning Heart looks at it as a look that was popular among warriors going off to war.
"This is my battle," Turning Heart said.
Turning Heart has a goal of raising $10,000.00 in his runs this year. He has reached over half of that goal already.
Running with hope and faith: Local runner sets goals for 2012 by Michael Johnson, editor of the Leader News.
There's something in every runner that drives them to work their bodies to its limits. Some run for the rush of finishing as a front runner. Some run for their health. Some do it to say they could.
A seasoned runner in the area has decided that this year he's not running for himself. He's running for those in need. He realized this past year as he struggled through his own health concerns that there are millions of others that struggle everyday because of their sickness.
He was involved in running several races across the country last year with a major sponsor. As a runner, being able to fill his schedule with races in exotic locations was a great opportunity for him. But the results were doing little for anyone but himself.
In December, Jeff Turning Heart Jr. did something different. He was part of the Jingle Bell Run in Fargo, which raised money for the Arthritis Foundation.
The run opened his eyes to the condition. He learned about kids that have arthritis and have to suffer through it as well as those who deal with the pains later in life.
He ran the race in 17 degrees and had a better time than his run in the summer, which took him by surprise. Seeing all the different people running not for themselves but for others stuck to him like a pair of small running tights. He was used to the boasting and medals rewarded to those in a competitve race. This was much more rewarding.
"Back in high school and college it was all for medals," Turning Heart Said.
He caught the fever that is charity racing. He decided he would devote himself to running for others in 2012.
"Anyone can run random races," Turning Heart said. "I thought I would start doing it for charities."
He lined up six half marathons and 10 races for 2012. his schedule includes seven different charities. He fits the races in between working as an interpreter for the Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation. He ran a suicide prevention run during the Krolls Diner half marathon and a Breast Cancer Awareness run in October.
The suicide prevention race was for a friend of his he lost in July. He decided he would also run for diabetes, Crohns disease, Big Brothers, kids from broken homes, cancer survivors, and cystic fibrosis to go with the suicide prevention and breast cancer runs.
"All these races are not just for me," Turning Heart said. "Every race I'm doing is for every person that needs it."
He's calling it the Hope and Faith Tour. He decided to spread awareness of the different charities by creating a T-shirt that lists his charities.
His running starts strong in April and includes a race nearly every month through the spring and summer. One in July will take him to Napa Valley, California where he will run for the Crohns and Colitis Foundation. For that race he will be helping mentor a person who has the crohns disease. At about the same time he started mentoring, he was asked if he would consider running in a circuit that would give him a chance in the Olympics. He politely declined as he had some important people counting on him. He knows others with Crohns disease and he knew that if his gift of running could be of help then he would run.
But the runner that takes others on his shoulders is not without his own pains. He had foot, leg and neck issues last year as well as sickness that kept him from competing in some of the races he planned.
"I developed a strong mentality from previous years in college," Turning Heart said. "Runners don't have perfect days, they have to be prepared for anything."
Turning Heart learned some time ago that putting a Bible verse in his shoe has been a push for him. He often searches the New Testament for a verse that will offer guidance for the day. He reads it thoroughly, writes it out and places it in his shoe. The message sticks in his mind during the race.
During a recent race his verse included Second Corinthians 12:10. "That is why, for Christ's sake. I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
The message sticks to him through out the entire tour as he fights for strength for all that are weak.
His trademark has been the Mohawk which he proudly brought back even in the cold of winter. Some look at it as a rebellious look. Turning Heart looks at it as a look that was popular among warriors going off to war.
"This is my battle," Turning Heart said.
Turning Heart has a goal of raising $10,000.00 in his runs this year. He has reached over half of that goal already.
Since this article has been out, I have recieved both positive remarks and also, negative remarks. As usual, both remarks keep me going. Like I said, opinions are everywhere, some agreeing, some not. As a man once said, rise above the hate.
I was shocked that after work yesterday, I stopped in a gas station to rent 2 movies and a man came up and tapped me on the shoulder and said, "You're that one guy from the article?" and I just smiled and replied, "Yes, I am." and he told me to stop by sometime his work to talk with him because he wants to help contribute to my charities. That made me feel like I could take on the world and it did motivate me because it inspired many. Even if there are those who don't like me because of their own personal reasons, this is the moment that I look forward to.
