Phone Calls on Runs

Sometimes when I am out on a run (usually also out of breath and wheezing!) I get a phone call from a client.

After greetings, it’s “Are you OK?” “Should I call 911?”  “Are you all right?” “I can call back.”

I explain I am just out running. I tell them I am __ miles into a __ mile run. Then, it’s “You run?” “You’re kidding…right?” “Wow.” “You do this often?”

Now, here’s what interesting. After the disbelief is suspended, clients often become quite appreciative and impressed. There is a noticeable shift from “client” status to “friend and partner” status. The business relationship is now a relationship built on respect and mutual engagement for success.

Sometimes those conversations turn into a 20 minute walks with a friend covering a wide range of topics. Sometimes those conversations are cut short because the client is not sure what to say/do next… but they always call back within five minutes and the conversation continues.

Then there is my daughter Kelly. I confess that I often schedule a run in her neighborhood just because I know what she will do. I will drop by, leave my car in the driveway, and take off on a run. If I am gone more than an hour, she will inevitably call. “Where are you?” “Are you ok?” “Are you coming home?” “You’re where?!” “Don’t over tax yourself!” “Do you have enough water?!” “How are your knees?” “When will you be back?”

I love it. I love hearing her voice. I appreciate her concern. I always look forward to when the call comes. And sometimes I lengthen the run, just to make sure I get the call.  Is that wrong?

I am truly blessed with family and friends. Some live in my house. Some live across town. Some live half way around the globe.

Sophie is on the right side of the guy in the yellow shirt!

I got a call today on Skype from Sophie Huang from Shenzhen China. “Sophie” is a very bright, energetic, and competent young adult with whom I had the pleasure to meet while working with study groups on college campuses in Nanchang China. She wanted to wish me happy birthday and to know how the Stockholm Marathon went and if she could contribute to the cause. (She can’t send money over the internet, but wanted to mail me yaun, RMB in an envelope!) and yes, the call came during a run… and her first words were, “Are you OK? Are you running!?”

Top 10 Reasons Why Runners don't like Sidewalks (or Why You find Runners in the Street—on Asphalt)

Hey! Why do runners run in the street?! Don't they know that's what sidewalks are for? Well, here are some obstacles runners face. Some of these are very common on every run. Some are rare, but deadly when encountered. Runners love meeting people and 95% of the time such brief encounters are fun, affirming, adventurous!  Especially when running in exotic places! (meaning not your neighborhood. I love the fact that I have been privileged to run on trails, dirt roads, paths and pavements in over 20 countries and 40 states--this list reflects that. So, there are those who can be quite obnoxious to a runner who is just wanting to keep moving. I hope somebody reads this and can turn it into a “funny” “humorous” list, because that is really the intent. It is not meant to be offensive or accusatory.  I’m just not that funny. Here we go:

10.  We like our knees! Running on asphalt is easier on the knees. Concrete sidewalks are extremely hard surfaces.

9.   We hate tripping! Sidewalks are split into panels that quickly become uneven. Tripping over these panels as you are trying to increase/steady your pace is a major cause of injury.

8.   We don’t like getting continually banged in the head! Low hanging branches that aren’t trimmed turns a sprint into a duck walk for a runner.

7.   We need a hard hat! Construction projects, internet/cable lines, open manholes, cracked/broken water pipes, plugged sewer lines, work on power lines, all create obstacle courses that are impossible to navigate without getting into the street.

6.   We love our neighbors but … Garbage cans, trash cans, recycling bins, toys, bicycles, scooters, cars and trucks are all too common in blocking safe access to sidewalks. In continually dodging them, runners wind up sidestepping onto the street so often we might as well stay there.

5.   Some days we might as well be a mudder…Mud, grass clumps, wet moss, lawn mower grass clippings, sprinkler systems spurting more water into the street than on the lawn... all make for a slippery run.

4.   And then there is poop. Ever run Brush Creek off the Plaza? Seven miles of goose droppings. Closer to home, on any given day I can run down a neighborhood street and plant a foot in fresh doggy ….

