September 2013 by On Your Left! Marketing & Events

Official Publication of

SEPTEMBER 2013

We Believe You Can Fly! Take Off from Oak Point Park September 22

Nurturing SeptEmbers for a Blazin’ Fast October! Preparing for the Bravest Race 5K and Fire Safety Expo

Run@Work Day is September 20th DFWRUNS Lets You Save on More Days than One!

Are You Ready for Some Fitness?

Choose LifeWalk and Run 5K this Fall

DOC IN THE BOX By Holly Johnson, M.D.

September 22

SEPTEMBER’S RX: TAKE A BITE OUT OF CANCER

Letter from the Editor Chief Running Officer, Eric Lindberg

PAIN & GAIN

Who Profits from your Run? Though we’re not made for the big screen like Mark Walhlberg or Dwayne Johnson, we often joke around the office that we should at least film our daily activities and start a reality television show. There are certainly plenty of characters, action, drama and comedy around the here!

One of my favorite reality shows is the Apprentice and Celebrity Apprentice. Although I don’t think Donald Trump would make a good president, I do think he is a smart business man. I frequently tell our staff to watch the show — not for the entertainment value but for the business lessons taught by Donald and his management staff. Speaking of business, I have recently seen and been a part of a few conversations about what seems to be a taboo word in the running world… profit. I often struggle with why profitability has such a negative connotation when it comes to business of running. After all, it is a business, no matter if you are on the profit or nonprofit side. In the spirit of being as transparent as possible, I feel it is important for everyone to know how DFWRUNS and the events and charities that we work with raise funds. As you know, DFWRUNS works with multiple local and national charities who use running events as fundraisers. So far in 2013, events that we have managed have raised over $200,000 for their respective causes. Those dollars generated

“So far in 2013, events that we have managed have raised over $200,000 for their respective causes”

We meet your priorities through relations, branding, website Grow with us!business Lick the icing off yourpublic fingers and dial design and social media management. Run to the phone! 214-339-7867 214-DFWRUNS (339-7867).

WHO’S SHOUTING “On Your Left!”?

OWNERS & EDITORS IN CHIEF Eric Lindberg elindberg@dfwruns.com Sharon Lindberg slindberg@dfwruns.com

DESIGN

Cathy Hutzler cat@dfwruns.com

WRITING & EDITING Cherilyn Wilson cwilson@dfwruns.com

CONTRIBUTORS Brandon Gillingham bgillingham@dfwruns.com Paul Hutzler phutzler@dfwruns.com Jessica Kane jkane@dfwruns.com Gabriella McCord gmccord@dfwruns.com Neil Parker nparker@dfwruns.com

CATCH US! (IF YOU CAN)

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

come into the charity in one of three ways; The first is the profitability of the race itself. (There is that taboo word again!) What this means is that after we add up all of the expenses of the race (including our fees), we then subtract them from all of the revenues from the race to determine the net profit. With expenses on the rise across the board this is the most challenging undertaking. Second means of profit comes from individuals who fundraise for the charity itself. Those dollars generated are not calculated into the revenues from the race as a part of the profitability of the event. In fact, these dollars go directly to the charity as they come in both prior and following the event. Third, by giving the charity a registration code to use, the event pays the charity a fixed amount of money for each code redeemed. In this case it is up to the power of the charity’s marketing to drive the fundraising aspect. Again, in this area, these dollars are not included in the revenue of the race and generally go to the charity at the conclusion of the event. No matter how those dollars are delivered to the charity, however, it is up to their executives to determine how they spend them. Just like a for profit business they have expenses like salaries, marketing, insurance, etc. It is up to their management to divvy what percentage of revenues actually go toward supporting their respective causes— completely out of the control of DFWRUNS. Within all of this, DFWRUNS is a business and, like a for profit or not for profit business, we too have traditional business expenses and, yes, at the end of the day need to make a profit. Overall, we try to maximize value for the participants and at the same time being fiscally responsible for our clients. I am proud of the business of DFWRUNS and should anyone ever have questions or want a look “under the hood” feel free to call or email me to set up time to meet or better yet go for a run! – Eric Lindberg

We Believe You Can Fly!

