You might be a runner if. . .

more race numbers litter your floor than used running shorts,

you run no matter what the weather is like,

You keep a spare pair of running shoes in your trunk in case your car breaks down... just run to the closest town!

your shoes have more miles than your car,

You can swallow a bug during a run and not slow your pace,

you can farmer's blow (or snot rocket) in mid conversation and no one around you looks at you like you did something gross.

you're ALWAYS complaining that your effin shins hurt,

you need a bigger office at work to hold all your race bibs and finisher medals.

You find it difficult to walk on a sidewalk because you are so accustomed to running in the street.

ran to the hospital (3 miles away) to deliver your second child, pushing your 16 month old in a stroller.

When on the road in your car you think how long it would take you to run the mileage given on the freeway signs.

You swear you hate every step of a run, yet you show up again tomorrow and do it again.

Not having toenails is totally normal.

you wake up at 3:30am to get your long run in before work...and don't complain about it

if you have to apologize for every blister, callous, and missing toenail to the poor lady who does your pedicure!

What others see as running attire, you see as a daily outfit .

when youre driving and see another runner, you eaither want to pull over and join them, or honk your horn and cheer them on.

You tell me. I just did my first half but still talk about what "real runners do".


People ask you every Monday how you did in your race.

If u walk in on your significant other rubbing chafing cream on their 'tender' bits and think nothing of it...

You can't make it thru the day or night... Without getting a run in...you make time ..


Hallucinations are part of your long runs at night....

you don't laugh when you hear the word fartlek.

you love the smell of your own sweat after a long run

you choose a cell phone based on whether or not it will fit in the zippered pocket of your running shorts.

tear your ACL & cant run, & everyone aound you tells you you need to run to fix your attitude. :)

your nipples bleed.

You hobble around on Monday following a marathon and can't wait for your next one!

You sleep with your running clothes & SHOES on just so you can sqeeze in some miles
for a challenge that you really want to win.

If you know your calf needs a rest but its too nice out not to get in a quick 3.

you have more finisher t-shirts than work shirts and more running shoes than dress shoes!

You plan your vacations and weekend getaways around races in different cities!


if you fall asleep before sunset so you wake to enjoy running in the calm predawn stillness with the sunrise on one side and the stars on the other.

you drink from a handheld bottle at the dinner table....and actually use the strap

your non-runner friends know what a fartlek is, what your favourite distance is and they know about the upcoming races - because you're talking about running all the time.

you find out you need to have surgery and the first question you ask is "how soon can I get back to running?"

after crossing the Finish Line you run the course a 2nd time.

you ever wondered during a marathon what made you think running a marathon was a good idea, knowing full well you will do it again, and again, and again just because you can.

when you're in your car and see people running somewhere scenic you've never run before, you immediately want to pull over and do it, too.

Driving past woods has you wondering if tehre is enough room for a single track trail...

You remember a town not for its tourist attractions, but for where you started/finished, puked/potty stop, kid who high fived you, and where you realized that having the Chinese food last night was not a good idea.

Your main wardrobe is running clothes and a Garmin!!!

You use your lunch break for running instead of eating.

If you never leave the house without your running gear just in case.

When other people talk about 100 mile runs, no toenails, chafing, excess money spent on races, "peeing" on the run-you feel normal.


You complain about spending $150 on groceries because that would be almost 2 early registration fees for marathons.

if you smell your running clothes to see if they can be worn again....ok maybe that is just me..

You only feel comfortable wearing running shoes

You are grouchy all day if you don't do your daily run!

your blisters have blisters

You have 6 pairs of the exact same shoes

you can't remember the last time you had ten toenails

The nail on your big toe is gone forever, never to grow back.

getting up at or before 4:00 A.M. doesn't faze you, whether for a training run, a race, volunteering, or being support crew for someone else!

you can convert from miles to kilometers in your head in a matter of seconds.

You are planning the changes you'll make for your next marathon while being carried off course during a marathon with a blown hamstring. True story. Happened to me yesterday and it totally sucks.

you don't like having to take a "rest day.

you smirk when non-runners ask you, "So how long is this marathon?"

You complain about being in pain all the time but still go running.

You pick races and events just to put the stickers on your car!

You've never had to buy safety pins.

You know how to secretly sneak into the local track, even with the gates locked.

when you've heard the line "I'll only run when some one is chasing me" way too many times to count!
your stuck in traffic and as you look out the window you wonder if you got out and ran how far you would go and at what pace....

You fight through the pain only to feel more pain!

Your already stoked for your next run , after you come back from a run..

You get more excited about using body glide then astraglide!

You start a run on a Thursday night and end Saturday afternoon, 150 miles later. . . .

when your not running ,you size up every runner you see.

...if, on your birthday, your first thought is..."I'm in a new age division!"...lol

you respect the fact that a 5 minute mile is the same distance as a 10 minute mile...

You understand this FDL>DNF>DNS


Your "To Do" list looks like this:
1. Run
2. Everything else


You spent the past 15 min reading this and realize how far you could have run in that time.


