May 2014

Official Publication of

MAY 2014

Mother of a Runner

Balancing an Active Lifestyle as a Single Mom

Just Say Bucket Before you kick it!

A personal account of being struck down after a lifetime of fitness.

Come Outside and Enjoy an Event Well Done It’s a Rare Occasion to Meet a Legend like Dean Karnazes

Live Life to the Max

Kay Granger Running Club is Growing Strong

Joe’s Run, a Tropical Parrot-Dise REGISTER NOW

Celebrating and Benefitting Samaritan House

Letter from the Editor Chief Running Officer, Eric Lindberg

ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE GAME Passion. We use that word a lot at On Your Left!

It is one of the things that drives me and our staff to deliver amazing results for our clients. It is a characteristic that each and every professional, no matter the industry, should have for his or her craft.

“The biggest mistake that you can make is to believe that you are working for somebody else. The driving force of a career must come from the individual. Remember: Jobs are owned by the company, you own your career!“– Earl Nightingale, Motivational Speaker When I moved to Dallas back in 1998 for a “job” with the Mavericks I had a passion for a “career” in sports marketing.

What I didn’t know was that I would soon develop a passion for running, the state of Texas and this great City of Dallas.

Working for a professional sports team, and at the time, the worst sports team in the city (and by all accounts the country) will tell you a lot about a town and its people. I met diehard fans that would pay to watch a bad team, only to hope for a better future. On the flip side I would talk to people that you couldn’t pay to come see a Mavericks game.

I remember how empty Reunion Arena was on a Tuesday night against the Clippers back in 1998.

But I believed. It was not because I was an employee of the Mavs, but because I saw great leadership and a different approach. I wasn’t the only one. This was before Mark Cuban bought the team. This was when Ross Perot, Jr. was the

Passionately running your branding campaign since before Nowitzki surpassed Rolando Blackman as the Mavericks’ all-time career points leader. Shoot an email to info@oylmarketing.com for our stats and standings!

WHO’S SHOUTING “On Your Left!”?

OWNERS & EDITORS IN CHIEF Eric Lindberg ericl@oylmarketing.com

Sharon Lindberg sharonl@oylmarketing.com

WRITING & EDITING

Cherilyn Wilson cherilynw@oylmarketing.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Brandon Gillingham brandong@oylmarketing.com Paul Hutzler paulh@oylmarketing.com Jessica Kane jessicak@oylmarketing.com Elizabeth Jones elizabethj@oylmarketing.com Brentney Hamilton brentneyh@oylmarketing.com

CATCH US! (IF YOU CAN)

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owner. Don Nelson was the coach and Donnie Nelson was the Director of Basketball Operations.

From the outside looking in, a lot of fans did not like what they saw, but from the inside you could feel and see a sense of change and not just amongst the Mavericks, but throughout the NBA and basketball on a global level.

Management and scouting pursued top talent with an understanding that it all wasn’t just in the US. It didn’t hit me until sitting in the InfoMart on draft day when the Mavs selected Robert “Tractor” Traylor and immediately traded him for a 6’11” German kid named Dirk Nowitzki. Then, trade for a Canadian who looked more like a skateboarder from California named Steve Nash.

Do any of you remember that first year? Acme Brick was a sponsor of the team, but the fans thought they were sponsors of Dirk and Steve. In year two, (still with Perot), paired with Mavs great Michael Finley the team started to gel and caught the eye of Mark Cuban midway through the season.

If Mark reads this article he is going to think I am crazy putting in a quote from Jose Canseco that reminds me of him but I feel it is very true and relevant. “People who see the future earlier than others are always feared and misunderstood.”

Were the Nelson’s crazy to draft Dirk and trade for Steve? At the time, everyone thought so. Now not so much. The difference between those teams of the late nineties, in my humble opinion, is that the leadership didn’t have enough passion for the team.

Today, however, nobody doubts Cuban’s passion.

Why am I writing about all this? Because, similar to what the Mavericks went through, I feel the City of Dallas is experiencing some of the same things and I want to help keep the momentum

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR, CONT.

going. Mayor Rawlings has done a tremendous job in improving this great City but rumor has it he is not planning to run again in 2015.

I don’t have the billions that Mark has to be able to buy your votes, but I do have the same level of passion for Dallas “So with this as he does for the Mavericks.

May issue of On And like Mark Cuban Your Left! I am saw in the Mavericks, I see it too in this City — announcing my the amazing potential candidacy to and continued growth that will make Dallas run for Mayor of one of the premier Dallas.” cities, not just in the country, but in the world.

So with this May issue of On Your Left! I am announcing my candidacy to run for Mayor of Dallas. I need your support, and most importantly, your vote!

ERIC FOR

MAYOR I don’t plan to spend a lot of money on a campaign, in fact, I don’t think it is necessary. I would rather see those dollars go to support your passions, your businesses, your life and family. I will build that infrastructure around you and let the City compliment it, not the other way around. So on 5.5.15 vote Eric for Mayor! #EricForMayor – Eric Lindberg

WHERE’S THE START?

UPCOMING EVENTS

We’d like to know where the search for your next race begins.

Let us know by answering just 3 quick questions!

Rahr Oktoberfest Social Run Ft. Worth, TX Saturday, May 3, 2014 RACE WEBSITE

Gladiator Rock ‘n’ Run Dallas, TX Saturday, May 10, 2014 RACE WEBSITE

Pub Run Social Run Dallas, TX Thursday, May 15, 2014 VIEW DETAILS

TAKE SURVEY

Central Market Thrill of the Grill Dallas, TX Saturday, May 17 2014 RACE WEBSITE

Mother of a Runner

Balancing an Active Lifestyle as a Single Mom

By Nina Chow

A

sk every single mother out there what is the number one question they get asked and they will tell you, “How do you do it all?”

My knee-jerk answer is, “You just do it!”

I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF TWO CHILDREN — AN 11 AND TWO YEAR OLD — I AM ALSO A RUNNER Balancing running, being a mom, operating a business, and managing my advocacy for abused/ neglected children doesn’t happen without some sacrifices. How do I do it all? I have a time management plan, a support system, and realistic goals.