Take Off from Oak Point Park on September 22

ou know the old saying, “You give them an inch and they’ll take a mile”? Well, how about we give you 13.1 miles and you take FOUR inches? This month, the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival Half Marathon — one of our biggest, best and fastest growing races, is awarding you one of the biggest, baddest, finisher’s medals you’ll add to your collection. The four inch gleaming, golden medallion displays three bright, colorful hot air balloons soaring above the clouds to symbolize the high you will feel after running the brand new half marathon course! This adornment suspends on a sky blue ribbon sure to keep you on cloud 9 over your finishing time after flying through this relatively flat and fast route. Tip: Allow yourself time to ease over the rolling hills in the first couple miles. Recover, grab water at mile 3, then settle into your pace. You’ll soar through miles 4-13.

IGNITE YOUR FLIGHT!

UPCOMING EVENTS

The height of a hot air balloon is controlled by the temperature inside of it. But just because these gasbags take a lot of heat to get high doesn’t mean you have to! Get your runner’s high in the tank top that will keep you cool! Made of dry-fit technical materials and complete with racing stripes down the sides,

Heroes for Children – Plano Saturday, September 7, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Cincinatti Saturday, September 7, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

this year’s race shirts are sleeveless and airy! GET REGISTERED soon before they all go up UP and away! Aside from all the awesome bling and swag, this race proves year after year to be the most colorful and eye dazzling run in DFW. Featuring three race distances (1/2, 5K & 1K) and a full runners breakfast provided by Central Market, there is something sure to lift the spirits of every member in your family. Each registered runner receives up to two tickets to the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival plus VIP Parking so check the directions of the winds and get on board! Online registration closes soon!

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Fort Wayne Saturday, September 7, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

Rahr Oktoberfest Social Run Dallas Saturday, August 31, 2013 FOLLOW US FOR DETAILS

1/2 MARATHON 5K RUN/WALK 1K FUN RUN/WALK

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013 Oak Point Park – Plano, Texas

ALL RUNNERS RECEIVE

Hot Breakfast provided by Central Market Two additional Admissions to the InTouch Credit Union Plano Balloon Festival Live Music

1/2 MARATHON RUNNERS RECEIVE Dri-Fit Technical Tee

Custom Plano balloon Festival Half Marathon Finisher Medal ®

Nurturing Sept-Embers for a Blazin' Fast October! Preparing for the Bravest Race 5K and Fire Safety Expo

UPCOMING EVENTS

f you see a lot of smoke coming from the old Brewery Building on McKinney Ave., it’s likely just because we’re all fired up working on next month’s Bravest Race. “National Fire Prevention Week is observed in the United States and Canada during the week (from Sunday to Saturday) in which October 9 falls. The Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1924 when 15,000 lives were lost.”1 This September, you can honor your local firefighters, raise fire safety awareness and support the Dallas Hispanic Firefighters Association by signing up for the Bravest Race. Proceeds from the race will support public education programs that focus on safe and healthy procedures in the communities served by Dallas Fire Fighters. After the run, the fire engines, trucks, and an ambulance will be on display. Registrants, friends, family and the public are invited to visit The Bravest Race Fire Safety Expo where you will not only learn important fire safety tips but can blaze through some tasty beverages and food while coolin’ your burn. Each entry includes the hottest shirt you’ll ever look so cool in and the exclusive Firefighter Finisher’s Medal. (Participants ages 17 & under also receive The Bravest Race Junior Firefighter Hat) In need of a race that rescues you from the same old boring 3.1 mile routine? Then clear the roadway because Bravest Race is coming to West Dallas on Saturday, October 5th with sirens blaring! We’re not just blowin’ smoke! Not only will there be great music, a fire safety expo, hot eats and a

Pub Run Social Run LaHacienda on the Square Saturday, September 7, 2013 VIEW DETAILS

Plano Balloon Fest Half Marathon & 5K Sunday, September 22, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

Rahr Oktoberfest 5K Saturday, September 28, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Miami Sunday, September 29, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

blazin’ fast course, but you can switch up the pace by signing up for the fire engine pull with a team of 8 -12 of your friends too! This challenge takes place following the 5K and awards ceremony so you can participate in both the run as well as the pull. What are you waiting for? Fan the fire within and REGISTER NOW!