This question was posed on a FB post. Too funny not to share with others.

MINIMUS test run by 112748 at Garmin Connect - Details

MINIMUS test run by 112748 at Garmin Connect - Details

First outing with new shoes. They have arrived. I am one happy minimal boy.

When a good deal is not a deal.

So I get this e-mail. 50% off running shoes your daily Groupon. Charlotte running Co. $25.00 for a $50.00 gift card for shoes only. I'm thinking great deal. New shoes are definately needed.

My next shoe however is the NB Minimus. I'm slowly moving to zero drop. This shoe has awesome reviews. The shoe arrives early at my normal dedicated store RFYL. I swing in to try them out. Of course I get great service as always. I'm even notified about the dangers associated with minimal running.

Knowing I'm not buying that night I get my usual service.

I send a e-mail to Charlotte Runnig Co. requesting to let me know when the Minimus arrives. I wait until March 1 and still no reply. I call the store, and find out they are in. However theey did not order a 13 for fear a minimal runner may not buy this shoe in a larger size.

I drive down to try the 12, if it doesn't fit i'm ready to buy my wife her Asics.
No luck the 12 is too small and they don't sell the Asics. Now i know I went in with the attitude of what I wanted. The service or advice I recieved was he thought the shoe had a low arch and felt he rolled in on the inside.

Just as im ready to sell my Groupon to a customer he tells me we can order them. I agree to this and we make the sale.

Now a week later and i have yet to get a call my new kicks are in. I call the store to find out maybe by Friday.

Now I am not writing this to bash anyone other than myself. I should have passed on what I thought was a good deal. Gas at 3.50 a gallon and I need to drive 15 miles out of my way to pick them up whenever they do arrive. I'm thinkin the $25.00 bucks I saved may not be worth it after all.

Gotta run. ( in my old shoes.)

Sunrise Saturday 2/19 by 112748 at Garmin Connect - Details

Sunrise Saturday 2/19 by 112748 at Garmin Connect - Details

In the press.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/02/16/2055155/harrisburg-runner-keeps-setting.html#

WOW!,

When I talked to Michelle about doing this article, I never thought it would go viral. Overnight it has been posted on the home page of Lowe's net and over 2300 co-workers have viewed the story. Glad I have been off. Who knows how full the email in box is.

Now with the 2011 goals published and out there I have some miles to make up. I need to average 40 a week and I'm a little behind at the moment.

I'm also working on using my 24 hour run in September to raise funds for a cause. I have a few that are in mind. Now to sort them out and see where God wants me to focus on.

The article sites my two biggest supporters as my family and they are my team. I'm happy to have them. They are my motivation and support. My goal is to find time to put in the miles without sacrificing family time. Tough to do but I can make it happen.

Two other important factors that have helped me on my journey are first I found God again. Realized that no matter how far from him I was, he was always right there. He has put me where I need to be.

Second is I work for a company that cares about the wellness of their employees. The Life Track program is proof of that. Health screening, tips and advice on how to live healthy happy lifestyle. Proving information to put the power in our hands. They even offer a system to build points for healthy living. The points can be used on some great gifts and prizes.

2011 has more goals for me to give back. I have started a running group that focuses on new runners and even runners who had stopped running. The big focus is to keep pace with the slowest runner. Its important for me to be there to motivate. There is nothing worse than being the new guy or the slow guy. Your working you butt off to keep up and the group leaves you in the dust. I can put my goals aside to help others reach their goal. I will go and put my miles in after the group run.

I also completed a marathon in January. i was able to be a pacer. I chose a pace that was below my time. 4:30 this was perfect. The reward of bring in a first time marathoner and someone who was just trying to better their last marathon time was awesome. I will continue to volunteer and do this a soften as I can.

The support has been overwhelming. Thanks to all.

Gotta Run.

Idiot Run

Untitled by 112748 at Garmin Connect - Details

Yes I'm a Idiot.

Where do I start on this one. I guess the history of the Idiot run.

On a twenty-three degree winter morning, seven runners, training for various marathons, traveled by foot from the YMCA in downtown Albemarle to the top of Morrow Mountain and back. When word spread of their 19.7 mile journey, people called them fools, buffoons and idiots. The pavement pounders agreed with the assessment and formed the Fellowship of the Idiots. Those that complete the run, get a t-shirt, certificate and their name engraved on the official Fellowship of the Idiot plaque that has a permanent home on the walls of Vac & Dash.

We recommend that you are able to run at least 13-15 before you participate in the Idiot Run. Must be able to run the 19.7 miles in 3 hours 45 minutes.

We are asking that you respect the distance and challenge of the run before you undertake it. The years that we have been doing this run, most runners have been able to do the course under that time. Honestly, we want to be as inclusive as possible, but recently, I've noticed that some folks just want to come out and do it without being in the proper shape to get the Idiot Shirt. The purpose of this run has always been to help those that are distance runners, have an enjoyable long run with company.

