Let’s Get Caught up
This publication will document my running experiences, articles on running, insights and other like material. My life and running.
Here is a brief history … and yes, it is BRIEF.
2004 — I ran one race
2013–2014 — I ran a few 10ks and (2 1/2) marathons. And I did not do well.
2022 — I ran an 8K and a 10 Miler
2023 — I ran 4 10ks, (2) 10 milers, and (2) half marathons
2014 — We are on our way. As of April 7th I have ran
- A 4 Miler in Harrisburg
- A 10K in Harrisburg
- a 10 Miler in Harrisburg
HERE WE GO ….
Part 1
I almost never ran from an early age until the summer of 2004.
People would say that running freed your mind, a peace and air of good will envelope your person, and once running … life would be good. In fact, just yesterday, while running a 10 mile race, I saw this saying countless times
Pre 2004 … all I was thinking when I ran was “I am going to die of a heart attack”
Well … during the summer of 2004, I started running while on the road with the Cadets. I was out-of-shape, my life was far from where I hoped it would be, I was struggling through relationship after relationship, and the Cadets were good … as always … and the show had some cool moments, but let’s just say, it was an uphill battle.
So … I started running.
I would run the track during rehearsals. I would wander out a mile of two away from the housing site, I would roam far enough away to even stop and watch another corp’s rehearsals.
It was a struggle. I was out of breath. I did not go more than a few miles. And it was NOT fun. I think I may have been self-penalizing myself for life and career failures.
But I did run … a little.
2004 — the Beginning
Following the summer of 2004, I signed up for a 5K ( 3.1 miles) in Stone Harbor, NJ.
And I actually headed to the shore.
I rented a cheap apartment for a few days. It was September so it was inexpensive, I took my computer and work along …. I decided to make a weekend of it. Alone with my work and a run.
I arrived for the start of the race and I was a “fish out of water”. Where to get my bib, how to afix it with pins, where to stand, what to do next, how fast to run … it was all a mystery and I knew no one.
The race began. We went about a mile and the skies opened. The rain poured down from the sky. It was cold. I was soaked.
And in the midst of all of this, I looked to my right and we were passing the complex where I had rented my apartment. I could see my little deck just a few steps away.
I thought about turning, heading up the steps, and that would be that. What the hell. It was pouring. I was soaked. And I was “going to have a heart attack”
As we passed my weekend rental, guilt and shame filled my head.
How could I quit. I preach not quitting hundreds of times a year. AUGH!!!!!!
I kept going.
I remember coming near the finish line. At the time I was 47 . I was in a “neck and neck” battle with a woman who was probably 60, and was quite a few pounds overweight. I was talking to myself in my head “You can do this”. “You can beat her”.
And I did …
I crossed the finish line. I do not remember my time. It was terrible but … I finished. Hooray for me. I picked up my medal, and started to walk back to the rental. The sun was coming out and it was going to be a “hot one”.
I hear “Hey Hop”!
Huh? Who was that?
I turn around and there were 3 kids from the Cadets. They had heard I was running, they actually lived near the beach, and they kindly came to cheer me on. WOW !!! I was stunned, thrilled and thankful. We chatted a bit, they were very kind, I was a little embarrassed at my sorrowful performance, but it was so nice to see faces I knew. We chatted … and I headed back to the apartment to change clothes, and maybe get in some beach time.
As I walked, dread and terror filled my soul.
What if I had quit? What would I have said? I was hurt? I fell down? I stopped for a drink? I was never there?
Oh my …. When I say I was close to bailing, I mean I was just a step or two away from a quick turn and disappearance.
Embarrassment avoided.
My Running Career in Jeopardy
So what happened to chapter one of my running life?
A few weeks later I was going down the steps at my apartment back home and my left knee kind of collapsed. It hurt for a bit, I limped for a while and it was not getting better.
I finally went to see an Orthopedic. They did x-rays, no MRI, and after a short time, the doc came in and said I had sprained my meniscus.
Now what? “ Well … for a man of your age … we really do not do much.
His Advice — Aspirin, stay off the knee as best you can, and things will improve. We can give you a brace for a while. Oh … “you are going to stop running right?”
I stared. He stared back.
Suddenly he said “ I will be right back”
Back he came followed by his assistant. After a bit of chatting, he said to his assistant … “Mr. Hopkins is going to need an appointment for September 2007”. I looked with a quizzical look I am sure. The assistant asked, “What will the appointment be for? A follow up?” the assistant asked?
“Oh No” said the doc. “Mr. Hopkins is going to need a new knee”
Point made.
I stopped running for about 10 years.
More to come …
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