The year 2010 has come to a close.  For the past week or so I couldn't help but reflect on all the experiences I have had this year.  So many in fact; that 2010 seems to have went on forever.  Like any other year, 2010 has dished out it's share of personal challenges - but that's just life!  Fortunately; these past twelve months have also been packed full of some great times which have all but overshadowed the more challenging episodes.  And it all started twelve months ago.

January marked the beginning of a dedicated training plan to prepare for a couple half-marathons and two "half-ironman" triathlons.  Sometime during the second week in January I registered for all my races for the upcoming season.  Needless to say I was pretty "pumped" that you decided to participate in the half-marathons with me.  More specifically, the 1st Annual SIC Half-Marathon and the Indian-Celina Challenge.  Both of which were still months away.  It goes without saying that we were "behind the eight-ball"  in regards to our run training, but at least we managed to get out there and run together at least once a week.  Albeit, rain, sleet, ice or snow; we always seemed to manage getting those training runs in.  That is: at least around the flat lands of Angel Mounds.  Now as far as accompanying me to the hilly woods of Perry County to train for Indian-Celina?  Well; let's just say the only company I had out there most of the time was the deer and turkeys.  But that's alright, I knew you would be there on race day and probably still put a hurt on me.

Now I can't speak for you, but with only two weeks before the SIC Half-Marathon I was getting a little nervous as I hadn't ran that distance since college.  In fact, my longest run to date was only 10 miles.  I don't recall the reason you didn't run with me that weekend but but I remember sending you this:

As a confidence builder for myself - I had made the distance on the turf at Angel Mounds - all 4 laps of it.  What surprised me however, was that you didn't seem too overly concerned about going the distance at the upcoming race.  After-all, you had never ran that distance and your race preparation was notably less than mine.  Nonetheless, just a couple days later - you answered the call.  I remember you texting me that you had just ran 12 or 13 miles nonstop.  I remember being a bit surprised that you pulled off that long of a run with just a week til race day.  But mostly, I was just pretty excited that we were both competing in this race together.  I also remember that we met at Angel Mounds just 3 days before the race to run a couple miles so we could kinda sorta determine a "target" race pace for the upcoming event.  Doing a one mile warm-up jog to the boat ramp then a tempo run back to the parking area in 8:05 left us both pretty winded.  Definitely not a pace to attempt for 13.1 miles - right???  So going into the race we were thinking somewhere around the 8:30-8:45 per mile mark.

So here it is race-day and as we pass the one-mile marker the trusty ole Garmin indicated we had just clocked a 7:56 first mile.  Now having run many races in my lifetime I simply chalked this up to "pre-race nervous energy" and figured we'd settle back down into a more "realistic" pace based on our ability.  Since we were both listening to our tunes, I recall tapping you on the arm as we passed the mile markers to tell you the splits.  Now four miles into the race and we are still clocking 8 minute miles.  We both agreed that we felt OK so we decided to keep up the tempo.  Now personally, I was a bit concerned that we would "crash and burn" 9 or 10 miles in but I guess we were both willing to take that risk.

The miles continued to tick by and the Garmin kept reporting 8:00 splits.  Although starting to "feel the effort", 10 miles into the race I had noticed you were starting to drop back a few yards.  Now truthfully I was actually somewhat surprised that you were still running beside me at that point simply because you had not trained as much as I had during the previous months.  In fact, I was quite simply amazed we were still running together this far into the race - especially at that pace.  We had come this far together and I remember easing up just a tad and hollering that we only had 3 miles to go and that you were doing an awesome job!  Just a few yards later, we were running side by side again.  I was once again pretty happy that we were still together this far into the race.  Of course about the time you caught back up to me the tables were turning and I was really starting to fade.  With less than 2 miles to go I was struggling to keep up with you.

So here we are at about 11.5 miles into the race still clocking 8 minute miles.  I distinctly remember what was going thru my mind at this point.

1. I can't believe we have been running this fast.

2. I'm truly in awe of the effort you are putting into this race.

3. We come this far together and I want to make sure we finish this race together.

Now I don't know if you recall this photo, but after giving it a second look it took on a special meaning.  Now the obvious thing here is the look on our faces.  It's evident that we are both hurting.  But then look a little closer.  We are running stride for stride in almost perfect unison.  Look at our feet, neither one of them are touching the ground.  And look behind us: the church.  To me there was a very symbolic message here and that message is that  the Good Lord was carrying us to the finish line.

And less than 12 minutes later, we made it!  With 150 yards to go you literally bolted away from me while I crossed the line just moments later.