Lose a little sleep Skip the shave at times

UPCOMING EVENTS

Eat right on the go

Rahr Oktoberfest Social Run Ft. Worth, TX Saturday, May 31, 2014 RACE WEBSITE

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Chicago, IL Saturday, May 31, 2014 RACE WEBSITE

When I know I will be needing to eat my lunch or snacks on the go, I am always sure to pack fresh fruit and veggies in small containers that I can eat in the car or at the office. It is funny that I am a complete neat freak, but if you saw my car you would surely find a banana peel or two and a bunch of empty water jugs!

THOUGH I WEAR MANY HATS, THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE IS THE MOTHERHOOD HAT I ran a lot throughout my 2nd pregnancy! I ended my last month of pregnancy by doing a half marathon. After having my son, trying to balance everything as a single mom was quite a roller coaster! I really could not wait to be cleared to run. Two days out of the week, I run while pushing my son. It is a great thing my son enjoys being outside in the stroller because there have been times I have done 12-15 miles with him! I utilize the treadmill, however, when the weather isn’t kid friendly. He is in daycare during the other three days of the work week so I cram as much as possible on those days because now he’s in Soccer Tots on Saturdays.

DFWRUNS National Running Day Celebration Wednesday, June 4, 2014 RACE WEBSITE

Joe’s Run Ft. Worth, TX Saturday, June 7, 2014 RACE WEBSITE

My daughter, Brianna, joined SpeedKIDZ Elite team with Coach Dawn Grunnagle and everyone on the team has been very good to her. She is a gifted and talented student so SPeedKIDZ allows her to have a healthy balance. Last month, we ran the Stonebriar Spring Sprint 5K and here’s what she thought; “Running the Stonebriar Spring Sprint 5K with my mom was a new experience for me. At certain times, I felt like stopping, but the encouragement from my mom ahead of me pushed me on. I ran halfway through the race with one of my teammates while my mom ran with me the second half. At the end of the race, I managed to set a PR. I love running because it proves what my body is capable of doing and how I can run faster next time. Running with SpeedKidz and Coach Dawn [Grunnagle] has helped me. I believe I’ll be running for many years to come.”

WE ARE NOW OFFICIALLY A FAMILY OF RUNNING AND I AM PROUD OF IT I would be lying if I said it was easy. Thankfully, I have great parents and supportive friends who

have helped to watch my kids while I race or have watched my son when I couldn’t find solid daycare.

They rock! I also have a wonderful coach, (Melissa Cook), to guide me. It took me a year of trial and error with my training schedule to find a happy medium but Melissa understood my concerns as a busy mom. The running community also gives me the motivation I sometimes need.

I’VE HAD TO MAKE PEACE WITH STICKING TO SHORTER DISTANCES AND LESS MILEAGE Setting realistic goals was important so that I would not burn out or become frustrated.

I may not do marathons, but I am still able to stay fit and enjoy it. Switching to 5K’s still satisfies the desire to race and work on speed until longer mileage is an option. While they do not last long, the great thing is I can race more often because recovery is quicker than a marathon — including recovering with enough immediate energy left for the weekend’s activities with the kids!

Ultimately, running really helps me maintain sanity and is what, in turn, gives me the strength to handle A LOT.

LOS ANGELES • 2014 Dad’s Day 5K Houston, TX Saturday, June 14, 2014 RACE WEBSITE

Pub Run Social Run Dallas, TX Thursday, June 19, 2014 VIEW DETAILS

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Los Angeles, CA Saturday, June 21, 2014 RACE WEBSITE

Rahr Oktoberfest Social Run Ft. Worth, TX Saturday, July 5, 2014 RACE WEBSITE

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STAYING ACTIVE IS A LIFESTYLE FOR MYSELF, AND NOW FOR MY CHILDREN

BY CHERILYN WILSON arpe Diem! YOLO! Now or Never!

However you phrase it, seizing the day is vital even if you think you’re healthy enough to wait until tomorrow. Maybe you are fit, maybe you are still thinking about it. Either way, there is one day (May 10!) made for all who are just bold enough to jump in — for those who decide they’re not wasting another minute of a life with a secret expiration date.

Who better to pound home these aphorisms than founder and owner of Gladiator Rock’N Run, Dan “Nitro” Clark? This month, he celebrates the big 5-0 and with more appreciation than he could have anticipated. Five months ago, Dan suffered a heart attack.

Dan Clark is easily remembered for his role as “Nitro” on the hit television show, American Gladiators, on which he dominated 95 episodes between 1989-1996. The series was a test of physical challenges where contestants were met by the show’s own buff Gladiators in a contest of strength and

agility. Fitness and health had been a part of Clark’s life since turning his life around from chubby little kid to professional football player, to American Gladiator.

“I ate all the right foods, exercised like a beast and took all the right supplements.”

So how does someone who does everything right — have a heart attack?

In his case, a lack of good cholesterol (HDL) may have played a part. There may also have been a hereditary factor; his father having had a heart attack at the age of 35. Clark expresses that sometimes there’s just no way to put a finger on it, but he shares this with conviction; “The doctor said perhaps I made it this far because of my healthy lifestyle.”

It was December 19, 2013. Clark was working out at the gym like he usually would. He explains he was feeling a bit tired so opted for a light cardio day but felt an odd shortening of the breath. “It felt like I was running up a mountain even though I wasn't working that hard.” Then, felt a pinching in the chest — “sharp but not crippling.”

He describes, “I kept trying to push through it, taking intermittent breaks, but just couldn't catch my breath, like someone was standing on my chest.”

Clark sat up against the gym wall and took an inventory of his symptoms; Shortness of breath. Chest pain radiating up into the jaw. Then he noticed he was unconsciously doing something. “I was shaking out my left arm. That's when I got scared.” he says. These are classic symptoms of a heart attack. “But I just couldn't believe it was happening to me. I live to train. I didn't think it was possible.”

The symptoms coupled together were like nothing I've ever experienced. I instinctively knew it wasn't a pulled muscle or something like that. I knew it was

something to do with my heart but just didn't know what. Then I did something stupid then that I don't recommend to anyone feeling chest pain. I opted to go to urgent care instead of the hospital to get it checked out. When you're having a heart attack every second, every breath is vital. This decision could have cost me my life.