THIS YEAR’S RACE IS DEDICATED TO THE FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS OF TEXAS 8:15 AM: Memorial Invocation Honoring Fallen Firefighters of Texas

FIREFIGHTER FITNESS FACT

Stair running is an exercise imperative for firefighters and is a part of their ongoing training regimen. An intense stair exercise is part of the firefighter fitness tests required for certification. They must climb 60 steps per minute for six minutes carrying 25 pounds!

HOT TRAINING TIP

Add a stair workout either on a stair-climbing machine or on actual stairs to your week! Burning up some stadium steps during your run is great for cardiovascular strength and stamina and for developing your calves, glutes, hips, hamstrings AND quadriceps all at once. For runners, two ways we get faster are by extending stride lengths and quickening stride rates so be sure to change it up; take each step as quickly as possible on your first run up and then extend your stride by taking every other on your next ascent.

Bravest Race Dallas Saturday, October 5, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Indianapolis Saturday, October 5, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

Life Walk and Run Plano Saturday, October 12, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

WIKIPEDIA.COM

Haunt Jaunt 5k and Fun Run Plano Saturday, October 19, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

Run@Work Day is September 20th

DFWRUNS Lets You Save on More Days than One!

orry your job isn’t as awesome as ours. Sorry you can’t literally run@work like we do. But since the boss hates the word “can’t”, here’s what you CAN do. You can register to run while you are at work! (Sshhhh, don’t let your supervisor hear that.) In the unfortunate event that you have far too much dull work to do on the official Run@Work Day (September 20th), we have made it easy for you to save on the following events throughout the entire month of September! Simply click on the race link and register online. At checkout, enter the code which corresponds with the races below and 5 bucks will be automatically deducted from the total. The code can be used by the same individual only once per race, however, can be applied to more than one race (listed here).

USE CODE: RUNATWORK FOR $5.00 ADULT REGISTRATION DISCOUNT FOR: • Balloon Festival Half Marathon, 5k and 1k – 9/22/2013 • Rahr & Sons Oktoberfest 5k run/walk – 9/28/2013 • Bravest Race – 10/5/2013

SAVE 5 BUCKS!

USE CODE: RAW FOR $5.00 ADULT REGISTRATION DISCOUNT FOR: • Haunt Jaunt – 10/19/2013

UPCOMING EVENTS

Good thru Sept. 30th for $5.00 off one adult individual entry

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Austin Saturday, October 26, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Kansas City Saturday, November 2, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

ZERO Prostate Cancer Run Tucson Saturday, December 14, 2013 RACE WEBSITE

Form Follows Fitness 5k Saturday, February 22, 2014 RACE WEBSITE

(min. 8 people per team, max 12 people per team)

Discounts for the 5k for teams of 10+ » CALL 214-339-7867 Youth finishers awarded Bravest Race Firefighter Hat Bravest Race Finisher Medal Bravest Race bib, timing chip, and the hottest shirt you’ve seen Stay for The Bravest Race Safety Expo to include tasty beverages and food fit for the brave

www.BravestRace.com /BravestRace

MARKETING // PUBLICITY // SPONSORSHIP

OCTOBER

CHECK OUT THE 5K OR THE FIRE ENGINE PULL COMPETITION

TRINITY GROVES WEST DALLAS BENEFITING

Are You Ready for Some... Fitness? Choose LifeWalk and Run 5K this Fall

t’s fall and that means it’s time for some football! It’s time for some option offense, some option running plays. Fantasy picks have been secured, pool choices are made and tailgates have been planned. But fall isn’t just a season for the guys. It is also racing season and time to raise awareness about the choices available to women — time to get training for the LifeWalk and Run 5K happening at Oak Point Park & Amphitheater in Plano on October 12th. Not ready for running 3.1 miles? Don’t worry, you have options! The LifeWalk and Run also offers a 2 mile walk which is free (and if you raise $150 you get a free t-shirt)! Both the 5K and the 2 mile walk raise funds for Real Options for Women. Real Options for Women exists to empower women, men and young people to make physical, emotional and spiritual choices that affirm life and health. ROFW believes in choice. You believe in choice; that’s why you want to take part in LifeWalk and Run 5K! Every day, women face decisions about their unplanned pregnancies, adoption or parenting. When it comes to unplanned pregnancies, many women believe that they only have one choice due to pressure by their parents, their husband or their boyfriend. They are often coerced by culture to take the “easy way out”. At Real Options for Women they find respect, compassion and choices. Over the past twenty-six years Real Options for Women has helped thousands of women to walk through these challenges and come out on the other side with new hope. They walk the patient through a comprehensive decision aid and match her up with an advocate who goes through all the options. Each woman meets with a registered nurse who provides a health screening and ultrasound. Each woman has the option to decide how to proceed with a second appointment and ongoing counseling. They leave it all up to her. Women who thought they had no choice find that they do, and that choice is LIFE! Join us in supporting happy Moms and healthy babies at LifeWalk and Run 5K benefiting Real Options for Women. We’ll be walking and running at beautiful Oak Point Park and Amphitheater in east Plano. And, yes, the weather will be cooler! Vendors and music and food… OH MY! Don’t forget the bounce houses and games for the under 10 set! Register at www.lifewalkandrun.com. It’s fun for all and all for LIFE! This fall, set your eyes on the fifty-yard line and your toes on the starting line at www.lifewalkandrun.com.