It took a couple minutes for it to sink in what we had just accomplished.  The race timer showed 1:45:??.  Almost 15 minutes faster than we had figured we'd finish this race!  But again, the primary thought going thru my mind was one of awe.  Given the amount of training you had put in prior to this race, there was no doubt in my mind that the effort you put forth was nothing short of "monumental".  Perhaps you noticed, perhaps you didn't - but there were tears running down my face.  Tears of joy from a father who couldn't be more proud of his son.

And then to further enhance the experience, this happens:

We both get 3rd place in our respective age groups.  Who would have ever thought?  Two years prior I was smoking a pack and a half a day and was packing an additional 30 pounds.  So yeah; this race was definitely a personal victory but, the majority of my happiness came from the fact that we got to share this race experience and I got to witness you experience the joy of accomplishing and surpassing a goal.

Fast forward two months (June 12th) and now we are at the Indian Celina Challenge.  Our next half-marathon race.  The only difference is now we'll be running on trails with lots of BIG hills.

Now if you recall - what led us to this race was a chance meeting when we came over to hike the trail in April of 2009 - remember?  I'm sure you also remember how thrashed we were having just hiked the trail in some 5 hours or so.  Yet here we were lined up at the starting line in a bid to run the entire trail.

Yeah, you may barely be able to make yourself out standing next to your dad fumbling with his Garmin.  You know - over by the bushes you just watered before the race :)  Now granted we had more than surpassed or expectations at the SIC Half-Marathon a couple months earlier but your preparation for this race was definitely - shall we say "marginal" at best.  While I had been making several trips over to the hills at Perry County to practice the hills - I think you only made it over there with me once during the preceding months.  All the same - I was once again really glad you decided to run this race with me.

And race we did.  We started out the first couple miles together but as we got into the hills we would find ourselves running in solitude.  I wasn't worried however, I knew I'd see ya at the finish line.

And a couple hours later there you were.  A smile on your face and "no shoes on your feet"  "What the heck were you thinking" having just finished the last few miles of the race completely barefoot?

Once again I was quite impressed that you had finished the race - let alone run part of that trail barefoot.  I remember how much I enjoyed hanging out with you after the race as we told each other about our race experience that day and dined on 10am cheeseburgers.

The Indian-Celina race held a special place in my heart and always will.  That hike we did one year earlier was during an era where I was really trying to change my lifestyle and get back in shape. I can't express how grateful I am that you were there with me, not only for the race, but during that hike one year earlier.

One year earlier I would have never imagined myself being able to run around that entire course and here I was,  just yards from the finish having ran the entire 13 miles nonstop.  Thanks for sharing that with me!

Fast forward another month.

Without going into public detail, we knew how difficult making this trip happen became.  Very very limited funds, lack of adequate transportation, and now no place to stay - right?  Our months of planning to hike the Barr Trail at Pikes Peak got totally fumbled they day before we were to leave.  So fumbled in fact - it was almost comical.  However - like in the Blues Brothers - it kinda became "we're on a mission from God".  So less than 18 hours later, we borrowed a car, grabbed the tent, and bought a bunch of peanut butter and jelly and hit the road.  Oh yeah, and we remembered the camera. And, if everything went right - we "may" have enough gas money to make it home.

Guess all the pre-departure excitement wore you out as a couple hundred miles into the journey you were copping some zzz's.

Now when we made this trip in July of 2010 I was 45 years old and had never driven west of Kansas City until today.  The closest thing I had seen to this was in the movie "Dances With Wolves".  We had officially made it to the Kansas prairie.  I think we were both quite excited about seeing it for the first time.

Half way across Kansas and we encounter a windmill farm.  So intriguing we made a u-turn so we could go back and check them out more closely.  I think I will always remember standing on that gravel road in the middle of nowhere hearing nothing but the wind and the sound of that turbine swinging by at a couple hundred miles per hour.  It was quite a sight.

Anyway, now half-way across Kansas and running out of daylight, it was time to start looking for a campground.  Cedar Bluffs in Wakeeney KS would be our destination. A campground located about 2/3rds of the way across the state and less that 6 hours from our ultimate destination of Colorado Springs.  Upon arriving, I distinctly remember checking the iPhone for the local weather and it was a balmy 100 degrees.  Perfect weather to get a run in!

So we pitched our $20 (yard sale) tent, donned our running gear and tunes, and hit the road.

And you remember what comes next right?  SNAKE!!!!!!!!!

I'm glad I was running block for ya and I still don't know how I was able to miss stepping on this dude and not get bit.  And less than 50 yards down the road another one.  Anyway, lesson learned about running along the side of the road on the high plains of Kansas (watch out for Prairie Rattlesnakes!) This little encounter must have gotten our adrenaline up as we ended up running a very quick 5 or 6 miles that eve.  Then on the trot back to our campsite your foolish dad busts his hump pretty good climbing down the rocks on the dam.  The biggest, blackest bruise I ever had, let alone how tender it was.  I'll tell ya - running out west can be hazardous.  Now the good thing about this run was we just ran a hard 5 or 6 miles in 100 degree it and it only felt like 75.  Take away the humidity and it makes all the difference in the world.  In fact - this felt like the best run I had had in quite a while because I could breathe and stay cool.