A friend drove me to urgent care where they slapped the EKG electrode pads on me and a few seconds later said, “Mr. Clark you are having a heart attack. We need to call the ambulance.

You need to get to the hospital immediately.” Five minutes later, paramedics were there and suddenly I was that guy on the stretcher with an IV in my arm and an oxygen mask over my face. Again, the pain wasn't crippling, but I was afraid. The fear was that at any second the pain would increase suddenly like a fist grabbing my heart and I would die.

The entire time, I just couldn’t believe it was happening to me, but there came a point when I had to give over the experience and just accept it.

I was having a heart attack.

In the ER there was a barrage of tests, probes, needles and exams. Within thirty minutes, I was on the way into surgery. A stent was successfully placed in one of my arteries to hold open the ruptured inner

lining. I had what they call a “plaque rupture.” It’s the most common cause of heart attack, especially among fit people. Basically, the inner lining of your artery called the endothelium gets a protrusion of plaque in it similar to a pimple. Normally, plaque is fibrous and hard but for some reason, the doctors don't know the answer, the plaque gets soft and erupts shooting plaque into your bloodstream. If the plaque particles are large, they block the blood flow and can cause a heart attack. If they reach your brain, it causes a stroke. Typically, however, the heart attack is caused by your body’s own clotting factor trying to seal the rupture area. This defense system designed to save your life actually clogs the artery at the point of rupture blocking the flow of blood to your heart. When your heart doesn't receive blood and O2, the heart tissue starts to die. More and more heart muscle dies with each second ach second it and, eventually, stops working and you die.

Once heart tissue dies it can never regenerate.

That's why heart attacks can be devastating even if you survive. I had what the medical community considers a minor heart attack being that only a small portion of heart tissue died. My EKG will never be normal because of the dead tissue in my heart but I believe I'll be able to live a normal life and eventually get back to close to 100 percent.”

“There is no map. No mile marker. No welcome sign. But I believe with every set back, there is a chance to comeback and RISE.

I knew I had to start slowly — something I've never been good at. But this was different. It wasn't a broken bone, torn ligaments or a pulled muscle. I am recovering from a heart attack. Coming back too soon, too hard, could kill me. The thought of dying is with me every day. I can't escape it. Nearly half of the people who have a heart attack under 50 years old die within a year of having the heart attack. That's a scary statistic.

I started back the same way I’d advise anyone beginning any kind of training program. Start slow and build upon your past successes.

The first goal was to just make it downstairs to the kitchen and back.

Soon it was to walk 300 yards to the street corner. and back. I’d remind myself, take your time, don’t rush it.

Simply walk slowly and breathe. After about a week I got on my stationary bike to ride easily for 10 minutes. Each day, I add just a little more.

After about a month I got the clearance to lift weights lightly. The danger in lifting heavy weights is that we hold our breath and this puts pressure on the heart and yep... it could kill you.

After the 60 days I went back to Crossfit Horsepower in Southern California where I train. I told myself to just get through the gym door. That was a victory. The first few workouts — I didn’t use any weight. I simply walked through the workout at my own pace. But it was good to be back training ­— back in the game.

For me, however, there is always a point to pushing it and I do so with extreme caution while always wearing a heart monitor.

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The road back, the comeback trail, hasn't been easy. It's been full of tears and fears. I've been deeply depressed at times — and afraid for my life at others. I've been angry that it happened to me. But through it all, I knew if I could just keep moving, I'd be okay.

I’m happy to say I’m probably about 85% percent back and, although I know deep down inside, things will never be the same, I still wear my hospital admittance bracelet. It’s a reminder to be grateful for this gift we have called life, to be grateful to be alive. Every time I look at it, I am so thankful for my family, friends and for the love and support I’ve received along the comeback trail... on the road back.”

E

EK

RT

What does Ultra Marathon Man Dean Karnazes recommend as a pre-workout snack?

YO G U

You’ve compiled the grocery list, the “Honey Do” list, and heaven knows, added to the “To Do” lists, but what’s on your Bucket List?!? “YOLO!” Add this to the top of the list: May 10 at Lake Ray Hubbard!

He keeps it simple: Start with 4 ounces of The Greek Gods® Greek-Style Yogurt, add a half cup of granola and top off with a half cup of fresh organic fruit. Dean’s recommendation: try blueberries, blackberries or a chopped banana. These fruits provide the body with needed water, carbohydrates and antioxidant vitamins; and, when combined with the protein and fat from yogurt, this pre-race snack gives you NEW energy to start the race orGreat workout.Taste “The LOOK! Same Greek Gods® brand is my personal favorite because it is natural yogurt made from whole milk,” said Dean of his pre-race snack. “I find that the yogurts made with low-fat or fat free milk don’t satiate me nor provide energy levels the way yogurt made from whole milk does.” ™ You can customize your snack by choosing ® your favorite Greek Gods flavor and seasonal fresh fruit. Some combinations to try include: The Greek Gods® Honey Vanilla Greek-Style with grapes or Honey Strawberry with Yogurt Gluten Free rBST & rBGH Free Dairy* bananathe possibilities are endless!

7 Live & Active Cultures 24 oz., 6 pack

Experience the Myth! greekgodsyogurt.com

Excellent Source of Calcium**

Item Specs (HxWxD):

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The Greek Gods ® Brand Greek-Style Yogurt has a creamy, velvety smooth texture and rich full-bodied taste. Our convenient 24 ounce tubs are available in a wide range of flavors, from Traditional Plain to our newest additions Honey Peach and Honey Salted Caramel. They are sure to please any yogurt lover’s palate.

5/31: San Antonio 6/14: So. California 6/28: San Jose

Come Outside and Enjoy an Event Well Done It’s a Rare Occasion to Meet a Legend like Dean Karnazes!

By Colleen O’Donnell

U

ltra Marathon Man,” “One of the Fittest Men on the Planet,” one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in the World” are all descriptions and titles used to describe the internationally renowned endurance athlete Dean Karnazes.

His incredible feats and mental and physical limit shattering accomplishments include running 350 continuous miles, not even pausing for a night’s sleep for three days. He has braved the most extreme physical elements from running a marathon in the South Pole in negative 40 degree temperatures to winning the “world’s toughest footrace” ­— the Badwater Ultramarathon.

