MLewey's Fitness Profile

MLewey's Journal

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  Parenting...

  No, I'm not a parent. But I am the daughter of two wonderful parents. My mother is the greatest cheerleader on the planet. She is always there to cheer my dad or me on at the finish line, or even in transition areas if she can get close enough. I still remember her dragging me from one section of the race to another as a toddler just so she could encourage my dad in some of his first triathlons. And she keeps track of our splits better than we do just to make sure she doesn't miss us at the finish line, always cheering us on as if we were the greatest athletes in the world - and Heaven knows we're not! My dad, the Army ranger, Kona Ironman finisher, and the fool who got me into this wonderful world of running and triathlons, is the best running partner a person could ask for. Can he run very fast? No, but at one time he did lay down a 3:30 marathon. Is he really good at keeping an even pace? Not really, because his normal pace is determined by the danger level of the local wildlife or how bad his feet hurt. After 50+ years of hard physical labor as a cattle rancher, ranger, and runner, there is little to no cartilage left in his incredibly flat feet or knees. And as a parent, did he take me out to play catch? Not really (we both have really bad aim!). But he did schlep me around to various activities. And he took me running. From 2nd grade on, he always made time to run with me if I wanted. Provided I woke up early enough (no small miracle!), I cannot remember him ever turning me down for a run. Even if his own scheduled run was much longer, harder, faster, or whatever, he would tack on a few extra miles with me. Running is never more fun than when you're talking, telling stories, and laughing with your father. I haven't logged a lot of miles on here lately, as I've done most of my training with my still very untrained puppy and the constant running is quite sporatic. However, this past Sunday was the Spirit of Survival race series in Medicine Park, Oklahoma. My dad and I were there for the 10k, running together, for one last time. The news today talks a lot about how parents, fathers especially, are largely absent from their kids' lives. I can think of no better way to spend time with a child, young or old, than out on the pavement running. While my father and I are done, I know many other youngsters out there that have at least one runner as a parent. Spending some quality time with them doesn't mean working around your running schedule. Take them along and keep the conversation going - regardless of quality. Be a role model, develop a relationship, and share with them that feeling of victory only running can give.

  Posted over 3 years ago by MLewey

  
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  Update

  Well, about a month later, I have a new puppy in the backyard, am taking meds for low blood pressure, and have little to no endurance left. How is it possible for one month to change so much? Provided my doctor approves, I'm doing a half-marathon with my dad this October. Guess I'll get to find at least some of my old endurance!

  Posted over 3 years ago by MLewey

  
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  Taking a week off.

  Finals week is here again - guess that's less time on the road and more time studying and writing. Be back in a bit!

  Posted over 3 years ago by MLewey

  
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  Riding outside again

  Finally went outside to ride yesterday. Felt great - even went past my "wrecking spot" that put me indoors last time. Just hope I can stay clear of traffic enough to keep training this year! Allergies: large trucks, asphalt, gravel!

  Posted over 3 years ago by MLewey

  
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  5 miles in 45min!

  Good job. Seems you're (almost) ready for Kona!

  Posted over 3 years ago by IronDave