For the last year, I've been a member of an incredible site for runners aptly named "The Runners' Lounge." I found this site by accident, but it has been a happy accident, indeed. During my membership, I have made some amazing running friends, like Amy, B.V., and Joy. I look forward to hearing from them in the forum I created known as "The Fat Runners Society."
As a runner of nearly a dozen years, I encounter all sorts of people. Non-runners ask me all the time why in the world I would want to run. There used to be this guy I played fastpitch softball with that always would say, "why run when you can walk...why walk when you can hit a three-run homer." I must admit, prior to becoming a runner I felt the same way. I thought runners were nuts. How could anyone find running fun? But, until you've done it, you'll never know the pleasure of a long run or how quirky a bunch runners can be.
Runners have big hearts. They live big, often right on the very edge of life every day. We have wild and amazing stories of what brought us into the sport. My friend and fellow lounger, BV, inspired today's post. He sent me a message on my forum asking if I was all right after what I wrote in yesterday's blog. I've never met BV, but I share a kinship with him forged in a sport we both love and participate in every day. BV's a runner, but he's more than a runner. He's a man with a big heart or else he wouldn't have asked how I was and if he could help. He even gave me his private email address if I wanted to just "talk." How cool is that?
Running brings people together. No matter the color, creed, financial status, their body type...we all come together as a special group of people sharing a special sport. Our sport isn't necessarily a competitive one like football or soccer. The only competition we have is ourselves. I run to make myself better. I run to live life on the edge. I run to escape a world that is closing in on me and my running brings me closer to the God I love.
Thanks to all you runners out there, large and small, that have big hearts and refuse to live an ordinary life. Be barbaric in everything you do. Make someone smile and maybe bring someone that doesn't run into our fold.
God bless you all with great running!
TFR
Monday, September 1, 2008
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Behold, the Power of Pancakes!
Never underestimate the power of pancakes. Ahhh, the smell of golden griddle cakes fresh off the stove on a cold morning...nothing's better. Okay, maybe the coffee that goes with them. I realize this is pretty random of me, writing about pancakes and all, but I've had a rough Sunday and need some comfort food on my mind.
I began this day with a plate of pancakes at my favorite breakfast stop, right before heading off to church. Prior to that my wife and I were faced with a huge, heartbreaking decision that I'd rather not discuss now. Let's just say it's not my idea of a good Sunday morning when I've already shed some tears. So, my plate of goodness was extra comforting indeed.
I'm sure many of you find solace in other foods, but for me, nothing beats a big stack with lots of butter and syrup and a steaming cup of coffee to wash them down.
If you're a runner, you doubly appreciate the carb-loading power pancakes offers before and after a long run. Let's put it this way, I could eat them every day and never grow tired of them.
I told you this a random blog, but I needed my brain to take a walk with a lot of distractions from the mess that is the world. I'm not sure where this is going, but I guess mostly I'm just typing out loud to stretch my brain muscles since they're sore from over-thinking earlier today.
Pancakes can soothe a world of aches and pains. Too bad I slammed a steak sandwich for supper or else I'd be heading for the kitchen whip up a short stack.
Thanks for wandering with me.
God bless!
TFR
I began this day with a plate of pancakes at my favorite breakfast stop, right before heading off to church. Prior to that my wife and I were faced with a huge, heartbreaking decision that I'd rather not discuss now. Let's just say it's not my idea of a good Sunday morning when I've already shed some tears. So, my plate of goodness was extra comforting indeed.
I'm sure many of you find solace in other foods, but for me, nothing beats a big stack with lots of butter and syrup and a steaming cup of coffee to wash them down.
If you're a runner, you doubly appreciate the carb-loading power pancakes offers before and after a long run. Let's put it this way, I could eat them every day and never grow tired of them.
I told you this a random blog, but I needed my brain to take a walk with a lot of distractions from the mess that is the world. I'm not sure where this is going, but I guess mostly I'm just typing out loud to stretch my brain muscles since they're sore from over-thinking earlier today.
Pancakes can soothe a world of aches and pains. Too bad I slammed a steak sandwich for supper or else I'd be heading for the kitchen whip up a short stack.
Thanks for wandering with me.