Dean succeeded in winning this race; covering 135 miles nonstop across Death Valley in the middle of the summer, battling temperatures of up to 120 degrees.

He has completed 50 marathons in all 50 states — in 50 days. In 2011, Dean succeeded in running 3,000 miles — starting from the California Coast and ending in New York City!

In addition to these super human triumphs, Dean has been able to share his passion for fitness and health with children and teens and has helped to raise money for many programs promoting exercise and health for youth through his non-profit organization, Karno’s Kids as well as involvement with Action for Healthy Kids.

“A third of our youth in the US are either overweight or obese, which is extremely alarming. Exercise and healthy habits formed in childhood are essential to reversing this trend”, Karnazes said. He added, “I am a big advocate for exercising outdoors. Getting outside each and every day to run, play, ride a bike is crucial for children.” Physical education programs are being eliminated from our schools at alarming rates, and open spaces where kids can explore the environment and enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors are disappearing.

Karno’s Kids is dedicated to supporting programs that provide opportunity for youth fitness programs to grow and thrive in a time when in some cases, physical education programs are being eliminated from our schools and open spaces where kids can explore the environment and enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors are disappearing.

Inspiring and enthusiastic, Dean is a natural fit for encouraging kids of all ages to make fitness a part of their everyday lives.

Show your support for youth fitness and education along with the Dean and Greek Gods Yogurt on May 17th.

You don’t have to run an ultra marathon to benefit the Plano ISD Education Foundation. Just come walk or run Central Market’s Thrill of the Grill 5K!

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014

GRILL & CHILL! RUN OR WALK HOT BREAKFAST

REGISTER NOW

Provided by Central Market

Benefiting

SWAG!

Dry-Fit Technical Shirt

BACKYARD BBQ PARTY & LIVE JAMS

/thrillofthegrill

CENTRAL MARKET IS HOSTING A THRILL OF THE GRILL PRE-RACE PARTY ON FRIDAY, MAY 16TH FROM 4-7PM WITH SCOTT SHELBY. CHICKEN RUN MOVIE STARTS AT SUNDOWN.

THRILLOFTHEGRILL5K.COM

THRILL OF THE GRILL 5K

Live Life to the Max

Kay Granger Running Club is Growing Strong!

B

By Cherilyn Wilson (along with Brandon Gillingham and Jessica Kane)

usy mother, Staci FlinchumWallach, was struck in the heart by news of her son’s ominous medical condition. Exactly eight years ago this month, the doctors knew something was threatening each breath of brand new baby, Max. Just shortly after celebrating Mother’s Day, Staci’s visions of leaving the hospital with her swaddled bundle of joy was replaced by a reality of tubes, tests and tears.

Max was in a hurry from the beginning. He was 11 weeks early. “His heart rate had dropped in utero.” Staci tells us. “Doctors knew he was in trouble before he was born. As soon as he was born there was a full team there to whisk him away “I cried every to the NICU.” time I drove by At a mere 3 days old, Max underwent a playground or surgery for a blood clot soccer field.” in his heart. He was immediately put on a ventilator for about 5 days then CPAP — the O2 thru a nasal cannula. Tiny Max spent his first 65 days in the NICU where he had 6 blood transfusions.

After finally making it home, he spent another 2 months on O2 and required weekly doctor

appointments with various specialists until he was 13 months old. Staci’s little boy had been diagnosed with a dangerous heart condition. “I was told he would never be able to run and play or his heart could kill him. I cried every time I drove by a playground or soccer field.”

Then, they met Dr. Blumenschein of Children’s Medical Center Dallas.

Before he had ever even stepped up to life’s proverbial starting line, Max had been held back.

But Max had been misdiagnosed. Pediatric cardiologist, Blumenschein, determined the trouble to be reactive airway disease, essentially, wheezing.

Blumenschein cleared him of the misdiagnosis by his previous cardiologist and of the heart abnormality that would prevent him from running, playing sports or getting overly excited.

When we at On Your Left! MARKETING & EVENTS met Max, getting excited about running was a non issue!

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS.

Max is very excited to celebrate his 9th birthday this month. We’re hoping all of us at #OYLME get an invitation to his party, (we are really good at running off birthday cake!) but will be happy regardless because Max and his mom Staci did invite us to come out to Kay Granger Elementary School last month to watch him in action and meet all of his supportive running friends.

It was a rainy Wednesday afternoon, but 75 out of the usual 163 kids, (ages 5-11), poured their hearts into running around the gymnasium instead of their customary outdoor route circling the perimeter of the school. The Kay Granger Running Club was developed by another mom, April Aultman, who

COMPLIMENTS DEPARTMENT

Send us your compliments for our running events (or any other races) you’ve done recently.

STONEBRIAR SPRING SPRINT 5K CITY: Frisco, TX

COMPLIMENT: First 5k ever, entire family participated! So clean, friendly race organizers, wonderful experience!

COMPLIMENT: Well organized and a very fun run COMPLIMENT: Fun event and well organized COMPLIMENT: Such a great organized and fun run!

COMPLIMENT: Loved the course, volunteers, family friendly yet valued those who wanted to race as well

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gets assistance managing the program from parent volunteers.

In its first year of operation, the Club is running strong. The after school “practice” offers great variety, offering some days of running, other days of workout/fun stations, learn about nutrition and have visiting guests.

OYL staff member, Brandon Gillingham, coached a youth elementary running program for 3 years, called the Bellevue Elementary Running Club(BERC) before moving from Pittsburgh to Dallas and was the perfect leader during our visit. “I guess by working at the YMCA so many years, I have been able to hold onto a silly-side for a bit longer than some.” He says. Brandon led the kids in proper stretching and games of Indian Run and Blob.

His jokes kept them giggling so hard it was a wonder they could continue to run at all. “Needless to say, I had a blast.

Not only did I get to talk to the KGRC members about running and the importance of fitness, but I also really saw a positive impact Cherilyn, Jessica and I were making on kids. I hope they stick with running because it is not only the greatest sport out there, but the health benefit they receive from this physical activity can mean having a lifetime of fun.”

Jessica Kane, #OYLMEs Maestro of Events, is the person to thank for drawing us all together. Jessica lost her keys at a mud run a couple years ago so hung out with

LIFE TO THE MAX, CONT.

