Joe's Running Page

Updated 8/2009

No, I'm not dead. I was resting. :) 

A two pack a day smoker for 16 years, I quit for the last time on April Fool's Day, 1996. I laced up a pair of Sauconys and haven't smoked since. Running helped me quit after many failed attempts, now I'm thankfully addicted to the most rewarding pastime there is.

I'm a slow but determined runner, and I've completed four NYC Marathons. After many years on the roads, I've learned truths about running that are difficult to put into words. I'm in awe of the fast runners who finish races while I'm still miles from done. I enjoy applauding the slowest runners who often overcome age, weight or physical challenges that require more determination than I'll ever need to find. I've seen that you don't need a stopwatch to measure 100%, and it's found at the back of the pack as often as at the front. I've won races where I didn't place in the top half of the field. Most important, I've developed a profound appreciation for the gift of being alive and blessed with the ability to run.

In 2002, a minor non-running injury sidelined me just two weeks before what would surely would have been a sub 4 hour marathon. (My holy grail.) I became discouraged, ran less and less frquently and eventually stopped altogether. I gained weight. I ate more junk food, and worked longer hours. We had a baby in 2005, making time to run hard to find. There were many false starts, but I had certainly become a non-runner. Thankfully, I didn't go back to smoking.

In 2009, a childhood friend helped me get into the 2009 NYC marathon. I will likely defer to 2010, but slowly, gradually I'm coming back. I will run marathon #5. I run 12 miles a week now, with a 5 mile long run on Sundays. I've lost 11 lbs, and weigh 207. I'm aiming for 185lbs. I'm fat, I'm slow, but I'm back. :)

Lumbering along at 6'1" and over 200 lbs, I must seem an unlikely advocate of this sport. Despite a lack of natural ability, and my years in the wilderness, I'm evangelical about the many benefits running offers. Running and road racing are life changing experiences I'd recommend to anyone. Here is a collection of some great running links. I hope you find something useful or insightful here, and perhaps I'll see you at an upcoming race! (Just look way, way behind you :)

OCTOBER 3, 2009 - after nearly 7 years since my last race, I'm running #115!
The Hawthorne 5K.

 

Joe's Running Links

Sites to help you get started running

Running Clubs & Organizations

Finding Races and Race Results 

Publications

Miscellaneous Resources
 

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