BRING THE ENTIRE FAMILY! BANDS, BOUNCE HOUSES, GAMES, VENDORS AND FOOD!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 8:30 AM • OAK POINT PARK – PLANO

More B&G at the Office

True Colors are Shining Through Our Newest Race Director

t has been no secret that DFWRUNS owners, Eric and Sharon Lindberg, are the world’s largest, most obnoxious Steelers fans. It is true, they do have a second, separate Christmas tree for only black and gold ornaments. Now that football season is upon us, the water bubbler talk begins to change like foliage in the east, office banter delays the clock during our weekly staff meetings, and the Lindbergs make their subjective draft picks. More black & gold (B & G) in the office. They’ve drafted Brandon Gillingham. B. Gillingham may be lean, but is a powerhouse addition to our roster. He not only has star running game skills but has mad coaching experience as well. When he’s not running, B.G. is observing, directing, volunteering, cheering with his black and gold pom-poms, or coaching runners. He has seen the running game from all corners of the field. B.G.’s training began as a volunteer at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh at age 13 and was employed there for more than 11 years. He moved up through the lineup from Youth Sports Coordinator to Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer and then onto Race Director where he enjoyed a 6 year contract. His coaching career began as high school cross country coach, which led to a youth running club coaching position. Gillingham also coached at the

high school for 4 years and coached a youth running program for the elementary schools for 3 years too. After volunteering at the Boston Marathon finish line in 2007, Brandon became hooked onto the “other side” of racing. So, he created and directed his first race, the Fathers Day 5k/10 in Pittsburgh, at the age of 20 and added Event Coordinator and Race Director to his stats. Gillingham is no rookie. “I’m about as nerdy as it gets”, he admits, “going on letsruns.com, checking out races, results, training concepts n’at all the time. A fun weekend to me is going to a race and either being on the operations side or just simply hanging out and runner watching.” (Must be his bi-week since rumor is he runs, on average, 80-100 miles a week!) “I speak Pittsburghese, eat perogies, have a natural terrible towel wave skill n’at. I’m sure I’ll throw yinz off a bit at races when I’m doing my announcements but after time you’ll get the gist of what I’m talking ‘bout.” While we wonder if Eric and Sharon would hire a devote Steelers fan based on nothing more than the colors in their face-painting pallet, there is no doubt Brandon is a team player with the qualifications to direct your event and carry it all the way to the to the end zone. If you’ve need a game plan, he’s got the playbook. Hang onto your (championship) hat because you’re going to Disneyland!

Doc in the Box By Holly Johnson, M.D.

’m about to get personal. Everyone seems to think that doctors never get sick. Let me bite that myth in the behind with my several thousand dollars of orthodontic work! Docs do get sick, but no one ever seems to want to talk or think about it. I think some physicians think that by announcing their weakness, they lose credibility. I think that is hogwash. I believe that being in the bed rather than at the bedside is a place, (an unfortunate place), to lie down and to become a better physician. I also believe that although people say that doctors make the worst patients, it simply doesn’t have to be that way. Sadly, with these crazy revelations I had to become a patient — a patient with a diagnosis no one ever wants to hear... Just a short four years ago my thoracic surgeon gave me the startling news, “Holly, you have lymphoma.”

