On Your Left - April 2013

Official Publication of

APRIL 20 1 3

ZERO Making Fundraising Look Like a Walk in the ParkFollow Team Bob Gerry’s Big Strides Against Prostate Cancer

Hit It Maestro!Introducing Jessica Kane, DFWRUNS Maestro of Events

Doc in the Box By Holly Johnson, M.D.

Preventative Medicine for Martian Men

Greek God Returns to Run Thrill of the Grill 5KInterview with Ultra-Marathon Man, Dean Karnazes

Soak Up the Swag by Drenching Your Facebook PageEarn a Free Flight to Any Drenched Event in the Country!

I love an April Fool’s joke just as much as the next guy, but believe me when I tell you that this ain’t no April Fool’s joke: we have a RIDICULOUSLY busy month planned for you — and we kick it off this weekend at Four Corners Brewery!

But before I start down that road, can anybody tell me how it’s April ALREADY? Seems like only yesterday we were sayin’ “Happy New Year”. Now we’re sayin’ “Play Ball!!”

Which, of course, isn’t a bad thing at all! Baseball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in South Bend, I latched on to the Chicago White Sox wagon and have never left it since. But baseball gave me more than the White Sox. Heck, it gave me something worth more than attending Games 1 and 2 of the 2005 World Series, as my Sox swept their way to a title! Baseball, you see, gave me my life back.

I’ve told you the story before, but for me it bears remembering that baseball brought me to my love of running, and literally changed my life. Running the bases at over 200 lbs. during a recreational softball game and being gassed after a sprint from home to first base finally began to make me think twice about putting off exercise and eating that next slice of pizza. Standing on that first base bag, my overweight reality hit me deeper than a Frank Thomas homer.

I was finally motivated to change my eating and exercise habits. Over time, those habits led to a love of running – so much so, that I have literally built my life

Letter from the EditorChief Running Officer, Eric Lindberg

BASES LOADED & NO OUTS

Don’t strike out at your next event. Let us run all the bases! Give our team a call at 214-DFWRUNS (339-7867).

“Sure I steal bases. I just like to do it 4 at a time.”

– Paul Henry Konerko, Chicago White Sox

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

around it. So in a way, you could say that DFWRUNS owes its existence, in part, to baseball.

OK, that last part might be stretching it a bit. The truth is, all of you play a role to help keeping us going. Hard work has its rewards, and if April is any indication, you’re gonna have a blast!

This week, you can find that hard work in action at where else… a brewery! Hey, I never said we didn’t know how to mix work and play!

Four Corners Brewery in Dallas is hosting their very first social run this Thursday night from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Come out and unwind with us! For a cheap $15, you’ll get a pint glass, three brewskis, and a ton of fun. Oh, the Hook and Ladder brick oven pizza food truck will be there selling slices, which takes care of dinner. As an added bonus, if you show up in a White Sox jersey, I’ll give you a hug.

After we’ve had our fill of Four Corners beer (is that possible?), we turn our attention to a man who is without a doubt the fittest human being on the plant. Anyone you know run 50 marathons in 50 states…in 50 days?

Ultra-marathoner Dean Karnazes makes his triumphant Texas return to the Central Market Thrill of the Grill on April 20th. I am ecstatic to have Dean back again and a big thanks should definitely go to Greek Gods Yogurt, Central Market and Dean himself for making it happen! Marketing a community-based 5K is a challenge, without a doubt. But Dean’s commitment to the Central Market Thrill of the Grill and the amazing charity that it benefits in the PISD Education Foundation has been nothing short of spectacular. He brings an energy that can be felt all over the Metroplex. It’s undoubtedly one of the many reasons why this event continues to grow year after year.

Woops! My Sox are moments away from the first pitch and I’ve still got tons more to talk about!

How about I let Dean do a little talking on the next page? When he’s done and you find yourself motivated to lace up and join us, visit www.thrillofthegrill5k.com and register for the race!

In the meantime, take it away Dean… and play ball!– Eric Lindberg

WHO’S SHOUTING “On Your Left!”?