3.   dogs. Dogs. DOGS. I love dogs. Generally, I can make friends with most any creature. BUT, there are those times... Yapping, snarling, growling. Chasing, snapping, biting. On a leash that reaches the sidewalk but not the street. Off a leash and lunging at your leg as if it is lunch. On a leash with a dog walker that thinks it’s “cute” to let them chase after you. On a leash with a dog-walker who thinks you are running to violate them and their pet is their protector.

2.   People. Walkers in pairs, threesomes, gaggles, who spread across the entire sidewalk and look at you as if you are invading their space. Children playing on the sidewalk… they’re so adorable… until they stick their foot out in your path to see if you will trip. Police. Soldiers…in riot gear. Security guards. Street vendors.

1.   There is NO sidewalk.

The Bucket List

A few years ago, I put on my bucket list that I wanted to participate in a marathon on every continent by the time I was 75. Well, except for Antarctica. An old man has to know his limits! Every marathon was to be a fundraiser for some worthy cause! Love what you do. Live life. Have fun. AND take care of others along the way is how I have tried to live so far. So.

North America? Been there. Done that. Last one? 2009. So, in 2012, I signed up for a marathon in Seoul Korea. During a training run I was clipped by a pickup truck on a street near my home. Asia marathon didn’t happen. Months later, with therapy, lots of love and support, and the determination to run again, I began training. In 2014, I registered for the St. Petersburg Marathon. I was thrilled! Russian-Ukraine conflict canceled that trip (parts of the trip would have taken me into Western Russia, Eastern Ukraine. We were advised not to go.) United Airlines stole $1730.00 of my money. ("United cannot be held responsible for any misinformation that may be given by a United representative." Yes. That’s a quote from United Customer Service.) So, Europe marathon… nope.

I’m running out of time… and money. So, 2015. Stockholm here I come! The devastation in Nepal (a country in which I have never traveled, but do have friends I love dearly) clearly is on my mind. They need my help. So, my fundraising efforts go their way.

Still loving. Still living. Still running. 

#give4Nepal, #nepalearthquake, #StockholmMarathon

The Eliminate Project

Took an early morning run before a full day of activities and classes for the MO-ARK Kiwanis annual convention being held at the Ramada Oasis in Springfield MO. Between the fog and humidity, my glasses were sweating, my pits were sweating, my phone was sweating. 

Anyway, if you are a runner traveling thru Springfield you might want to stay somewhere other than the hotel strip on I-44 and North Glenstone Ave. Narrow side streets without sidewalks, traffic ways without walkways, unmarked dead-ends, and heavy traffic pretty much limits you to Glenstone. Three miles south and back from I-44 means breathing constant fumes from often way-too-close traffic as the city awakens and begins the workday. At 6:00-8:00 in the morning, runners need to watch for commuters on cell phones swinging into fast-food places and gas stations, not expecting to encounter anyone in their path. 

A community service organization that will celebrate 100 years in existence in 2015, Kiwanis has embarked on a $110,000,000 fundraising campaign to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. 

To save a child and protect a woman from tetanus costs $1.80 USD. 

Called the Eliminate Project, members of Kiwanis Clubs across the world are engaged in some very creative and fun ways to raise the funds. From “Fun Runs” to selling hot dogs at county fairs, to silent auctions, to balloon rides… local groups are taking the challenge in addition to the many local service events, projects and programs they continually support. (My own club in Independence MO annually supports over twenty programs for local kids in working with the school district, Boys and Girls, Club, CAPA, Hope House, etc.)

So, my next couple of days is with a small crazy group of people who truly believe that they can make a difference in our world. Because they do!

Ten years ago Iodine deficiency disorders worldwide were virtually eliminated. Because Kiwanis partnered with UNICEF in working in over 130 countries to make it happen. 

I think they will overachieve their goals this time. 5400 members in just over 200 clubs in Missouri and Arkansas have already raised over $1,000,000. 

Not just talking about problems. Not just solving problems. But eliminating problems.  So you and I, and our neighbors around the global can live healthier, fuller lives. 

Great Day Cafe

Whenever I venture over toward my daughter’s place (Prairie Village Kansas) for an afternoon run, I often run the streets of old Overland Park. On such occasions I always stop by the Great Day Cafe. I love this place. 

