T20MR Episode 20: Warren Rives 5K Race coverage, getting ready for the half

It's hard to believe that we are up to Episode 20, but here we are. The ride has been fun and fulfilling, especially with you along. I have more ideas for upcoming episodes and welcome your feedback. Please email me at: 20minuterunner@gmail.com.

This episode finds the WRs 5K at the heart of it, surrounded by thoughts about the race both before and after the event is over. My wife has been in the hospital recently, but is improving. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers for her. Her condition could have been much more serious--but it was serious enough.

We begin by taking a walk with Odie and Tigger (the community cat). Odie has a way with animals and people alike. That's why we call him "The Cat Whisperer." I share a problem I'm having physically and ask for your advice. I give you one clue here: crickets. After you listen to the episode, please let me know if you have any ideas.

It was so good to have my nephew Austin with me at the race (Sammy's son, seen with yours truly above--listen to episode 9 to learn about my oldest brother). Though he got lost on the way, Austin made it right after we finished the race. Listen in as we chat about the race and how difficult it is to find your way around High Point. (I've added a few photos from the race to the 2009 Race Photos slideshow on your left that we took with Austin's camera as well.) There are also a couple of links below featuring NC New 14's coverage; they are a sponsor of the event.

I close by reflecting on the race and its implications. I ran 22:17 and placed 5th out of 19 in my age group, 42nd of 312 for the entire 5K. That's about 38 seconds faster than I have run in over 30 years. Needless to say, I am very pleased. I want to encourage you to reach your goals--whether in running...or life. All it takes is two things: time AND discipline. This episode ends with a pep-talk as it were: YOU CAN REACH YOUR RUNNING GOALS! I feel very blessed to be reaching mine and am beginning to realize that I can accomplish more than I may have originally thought. Time will tell.

This episode is mostly about the race and how anyone--including you--can achieve your own success based on what that means to you personally. I think you will be encouraged and entertained. I appreciate you listening. And as always,

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,
The 20 Minute Runner

Download this episode (right click and save)

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The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled “Nobody Here but Me in Blue," by Kelly's Lot. Check it out at Mevio Music.

The opening and closing music heard in each podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo.com

The transitional piece is from the song, "SunSpark" by Dan-O. Check it out at Mevio Music.

The background music is entitled “Afternoon in the Sun.” It is by John Williams, from his album “Long Road Home.” Check it out at Magnatune.

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Other links related to this episode:

High Point Regional Medical Center

Carolina's Diner

Warren Rives 5K Race Results

NC News 14 nterview with High Point Bank spokesperson (The bank is a sponsor)

NC News 14 video coverage of the Warren Rives 5K

Precious Days

I lost a person that I truly considered my friend this past week. She was in her early 60s and had been combating health issues for quite some time. Her heart and kidneys just could not take it any more. She died at home and was found by her daughter, her husband and their two small children. The oldest, a girl less than four years old commented: “Is Nana with Jesus now?” Her mother responded in the affirmative.

As I got up to run today, my mind went back to the passing of this dear lady. Although she was not able to run, she did live an active life—as active as you can lead when health is declining. She enjoyed her family, especially her two grandchildren. At the funeral, my friend who conducted the service commented in many different ways how much family meant to Sheryl. She had recorded her most memorable moments in a book for that purpose and passed it on to her only child, Heather. What a treasure that book has surely become. While it relates memories of early days at home, I am sure it also affirms her love for her family she now leaves behind.

We never know when this day will be our last. Death is not a respecter of persons. While the young seldom think about it—very little anyway—death will come to each of us. That makes each day worth so much. You never know when the last hug, or laugh, or sacred memory will occur. Take time to live life to the fullest, loving family, making memories and taking advantage of the day.

That is one reason I run: because it may be the last time I can get out and feel the ground racing under my feet as I tread on this earth. While it is easy to think I have many more runs in the future, I honestly do not know. And neither do you. When you feel like you would rather just stay in and not experience the exhilaration of the early morning, or the dawning of a new day, or the beautiful setting of the sun, remind yourself, “This could be the last run I take.” I ran this morning because I could. Lord willing, I will run many more mornings because I can. May I never forget what a privilege it is to move.

I will miss Sheryl and my thoughts and prayers go out to Heather and the family. But each run I take will be dedicated in a small way to her memory. She could not run here on earth, but I know she is running now. Take advantage of these precious days.

Thanks for sharing some of the road with me,
The 20-Minute Runner