Running with Type 1

My approach to running evolved from a blend of desire, curiosity, and passion.  There's never been any real intent on being the best at a local race.  The desire to push my own limits and learning how to embrace the uncomfortable parts of the competition is honestly my favorite part. The post race coffee, omelette and pancakes are maybe just as epic as the finish line sprint too. Signing up for a local race doesn't warrant prize money, shoe sponsors or even highlights in the newspaper.  What I've found so unique in the running community though is regardless of age, ability, and racing experience, the camaraderie and spirit that exists amongst the crowd is something special. I appreciate and enjoy watching the early 20 somethings or high school freaks put on a show based on their youth and pure strength, but for me, the inspiration for the sport comes from the several decades plus runners, staying at it and passing down the figurative torch to all those who lace '

Waking up at 5 AM and working out by most would be considered less than ideal.  Why the hell would you want to sacrifice an extra hour in bed to get up without eating, and start working out? My earliest experience with this crazy routine happened when I was 17.   Winter and Spring 2005 was an awesome time.  The excitement of senior year football was on the horizon, summertime, football camps, the prime of our adolescent innocence.  I ran track in high school, majorly underachieved, but I still ran and had some fun.  I gave an honest effort as a sprinter, but I was a mid distance runner at heart.  No way could you tell me that in high school though.  I could always hold a pace that real sprinters could not.  My speed was average at best in 100-400 meter sprints.  Should have been my "ah ha moment."  The bigger goal on the horizon was committing to a strict weight training regimen during track season and aimed for a 405 squat by summer.  So that meant one thing, I had to lif