So we make it back to camp, get showered and treat ourselves to some PB and JY.  Life doesn't get any better.  Now getting dark, and lounging in the lawn chair, I see the silhouette of an animal walking thru the campsite next to us.  It comes a little closer and I realize it's a bobcat.  I had never seen one before (at least not in captivity).  I couldn't believe he didn't bolt when he saw me - instead he looked at me like "what the heck are you staring at" and casually strolled by.  So here we are - just 14 hours into our trip and already we:

• have seen the Kansas prairie for the first time
• checked out some big wind turbines
• Ran in 100 degree heat
• Almost got bit by a rattlesnake
• damn near broke my leg climbing down rocks
• and saw a bobcat
• (not bad for a first day on the road)

So the next morning we break camp and hit the road, not before taking a couple pics however.

Just a few hours later and we made it to Colorado - just a couple hours to go! By the way, I think you were sleeping at this point.

And off in the distance (still about 70 miles away in this photo), our destination - Pikes Peak towering 14110 feet.

So now we have arrived at our destination.  With no plans on where to stay,  we stop and treat ourselves to a Subway and try to determine where we are going to pitch our tent.  Good-ole Rand McNally and iPhones tell us there is a state park on the other side of Pikes Peak about 20 miles away.  Now there is always an element of stress when you show up at a destination without any kind of reservation but like I said at the beginning, our lodging plans got fumbled and we were on a mission from God.  So now having driven 17 hours across the country - the lady at the state park tells us they are "full".  What!  It wasn't ski season.  It was the middle of July.  Anyway - she goes on to tell us that there is another campground up the road that has pull-off sites (free) and paid sites (not free) on a first come first serve basis.  Just a couple miles down the road we go check it out.  (The Crags Campground) for those interested.

Now our "borrowed" little Toyota Camry may have been great on gas but it lacked 4 wheel drive.  And the road up this side of the mountain had some pretty rough spots.  However we made it up and checked out what was available.  Just a couple pay sites but also a couple free pull-off sites.  Basically, if you could pitch a tent there, it was a campsite kinda mentality.  Of course this also meant, no electricity and no running water.  That also meant the closest water closet (you know - the crapper) was 1/2 mile away.  However, the scenery was absolutely breathtaking!  Plus we would have a mountain stream running right next to our tent.  This was the most beautiful camping area I had ever seen.  So here is where we would call home for the next few days.  And to make it even better - no camping fees.  Oh yeah - and did I tell you we were camping at 10,000 feet?  Not bad for a couple of flat landers who live at 416 feet above sea level.  Oh - and did I tell you that the temperature dropped into the mid-30's that night?  With just a couple blankets and light jackets we about froze our tails off!

Just a short walk up the road brought us to a parking area.  We noticed a trail head there and struck up a conversation with a few folks coming off the trail.  Lo and behold this was a trail head for another route up to the summit of Pikes Peak.  Only 8 miles to the top and shorter than the Barr Trail (12 miles) which we were planning to ascend in a few days.  However this trail was significantly more steep than the Barr.  Nonetheless, the folks were kind enough to give us their printed route map and Tyler and I decided we'd do this trail also and attempt two summits of Pikes Peak that week.  Stumbling into this campground really turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  We would have never known about this other trail head and here we were camping only a half mile away from it.

A couple mornings later and we were off.  Along with some other folks.

The climb started out fairly easy and the scenery was totally breathtaking.

About 3 miles into the climb it starting getting pretty steep.  We could definitely tell we were at altitude but fortunately the effects were nothing more than being short of breath.

And above timberline (about 12,500) we stopped for a photo.  A really steep section of trail and quite beautiful.

At this point we had been climbing for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

And after a somewhat hairy final ascent through the rock field at the summit, we made it!  Fortunately an experienced climber taught us what a "cairn" was.

We were both pretty thrashed at the summit.  Legs burning and really hungry.  So we took advantage of the savings we had from the free campsite and splurged on some Pikes Peak summit house donuts.  Afterall, we'd need the energy to make the hike back down the mountain.

And just a short while later, we started our way back down the mountain.  The return trip went really quickly as we ended up jogging some of it as some thunderheads were rolling in.  Rule #1 - when you hear thunder - get below treeline fast!  Lightning is a huge hazard on top of these mountains.  So what probably took us 4 1/2 hours to climb, only took us about 2 1/2 hours to descend.

Summit #1 was complete.  Time to get a couple days rest and strike out for our primary objective (and our primary reason to drive out to Colorado) ascend the Barr Trail.  (which also happens to be the venue for the annual Pikes Peak Marathon).