OWNERS & EDITORS IN CHIEF Eric Lindberg [email protected]

Sharon Lindberg [email protected]

DESIGNCathy Hutzler [email protected]

WRITING & EDITINGCherilyn Wilson [email protected]

Seth Gonzales [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORSPaul Hutzler [email protected]

Gabriella McCord [email protected]

Maggie McCarthy [email protected]

Jessica Kane [email protected]

CATCH US!(IF YOU CAN)

Q: YOU RUN WITH WHAT SEEMS TO BE SUPER-HUMAN ENDURANCE AND

DEDICATION. HOW MUCH OF YOUR ABILITY IS INNATE AND HOW MUCH IS TRAINING?KARNAZES: While I don’t consider myself “super-human,” my body does have certain qualities that allow me to run long distances. Of course, rigorous physical training is a crucial component of preparing body for such challenges, but there are other factors of equal importance. Diet and nutrition play an essential role, as does mental focus and determination. Running hundreds of miles in a clip is as much of a mental challenge as a physical one.

Q: WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO RECREATIONAL RUNNERS WHO WOULD

LIKE TO IMPROVE THEIR ENDURANCE/GO FARTHER, FASTER AND LONGER?KARNAZES: Every runner is different. The best advice is to listen to everyone, follow no one. What works for me may not work equally well for you. Experiment, try new things, keep an open mind and learn as you progress. Ultimately, only you can determine what works best for you.

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY QUICK TIPS BEGINNERS RUNNING THE CENTRAL

MARKET THRILL OF THE GRILL 5K FOR THE FIRST TIME?KARNAZES: Sure, don’t beat me! (laughter). Seriously, I applaud all those who are just starting out and the best guidance I can offer is to try and enjoy yourself. The

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Hero Rush – North TexasSaturday, April 6, 2013

RACE WEBSITE

Central Market Thrill of the GrillSaturday, April 20, 2013

RACE WEBSITE

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Ft. Myers

Saturday, April 27, 2013RACE WEBSITE

Gladiator Rock’N Run - DFWSaturday, May 11, 2013

RACE WEBSITE

Greek God Returns to Run Thrill of the Grill 5K Interview with Ultra-Marathon Man, Dean Karnazes

WATCH INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIPcourse is incredibly scenic so engage in the surrounds. Sure, there will be pain, there’s no denying that. But embrace that pain and overcome it. The difficultly makes the reward of finishing all the more meaningful.

Q: I HAVE READ THAT WITH YOUR ULTRA-MARATHON

RUNNING YOU HOPE TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO BE MORE ACTIVE. CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE ME A QUOTE REFLECTING THAT DESIRE?KARNAZES: “Run if you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up!”

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS OR

RITUALS YOU DO ON RACE DAYS?KARNAZES: Not really. My only commitment on race day is that I will be the best that I can be, that I will try my hardest. Even if you fail, if you gave it your all, if you poured 100% of your mind, body and spirit into the effort, you will emerge as a champion.

Run Drenched - Dallas Saturday, May 25, 2013

RACE WEBSITE

Patriot Half MarathonMonday, May 27, 2013

RACE WEBSITE

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Chicago

Saturday, June 1, 2013RACE WEBSITE

DFWRUNS National Running Day Celebration

Wednesday, June 5, 2013RACE WEBSITE

Though a rooster’s crow traditionally announces daybreak, on Thursday, April 11th it will instead declare the end of the busy work day. The rooster of Four Corners Brewing Co. (423 Singleton Blvd.) will beckon all.

With each new day that dawns, we awaken to the inevitable — we’ve all aged another 24 hours. As we grow older and wiser, we realize the significance of seizing the day and celebrating our health each time we rise, each time we are able to run. Now is your chance to outrun that rooster, to chase your youth, and seize the day… or at least a pint of Red’s Roja.

Come celebrate with the DFWRUNS Birthday Bandits as they invade the FOUR CORNERS BREWERY for a FOUR mile social run and some tasty handcrafted beers! All are invited so crow your best rooster call, gather all your chicks, and leave the office a few minutes early to come enjoy some local flavor. Bring cash because for only $15, you’ll get to run with pace leaders and return to a pint glass to fill with three of Four Corners’ world famous brews. Pair that with a brick oven slice from the Hook and Ladder pizza truck and call it a party! Sign in for runners begins at 6 PM and we’ll depart for the horizon at 6:30 PM sharp!

BIRTHDAY BANDITS CHASE DOWN THE LOCAL BUZZRUN SOCIALLY FROM FOUR CORNERS BREWING CO.

