Tailgate Promise

Wow, it has really been much longer than I thought for writing. In my last post, I did cover some ground on my previous hiatus.  This time, I can simply say I just did not have much to say. For those close to me, it's funny to every hear me write or say, I don't have much to say.

As I am trying to evolve this space, and as it is dedicated to my running adventures, I want to not just talk about my running. Ok, we will still talk about running.

Running Funk

Every time I reach or goal or finish a major race in my schedule, I fall into the Running Blues. A funk because I hit my goal. My goals are not related to getting a PR (personal record) but more centered around finishing a race. Those race finishes, do come at a personal price. The price being, how did I really feel after? Did I give it my all? Is there more in the tank? Did I give up or just simply did not bring my game with me? 

My races are spaced out far apart enough for me to go through a small funk and then get myself motivated for the next one. My original plan for the fall was to run RnR Philly, Runner's World Festival 5 & Dime, and finally my goal race the Philly Half Marathon. The plans changed and I did not do my 5 & Dime due to outside personal obligations. From a running aspect I was not bummed. I just had to get out and do a training run that weekend when I had a chance. 

I do realize, that due to change in my schedule, I did not train as often as I should have during the month of October. However, I did stay committed to my weekend long runs.  I find that sticking to my weekend long runs does keep me from blues. I stay motivated. Even though the smaller runs are good for my training.

Long Run Days

It's football season. I like to run 5k - 10k on the days my team plays. Which is mostly Sunday's which happens to be my Long Run days. Some would say, that if I run the team will do better. Some times this does work. Other times, I feel like maybe I should have ran further. And on a few occasions this season, I did a lot of miles, but my team did not win. Such is sport.

I'll run either run at one of a couple trails, Pennypack  or Power Lines, or the surrounding area.  I still find that where ever I run, the world does slow down a bit. I lower my music and observe everything that is going on. I am more impressed with a few things that I see. As of lately my phone is not handy to snap a picture. I think that is part of me just enjoying the run.

3rd Generation Dodge Dart Swinger

Over the last several weeks, I have stayed to doing 10k or more with majority of my long runs. With the exception of 10/27 when I ran 5 miles in the rain, then when I got home, did a few more miles on the elliptical. 

This past Sunday, I ran 10 miles through Pennypack. I mixed up this run by taking a trail I have been wanting to take for some time. I got to see another side of the trail and even enjoyed the fall weather. 

One of 14 footbridges on Pennypack trail

Data? We don't need no stinking Data

October 13th started off a good run. I got a later start than I wanted so I elected to run around the area instead of heading to the trails. It was a nice morning so staying close to home was  good idea. I made sure my hydration pack was filled and I put on my watch, which was charging all night, and the rest of my gear and headed out the door. My plan is to do about 8 miles. 

Seeing as though I am running in my area, I am going to mix it up and do some hills. I still rather run the hills near my house than the ones in the North Star section of Delaware. I am familiar with those hills on both foot and bike. North Star is not a fun training ground for me.  Early in my morning run my watch died on me. Great. I thought I had it plugged in all night. SMH. No matter. I know know how far I have thus far. I will just start up one of my apps on my phone. Yeah, that stopped tracking me too after some time.

I got about 5.5 miles into my adventure and stopped to help someone change a flat. Most of my training runs, I am not paying attention to time, just working on my conditioning and cadence.  The person I helped appreciated the offer and together we got them on their way. It was a really bad flat. Looked like someone slashed through the side of the tire with a sword. One the ugliest flats I have seen in a long time. I restarted my app and continued on my adventure running up and down the hills and all around. When I get to where I started I see that my app even stopped working shortly after resuming. It looks like it auto-paused when I was waiting for the cross walk and never resumed. Epic fail. So how far did I go? I used my phones health app and it told me how far I had went.  Best thing for me it was only tracking since I walked out the front door because I had the charger next to the front door.  10.3 miles. Next time, I'll make sure my watch is plugged in all the way. 

Tailgate Promise

On my local runs I run through Hillside Cemetery. When I run through it quiet and serene. I normally plenty of deer running through the cemetery, darting around and back into the woods. On occasion I may even see  some visitors early in the morning whom are there to pay respects to their loved ones. When I do come across those visiting, I stop my music and go by quietly so I do not interrupt their time.  However, during the fall, I do observe one visit almost every week that is heart warming.

Since I run the same route through the cemetery, I have been greeted by a gentleman whom, almost every week during football season is paying respects to their loved one. He parks his car nearby and takes out a little radio. Sets up a chair and tunes he radio to the local pre-game sports broadcast for the days football game. He may be wearing a sweatshirt or hat, but I have come to know him by his kind smile. I am normally wearing my Eagles hat, and I tip it to him as I pass by. Sometimes we wave to each other. I continue on quietly, with no music playing, and allow them to continue on listening to the radio and discussing the upcoming game.

I have been running this route now for the third fall. I did not think this would continue after the Eagles won the Super Bowl a couple years ago. The team won........ the following seasons come and ominously they are both there. Supporting the team, listening to the radio, and going over the upcoming game. This is specially true for every home game. Almost like a tailgate minus the "party" atmosphere. 

In my own observation, I think to myself this was a promise that was made between the two. "We will tailgate together every week. Rain or shine. Especially for the home games... no matter what. Why? Because that is the only time we get to catch up and have a couple of laughs."  This is how in a way I think the conversation started some time ago. 

I got to thinking about the promises I have seen people make to each other over time. Most of them have to do with being side by side with their friend or family member no matter what the circumstances are. You just got engaged, had a baby, fell ill, moved into a new place, new job, loss someone close to you?  I bet everyone can name at least one person in their life that would drop everything to be with them at a moments notice in any situation. 

You and that person have a bond that is like no other. The kind that no matter how much time has passed since you have seen each other, you can pickup where you left off in a conversation. Regardless if that conversation was 10 years ago or 5 minutes ago.  These types of bonds are unspoken and unbreakable. I would describe it as a brother/sisterhood or kindred spirits. 

Promises like this have a deeper meaning between those involved then to the outside observer. Holding true to the mutual promise is honorable. Tailgate with your kindred spirit every chance you get. Play the radio and go over the injury report, stats, and potential trades. Yell at the broadcaster you both never agreed with. Why? That is what loved ones do for each other. Continue supporting each other for as long as time will allow. It could be as memorable as driving through the clouds.