Heros

 After reading my last blog I'm going to step out on a limb and say almost everyone has a hero.
Some may be childhood heroes, some may be real life life savers. Heroes come in many forms.
From police, firemen, military, teachers , to your parents; heroes walk among us!  I've had many heroes throughout my years...cartoon characters, movie/TV personalities, sports performers, and rock gods. Though I may not have worshipped them, I admired them for perceived traits...looks, athleticism, and talent. Oh to be like them! Were they good people in real life...who knows. In my eyes they were my heroes..good to a fault, invincible, and  bigger than life.
As I've gotten older and wiser(?)..my heroes have changed. No longer are they people from TV , the paper  or magazines..they are the people who I know! The people who are in my life in different capacities. There's my parents for obvious reasons, my professor /doctor friends, and teacher friends. One friend delivers food to the needy while others guide and teach our kids and misfortunate. Businessmen, academics, and family..all have hero traits.
Now I have a new hero. One who I marvel at. One who shows me some of the best traits in humanity! My new hero is no super-human. No talented actor or dazzling athlete. As matter of fact my hero is a klutz!
My hero has been a self sufficient homemaker and single "mom" to her pets. My hero has been a supportive friend and big hearted giver. My hero has been there for me in good and bad times.. a shoulder (be it bony) to lean on!
But what makes my  hero outstanding is the fact she is a survivor!  After a horrific car crash she lingered in a coma for a month. After awakening she found herself paralyzed and unable to talk. Her body racked with injuries from her head to her hips.  But with grit and determination and the will of God she has overcome her afflictions.  She has learned  to walk and talk and write again. Even though she has some permanent limitations she strives to do and be the best she can be.To be self sufficient and productive is her goal. Yet my hero is HUMAN.  She has her weaknesses. Some things I will never quite understand. What she sees, what she feels. What she fears. These I try to comprehend and support.  But this what makes her a hero to me. Has she pulled someone from a burning building, tackled a would be robber, set a world record...no. She has survived at LIFE!   She has beaten death and come back with a "big toothed" smile!
My hero is my girlfriend...my fiancee...my future wife!  She is my Hero and my LOVE.  She is my PITA!
My hero is Janet Marie Gore. 
Loveya Munchkin!
Shuffle On Friends!

The "Spitfire"

Breast cancer 5k

Stepping out the door into 34 degree temperature was a bit of a shock to the system.  A light frost on the ground, a bit heavier one on  the escape's windshield, and a bright sunrise greeted me. I didn't sleep well the night before...up too late and the "Spitfire" was up from Buena Vista. The poor thing was restless with a nasty cold...though I sort of envied her for being able to stay in bed all warm and toasty. But I am RUNNER..and run I must..cold be damned!
The Breast Cancer 5k is probably the biggest race in Harrisonburg or Rockingham county with around 700 people and pets attending. Runners, walkers,charity activists and cancer survivors all gathered together in the fight against a deadly foe.  I lost a beloved aunt just short of 2 years ago to  lung cancer. I think just about everyone knows someone who has lost their battle with cancer. We have to praise  and honor the survivors and wish them continued health. We take being able to put one step in front of the other  for granted sometimes.  The ability to take in a full breath of air...simple things that others struggle to obtain. We must always remember, aide and pray for those struggling with this foul disease!
Even though we're here to support a good cause, it is also again to catch up on what's happening with some good friends. I always look forward to seeing these people...friends I cherish (even if they don't know it.)
Here are some names that will pop up quite often in future blogs....Andi, Anieta Rich, Joe, Susan,Sharon George, Mark,  Mike, Bill , Neil.and of course Butch!   I love their stories and companionship..these are GOOD people!
At 9:30 we're set loose. Everyone with their goals and agendas. The speed demons waging battle with each other, the mid packers battling themselves for time and personal glory, and the casual  joggers out for health and socialization...all individuals; each with their own story,all gathered as one moving community.
The  air is warming under a bright sun. There's little breeze. Maybe birds are singing..I can't hear them over the sound of hundreds of footsteps. Up the first hill..shake off the rust, search for a comfortable rhythm. I try to take assessment of my body..can I push it today?  The first mile comes easily and I've settled in. Downhill and back up is the way today. "Rolling" hills are our obstacles. The second mile comes and I'm paying a toll for  being under trained, sleepy and OLD! A short walk break is a must..just to get a little more air then back again on my toes and push it in.   Well the push lasts for a couple blocks before I succumb to oxygen debt again One more "quick" break and it's homeward bound. A few more hills a couple of turns and I see the finish line!  Something feels strange....Hey I'm actually sprinting it in!!  My legs are churning, arms pumping, and my lungs are burning...I'm flying!  Probably looked funny to everyone else...so be it! I hope I gave them a good laugh!  I'm done and I'm DONE!   10 seconds faster than last week..I'm happy!
After gathering our wits and seeing how everyone did...a few hundred gather for the award ceremony. Sadly because of slow calculations only maybe a third of the "placers" are on hand to accept their awards. A few of the GANG win or place in their age groups...congratulations  Susan and Butch and anyone I forgot.
And CONGRATULATIONS Cancer survivors!  You are the Heros and role models for those struggling with the disease.  I take my hat off to you.  You are heros to me!
So remember friends to support our Heros and fight the monster called Cancer!
Shuffle on friends!