APRIL 11 at 6 PM

Drenched 5K has created fun, easy

ways to share the excitement about your 2013 goals! All you have to do is create a Facebook event page announcing your Drenched team, invite all your friends and you’ll get “Cool” perks!

The more people that sign up because of you, the more they’ll hook you up! You can win anything from custom shirts for your team all the way up to a free flight to any one of our events around the country.

HERE IS ALL YOU HAVE TO DO: (MUST BE 18 OR OLDER)

Create a DRENCHED 5K Facebook event page for your city with your team name.

Invite everyone you know, tell them to invite everyone they know.

Make sure to tell everyone to register under your team name. The more people on your team, the better your perks get!

Show up race day ready to have a water battle against all those other teams.

REGISTRATION INCENTIVES:Leader who started the page gets a sponsor swag pack

10+ Above AND a ViewSport tee upgrade

20+ Above AND One Free Entry

30+ Everything above and a custom shirt for each member of your team (yep, we’ll design it too)

50+ Above AND a FREE FLIGHT to one of our events around the country!

Go to the DRENCHED 5K FACEBOOK PAGE right now and “LIKE” it in order to keep up with all the fun that’s splashing around as your event approaches town! Then, go to your page and create your Drenched event page! Don’t be a drip. Go! Go! Go!

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ZERO Prostate Cancer Run - Los Angeles

Saturday, June 15, 2013RACE WEBSITE

DASH4DAD - AtlantaSaturday, June 15, 2013

RACE WEBSITE

Run Drenched - ColumbusSaturday, July 6, 2013

RACE WEBSITE

Run Drenched - Washington DCSaturday, July 13, 2013

RACE WEBSITE

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Soak Up the Swag by Drenching Your Facebook PageEarn a Free Flight to Any Drenched Event in the Country!

Karen Gerry is making fundraising look as easy as a walk in the park on a cool spring day. This

month DFWRUNS will be managing the ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Fort Myers – taking place at Lakes Park in Fort Myers, Florida. Karen is leading the helm as one of the most passionate and dedicated fundraisers we’ve known. The race scheduled to be held on April 27th is set to break fundraising and participant records from last year. Karen’s focus, dedication and high energy are propelling the fundraising efforts for the event to surpass the goal of raising more than $65,000. Karen lost her husband to Prostate Cancer in the summer of 2012 and they participated in the race together last year as he was undergoing treatment. She is working vigorously so that awareness increases about this disease and so that more men get tested early. In addition to fundraising, Karen has made it her personal goal to bring friends, family and supporters out to participate and have team “Bob Gerry” as the largest team at the event in honor of her husband.

Prostate cancer continues to be the second leading cause of cancer death in men and studies show that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. The ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Fort Myers is one of the first events to be held this year in the ZERO Prostate Cancer Challenge, the premier men’s health event series in America taking place across the country and hosting more than 15,000 participants. It is a heartfelt tight-knit community activity that brings together athletes, cancer survivors, physicians, caretakers, family members and friends in the fight to end prostate cancer. Join us, or donate and help advocates like Karen Gerry and ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer in our goal to unify the community and put an end to prostate cancer, so men will no longer suffer from this horrible disease.

– Sharon Lindberg

ZERO Making Fundraising Look Like a Walk in the ParkFollow Team Bob Gerry’s Big Strides Against Prostate Cancer in Fort Myers

DFWRUNS works with running events their benefactors to increase revenue from sponsors, drive participation, and change lives. Call 214-DFWRUNS (339-7867).

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

Bandits Wanted!...that is, Birthday Bandits! Be a part of the fun! Each month we host an “exclusive” social run (location will vary month-to-month) to celebrate all the bandits who have birthdays that month. Asphalt and good cheers will be provided to all … AND did we mention, an EPIC gift for all the Birthday Bandits.

SIGN UP HERE

Grab your tropical shirts, leis and brightest pair of running shoes, and register to shake your tail feathers at Fort Worth’s most colorful summertime race and Parrot-Dise after party!

Find Your Parrot-Dise!

Register Now!

Volunteer!

Join Our Mail List

Contact UsJoesRunFW.com

It all started with the running man. When Jessica Kane mastered the one-foot-in-front-

of-the-other bounce to the rhythm of Hot In Herre back in high school, she knew she’d be a natural.