All this is put on By Peter Asciutto owner of Vac & Dash.
At Vac & Dash you can get fitted for a pair of running shoes, buy an Oreck Vacuum Cleaner to keep your house or business clean, ship a package via UPS and get custom screen printed apparel and advertising specialties for your sports team, church, business or organization.

Each year this event has grown. Maxing out at nearly 14 new Idiots. This year there were over 50. The big surprise to Peter were only 10 were local runners. The rest would be getting up at 3:30 am just to make the start line by 5:30 over an hour away.


Now for my view on the idiocy. Through FB I had questioned who's ready to do this. I had 4 responses. Jamaar, Emily H., Sahrah F, and Troy. Emily recruited Josh to join as well. We made arrangements to meet up and van pool from Harrisburg. So at 4am we prpared for our initiation into the fellowship. Everyone loaded and ready by 4:30. The only sain one of us Jamaar was still asleep.

The drive out was quick. No worries of traffic since sain people are still sleeping at this time on a Saturday morning.

We get to the Y and sign in. Peter explains the mishap with the bathroom and we will need to go two blocks down and use Vac and Dash.

We get back as everyone is heading into the street. Lining up behind a patrol car. Police support on a free training run. I now come to realize it's 25 degrees and I'm about to run nearly 20 miles.

We had the police escort through town and a couple intersections blocked off. After we reached the main highway the pack spread out and it became more like a Saturday group run.

There was only to be water at 6 and 13, however Peter had a water stop set up at mile 3.

About this time troy recognized Sarah F, so we pulled together and paced each other until about mile 7 during the climb.

As we moved into the country the streetlights faded and our only light was headlamps and reflectors. At one point we turned out our lamps and studied the awesome sky filled with stars.


We stopped at the mile 6 aid station for water and gels. After a couple photos with Peter we headed out, or should I say up. The State park road was a fair incline until just after mile 8. We began a switchback climb that gained 400 ft in less than a mile. We started to split up. Troy must love hills. It was a individual effort here. The sun was just breaking the horizon. I slowed to enjoy this and drop the heart rate. I dared not stop at this point. Runners were now passing me on the way back. I also told myself not to let this hill beat me. I never did. My pace fell to about 11 min in that mile.

Once at the summit you come into a large parking area. The turn around is at the end. Emily was heading down. I saw Troy making the turn and was on his way back down. When I made the turn the sun was just peaking over the horizon. I stopped at the look out to give thanks to God for giving me strength to make it to the summit and witness the sunrise. Peter was taking photos. I hung around for my photo and to wait for Sarah. Peter had also set up another aid station. Water and more Hammer gels.
There is nothing like a sunrise when you put in ever ounce of effort you have to get the best view you can.

Sarah snapped a few pics and we headed down. Her husband had given up and was pushing his bike up the road. We passed him on the way down as he continued to push up to see the sunrise.

As we made the bottom, Sarahs husband caught up with us. She told me to not let her hold me back. So I picked up the pace and turned on the music.

The miles were passing smooth. The rolling hills were good. I focused on catching the runner in front of me. He finally slowed down to walk and I passed him. As I came back into the city limits I could fell I was starting to bonk. I must have slowed considerably because now I could hear footsteps and the shadows of several runners were on me. These three were on a mission. Then another runner caught me about mile 18 He kept me company until the finish. Chatting with him was a little intimidating as he is training for multiple 100s.

I made it back in 3:01 with the Garmin reading about a half mile short. An over all 9:28 pace.

At the finish line the table of food was incredible. Bagels, donuts, fruit, chocolate milk.

Now was t6ime to get in line to get your certificate from Peter and your shirt. Hypothermia was setting in. I took the last sip from my hand held. It was frozen.
Then the coffee angel arrived with Mc. D's coffee.

We picked up our shirts, took some photos. The off to the warmth of the Y. They allowed use of the locker rooms and showers.


Now time for breakfast. Hinks was a suggestion from several Idiots and Peter himself.

When we pulled up I thought I would never go into a place like this alone. However once inside the place was great. The staff welcomed and thanked us. The coffee was on the table quick. My cup was never allowed to get half empty before getting a refill to top it off.

We ordered the Misty's Mess. Its a hash brown, egg, onion, pepper, cheese covered mess. She asked if I wanted the full or half stating it was big. I was hungry so I ordered the full. Emily ordered the healthy choice of a whole wheat pancake. Troy and Josh also had the mess. I highly recommend this place if your going to run any event in Albemarle. Peter stopped in to thank us for running and to invite us back to future events.


It was a great morning. Now time to head home. I found I wa in the presence of Idiots and maniacs. Now I need to work on my Maniac status.

I highly recommend doing this run. Do it before you have to pay for it.

The support, the welcome, the fellowship. Peter is a incredible host and race director. If you ever need assistance with your Oreck or Hoover. Bring it to Vac and Dash. Pick up some new shoes while your there. And don't forget to stop in at Hinks.

Or just check them out on the web
http://vacanddash.com/
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7DELA_en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=hinks&fb=1&gl=us&hq=hinks&hnear=Concord,+NC&cid=2719685403563417831