One thing that everyone must know is that, I will not quit. Even if you tell me it is a hopeless cause, I will keep on going. I guess going through my own worst helped prepare me for this moment.
One question I will acknowledge is this one, about jealousy. Have I ever been jealous of others? And the answer is, who hasn't? When I was younger in both high school and college, I was jealous because of the talented runners I trained with and ran against. As I grew older, I let that go because being jealous, gets you nowhere in life. Just more negativity to find perfection when in truth, perfection is like a fairy tale, everyone searches for one but in the end, it can never be found but in stories.
Thank you all for reading and being loyal to this blog and to newcomers, welcome and get ready, this is only the beginning.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Back regardless
Greetings one and all to a NEW blog entry in the New Year. And I hope you all had a great New Years Eve and I wish you all a best 2012. New memories and new adventures await us all.
I woke up to 2012 and felt ready for the upcoming races and I feel very ready. And on January 1st, I ran a great 8 miles in this bizarre but fantastic weather in North Dakota and I have to say that for January in North Dakota, we hit the record temperature of 60 degrees ABOVE where last year was just bitter and cold. Quite unusual for us in this state.
With my new diet and new training, it has been coming along great and I figured I better start to change things up with my training. I usually just ran after work because it was more convienent but now, I am running at both 5:30 a.m. or even 6:00 a.m. at the latest and also, running after 5:00 p.m. It is part of my new routine, to get used to the milage and I have to say, I am enjoying this to the fullest. However, with my eating habits, I have been doing well. The first 4 days consisted of eating toasted seaweed, carrots and water (it wasn't that great either) but since then, my health food kick started off well. I now move onto the protein shakes and eating gobs of fruit and vegetables.
And on a good note, the article that my friend who is the editor of the local newspaper in town finally did publish the article and I have to say, as an avid reader, I was very impressed. He did a great job to make me seem cheesy and inspirational (it took a lot!), I just hope that many will be inspired to take on their own challenges and jump over their own hurdle.
With my running level, it has been taken to the next level and I feel excited to lace up my shoes and get ready for a tough workout which consists of hours of research and logging in milage and writing out what I need to work on, to prepare myself for the upcoming weeks.
So, thanks for tuning into a new blog in the new year. With the ongoing mission of the upcoming races, I will keep you all updated on what is coming near. Training and runs will be displayed and if anyone wants a copy of the article, let me know and I will try to get copies out to many.
Stay strong and live long!!
I woke up to 2012 and felt ready for the upcoming races and I feel very ready. And on January 1st, I ran a great 8 miles in this bizarre but fantastic weather in North Dakota and I have to say that for January in North Dakota, we hit the record temperature of 60 degrees ABOVE where last year was just bitter and cold. Quite unusual for us in this state.
With my new diet and new training, it has been coming along great and I figured I better start to change things up with my training. I usually just ran after work because it was more convienent but now, I am running at both 5:30 a.m. or even 6:00 a.m. at the latest and also, running after 5:00 p.m. It is part of my new routine, to get used to the milage and I have to say, I am enjoying this to the fullest. However, with my eating habits, I have been doing well. The first 4 days consisted of eating toasted seaweed, carrots and water (it wasn't that great either) but since then, my health food kick started off well. I now move onto the protein shakes and eating gobs of fruit and vegetables.
And on a good note, the article that my friend who is the editor of the local newspaper in town finally did publish the article and I have to say, as an avid reader, I was very impressed. He did a great job to make me seem cheesy and inspirational (it took a lot!), I just hope that many will be inspired to take on their own challenges and jump over their own hurdle.
With my running level, it has been taken to the next level and I feel excited to lace up my shoes and get ready for a tough workout which consists of hours of research and logging in milage and writing out what I need to work on, to prepare myself for the upcoming weeks.
So, thanks for tuning into a new blog in the new year. With the ongoing mission of the upcoming races, I will keep you all updated on what is coming near. Training and runs will be displayed and if anyone wants a copy of the article, let me know and I will try to get copies out to many.
Stay strong and live long!!
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