She’s come a long way (from NJ) since teaching hip hop classes a decade ago and she’s still got all the right moves. Most recently, she moved into a full-time role as Maestro of Events at DFWRUNS.

What is Maestro of Events?DEFINITION: A title which may refer to a composer, a teacher, a conductor or leader of an ensemble. By extension, it is used in English to designate a master in an artistic field and denotes respect for someone with strong knowledge who instructs others in the field.

Leading up to and through race day, she orchestrates all the big beats and low undertones of your event-- directing every component as her instruments in harmonious flow toward a big finish. Already she’s dancing with star clients like Drenched 5K, Zero Prostate Cancer Run, and Rahr Oktoberfest 5K to name only a few! With so many national clients, it’s a good thing Kane has lots of practice traveling but it was her extensive experience in event development at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and as Event Coordinator for Six Flags that had us poppin’, lockin’ and droppin’.

In her spare time she continues to polish her moves by taking hip hop classes and spreads the skillz across various genres by leading Zumba three times a week. She also plays Kickball and Dodgeball in a social league. By living the active lifestyle, Kane keeps limber for all

the mud runs, color runs, Santa-themed, glowing and obstacle races she participates in (sometimes several on the same day). How’s that for knowledge of the field?!

Even though her Roger Rabbit is a most impressive, don’t underestimate Jessica’s refined, sophisticated side. She has distinct taste for classical performances as well. Her hoppin’ energy (Cupid) shuffles beautifully over to her role as Maestro-- emphasizing balance, clarity, and moderation in her finest work. Kane understands a masterpiece demands a significant level of proficiency and may often exhibit complexity. She’s got a real ear for it, so be sure to call and talk to her about whether your event should stay formed to a certain scale, or if we can go sick freestyle wit it!

Got pavement? Just say, word. Maestro is ready to hit it!

– Cherilyn Wilson

Hit It Maestro!Introducing Jessica Kane, DFWRUNS Maestro of Events

Holla 214-339-7860 ext. 233 to get the down low on how she will manage your event with flava!

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BENEFITING

GET

UP!

FIRED

APRIL 20, 2013

RUN OR WALK - HOT BREAKFAST - LIVE MUSIC - POST RACE PARTY

thrillofthegrill5k.com /thrillofthegrill

Confession... I work for a company that manages and promotes running events, yet I do not

actually run every week. It’s not that I don’t appreciate the endorphin kick, the clarity of mind, and feeling of accomplishment that comes right after a half hour of right foot, left foot, pavement solitude and feet beats — I’m just more of an outdoor recreational enthusiast and an admirer of nature. I tend to get my running fix through plenty of other means.

My typical active lifestyle week consists of a nice basketball or kickball outing to Tietze Park on Monday evenings, a Wednesday night under the bright lights of Fair Oaks Park for softball, and some Ultimate Frisbee at Exall Park after work on Thursdays to round out the week. Still, I may mix in an occasional run around the Village Apartments where I have lived for the past two years. Yes, my life epitomizes that of a Dallas post graduate. Now as it is spring, I suggest you get out and enjoy this great weather.

A few of the aforementioned parks you should check out are: Tietze Park in the Lakewood area off Skillman, Exall Park in East Dallas close to downtown and the Village – located off of Central Expressway and Lovers Lane. All are good a nice evening stroll with the

family or a simple recreational fix. Tietze park has a nice evenly paved half mile loop around the perimeter lined with native oaks. Various boot camps and recreational kickball leagues congregate here. Exall Park is tucked

away in east Dallas off of Live Oak just next to Baylor Hospital. This park also has a nice half mile jogging loop, boot camps, plenty of wide open green space great for ultimate frisbee or touch football pick up games, and lends excellent views of downtown.

Don’t feel like recreational play or the drive over to

White Rock? Just need to squeeze in a quick workout before cooking dinner or paying the bills? Explore your immediate surroundings. Don’t assume a little jaunt from your door won’t satisfy your running needs. I run from the Village Apartments, for example. There are over two miles of jogging trails weaving in and out of the complexes along ponds with breath taking fountains. Maybe you just need a brisk walk to soak in the fresh air and share some old bread with all the ducks — It’s all good!

Dallas has plenty of places to play and these are only a few of my favorites. I encourage you to get out there and enjoy them!