THE MAX FACTOR

Though running is most often considered an individual sport, it is evident the Kay Granger Running Club has a strong sense of team.

“Everybody works together. Everybody stays to cheer until the last runner is finished. But nobody finishes last.” Staci explains. I like that. They’ve all got the Max factor! (It is a school after all, so why not apply a little mathematic jargon?) A factor by definition is: one of two or more numbers that when multiplied together produce a given product.

Max is one of many amazing kids that make up a strong product — a running club full of big healthy hearts that, when part of the same equation, multiply self-esteem, good sportsmanship, and camaraderie to considerable numbers!

MAX ATTACKS!

Max had a goal to complete, get this, his thirtieth 5K before his 9th birthday. He had his t-shirt made, his shoes laced up, and was waiting to start at the Foam Glow this past March. As his mom explains, however, “It’s been striking him more on cold damp days.” Before Max could tackle the run, his breathing became difficult. “It was so cold, I almost passed out.” he told me, his eyes widening as he remembered out loud. “I went to the med tent!”

Max did not get to run his 30th 5K that night, but is signed up to attack back! “He’s always used a nebulizer as needed,” Staci announced, “but as he grows older and as he runs more, he needs it less!” Max will celebrate his 9th and his big 30th this month by completing Rock the Block 5K in Dallas!

Members of the KGRC receive credits toward “toe tokens” (charms to add to their chain necklaces signifying all their accomplishments) so Max isn’t stopping there…

He’ll be back to cross fit next month, and watch for him, Staci and friends from Kay Granger Elementary in Parrot-Dise during this year’s Joe’s Run too!

It’s Elementary dear Watson! Your event will grow fast and grow strong with the support of our team! Factor these numbers into the equation: 214-339-7867

PHOTOS BY: JONATHAN GILBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

a group of participants in the parking lot for a while.

That’s where she connected with Staci who she met a few times at some other #OYLME social runs and events. “It wasn’t till we got to know each other better these past few months that I got to know Max’s story, the passion he possessed for running, and the hurdles he has overcome in his life.”

Jessica believes the KGRC is “a great way to overcome the tyrannical gym teachers running methods.” She told the young group about the races we manage across the country and funny things that sometimes happen at our events which in turn initiated a fun question and answer session with the kids.

“Are you doing events in China? Turkey? Australia?”

“My mom ran over my dog with a golf cart.”

TAKE FLIGHT! 1/2 MARATHON 5K RUN/WALK 1K FUN RUN/WALK Join us on an epic running adventure, complete with a tasty hot breakfast and live music post race. All participants receive two admissions to the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 Oak Point Park — Plano, Texas

DAZZLING 1/2 MARATHON FINISHER MEDAL WILL KEEP YOU SOARING!

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! PlanoBalloonFest.org

Doc in the Box 7TH INNING (OVERHEAD) STRETCH:

WHAT DOES IT HAVE TO DO WITH RUNNING? t’s baseball season!

Opening day may have already come and gone, and I might not know a lot about baseball, but this is what I do know. The Cubs are already not in first place; I applaud the Mets’ player, Daniel Murphy, for prioritizing the love for his wife and new baby over two games of work; there were some guys named Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa during the summer of 1998 who had quite a (home)run in history; there is a Field of Dreams in Iowa (and Kevin Costner nailed his Ray Kinsella role by the way); and baseball pitchers can contort their shoulders and elbows in a million weird ways, leading to all sorts of injuries.

The first baseball game I ever attended was to watch my brother and his Kreamo Bakery team play Little League. At age 12, all I knew then was that Eric was going to be the next Harold Baines or Frank Thomas and play for the White Sox, that baseball season was never-ending, and that I wanted to play too! I didn’t know that I would be a doctor or a runner or even begin to understand sports injuries. Now I see a tangle of injured arms and legs almost every day.

When you think of running injuries, you probably immediately think of aches and pains in the legs and feet. The impact of running, however, doesn’t stop at the legs; rather is distributed up the skeleton into

“Whether you play baseball this season or run for all seasons, take good care of your shoulders…”

the back, neck, and shoulders too. That creates wear and tear over time. And although lower extremities injuries are the most common running ailments, runners (like baseball players) also use their arms with every stride they make. In a typical marathon, a runner swings his arms 25–30,000 times! Without the swing to propel forward or to gain momentum, you cannot run very far or fast. Just try to run with your wrists tied to your thighs! Over time, the force used to generate forward momentum can cause inflammation and degeneration.

Your shoulder joint is made of three bones: the humerus, the scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle. Although it is a modified ball-in-socket kind of joint, it is not a very stable joint and requires several muscles and ligaments to provide stability.

In fact, the shoulder is the most common major joint that can be dislocated with the least amount of force.

There are four muscles in the rotator cuff (and please don’t call it the “rotary cup!” Docs twinge

JOHNSON PHOTO BY: SPENCER FREEMAN

I

By Holly Johnson, M.D.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2014

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when we hear that!). They are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor muscles.[1] These muscles originate from the scapula and fan out to attach to the head of the humerus. The other major muscles in the upper arm include the deltoid, biceps, and triceps. There is also a cushion, called a bursa, that lies between the muscles and bone of the shoulder joint that helps protect the joint.

Tendonitis, bursitis, impingement syndrome, joint dislocations, and rotator cuff tears are the most common things that can go wrong with a shoulder. There are basically two ways that a shoulder sustains an injury. The first way is through acute trauma: throwing a baseball at 90-100 mph or by falling with an outstretched arm while running.

The other way is through repetitive, degenerative trauma — wear and tear over time as we age and the shoulders get weaker.

Tendonitis and bursitis imply inflammation of these body parts. Treatment is often rest, ice, and an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication as needed, as well as healing time.

When muscles are overused, they stretch. The shoulder joint then gets loose and starts pinching the tendons of the rotator cuff between the humerus and acromion process of the scapula. This is called impingement syndrome. Although treatment may include rest, ice, NSAIDs, and time, a steroid injection might be needed.

Joint dislocations occur when force, usually from a fall, is applied on the shoulder and it slips out of socket so to speak. Treatment is an urgent care or ER visit to get the joint back in place, then rest, ice, NSAIDs, a sling, and time.