Six months before the lymphoma hit the fan, I was invited to tour the newest addition to Florida Hospital, the place where I spent three years completing my residency in family medicine. This new facility, the

Ginsburg Tower, houses an emergency department the size of a football field as well as the Cardiovascular Institute, which includes over four hundred cardiaccare patient rooms and several state-of-the-art heart catheterization labs. When I visited, small groups of five or six of us were escorted through the well-designed ER (where there was no waiting room!) and each patient room was private and had its own TV. Then we walked up a few flights of stairs in the Ginsburg Tower to the heart cath labs, sporting million-dollar, life-saving and lifepreserving equipment that we were allowed to touch! As my hands grazed the electronic controls to one of the cath tables, I believe my heart skipped a beat as I considered the gravity of the sacredness that was about to happen in these rooms in the years following its grand opening. Eventually the tour group rode the speedy elevators to the top floors of the tower, and we entered one of the high-tech patient rooms overlooking Lake Estelle. The rooms were gorgeous with dark and light-colored wood inlaid floors, big-screen televisions, private baths, and huge picture windows. Except for

JOHNSON PHOTO BY: SPENCER FREEMAN

SEPTEMBER’S RX: TAKE A BITE OUT OF CANCER

GET YOUR COPY NOW! They say that doctors make the worst patients. In Pick It and Flick It, Holly Johnson, M.D. affirms that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 doctorturned-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.

Purchase now on tatepublishing.com Now on Twitter @ drhollyjohnson

SEPTEMBER’S RX: TAKE A BITE OUT OF CANCER, CONT. the standard hospital bed, it looked like a luxury hotel room! Everyone in my group was ooohing and aaahing. I remember saying out loud to no one in particular, ‘“If I am ever sick, I want a room like this one overlooking the lake!” Fast forward. Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it…and then some things you don’t want as well. (Johnson M.D., Holly. Pick It and Flick It: The Prescription I Wrote for My Healing. Mustang: Tate Publishing, 2013. Print and Digital.)

A few years ago I thought I was healthier than ever. I was running my legs off on my local Cross Seminole Trail, pumping iron, and pedaling my $100 Wal-Mart bike all over my pretty little Winter Springs town. I felt strong, but had a hidden weakness. I had a cough. It lasted for a few months, and it got to the point where I couldn’t sit up or stand up without coughing. At my little walk-in clinic where I work, I finally had my tech take “Most of us have my chest x-ray. That something — a bad x-ray bit me up, spit me out, and changed sinus infection, a everything. Within a tumor, an addiction, few weeks, I had my chest cracked open and extra fat around the was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. middle, a draining According to The relationship” American Cance Society over one million people are diagnosed with cancer every year. One in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lifetime. Two in every three people diagnosed with cancer today will survive at least

five years. Increasingly people are crushing cancer and living with cancer than ever. Cancer and other diseases are heartbreaking and hard to beat, but it can be done. Even in the middle of a crisis, there is a way to be healthy, to find healing in the middle of disease. Most of us have something —a bad sinus infection, a tumor, an addiction, extra fat around the middle, a draining relationship–that we need to seriously pick and flick it as far away from us as possible. For me, it was Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I was the doctor who became the patient. I endured twelve chemotherapy treatments and twenty radiation treatments, and I also wrote my own prescription for healing — get anointed, meditate, go on vacation, gather your friends, get a tattoo… wait a minute! What?!?! Guess you’ll have to read it to believe it! Hear my story, sign up for a race that benefits cancer research like ZERO Prostate Cancer Run which is held in 20 cities Get my prescription here and part of the net profit will go to The American Cancer Society. Please Note: The info in this article is not a substitute for medical advice from your own physician or PCP. Dr. Johnson and DFWRUNS/OYL! are not responsible for finding the cure for cancer, removing unwanted tattoos, or making you get up to run laps or do push-ups when you are sitting around tweeting or watching Duck Dynasty.