Jaunt JunkieBy Paul Hutzler

IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT RUNNING

Gladiators VS. LeprechaunsLooking to get your brand or event in front of thousands a day but don’t want to do the dirty work? Bring it to DFWRUNS. Last month, we not only rocked with Treble Hook on a float we designed for the St. Patrick’s Day Greenville Ave Parade, but we also got registrations rollin’ at the Rock N’ Roll Dallas packet pick up expo the following weekend.

REGISTER NOW

DFW - MAY 11

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Rahr & Sons Brewery – Fort Worth

REGISTER ONLINE » RahrOktoberfest.com

Halt deine Lederhosen![hahlt dey-neh leh-dehr-hoh sehn!]

Hold onto your Lederhosen!Join us at the world famous Rahr & Sons Brewing Company for the Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5k!

• GERMAN TREATS AND FOOD

• LIVE GERMAN POLKA

• BIER GARDEN, FEATURING HAND CRAFTED GERMAN STYLE LAGER

• RUN AND WALK

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The Doctor is in! What questions do you have for Dr. Johnson? Is there a topic would you like to know more about? Please submit to: [email protected]

In Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, John Gray states

what seems obvious to me: “Imagine that men are from Mars and women are from Venus.” (Imagine that? Isn’t it true?) But did you know that since we hail from different planets, we also have different health care needs? If you ask a Martian what this even means, his thoughts on health care may be floating somewhere in outer space. Green men, I’m here to rein you in!

According to a recent article in American Family Physician, one-third of Martians report having no primary care doctor. The article goes on to give stats from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): 48% of men over the age of 18 do not exercise on a regular basis and 22% smoke. Of men over the age of 20, 33% are obese and 31% have high blood pressure. Clearly our men are in jeopardy of an early demise if this trend continues. But, when should a Martian leave his UFO and seek preventive care? What does this creature from outer space even need?

Family docs believe that you don’t have to be sick to get better. In other words, even though you may feel fine and have no medical problems, there are things you can do now to protect your health later. These health guidelines are derived from evidence-based studies (and are continually updated as research unearths more data). The goals of the guidelines are to promote optimal health at every age and to prevent disease and premature death.

Men, at every earthly primary care visit, your blood pressure, weight, and your height should be measured, no matter your age. If your blood pressure is greater than 140 for the top number or greater than 90 for the bottom number on two different days, you will be labeled with the diagnosis of hypertension (HTN) and be at increased risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other problems. Your height and weight should be measured to calculate your body mass index (or BMI). (Remember your numbers, faithful followers? Is anyone out there?) A high BMI increases your risk of health problems including diabetes, HTN, and certain cancers.

NEARLY 1 IN 8 MEN HAVE DIABETESAccording to the National Institute of Diabetes and

Digestive and Kidney Diseases nearly one in eight men have diabetes. That is thirteen million Martian men! Although the US preventative task force (the USPSTF) recommends screening for diabetes in men of any age with a sustained BP over 135/80, most docs will check this number each time as part of your yearly physical.

Men 35 and older, and those 20 to 34 with other heart risk factors, should have their baseline cholesterol level tested. Although most docs will check this test at least every five years (based on older guidelines), the optimal screening interval is not known, and no age has been established when to stop screening.

THINGS YOU CAN DOFamily physicians should be asking men of all ages (from

outer space or not) about tobacco and alcohol use at every visit. If you smoke, you should stop. If you drink, you should know that risky drinking is defined as more than fourteen

Doc in the Box By Holly Johnson, M.D.

PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE FOR MARTIAN MEN

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

REACH OUT!Learn how DFWRUNS can help grow your brand or event. Contact us today!

PHONE: 214-DFWRUNSEMAIL: [email protected]: www.dfwruns.com

drinks per week, or more than four drinks per day. Family docs are also on the lookout for men with increased risk factors for STDs and depression, and those at risk should be tested.

The USPSTF did not find evidence that performing testicular exams was effective in reducing mortality for testicular cancer, so it’s not recommended. This may be true, but in my opinion, most PCPs should at least teach you how to do an exam and what you are feeling for.

Once you hit the age of 50, your doc should have an in-depth discussion with you about whether to check for prostate cancer with a blood test called the PSA. Most docs will do the PSA test as well as a prostate exam as part of your annual exam at age 50 and up.