God bless!
TFR
Friday, August 29, 2008
Random Stuff
First, let's begin with John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. Being a Texan, I naturally hoped McCain would choose Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson as his Vice Presidential candidate. I had to Google Governor Palin to see where she stood on issues and was pleasantly surprised by my findings. It's refreshing to find a politician with guts enough to stand up to politics-as-usual. Governor Palin has demonstrated she has the courage to right wrongs when she sees them. She fought against a corrupt oil establishment in Alaska. Kudos to her.
Palin's appointment serves several purposes. While some Clinton supporters call McCain's selection of a woman an "insult to their intelligence (CNN today)," I believe many women will welcome her arrival on the scene. I can tell you from the Democrats I spoke to today, many of whom were women, they have no intention of voting for Obama and Palin's appointment only reinforces that opinion. So first, Palin will attract women voters who were otherwise sitting on the fence.
Second, should McCain win and Governor Palin prove to be a force in the global arena during the next four years, we're looking at the Republican candidate for President in 2012. Any Clinton disciples that changes teams and supports Palin will now find themselves in a dilemma--Do I go back to Hillary or stay with Palin?
Last, it's just the right thing to do and America is ready for a female Vice President and, in four years, President. Only it won't be Hillary in 2012. If the good Governor plays her cards right and demonstrates the same courageous behavior in the White House as she has in Alaska she'll find herself in the Oval Office--not in front of the big desk, but behind it.
I can't wait to see what the Democratic pundits will do with this one, but you can be sure they are scurrying to create some damage control caused by Barack Obama's inability to pick a female VP candidate instead of going with tired, old Joe Biden.
The election should be fun, but I hope it's McCain/Palin in '08!
No running talk today, just running mates!
Ever forward!
TFR
Palin's appointment serves several purposes. While some Clinton supporters call McCain's selection of a woman an "insult to their intelligence (CNN today)," I believe many women will welcome her arrival on the scene. I can tell you from the Democrats I spoke to today, many of whom were women, they have no intention of voting for Obama and Palin's appointment only reinforces that opinion. So first, Palin will attract women voters who were otherwise sitting on the fence.
Second, should McCain win and Governor Palin prove to be a force in the global arena during the next four years, we're looking at the Republican candidate for President in 2012. Any Clinton disciples that changes teams and supports Palin will now find themselves in a dilemma--Do I go back to Hillary or stay with Palin?
Last, it's just the right thing to do and America is ready for a female Vice President and, in four years, President. Only it won't be Hillary in 2012. If the good Governor plays her cards right and demonstrates the same courageous behavior in the White House as she has in Alaska she'll find herself in the Oval Office--not in front of the big desk, but behind it.
I can't wait to see what the Democratic pundits will do with this one, but you can be sure they are scurrying to create some damage control caused by Barack Obama's inability to pick a female VP candidate instead of going with tired, old Joe Biden.
The election should be fun, but I hope it's McCain/Palin in '08!
No running talk today, just running mates!
Ever forward!
TFR
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Back to School
I'm back to blogging after a sabbatical. You'd think summer would give me more time and freedom to blog, but I spent most of the summer teaching summer school, attending trainings, and working with our middle schoolers at church. But now, it's back to school and back to blogging.
I'm a member of a terrific site known as The Runners' Lounge. TRL is a site created, in the words of its founders, "by runners, for runners." Recently, I submitted my story in the Lounge's "Inspirational Stories" section about my weight loss, running, and family adversities. It was chosen as best story for the month of August. I'm completely humbled and excited to receive this honor. What a great way to start back to work.
This recent experience, along with these first two days of school, really got me to thinking. I am more blessed than I realize to be a teacher. Do I want to teach the rest of my life? Probably not. My dream is to be a writer and make that my career. I love writing and sharing stories with readers. But for now, I'm a teacher and proud of it. My kids have been wonderful, thus far. Sure, I know it's only going into our third day of the new school year, but after you've taught a while, you get a sense of how the semester is going play out. My initial gut feeling is good.
Back to school means a chance for a do-over for teachers and kids, alike. Sometimes we teachers need a chance to start over. Maybe last year wasn't so hot and now we have the opportunity to correct that. We hope we have grown and improved over the summer, just as we pray that for our students. For me, personally, the new year brings new challenges and adventures. You never know what's around the corner until you take a peek.