And a couple days later around 4am....

We began the hike that had been months in the planning.

Making our way up the Barr at daybreak overlooking Colorado Springs.

Already hours into the hike, the summit still looms way off in the distance.

Well above timberline with less than two miles to go to the summit.  Just a short while later, we were once again dining on Pikes Peak summit house doughnuts.  Two summits of Pikes Peak in four days.  Both ascents were nothing less than spectacular.  Now completely wore out, sleepy, tired and sore - thank goodness we had a ride back down the mountain.

A day later we would break camp and begin the trip home.  I can remember almost being in tears breaking down the campsite.  This place was just so amazingly beautiful plus I was having a great time hanging out with you.  So I snapped this pic from our campsite just before driving off the mountain.

And almost like out of a postcard, here is a road we traveled in Kansas en-route to the same campground we stayed at on the way out.

And the driver enjoying his dads jokes.

Our $20 yard sale tent and weathered the wind, rain, mud, heat and cold.

And Tyler, maybe next time we'll see if we can further diversify our "road menu".  As you can see, I wasn't joking about the PB and JY.  There is something to be said for living out of a giant tupperware container of food for a week.  It was actually quite a cool experience (albeit a necessity in our case) . I'm glad we took advantage of the rest stops all along I-70.  I don't think I ever realized just how valuable these rest stops are until making a trip like this.  It's kinda like a place to "hang your hat" when you are one the road.  And when you are on a limited budget, there really isn't many places to do that for free.  As a matter of fact, I kinda speculate that back when the Interstate system was built  - these rest stops were the primary stopping points for cross-country travelers.  After all, they were built for much more than just stopping to use the restroom.  In fact, many of them are quite impressive and located in very nice areas.

And yes we did have enough gas money to make it all the way home too!  All told I think we managed the entire week long trip for less than $450.  That included gas and a $60 car repair.  That would barely pay for one day at a Sandals resort in Jamaica.

So Tyler,

You may be wondering why I take the time to write all this.  Well - here goes:

As you know, I've done and accomplished a whole lot in my life so far.  I've traveled to a lot of exotic places, had a lot of cool toys, had more prestigious jobs, and at times - had a lot more money.  These days that has all changed.  Now I get just as excited heading out the door on Saturday morning for Perry County to go run some hills as I would if heading out for Sandals in Jamaica.  Today I find more enjoyment and satisfaction jumping on my tri-bike and heading out for a ride with my friends than if I were heading out for Gatlinburgh on my Honda Goldwing.  And while the highlight of my week used to be getting home on Friday eve to enjoy a beer and a cigarette.  Now the highlight of my week is when I get to meet you to go running like we did all last summer at Angel Mounds.

I've had a lot of great races in my lifetime, in fact I'm told I still hold records at Harrison High School on the gym walls.  BUT, none of those races mean as much to me as the races we shared earlier this year.  It is one thing to accomplish your own goals and objectives but when you get to watch your son do the same the reward is ten-fold.

And then there is the trip to Colorado.  On a shoestring and a prayer, it was absolutely the best trip I have ever been on in my life.  We got to do some pretty cool stuff but the best part for me was getting to hang out with you all week and share the adventure and the accomplishment of two summit hikes.  I wasn't able to do much with my dad when I was your age as he wasn't around very much.  But somewhere, even in the midst of all his problems and his absence , he did manage to en-grain (to my brothers and I) the belief that we could accomplish and achieve anything we set our minds too.  All of these experiences I have wrote of were all goals that I knew I could reach if I tried hard enough.  And I did - with you right there with me.

The real kicker is that you are much smarter than me and have a better head on your shoulders than I would ever hope to.  If I could hope to pass on to you anything, it would be the same belief that my father passed on to me.  "You are smart enough to do anything you want.  Don't be scared to go after it, even if it seems out of reach.  Kinda like the Nike motto - Just do it!"  Somehow or another, I have always believed that in myself.  If you have the desire - there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will accomplish anything you set out to do.  Just like making it to the top of that mountain - "twice!"  Pulling straight A's with your class load was a feat in itself.  You may not think much of it but we all know you worked very hard to accomplish that and we are all very proud of your efforts.  That same effort can carry over to anything you set your mind to.

2010 has been a great year!  I have found a level of fitness I never thought I'd see again, got to see and experience a great road-trip out west, made a lot of great friends, and got to spend a lot of time with my best friend - "you".

So as we begin a new year, I want you to know, I look forward to the drives over to Perry County, I look forward to meeting you over at Angel Mounds to get those evening runs in.  and hopefully we can squeak out another Colorado 14'er this summer.

Enjoy the rest of your break and look forward to next week - finally - marathon training begins!!!

Love

Your Dad.