At work much like the scene out of Forrest Gump I was asked an innocent question.

How long will you run these long distances, these ultra marathon races? 

My first response was simple…”As long as I can.”  Then I paused to think about my reply.  After a few moments of reflection I restated my answer.

I’ll continue to run….

As Long As I Have The Desire and Ability – The desire to run long distance might just be the most important element that keeps me heading out the door.  Without desire it’s hard to run any distance, let alone marathon (26.2 miles) or ultra marathon (longer than 26.2 mile) distances.  I truly have a desire in my soul to run (pause for effect), run really long distances/races.  When the desire departs, I’ll find something else to do.

There will come a day when my old bones, tendons, muscles and cartilage will tell me its time to hang up the running shoes.  Right up to that time I’ll keep on running.  Say what you will but I have seen no ill effects from the nearly 17 years I’ve been running.  Until the body gives out…

It might come down to a scene like the one played out in Dances with Wolves, where Dunbar and Timmons come across an old wagon and a set of bones.  The only difference may be in the dialogue.

To quote Timmons’: “Someone back East wonders why don’t he finish this Ultra.” 

Until then, until Timmons and I meet up, I’ll keep on running.

As long As I feel Like I’m Adding Value – I understand in the context of the Running World I’m no one.  I do average around 2,000 viewers of my blog per day, I’ve been published a few times, I have a small following on the social media platforms and every once in a while I get recognized at a local race.  BUT, I’ll keep running as long as I get that one tweet, that one e-mail, that one handshake that tells me I some how helped someone, get off the couch, log that extra mile and reach that goal.

As Long As The Epic is Still Out There – So much of life is normal, easy and safe.  Running has added EPIC and as long as it is out there I’ll run to find it.

Until I Think It’s Crazy – This might be the most vain reason.  I’ve worked hard to get to this “status,” maybe that is not the right word.  I’ve put in a lot of time to get to a point that I can talk with confidence about running 100 mile races, where finishing a marathon is not a question mark.  I train to get faster at distances most people think are crazy…and I’m not ready to give that up.  I’ll run until I think it’s crazy too.

So how long will you continue to run?

Medoc Meltdown 50k (plus), The Race Report – 2013

Update:  The Meltdown took a pause for a few years, but it’s back in 2016…and I’ll be there again. 

(Checkout the Facebook page for this event)

Organizer Frank L. advertised this event as a Fat A_ _ Running Event, meaning it was not “a race.” There was no entry fee, no awards (but a cool finishers rock), no whining and no aid would be provided (yea right, those Popsicles were awesome).  The Meltdown was an opportunity to run with old and new friends (plus plenty of NC horse flies!) and enjoy the hot and steamy beauty of an NC state park in August.

Going into this event, as a Meltdown rookie, I had no idea of what I was getting myself into.  From all the Facebook posts I could tell that this was going to be a tough run and a chance to hang with the Ultra crowd.  I knew it was going to be hot/humid and I knew I would have to provide for my own support.  But I had no idea how tough the Medoc Mountain State Park course was going to be.

Do you like hills, Medoc has them:

Do you like roots, Medoc has them:

Do you like rocks, Medoc has them:

Do you like stairs, Medoc has them:

The course at Medoc was a little over 8.6 miles in length.  The 50K event (4 laps) would have you completing nearly 35 miles in the heat and humidity of North Carolina.  The conditions of the trail and the temperatures made this the toughest trail race I have run.  Being a rookie I never had a good feel of what Medoc challenge was coming up next, so I never knew when to push it or when to conserve. 

But I’ll tell ya four laps of this place was all I wanted.  Out of 77 starters I placed 7th with a time of 8 hours and 30 minutes.  That time is slow compared to my previous 50k PR but knowing the trails I ran over….I’m very happy with my performance.

But the best part of the day was the people.  The Medoc crowd and it’s organizers Frank and Cameron were GREAT.  I was blessed to run with some super people, Paul S, Amanda M, Jon H, and Veronica J.  You guys made the day…you kept me going when I needed a push and I hope I made your run a success.  Running is about more than the miles, the trails or the conditions….it is about the people!

If you like cool race bling, Medoc has that too:

At one point I told myself this may just be a “One and Done” event for me….now I’m wondering when next year’s Meltdown will be.

PLEASE HELP a close friend of our family, Kellyn, has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.  The doctors believe it is a low-grade glioma, located in the Broca’s area, on the left side of her brain. Within the past several weeks, it has begun to grow slightly, and the plan of action is to have it removed.  She is starting to experience the effects from the tumor with slurred speech, trouble finding words, tremors in her hands, dizziness, confusion, and seizures. With that said; this is a very frightening and overwhelming time for her. This is also very overwhelming for her family with the prospect of bills that will far outreach insurance.  And they need our support...how can you, my family, friends and followers help.  Please visit Kellyn’s gofundme page and give if you can (any amount).  If you can’t please share with your friends. Kellyn’s story on ABC 13NEWS If my friends, family or briansrunningadventures.com followers can raise $1,000 By Aug 5th I’ll run the Medoc Mountain Meltdown 50k in a pixie fairy butterfly costume. Why would I do this….I’ll do anything to help someone who needs help…..she’s a Runner, and A Cleveland BROWNS fan.  I’m in… If you donate pls send me a personal message with the amount and I’ll keep a running total.  I will only post where we stand with our Friends of Brian’s support pledge.