The prescription for your company may just be some new branding or grass roots marketing. We can write you a script for both! 214-DFWRUNS (339-7867)

Abby Road By Abby Werner

SOCIAL RUNNING School has begun and, as a result, so has the hectic schedule — less sleep, more cross country! To prepare myself for the upcoming season, I will be participating in a at least one 5k every other weekend. For 8th grade cross country, you have to run two miles, so 5ks will definitely help! A 5k distance I’ve already participated in is one of the Rahr Social Runs in Fort Worth. I participated at the same one last year and was thrilled to do it again. It’s a great course and because it’s free, my Mom and younger brother, Nick, were able to participate again as well. This year there were a lot more people, including kids, which made it more entertaining. In my opinion the more people the better, because there’s that many more people to talk to. I brought my iPod, but foolishly forgot my earbuds. My solution: crank up the volume and whoever was near me had the pleasure of listening to the Beach Boys with me! It was actually the first time I’ve ever run a 5k with music the whole time. I definitely see why people do it, it gives you something to think about other than the distance ahead of you.

quite a bit but still pushed myself, especially on the monster of a hill that’s about half way through. Towards the end I started talking to a girl who was going into the 6th grade. We talked about the different 5ks we had each run and I recommended the Electric Run, the Graffiti Run, Joe’s Run, and the Form Follows Fitness 5k for her to do next year. Towards the end she wanted to walk and I wanted to start sprinting, so I finished about 4 minutes before her. Once I was done, I hit the water station and quenched my thirst before drifting over to the Camp Gladiator tent. I recognized the same woman who was there at Joe’s Run and reintroduced myself. I once again participated in the burpee contest before feeling totally satisfied of my workout or the day. After that I waited at the corner for Nick and my Mom and cheered them on when they finished. It was a great day, finished off with donuts for breakfast. Just a heads up, I’m definitely running in the Heroes for Children 5k and most of the Rahr & Sons Beer, Gut & Glory social runs leading up to Oktoberfest, so hopefully I’ll see you there!

“I don’t know if this happens to everybody, but whenever I’m running, I always reach a point where I’m content.” In the beginning, my knees were really hurting for some reason. This had never happened before but I just pushed through it. As I set my pace, the pain gradually went away and I was able to get comfortable. I don’t know if this happens to everybody, but whenever I’m running, I always reach a point where I’m content. It’s hard to describe but it sort of feels like you are coming to peace with your body. For this 5k I didn’t really care about my time, I only cared about doing the best I could. It was more of a fun-run for me than a competition. I walked

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Jaunt Junkie

By Chief Running Officer, Eric Lindberg

ALOHA VOLCANO In 6th grade, I was lucky enough to take a trip to Hawaii (thanks and Happy Birthday, Mom!) with my family. At the time, I couldn’t figure out what was cooler, the fact that I was getting out of school for some extra days or that I was going to Hawaii! We visited both Oahu and Maui, took in a Don Ho show, snorkeled, tried sushi for the first time (which didn’t make me barf), went on a helicopter tour and catamaran tour (both made me barf) and was forced to be kissed by luau girls as I was sacrificed to a volcano in the Danny Kaleikini show. Quite an adventure for 6th grade! But no running. I was fortunate to return to Hawaii in 2006 as a part of the Heisman Winners Association. No, I didn’t win the Heisman but my agency represented them for college football’s All-Star Game, the Hula Bowl. At this point I was most excited about a run that I had read about in Runner’s World which started at the top of the dormant Haleakala volcano and into and through its crater. I got a day off from working the Heisman events, grabbed my Camelpak, and made the drive to the visitor center at 9,740 feet. I checked in with the ranger station (which I highly recommend you do) and began my epic trail run. It was 65 degrees and sunny. From the visitors center, it is roughly 2,000 feet down along the Sliding Sands or Keonehe’ehe’e Trail. Quickly you realize that where you are running is not like any place on earth, in fact, it looks like what I picture the surface of Mars to look like. There are even plants called the Haelakala Silverswords that can only be found in the craters or dormant volcanoes! When I hit the bottom of the crater at Kapaleaoa Cabin, 7250 feet, it was 85 degrees. I continued my run, roughly 8 miles across the crater

to Paliku Cabin at 6,340 feet before turning around. Once past the cabin, the trail changes names to the Kaupo Trail and will you take to the very edge of the National Park. With permission from the family that owns the land just past the border, you can continue along the Kaupo Trail all the way to ocean. That journey is on my list if, or better yet, when I make it back! As I made my turn this trip, however, I decided to follow the Halemau’u Trail back and begin my 8 mile ascent back up 3,400 feet to the visitor center. About halfway through the crater, I saw storm clouds begin to form and felt the temperature dropping. Once I hit the merge where the Sliding Sands Trail meets the Halemau’u Trail the temperature had plummeted to 40 degrees and on the steep climb out it even began to snow on me! With tired legs and at least two hours later, I climbed out of the crater and checked back in with the rangers at the Visitor Center. They looked at me like I was from outer space and to a certain extent I do believe my UFO had just landed!