On planet Earth, screening for colon cancer should start at age of 50 using little cards that your doctor or lab will provide (called fecal occult cards) or by doing a sigmoidoscopy every five years along with the yearly cards, or by performing a colonoscopy every ten years until the age of 75. (Recommendations courtesy of the USPSTF.) The CDC tells us that colon cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in men.

MY BEST SHOT RECOMMENDATIONSAn annual flu vaccine is strongly recommended for all guys. At the age

of 19 or over, you should have a Tdap (tetanus and pertussis) booster once, then a Td vaccine should be updated every ten years. Martians between 19-26 years old should receive the HPV vaccine series to protect from warts and passing on the HPV virus to your partner. An MMR vaccine booster and possibly a meningococcal vaccine should be given before heading off to college. Any gentleman over the age of 60 should be considered for a shingles vaccine. And over the age of 65, you should receive a one-time pneumonia vaccine. (Vaccine recommendations can be found on the CDC.gov website.)

As you race into the spring running season, hopefully this advice will get your Martian antennas whirling about what to discuss at your next appointment with your physician.

Next month will be dedicated to the Venetians!

Please Note: The info in this article is not a substitute for medical advice from your own PCP; you should always discuss any preventative health decisions with your own doc. Dr. Johnson and DFWRUNS/OYL! are not liable for paranormal health findings in Martians or in Venetians.

Keep sending us your compliments! DALLAS ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HALF MARATHONCOMPLIMENT: The great support of the Dallas community while running the Half Marathon.. It was very motovating!

COMPLIMENT: Parking at fair grounds, Bus to a start downtown. Made Dallas appear very attractive for out of town runners

CITY: Dallas, TX PATRIOT HALFCOMPLIMENT: Well organized, runner friendly, challenging course but still manageable for all skill levels.

CITY: Rockwall, TX

COMPLIMENTS DEPARTMENT

Abby RoadBy Abby Werner

FORM FOLLOWS FITNESS 5K

Here’s something I’ve learned recently — no matter how cold it is, don’t get too bundled up if you are running a 5k. For the Form Follows Fitness 5k that I had the pleasure of running in a few weeks ago I wore two shirts, a pair of shorts, a sweatshirt and sweatpants. I figured, hey, if I get hot than I can always take off the sweatshirt and sweat pants. That is not the case, because then you have to stop, take five minutes to pull it all off, than carry it with you for the rest of the

race. Or the other, more uncomfortable version (which I did) was suffer through the heat and be a scorching, sweaty mess when I finished. Don’t get me wrong, I still had a marvelous time, seeing some of the interesting architectural designs of Dallas’ buildings.

Before the race, I started talking to this boy that was standing next to

me. He told me he did a lot of triathlons, and did 5ks to improve on his running. His goal time was under 30 minutes, so I decided to try to try to stick with him. I was able to for about the first mile, and then he shot ahead of me. Since I never saw him again, I’m sure he reached his goal. After that, I just tried to focus and to keep running for as long as I could. Thankfully, it was a flat course for the most part and I was able to keep going, despite the heat. Finally, after the second mile, I stopped and walked for thirty seconds before continued jogging.

Once I climbed the last hill, which I felt nearly killed me, I sprinted to the welcoming finish line. I then gulped down nearly ten cups of water and two Gatorades before I was able to breathe correctly again. Later that day, after I had rehydrated and refreshed with a nap and shower, I marveled at just how I had done. I’d given it my best, and in return I received my best run. Its small things like that that motivate you to keep improving.

Oh yeah before I forget, later that week, I ran in my first middle school track meet. My coach had me run the mile, which is the second to last event. I had a lot of time to wait and get stiff, due to the freezing cold. I watched my friends do their sprints, envying how they got to leave about two hours before I did. But once it was my turn to go, I was happy I was there. I started out at an easy pace, trying to stay fairly consistent each lap. I ended up last, and didn’t have the best time in the world, but it gives me a good starting point for next time. My goal is by district, I’ll be at about seven thirty. It’ll be difficult, but you have to set big goals in order to accomplish big things!

“It’ll be difficult, (to reach my goal by district), but you have to set big goals in order to accomplish big things!”

PHONE: 214-DFWRUNSEMAIL: [email protected]

WEB: www.dfwruns.com/dfwruns @dfwruns