10000 Miles

10,000 Miles

Prior to Aug of 2000, I've had a couple of short term engagements with running, but when I arrived at Thule Air Base, Greenland 20 pounds over my idea weight, out of shape and on a one year remote military tour…I decided to become a runner.

Oct 17^th 2012 I ran my 10,000^th mile, so I thought I would take a look back.

Over the 147 months since Aug 2000, I've covered 10001.6 miles as of today.  During that span my best running year mileage wise as 2005 when my total miles reached 1554.  The best year for shear number of running days was 2007 I was able to run on 204 days.  I've been able to exceed the 1000 mile mark four times in 2005, 2007, 2011 and 2012. My average miles per year hovers at 833.  My best running month was 176 miles with an average month near 68 miles.  Over nearly 13 years, it was easy to get distracted.

Some of the years were good running years, some were not so good. For some I was a member of the United States Air Force 2000-2008 and some were after I retired and took on a civilian job 2008-2012.  The early years I ran before work (much easier) the later years I ran after getting home.  The majority of the years running was my priority but others I got side-tracked. One year (2008) I ran a low of 192 miles.  I ran while at home, I ran while deployed, and I ran while on vacation. 

I’ve run all over the world.  I ran on the top of the world (Thule, Greenland) and in the south pacific (Hawaii).  I’ve ran in combat zones and at the base of volcanoes.  I've run in 14 different states and six foreign countries Crete, Iraq, Sicily, Greenland, United Kingdom, and Qatar.  The one place I visited but never ran was Athens, Greece and I regret that…the birthplace of the marathon and I did not run. 

I ran my first and second marathon in 2005, and hope to run my seventh and eight to close out 2012.  I've run races alone and part of a team at distances from 5k to a 206.83 mile relay.  I've run in all kinds of weather, from pouring rain (hurricane) to freezing and pounding snow/ice.   I've learned a lot about myself, my faith, my health, my body and the world around me by running.  I’ve met a great number of wonderful people and helped friends run their first race and complete a first half and full marathon.  I've run longer distances then I ever thought possible, 75 miles in 20.5 hours and I've cheered on others as they have reached goals that were once beyond their own reach.

I’m THANKFUL for my health, I've been injury free the majority of this time, I’m thankful to my wife and family for supporting me.  I’m thankful to all my friends who get bombarded with e-mails, Facebook and Twitter posts about my running adventures.  

AND I’m thankful to our One true GOD for saving me and allowing me to have this gift. 

Sure it’s not the Olympics…but it’s been a good long run for me.  I look forward to the next 10000.