My prayer is this school year will be my best yet. That's the same prayer I say on January 1st about my life, health, family, and my running. Desperately, my heart desires to provide my students with new vistas for learning. I just hope they will seize the chance to take advantage of that, not me, and see where the journey leads them.
I'm sure for many of you, school began earlier. I pray for all the educators out there to have a great and blessed year. We have in our power the ability to change lives. I don't take that lightly. The last thing I want is for one of my students to say I didn't care and they never learned from me. In 20 years, I hope they will remember me fondly and will still be using whatever I taught them in their lives, at work, and with their families.
If you're a teacher, God bless you with a great year. If you're a parent, please be patient with your child's teachers. They are doing their best. Help them whenever you can. We do need and welcome your support.
God bless you all and ever forward!
TFR
I'm a member of a terrific site known as The Runners' Lounge. TRL is a site created, in the words of its founders, "by runners, for runners." Recently, I submitted my story in the Lounge's "Inspirational Stories" section about my weight loss, running, and family adversities. It was chosen as best story for the month of August. I'm completely humbled and excited to receive this honor. What a great way to start back to work.
This recent experience, along with these first two days of school, really got me to thinking. I am more blessed than I realize to be a teacher. Do I want to teach the rest of my life? Probably not. My dream is to be a writer and make that my career. I love writing and sharing stories with readers. But for now, I'm a teacher and proud of it. My kids have been wonderful, thus far. Sure, I know it's only going into our third day of the new school year, but after you've taught a while, you get a sense of how the semester is going play out. My initial gut feeling is good.
Back to school means a chance for a do-over for teachers and kids, alike. Sometimes we teachers need a chance to start over. Maybe last year wasn't so hot and now we have the opportunity to correct that. We hope we have grown and improved over the summer, just as we pray that for our students. For me, personally, the new year brings new challenges and adventures. You never know what's around the corner until you take a peek.
My prayer is this school year will be my best yet. That's the same prayer I say on January 1st about my life, health, family, and my running. Desperately, my heart desires to provide my students with new vistas for learning. I just hope they will seize the chance to take advantage of that, not me, and see where the journey leads them.
I'm sure for many of you, school began earlier. I pray for all the educators out there to have a great and blessed year. We have in our power the ability to change lives. I don't take that lightly. The last thing I want is for one of my students to say I didn't care and they never learned from me. In 20 years, I hope they will remember me fondly and will still be using whatever I taught them in their lives, at work, and with their families.
If you're a teacher, God bless you with a great year. If you're a parent, please be patient with your child's teachers. They are doing their best. Help them whenever you can. We do need and welcome your support.
God bless you all and ever forward!
TFR
Friday, July 18, 2008
Le Tour de Farce
Time to call a spade a spade. After the latest doping incident and subsequent arrest of yet another Tour rider, I'm wondering, is anyone watching Le Tour anymore? I tuned into Versus' coverage last night and listened to a rather lethargic Bob Roll sounding like he'd lost his best friend as he was doing his best to comment on the action. Both announcers sounded like they would rather be anywhere else but in front of the camera calling the farce this race has become.
I became a Tour de France follower during Lance Armstrong's third effort at winning. As a person who lost his weight cycling, I must admit I was smitten with the romance of the race. Spending 20 miles in the saddle on a Saturday afternoon, I could only imagine the pain of riding over 100 miles a day for 21 days, all around France. No wonder cyclists look like skeletons. Here I was (am), still over 200 pounds, and riding a mountain bike for an hour or two. How in the world do these guys do it, day in and day out? Maybe dope has something to do with it.
Fast forward to last year, when so many big-name cyclists were caught doping and then banned from competition. And now the Tour is facing more controversy as cyclists continue to tempt fate and take enhancing drugs in order to survive the race.
One can only wonder how much longer this classic race, that has taught average Americans so much about the geography and beauty of France, can last. I haven't seen the telecast ratings for Versus' exclusive coverage, but one can only ascertain they cannot be good. Only the most ardent fan would stick around after all that's happening to disgrace the Tour.