$380.00 in $620.00 to go, at 38%

Roll Call, Thank YOU!
Paul S.
Josh D.
Tom and Kimmy L
Tom. W
Lee. W
Debbie. E
George. N

PLEASE help…..today!

The race against the clock.  Whether its the race to a new personal record or the race against the end of the day.  In running it always feels like I’m up against the clock.  The same could be said for the clock of life.  Our days are numbered, and were not sure how many days we get.  Within each day and within your life you only get so many hours (days) to be with the people we love and to do what we enjoy.

So how can you win this jelly bean race?

1. Invest your time wisely – it is the most valuable thing you control

2. Be with the people you love as much as you can – You will be, they will be around only so long

3. Do what you enjoy first – pay yourself first

4.  Slow down – don’t miss the small moments

5.  Live epic – make a statement with your life

6.  Sleep less – yes we need sleep, but not as much as you think.

7.  Treat time like money – Don’t waste it

8.  Spend your time where there is a return – Get or give something back

9.  Money is not the end all – in the end you don’t remember dollars/cents your relive moments

10.  And the most important, consider the afterlife. #JesusSaves

John 3:16

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

What would you do if you only had one more day?

I would spend it with my family, my pets and take one last run.

Runner shoes are our tools for putting in the miles.

A funny look at ten things you should never do to your running shoes or in life.

10.  You should never hold a grudge against your running shoes.  One bad run, one bad race or one failed PR attempt is hardly the fault of your shoes.  It will do you no good to hold a grudge, instead get back to work and go for a run.

9.  You should never expect too much from a new pair of shoes.  Shoe companies sell shoes not by their design but by flashy adds, dramatic commercials and over promising on their benefits.  It’s unfair to hold them to these expectations, after all it’s still you they have to support.

8. You should never let your eyes wander.  Sure the starting line of a race, or a visit to the running store are good opportunities to check out some other shoes.  Be sensitive, how would you feel if your shoes were looking for a newer, faster…lighter model of you?

7.  You should never talk bad about your running shoes.  Okay maybe they don’t have the zip they used to.  Maybe they don’t rebound like before, but they are yours and they love you.

6. You should never force your shoes on or off without first untying them.  Would you want to be forced to do something?  Your shoes feel the same way…just untie them and they will be happy to hold your feet secure.

5.  You should never make promises that you can’t keep.  Your shoes need rest days and long walks on the beach.  If in the heat of the moment you promise these thing but can’t deliver keep in mind that a broken promise is remembered for a long time.

4.  You should never boast about your running shoes.  Everyone believes their shoes are special and hold the keys to faster running times.  Trying to make everyone believe your shoes are the best will only annoy your friends and not change anyone’s point of view.

3. You should never pay more for your running shoes just to impress your friends.  There are plenty of good deals out there whether at your local running store, online or at the big box discount stores.  Paying to much for anything does not impress anyone.

2.  You should never buy shoes just on looks alone.  For better or worse, for richer or poorer, injury and Personal records your shoes are with you for the long haul.  Do not buy them just cause they look good or are made up of flashy colors.  Your shoes need to support you from 5ks to ultra marathons.

and last

1.  You should never compare your current shoes to your favorite pair of shoes that are no longer available. Seriously, this will make your new shoes feel inferior and undermine their supportive nature.  Always talk nice and respectful about your current shoe partner.

Full Disclosure: I run in Nike, Pearl Izumi, Hoka, Asics, New Balance and Salmon.  For years my go to shoes were the NIKE Air Pegasus.  I presently run in Pearl Izumi 90% of the time…I am a Running Ambassador for their company, not because I get a discount on shoes…but because I love their line of shoes.  I’ve found they fit my feet so much better than NIKE and they have helped my performance, and kept me injury free.

Something has been missing from my running.  I’ve struggle with it since the very start, but now I have it nailed.  I’m proud to announce that I’m a “Ultra-Distance Runner” Ambassador for Cocoa Elite – It’s more than just chocolate milk.

In an upcoming blog post I’ll reveal how my running road has crossed with this great company and this super recovery drink.  Until then…rest assured I use this drink, I love it and it helps me get “recovered and restored” for my next run.

Interested in giving it a try? Use: Briansrun16 for a special discount.

Summer Running and How to Avoid Heat

#1 Pre-hydrate

#2 Run with water, sports drink etc

#3 Wear High tech lightweight clothes

#4 Run in the shade

#5 Trails are better than streets

Bonus….slow down your pace.

Extra bonus…Poptarts!