A rotator cuff tear is a rip in one or more of the muscles or tendons in this group of four named above. A tear may be partial or complete. The most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear are pain and the inability to raise your hand overhead. A

partial tear is amenable to the same treatment as tendonitis along with strengthening exercises in physical therapy with very light weights and nothing that requires overhead movement. It may take three to four months to recover, even without surgery!

Sometimes a complete tear can recover without surgery, but more times than not, an operation is needed to restore function, range of motion, and shoulder stability. Recovery time may be four to six months.

Whether you play baseball this season or run for all seasons, take good care of your shoulders to help prevent injury. Runners, be proactive, mix up your workout with some weights, stretching exercises to improve flexibility of the joint, push-ups, and planks. Strengthen your shoulders, upper arm, back, and neck to help withstand the force of running impact and momentum generation that creates wear and tear. Then take a seventh inning stretch. If your arms don’t go above your head, think rotator cuff, and slide into the next urgent care appointment.

Please Note: The info in this article is not a substitute for medical advice from your own physician. Dr. Johnson and DFWRUNS/OYL! are not responsible for anything that happens outside the family section at the ballpark, diagnosing your shoulder injury, or for the Curse of the Bambino.

PHOTO BY: JONATHAN GILBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

DOC IN THE BOX, CONT.

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PIck It and Flick It!

By Holly Johnson, M.D.

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BE INSPIRED

They say that doctors make the worst patients. In Pick It and Flick It, Holly Johnson, M.D. affirms that it doesn’t have to be that way as she shares the emotional, spiritual, and physical reality of how she conquered a potentially devastating diagnosis and kept away the demons of hopelessness, uncertainty, and fear that commonly paralyze any person who is faced with a life-altering event. In this true story of doctor-turned-patient, she squashes her inner enemies with a hit of humor, a punch of grace, and a few temporary tattoos. Written just for you, Dr. Johnson shares her own prescription for healing that she wrote when her body staged a revolution so she could undergo an evolution.

twittter.com/DrHollyJohnson

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Joe's Run, a Tropical Parrot-Dise

Celebrating and Benefitting Samaritan House

O

n Saturday, June 7, Fort Worth’s one and only Joe the Parrot, along with fellow parrotrunners, will be flying along the shores of the Trinity River and through the streets of downtown Fort Worth during the much-celebrated, annual Joe’s Run. Following the REGISTER NOW! run, the world’s best Parrotdise beach party will take place at Panther Island Pavilion and include a Jimmy Buffet tribute band and ‘Cheezeburgerz in Parrot-dise’.

More importantly, the day is to raise awareness and funds for the incredible Samaritan House, who started the 5K/10K runs 17 years ago as one of their fundraisers.

The Fort Worth-based non-profit stands as a refuge for individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS, the homeless, and other special need populations. As the only organization of its kind in Tarrant County, core services are built around the residents’ comprehensive needs of shelter, nutrition, and counseling. Through the support of

the community, Samaritan House changes lives, offers hope, and improves the future of those who seek housing at their facilities. Samaritan House’s services are vital to Fort Worth and the surrounding area as those services transition individuals and families from homelessness to hope and independence.

A majority of Samaritan House’s residents are medically fragile and working to overcome barriers that impede their quality of life. In 2013: 375 individuals, including 92 children, received housing and supportive services through Samaritan House Samaritan House provided 116,765 nights of housing to residents Samaritan House served over 24,475 meals to residents 90% of Samaritan House’s residents stay in stable living situations for at least one year Through the vision of Samaritan House leadership, the agency has begun embarking upon innovative approaches to the services they provide to individuals in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.

In the past year, Samaritan House established new collaborative partnerships that will advance the agency and assists the organization in serving a larger number of displaced individuals and families — helping them to achieve self-sufficiency.

Support Samaritan House by joining us at the best beach party in the Metroplex on June 7th!

For more information on the non-profit or to volunteer, visit www.SamaritanHouse.org.

TEST YOUR STRENGTH AT THE FIRE ENGINE PULL!

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WHAT YOU’LL GET: BRAVEST RACE BIB, TIMING CHIP, FINISHER MEDAL & THE HOTTEST SHIRT YOU’VE SEEN

TRINITY GROVES WEST DALLAS

Form Follows Fitness 5K Raises Over $50,000 In Support of The Dallas Center For Architecture Funds raised to support the DCFA’s youth and scholarship programs

O

n Saturday, February 22, the Dallas Center for Architecture (DCFA) hosted its third annual Form Follows Fitness 5K. Raising more than $50,000, the run/walk promoted health and the importance of urban life in the Dallas community, while featuring some of the highest-quality architecture and public art that Dallas has to offer. The event brought together over 1,400 participants from all over the Dallas metro area, including families, children and competitive athletes.

The Form Follows Fitness 5K started at 9:00 am at Klyde Warren Park and the course took participants on a tour of some of the most architecturally inspiring structures that have been built in Dallas over the last quarter century. Runners and walkers alike passed the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, Fountain Place, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall, Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Nasher Sculpture Garden, The Crescent and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

In addition to sunshine, live music and a little physical exercise, attendees also enjoyed food and drinks offered at many of the sponsors’ tents, as well as at the Dallas food trucks stationed around Klyde Warren Park.

The following awards were given out:

FASTEST TEAM: HKS LARGEST TEAM & HIGHEST FUNDRAISING TEAM: Corgan Associates, Inc. BEST DRESSED TEAM: Daltile MALE OVERALL WINNER: Ryan Hendricks FEMALE OVERALL WINNER: Christiana Hughes-Babb Since its founding more than five years ago, the DCFA has hosted more than 3,000 events and welcomed more than 30,000 people to its programs. The organization has also created a robust series of public programs to fulfill its mission of fostering the conversation about why architecture matters.

2014 SPONSORS TRADESMEN SPONSORS – $5,000 Blackson Brick Co. Inc. • Corgan Associates, Inc. • HKS • L.A. Fuess Partners • Page/ • Perkins + Will

CRAFTSMAN SPONSORS – $2,500 American Terrazzo Company LTD • BOKA Powell • ccrd partners • Downtown Dallas, Inc. • EMJ Construction • Gensler • Rogers-O’Brien Construction • RTKL Associates, Inc. • Skanska • Terrazzo & Marble Supply Co.