Give me the pure sport of baseball anytime. Wait, bad example. Give me the good, clean sport of football...whoops. Okay, the Olympics, give me the Olympics...well, I guess there's not many sports out there that hasn't been touched by doping, but it sure seems Le Tour has more than its fair share and the lackluster attitude of its commentors is enough to tell you the real story.
That's all from the "drug-free" Fat Runner!
TFR
I became a Tour de France follower during Lance Armstrong's third effort at winning. As a person who lost his weight cycling, I must admit I was smitten with the romance of the race. Spending 20 miles in the saddle on a Saturday afternoon, I could only imagine the pain of riding over 100 miles a day for 21 days, all around France. No wonder cyclists look like skeletons. Here I was (am), still over 200 pounds, and riding a mountain bike for an hour or two. How in the world do these guys do it, day in and day out? Maybe dope has something to do with it.
Fast forward to last year, when so many big-name cyclists were caught doping and then banned from competition. And now the Tour is facing more controversy as cyclists continue to tempt fate and take enhancing drugs in order to survive the race.
One can only wonder how much longer this classic race, that has taught average Americans so much about the geography and beauty of France, can last. I haven't seen the telecast ratings for Versus' exclusive coverage, but one can only ascertain they cannot be good. Only the most ardent fan would stick around after all that's happening to disgrace the Tour.
Give me the pure sport of baseball anytime. Wait, bad example. Give me the good, clean sport of football...whoops. Okay, the Olympics, give me the Olympics...well, I guess there's not many sports out there that hasn't been touched by doping, but it sure seems Le Tour has more than its fair share and the lackluster attitude of its commentors is enough to tell you the real story.
That's all from the "drug-free" Fat Runner!
TFR
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Retire Already, Brett!!!
Picture this: a tearful middle school art teacher, sitting in front of his peers who are surrounding him in the cafeteria. He's given 30 years of faithful service and now it's time to call it a career. There's a cake on a table and a few gifts from well-wishers. The man of the hour now stands and thanks everyone for all the great memories and the wonderful gifts. There's some applause, even from some of the first-year teachers that don't even know this old geezer. There are a few whispering under their breaths, "It's about time he left." The moment ends and this tired, old educator walks out of the school forever. Or maybe not.
Two weeks later, with his contract days expired, and everyone is well into their summer vacation, the sad and aging art teacher calls his boss and says we need to get everyone back together. "I want to stay another year...I'm not ready to retire." Of course, driven by the letter he received from the Teacher Retirement System showing him his monthly retirement check may buy him a cup of caramel machiatto at Starbucks and a blueberry bagel...and that's a big maybe, he's decided to stick it out one more time. Who cares if he hasn't done any real teaching the last 5 years of his career. It doesn't matter if he had little to no classroom discipline to speak of for quite a while. But, he did manage to bring it in what he, and his boss, believed would be his swan song finale; a year in which he did more teaching, changed more lives, and generally improved more as an educator than he did in his 30-year sojourn at Anywhere Middle School.
His boss, tapping a pen on a desk, politely reminds him his time is over. His retirement papers have been submitted and it's out of his hands. "But, I don't want to leave. I want to stay!" "Too late," says the principal, "I've already hired your replacement." Then it hits the old guy like a bat to the face. Life goes on. They missed me for about three minutes and they (staff) got back to their lives. Summer is here and everyone's gone. This guy is just a memory. The kids probably won't even notice his absence in August when the new, fresh, pretty girl that will take his place is standing outside the art classroom welcoming her new students.
Hey Brett Favre! You played a pretty good, Hall of Fame career, but you're about to make everyone sick. In fact, if you look at Favre's stats he lost as many games as he won for the Pack by forcing bad throws and getting picked off in crucial moments. That's how I remember his final game with Green Bay. It's time to take a look at Dan Marino and gracefully take your exit. Granted, more people will miss you than the jerk Marino, but it's time to let someone else take the reins. You're holding up the process of indoctrinating another quarterback into the offensive system and that's not fair. Your time has come and gone and now you must move on.
Retire, already, Dude. Enjoy time with your now healthy wife and get on with your life.
