Running for My Life

Cold, wet, beautiful run in Vancouver B.C.

I love hiking. I enjoy mountain biking and long rides on country roads. I do not like running...or at least not up until last year. I decided on a whim to run my first 5K in May 2016 as part of the Astoria Parks & Recreation Foundation’s “Run on the River” event. I thought this was a great way to get involved in the community by volunteering and why not run a 5K for the heck of if while I’m at it. I didn’t train whatsoever. Mistake, right? Darcy thought I went bonkers. I just showed up at the start line on the 6th Street Pier in my most presentable pair of soccer shorts and Adidas running shoes I had stashed in the bedroom closet and just went for it. How hard could it be to run 3.2 miles along flat terrain with a fantastic view of the Big River? As it turned out, very hard, but a lot of fun too!

I was full of piss and vinegar at the start running on sheer excitement and adrenaline. At the turnaround near Smith Point, I briefly stopped and doused myself with water and then pushed on drafting behind a woman who looked like she was in much better shape than I was and coasted until I turned on the jets for a final kick. As I crossed the finish line I let out a cathartic yell, but didn’t have a clue how I finished the race. I picked up some water, a snack, gently bowed to receive a medal from my daughter Makenna (who was volunteering with Darcy) and waited patiently at the runner’s tent to collect my race time. I couldn’t believe it...I did a double take at the printout...I finished first in my age group (45-49) and placed 8th overall with time of 28 minutes! In addition to a cool t-shirt that I still love and wear religiously, a glass blown medal from Fernhill Glass Studios, and a tasty free pint of cream ale from Buoy Beer, I received a fancy water bottle for my placement and a lot of pats on the back. The best part was my confidence level skyrocketed and seemed to be floating on a cloud for the rest of the week, knowing that I could accomplish anything. A priceless feeling that was worth the registration a couple times over.

Although the runner's high of my first race was undeniable, I didn’t run another race until I entered the same event in May 2017. This time I actually warmed up with a few runs on the Riverwalk in April, and a handful of long hikes to crosstrain, and finished with a time of 24 minutes! I didn’t win my age group and placed 15th overall, but I felt great about shaving 4 minutes off and setting a new personal best...a PB in the running world. Faced with the results, I knew something good was happening and decided to sign up for my first 10K in Vancouver, BC for October.

Throughout the summer, I had Vancouver on my mind keeping me motivated and focused. I filled my summer weeks with more hikes than runs, but I followed up with another race in August at the Lower Hospice's "Race to the Bar" at Fort Stevens State Park with a 5K run on the beach. This was an excruciating experience because the weather was terrible and the wind was brutal. After the turnaround, it felt like ten people pushing against me as I methodically jogged back to the finish line in a meditative state. As it turns out, I placed 2nd in my age group falling to the overall winner with a time of 25 minutes which was pretty good considering the cruddy conditions.

With continued training in September and October I signed up for a 10K at the Great Columbia Crossing, knowing this could be a trial run for the following weekend at the James Cunningham Seawall Race in Stanley Park. Talk about two amazing views in the Pacific Northwest! The Columbia Crossing event developed into a beautiful fall day and had to be one of the coolest things I've ever done; running across the Astoria Megler Bridge from Dismal Nitch on the Washington side to the Red Building Loft underneath the bridge with stunning scenery. Thankfully, Dave Feeney, a local Coastie, ended up being a great, impromptu running partner which I never had even with all of my training runs. It was a great strategy to have someone set the pace and chit chat along the way and before I knew it I was on the down slope of the bridge heading for the final stretch. Dave took off as we quickly approached the bridgehead, but I used a final leg kick to cross the finish line in 50 minutes! I didn’t purchase the extra chip timer, but I did the check the race results online and found out I would’ve placed in the top 10 of my age group among a group of 500+ runners.

I honestly can’t tell you why I wanted to run at age 47 or what I’m running to or from in life. I can tell you that I’m in the best shape of my life, doing daily yoga and meditation, in addition to my running and hiking schedule. Darcy has noticed the positive changes from my new physique, new attitude toward life, goal setting and results, and putting myself out there to meet new people and experience life on my terms.

This last year has been my most challenging year in life. Darcy and I struggled as a couple up until my transformation in August and then I left my job in early October. Running has been more than a diversion from the daily grind, it’s been a great tool to clear my head, think more clearly, live in the present, and demonstrate to myself and the family that I’m still kicking ass! I don’t know if I’ll ever figure my life out, but I do know that running has been a great way to help with the process of sorting out the next steps.

Where am I running next?

I haven’t scheduled any race events for 2018. If you have any suggestions or ideas I’d love to hear them. Everywhere I turn there is another 5/10K race on the calendar. In years past the family has done the Shamrock 5K Walk in downtown Portland so I may have to do the 10K Race. Trail running really appeals to me as well and Silver Falls State Park has got to be up there. There are so many other beautiful places that beckon my inner calling to keep searching and running for my life until I find what it is I’m looking for. I’ll let you know when I find it.

Cheers,
Kevin