APPRENTICE SPONSORS – $1,000 Alpha Business Images • Alpha Testing, Inc. • Basharkhah Engineering, Inc. • Cadence McShane Construction • Daltile • Hossley Lighting Associates • JE Dunn Construction • Jordan & Skala Engineers, Inc. • KAI Texas • The Lighting Alliance • McCarthy • MJ Thomas Engineering • Pacheco Koch, LLC • Ridgemont Commercial Construction • SMPS Dallas • Tandus Centiva/ Johnsonite • UEB Builders • VS America

IN KIND SPONSORS Klyde Warren Park • Rahr & Sons Brewing Company • Community Coffee

I'M YOUR ICE CREAM MAN SOCIAL RUN

HAVE FUN WHILE GETTING READY FOR RACE DAY

SEPTEMBER 27 TH

'MERICA! GET YOUR POPSICLES RUNNING FOR THE 4TH OF JULY SOCIAL RUN

UGLY PUGS N’ PANCAKES SOCIAL RUN

Run. Party.

Stretch, Strengthen & Strategize!

SOCIAL RUNS

By Brandon Gillingham

A

t #OYLME/#DFWRUNS, we have a social run, called the Pub Run Series, the third Thursday of every month. Each month, we partner with Dallas Sport and Social Club and head out for an organized 3 mile run in Dallas. We start and end at a great bar and we buy your first round when ya finish! The social run event is filled with laughs, sweat and conversations of all of our running purposes while getting some miles in, meeting some cool, new runners and yes, some beers and awesome food too.

My stretch and strengthening exercise tie-in from social running comes from something someone asked for help with the other day. “How do I strengthen my back?” We not only need our backs strong in order to run long distances, but also to look good when it’s too warm to wear clothes even at 6am. When we work our core too much, like any other muscle, we have to make sure to work the opposite — I’m going to call it, the antagonist. Regardless the kind of fitness enthusiast you are, almost all of us forget to stretch and strengthen our back muscles.

One easy way to start is by doing the Superman!

I’m not telling you to go fly a kite. I’m telling you to

pretend you’re superman while laying on a yoga mat or pad. Lie on your belly and slowly lift your arms and legs off the ground simultaneously in a “superman” position. Hold this position for 15-30 seconds 2-3 times a day. This exercise alone can do wonders of strengthening for you.

Thinking strategically, it’s giving you strength in your body to be able to run fast, lift more and essentially become more FIT. You’re gonna start flying with this exercise! I guarantee it!

Be sure to catch us at the Mason Bar on Guilllot Street in Dallas (zipcode 75204) this month. The 3-ish mile run starts at 6:30pm and you get some awesome items just for coming. Not to mention, the beers and laughs you’ll be getting too. Catch ya May 15th at the Mason Bar!

Check it all out here, or send us a message on FACEBOOK if you want to learn more!

Jaunt Junkie SAN FRAN & ULTRA MARATHON MAN

By Eric Lindberg

I

t all started at the 2013 Central Market Thrill of the Grill 5K. My task on that day in May was to be the handler for the Ultra Marathon Man, none other than Dean Karnazes.

You see, in my former life I worked with what is dubbed the most prestigious fraternity in sports, better known as the Heisman Winners Association. My company built events, licensing opportunities, endorsements and coordinated appearances for over 40 Heisman Trophy winners.

That is where the conversation started with Dean. “I need a manager.” commented Dean and of course my response was “OYL can do that for you!”

Flash forward a few months and I find myself on a Virgin Atlantic flight to San Francisco to meet and reluctantly go on a 10 mile run with Dean and talk about OYL representing him.

Now this is the Jaunt Junkie article so I will save my biz story for a later issue.

We met up just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Kentfield at the Woodlands Cafe to talk for 30 minutes and then hit the road. We ran down the trail along Corte Madera Creek to a paved road that led us up to a fire road at the base of Mt. Tamalpais.

What Dean didn’t tell me was he was racing the Mt. Tam 50K Trail Run on these very same trails that weekend and he was using this as a warm up.

GULP! We hit the fire road which wound through gorgeous green prairies and vistas of valleys that seemed to go on forever.

I tried to keep up a conversational pace and hang with Dean on the way up. To my credit lasted all the way until about the last few hundred feet up.

At the peak, the view made it all worth it. On one side was the San Francisco Bay, the other was the blue Pacific Ocean and yet another was the mountain landscape of the Cascade Canyon Preserve.

Simply amazing.

We took a different route down, along a small hiking trail and then onto a nice paved road back to the base of the mountain. I almost passed the hike and bike trail along the creek to take me back to our starting point. Dean laughed at me and said with a smile, “it is awesome that you just want to keep running.”

MUSCLING AFTER THE STONEBRIAR PACE RABBIT

By Paul Hutzler

L

ettuce talk about the Stonebrair Spring Sprint 5k for rabbit, shall we? Spring is all about growth and new beginnings so it was wonderful to partner up with Stonebriar Community Church to help produce their very first 5k, and our very first event in the city of Frisco, Texas. Not only was this first race to come up from the 2014 soil for the On Your Left! MARKETING & EVENTS team, but it was also a very beautiful one to be a part of.

The night before a race I generally set out the clothes I’m going to throw on at 4am in the morning and, do my best to get tired enough to fall asleep by 9pm. It’s not always an easy nights rest before event day. I tend to operationally try to head off nearly every scenario of what could possibly go wrong ranging from the items I personally can control in a faulty alarm clock to forgetting something as tiny as a safety pin, to the items no longer in my control like vendors that have given their word and signed contract to deliver on time.

After a long winter preparing for our events and a break from these early morning wake up calls, getting used to getting back into the swing of

things might take some getting used to. Not this year. I found it much easier to rest knowing the event had been well planned and that we had all the assets in our hands to be successful. I had so much peace going into race morning, and that was only confirmed as rabbits hopped and sprinted by me left and right before the sun even rose, making me laugh at just how fitting the race name was for both the time of year and event venue.