Page county in the morning

Stepped out the door Saturday morning into a crisp autumn breeze and temperatures bordering on cold.
I always feel alive during these pre-dawn hours. It's 6:30, still dark but a hint of the coming sun over the Blue Ridge mnts. I've taken my shower, downed several cups of coffee (go juice) packed my race bag and struggled over what to wear. It's another race morning like a hundred before, but still there's the excitement and butterflies in the stomach over  what lies ahead in a couple hours.
Today's  race is the 1st annual Luray Homecoming 5k., a new event directed cross country coach Tara Edwards.
It's nice to visit my "home" county (Page) again. I don't get down here often but it's always nice to return.
The sun is almost up as I enter Luray....time to stop for more coffee then on to the high school. Now this is the first time I've visited Luray High...it's a striking new school, but I do feel I'm in enemy territory.( I attended Elkton High School) A lot of new faces greet me ..the race staff were extremely friendly..then a few familiar faces appear...namely the "M&M" boys..Mark and Mike ... a couple of my newer friends I've had the pleasure of running with the last few years.
The run  starts into the sun  and a stiffening morning breeze. It sure feels colder than what it probably is.
My legs feel great but my chest is still congested from a lung and nose infection. I have to keep clearing my throat but I'm moving better than I thought I would. The course is beautiful with scenic country pastures and rolling hills. The first mile comes quickly and all is good. I'm closing in on the halfway/ turnaround..Mark passes by....I reach what I think is turn only to find a 100 plus yd climb..thanks Tara..I guess it's payback for the hills I've made you run!  The hill saps me! Gotta walk the final 10 yds to the top!
Now it's downhill and back to the school.  I'm hanging on now..one step in front of the other...one step closer....you know what I'm saying.   My legs want to go but my lungs are burning and more oxygen is wanted. Walk again..run and walk again that's the pattern this morning. Make the turn for home... a 1/4 mile gentle climb to the finish, I  push for the line and relief for my lungs. DONE!  My time is slow but faster than I predicted.
Another race under me and the satisfaction of completing another event. Time to head home, prop up the feet and have a cold one!
Thanks and congratulations Tara on a great 1st race...job well done!
Training lies ahead this week.  The Breast Cancer 5k awaits Saturday
Shuffle on Friends!

1st step

Being my first attempt at blogging ...let me take my FIRST STEP and let you know a little bit about "the OLD FAT GUY"....my name is Jeff  and /or JC...I live near Elkton,Va, a small town in the Shenandoah Valley.  I'm in the late stages of 49 years old and have been running for 25 plus years. I'm currently engaged to a little "spitfire" of a girl from Buena Vista we'll call Janet. (love ya babe!)
I've been employed by the same company for 30 years and just paid off my house.
I  am a member of  the Shenandoah Valley runners Club, the Charlottesville track club, and the Shenandoah Valley Track club for which I'm on the board of directors. I host and direct the "Rockingham Pike 5 Miler' and the "Freeze your Snowballs Off 10k" 
As for my running.. I'm a mid pack runner with about 400 races under my belt. I've done every distance from 5k to half marathon...a full marathon to come!  I've also done about 50 duathlons  and  a handfull of bike tours.
My mileage has really flucuated over the last few years  due to some injuries,  work schedule and motivation.
Hopefully with the start of a "new age group" in a couple months I'll find  that new drive. With the help of my friends and you readers I'll push for new goals and strive to be a better runner and person.
Well that's it for now  ...I don't want to bore eveyone the 1st time out.
For now Happy Runnin'
the Old Fat Guy