TFR
Two weeks later, with his contract days expired, and everyone is well into their summer vacation, the sad and aging art teacher calls his boss and says we need to get everyone back together. "I want to stay another year...I'm not ready to retire." Of course, driven by the letter he received from the Teacher Retirement System showing him his monthly retirement check may buy him a cup of caramel machiatto at Starbucks and a blueberry bagel...and that's a big maybe, he's decided to stick it out one more time. Who cares if he hasn't done any real teaching the last 5 years of his career. It doesn't matter if he had little to no classroom discipline to speak of for quite a while. But, he did manage to bring it in what he, and his boss, believed would be his swan song finale; a year in which he did more teaching, changed more lives, and generally improved more as an educator than he did in his 30-year sojourn at Anywhere Middle School.
His boss, tapping a pen on a desk, politely reminds him his time is over. His retirement papers have been submitted and it's out of his hands. "But, I don't want to leave. I want to stay!" "Too late," says the principal, "I've already hired your replacement." Then it hits the old guy like a bat to the face. Life goes on. They missed me for about three minutes and they (staff) got back to their lives. Summer is here and everyone's gone. This guy is just a memory. The kids probably won't even notice his absence in August when the new, fresh, pretty girl that will take his place is standing outside the art classroom welcoming her new students.
Hey Brett Favre! You played a pretty good, Hall of Fame career, but you're about to make everyone sick. In fact, if you look at Favre's stats he lost as many games as he won for the Pack by forcing bad throws and getting picked off in crucial moments. That's how I remember his final game with Green Bay. It's time to take a look at Dan Marino and gracefully take your exit. Granted, more people will miss you than the jerk Marino, but it's time to let someone else take the reins. You're holding up the process of indoctrinating another quarterback into the offensive system and that's not fair. Your time has come and gone and now you must move on.
Retire, already, Dude. Enjoy time with your now healthy wife and get on with your life.
TFR
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
10 Reasons Running is Better Than Reality TV
My wife is a devotee of reality television. I can't stand it. I find reality TV boorish and completely devoid of any intelligence, much like some parts of the United States. Strangely, a lot of what happens on these stupid programs have filtered into my brain through osmosis, since I sit in the room adjacent our living room while on the computer. I can tell you a little bit about each one my wife watches, from America's Next Top Model to Hell's Kitchen. Isn't Gordon Ramsey the King of Tact?
I've been a runner for nearly a dozen years and pounding the pavement is my "reality." These shows are as far removed from "reality" as I am from actually becoming America's Next Top Model. The following is a list of 10 reasons running is better than reality TV:
10) At the end of my run I don't have three judges telling me how bad my form was.
9) My "catwalk" has cobblestones and is covered with trees.
8) I know I run better than David Hasselhoff can act and I'm not that fast.
7) My runs have never been "a little pitchy, dog."
6) I run to zone out wretched noises like the ones that come from Mary Murphy.
5) Sometimes there are more interesting freaks on the road than on TV...now that's reality!
4) There are no running reality shows on Bravo yet.
3) I "make it work" and my legs look good for doing it.
2) Hell's Kitchen is running on a July day in my neighborhood.
and, the number one reason running is better than reality TV...
1) No Simon Cowell!!!
I'm sure there are hundreds more reasons but 10 will have to do.
TFR
I've been a runner for nearly a dozen years and pounding the pavement is my "reality." These shows are as far removed from "reality" as I am from actually becoming America's Next Top Model. The following is a list of 10 reasons running is better than reality TV:
10) At the end of my run I don't have three judges telling me how bad my form was.
9) My "catwalk" has cobblestones and is covered with trees.
8) I know I run better than David Hasselhoff can act and I'm not that fast.
7) My runs have never been "a little pitchy, dog."
6) I run to zone out wretched noises like the ones that come from Mary Murphy.
5) Sometimes there are more interesting freaks on the road than on TV...now that's reality!
4) There are no running reality shows on Bravo yet.
3) I "make it work" and my legs look good for doing it.
2) Hell's Kitchen is running on a July day in my neighborhood.
and, the number one reason running is better than reality TV...
1) No Simon Cowell!!!
I'm sure there are hundreds more reasons but 10 will have to do.
TFR
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