As an event organizer I know it was the fact that we were working with a partner that put in a lot of effort to make sure the event was successful on their end as well. From experience, I know I was more at peace because the event was taking place at an event venue controlled by our client, that we had the Friday beforehand to set-up, pre-stage and prep for the event the rather than just the morning of the race. We had a fleet of volunteers with hop-to-it attitudes and so many resources available to pull off a successful event. All this to say, I’m looking forward to the next Spring Sprint 5k and watching this race grow because the assets are certainly on the table to produce a high quality race at an affordable price.

Walk, Run, Sprint or Hop to the phone and call us at 214-339-7867 about sponsoring an event! We have a variety of pricing packages to choose from!

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

Race Director's Block

Fist Bumps & High Fives REFLECTING ON PAST SUCCESS

By Cherilyn Wilson

L

ast December, Arizona Institute of Urology partnered with ZERO – The End of Prostate Cancer to host the 3rd Annual Zero Prostate Cancer Run – Tucson. This 5K/10K Run/Walk took place at Tucson’s Reid Park Zoo and brought awareness about prostate cancer, raised much needed funds for prostate cancer research and even offered free prostate cancer programs locally. In order to be a success, our event would include hundreds of runners and walkers… check! A great venue… check! An incredible show of sponsors…

CHECK! Strong volunteers… CHECK THIS OUT! As we look back on this particular ZERO event in Tucson, it is evident that “some people seem to be born givers. They get their pleasure by absorbing happiness from the people they please.

Let’s call it reflected happiness as opposed to direct.”

(The Scott Adams Blog at Dilbert.com) One volunteer in particular demonstrated this “reflected happiness” as well as fervor and diligence which is why we are giving him virtual fist bumps and high fives through this issue as we prepare for our next ZERO Prostate Cancer Run in the Windy City end of this month!

After completing his seventh year serving the Peace Corps., Lincoln, Nebraska native, Tom Barker, left South Africa and moved to Tucson, Arizona. Barker currently works for a non-profit organization there called, Refugee Focus. “We work specifically with refugee’s who are coming to The United States to begin their new lives here.” His role with RF is to assist in finding them employment.

On the morning of our race in Tucson, we found plenty of jobs for our eager volunteer which he executed with precision and passion. His enthusiasm was genuine. He is a giver. He is a runner at heart. “I used to be an avid “recreational” runner, but due to some long-term injuries I am unable to run anymore.” Barker clarifies, “I am still very involved in exercising, however, and have taken up swimming and biking as alternatives to running.”

Because of his loyalty to the active lifestyle, and having had helped many race events in the past back in Lincoln, Barker reached out via info@zerocancer.org with hopes of getting involved with a fund raising event for an important cause. “I helped sign runners in and I also went on the course to monitor the turnaround point of the race, making sure everyone followed the correct route. It was a lot of fun for me and brought back some great memories of past runs.”

When asked why he might recommend others volunteer for such events, he responded with excitement, “Volunteering is easy! And, in most cases, it is also fun. It gives you a great opportunity to meet new people and get inspired watching others do their best at an event.” He also explained that it doesn’t hurt to have a wardrobe full of t-shirts, caps, water bottles, backpacks, and so on!

Take a look in the mirror and ask your reflection, am I a giver? If it beams, “Yes! I am!” and wants to feel some “reflective happiness” like Tom Barker, please contact us at info@oylmarketing.com, fill out our VOLUNTEER FORM, or GIVE us a call at 214-600-3914.

Abby Road

I’LL KEEP MARCHING ON!

By Abby Werner

I

can not think of anything more stressful than being told you basically have four days to figure out what you’re going to do for the rest of your life, at the mere age of 14. Of course, that’s essentially what they tell you when they hand out schedule request sheets for high school.

I have a pretty good idea of what I want to be when I grow up- a journalist. But that doesn’t make it any easier to figure out whether to take AP Biology or regular, Teen Leadership or an extra band class. It forces me to make difficult decisions like whether to do marching band or cross country and track. After much thought, I have decided to do marching band.

Hold on for a minute. I know some of you are thinking. “Abby you write this whole column on how much you love to run, yet you’re picking MARCHING BAND over running?” Hear me out. Unlike marching band, I can run whenever I want, on my own, and still participate in 5ks and such. On the other hand, it’s pretty hard to do marching band on your own. I wish I could do both, but I also want to live through my freshman year and not die from stress and lack of sleep.

Like I said though, I will continue to run on my own because I love it and want to stay fit.

As I make these decisions moving forward onto my high school electives, I gaze back at the tracks I’ve left on a great year of running. A few weeks ago, I closed my season of middle school track. My last two meets were equally interesting. For the second to last one, I ran the 2400 (mile and a half; 6 laps) again, the same event I had run all season. The challenge this time was the wind. I was not used to running in winds that strong so in some ways I felt lucky to have come out of that event alive. At some points it felt like I was running against a brick wall.

Because of the wind, I had to use more energy and by the end of my fourth lap, felt like I had already run my whole race. On my last lap, however, I noticed another girl running (maybe 100 meters) ahead of me. I tried my best to pass her so it could be my first race where I didn’t come in last, but I just couldn’t will my body to

pass her. It was disappointing to know I had come in last place, again. I tried to look on the bright side — it was the closest I had ever come!

District was the last track meet, which meant all of the schools were there. It also meant I was running against 23 other girls. I saw this as a positive.

Throughout the race there was only one girl just a few meters ahead of me. For three whole laps my coach was yelling for me to pass her. On the second to last lap, I did! I stayed a few meters ahead of her for a while. With only 300 meters left, she started to creep up again so I picked up my pace too. When there was only 100 meters left, and several meters ahead of her, I was feeling pretty good. All I had to do was sprint and stay ahead of her for a little while longer, and then I would finally not come in last. With about only 40 meters left, however, she was able to sprint past me and win by 10 feet. I was upset to say the least — I had come so close. It came down to her being a faster sprinter than me.

After I finished, the girl who beat me came up to me and said, “Good job.” She then told me that it was the first time she had ever not come in last at a track meet.

Even though I still felt upset for coming in last again, it made me feel good to know I had helped her achieve her goal, even though I hadn’t achieved mine. She and I were both in the same position before the race.

There may be different teams of runners, but we’re all trying to reach the same goal, so we might as well help each other out. Otherwise, what’s the point?

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