Deploy by land, air or sea in the most remote regions of the world. Rescue a downed pilot or victims of a national disaster. Know the meaning of “That Others May Live.” Be a part of an elite group known as Air Force Pararescue. Discover the power within you.

Texan Will Run Boston Strong!

Registration for the 118th Running of the Boston Marathon Opens September 9th By David Ball

oston weekend is a privilege to experience. The Expo is a city inside Hynes Convention Center. Every running gizmo and garment is sold there, but the most important thing, in my opinion, is the Boston jacket. On Saturday, April 14, 2013, I tried it on; glanced in the mirror; then quickly took it off, and vowed I would not wear it again until I had finished the race. I attended a very good Expo lecture by a group of former Boston winners and elites who said, “DO NOT GO OUT TOO FAST AT BOSTON. Try to negative split the race and you will make better time! “ “Oh yeah?” I said to myself, “The infamous Newton Hills are from Mile 15-21. How do you run a faster second half with that? (Later, their words would haunt me within the first few miles “… and make sure you don’t go out too fast; pass nobody; don’t get sucked in…”) Runners Village in Hopkinton, MA is pretty crowded already when we arrive from our hour-long school bus ride, but manageable. Most important thing is to find the shortest porta-john line! Monday, April 15th (10:20 a.m.) The 117th running of the Boston Marathon starts. A famous Boston Marathon tradition occurs at the race midpoint, the wonder that is Wellesley College and

famous Wellesley Girls who line the course and scream for the men to kiss them as they go by. They hold up signs, “Kiss me if you’re Irish”, “Kiss me if you’re Jewish”, “Kiss me, I need a date”, “Kiss me, I won’t tell your wife”. All the while they hang out over the low fence railing reaching out for you; some intentionally wearing some low cut (cough) revealing tops, jus’ sayin’. Oh somebody tell me America ain’t great, they ain’t been to Wellesley! 2013 is no exception! After Wellesley, it is time to prepare for the upcoming Newton Hills. The newness of the race is long since past, and we are solidly into the mid-portion of the race. The course rolls up; it rolls down. I focus on just maintaining a respectable pace, but the legs are sluggish. My Gu and E-cap schedule is going good; still battling the urge to pee, but holding steady; continuing the ‘water-head’ trick, no chaffing. Mentally, I know the Hills will make or break me. I CAN say that I haven’t “spent” my legs because my slower pace hasn’t exhausted them. I pray to God that He take over when the time comes. My D-Day will soon be here. Mile 15: Elites and Legends Glancing to my side, I spy a familiar face. I don’t know him, but I recognize Dean Karnazes, famous ultra-

TEXAN WILL RUN BOSTON STRONG, CONT. runner. We probably ran 3 miles together before I lost him at a fluid station. He told me he believes all famous runners should run Boston, if for no other reason just to show our support of the sport through being in the race. In this same race, somewhere after Mile 16, I pass the famous ‘Team Hoyt’ whose lecture I’d been inspired by at the Expo (Earlier that day, they dedicated a statue in Hopkinton to honor them). Heartbreak Hill comes at Mile 21. That blue and yellow finish line is only 5.2 miles ahead. The home stretch of Boston is marked by a much thicker crowd. My Texas shirt always gets favorable reaction from fans, but this section of scattered Texas fans actually goes wild when they see it. “Go TEXASSS!” as they point their loaded beer cups at me. “Go! Go! Go! Texas! Whooopiee! Oh yeah, Go Man!!” One can’t help but feel energy and pride with these guys. I feel my pace picking up with each mile. My mental fuel tank knows it can make it home. The horse knows its way to the barn. The legs are humming. I finished safely and the sad events to follow forever changed lives. My Boston Marathon running jacket and t-shirt have since become symbols of patriotism. I feel very thankful for being spared, and resolve to fight terror by living free. If we become afraid to run marathons or attend ball games or other large gathering places, we are no longer free. I refuse to live that way.

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