Wednesday, July 31, 2013

I USED TO BE REAL FAT ROAD RUNNER



I started running in 2002.  A co-worker of mine bet me that I couldn't finish a half marathon.  At the time I was a pack or more a day smoker and I weighed around 240 pounds.  I completed my first half marathon (what is now known as the Chicago Half Marathon) and quickly caught the running bug.  From 2002 to 2010 I ran many 5K's, 10K's, half and full marathons. I was always at the back of the pack.  I ran with Fleet Feet Chicago and CARA (Chicago Area Runners Association) as a "Clysdale."  I even got a chance to participate on the Nike Marathon Team - Southside v. Northside - which took me to many interesting events.  Our team even threw out the first pitch at a Chicago White Sox game.  



I ran a lot.  I trained a lot.  But I STILL ate and smoked a lot.  And I was still really fat.  Eventually balooning up to 260 pounds.

You can run a lot and be fat.  You do a lot of "Carbo-loading" and you eat WAY too many gells and power bars.  And after a long run you deserve to treat yourself, right?  I particularly remember my training partner and I doing a 20 mile run and then immediately going to Wendy's to try to replace the calories we burned.  With junk food of course.

I enjoyed my time as a fat road runner.  I met a lot of great people.  Fleet Feet Chicago, Nike and CARA helped me a lot.  Most of the people seemed to encourage me because it was nice just to see me out there trying.  I did become more "fit."  I ran 12 marathons, one 50k and many, many smaller races.

Eventually I started to do less running because I wasn't getting better or having that much fun anymore.  I ddn't like looking at my watch.  I didn't like feeling like I wasn't as important as the guys in the front.  I liked being slow....but I didn't like being thought of as slow.  I learned a lot in those years.  I am grateful to all those that helped me learn about running and life aong the way.  

Monday, July 29, 2013

I started this Blog so that Dovi and I can share our adventures with other runners and/or aspiring ultra-runners trapped in the city.  You see, many people live near the mountains, the desert and/or technical trails.  Californians, Oregonians and Washingtonians are everywhere in my sport.  I run and train in Bronzeville in an area of Chicago which many people would consider to be the ghetto.  When I have the time and permission from my wife I drive hours to go to trails that would generally be considered douche-grade.

Dovi and I don't care.  We have our mind set on one day participating in the Hardrock100.  http://www.klaseklof.com/runs/HR06/  This Blog will be about our journey, and ultimate success.  I can't wait to tell you about everything that happens on the way!
Dovi
Dovi and Me, breaking the rules at Indiana Dunes State Park

Running at Palos with the New Leaf Ultra Runners