Three years ago Greg and Sandy Tugman left the rat race, gathered their life savings and opened the Great Day Cafe (www.great-day-cafe.com) (downtown Overland Park Kansas). This was a life long dream of at least one of them. Sandy, a liberal arts professor at Baker University, left academia to take on the daily headache of managing a restaurant/coffee shop. Greg left the world of high finance to persure his dream of loving life, entertaining and working longer hours than he could ever have imagined in the financial realm. 

What they created together, along with a fabulous staff, was a wonderful place of welcome. The personality of the cafe is one of energy, love, and acceptance. From the music to the decor to the menu, the cafe defines the word “eclectic.” On any given day, you will find Greg entertaining the patrons with the flute, sax, or clarinet along with his ipad backup band. He takes breaks from his love of the mic by bussing tables, visiting with the customers, and providing running commentary on life. Sandy’s passion comes through the menu, the art work and pottery found throughout the cafe and her infectious laughter. 

Greg and Sandy love life. They love each other. They love their staff. They love their customers. It is always a joy to drop in and see how they are doing. 

I have found that a lot of races are like the Great Day Cafe. Each race has its’ own unique personality. A race, so full of energy, can convey not only competitiveness, but love for a city or neighborhood, love for the joy of running, love for those who would rather be outside pounding the pavement any day of the week (as opposed to sitting on the couch watching the latest video blather). Races can be full of life. Races bring people together for a greater cause. Races remind us of the beauty and goodness of people when they choose to make a difference in the world. 

One race that does all of the above is the Waddell and Reed Kansas City Marathon. Winding through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Kansas City, the marathon provides a glimpse into the heart of America: Family values, wonderful seasonal weather, energetic and friendly people, well organized and comptent event managers, gorgeous art, fabulous music, fantastic food.

And, of course, the cause: The Kansas City Marathon supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Children’s Mercy Hospital. When I run a race like this one I not only support the Race charity, but often solicit funds for specific charities that work to abolish poverty, such as Outreach International, Sustainable Hope International, Soles for Souls, LOVE146 or Charity Water. 

When I run, people like Greg and Sandy inspire me. Why run, unless its' because you love it! Being passionate gives life meaning! Follow your passion! 

4 Ways to Extend Your Long Run

Running Dun Road outside Kumming, China

The September 2013 issue of Runner's World I found this advice:

1. Ease up: Slowing down conserves energy for extra miles.
2. Build gradually: to avoid injury, increase your long run 1 to 1½ miles per week.
3. Fuel the tank: Runs longer than an hour call for mid run carbs (for energy) and electrolytes.
4. Take breaks: this is not cheating! Walking for a minute or two after ten minutes of running shifts the use of your muscles, which increases the distance you can go before feeling tired.

I often find lots of good stuff in Runner's World. This validates my easy style! So my lessons:
1. It's not hard to slow down when you are already so slow the geese lose interest in you.
2. I religiously increase--you can always walk the extra mile!
3. Planning a QuickTrip on your route helps! Who knew electrolytes were so fab. I gave my three year old grandson Gatorade last week and he was bouncing off the walls until midnight!
4. I've always been a believer in never passing up an opportunity to hit a coffee shop on a long run. It's even more fun if you can plan a route that includes 2 or 3. And, of course, as long as the feet are moving forward, you are still running! … or walking… at least …

Leaving' on a Jet Plane

Thailand: A Land of Beautiful Promise

As I sit here in the middle of the plane near the rear, with my knees tucked between my ears (yes, I’m in the cheap seats, friends… because, well, I’m cheap), I still feel the thrill of travel. I love going half way around the world or even just down the street to new places—found a gravel path off Hawthorn I had never run before last Tuesday. Great fun! I always learn something! I always meet someone who impacts my life for good. I always eat something that challenges my taste buds! Even in KC, new restaurants keep expanding my horizons—actually my mid-section—and my gastronomical curiosity. But I digress. I am awesomely privileged. Fabulously Blessed. 

Millions of people on our planet will live their entire lives within 25 miles of where they were born. For many, it will be a short life, riddled with disease and suffering and violence. I will meet children over the next 15 days that have survived, escaped and overcome child labor, human trafficking, lack of legal identification, and barriers to opportunities such as education.

Those especially at risk are from minority groups in remote or very poor areas, often along Thailand’s borders with Cambodia, Lao and Myanmar. The legal minimum working age in Thailand is 13. By Thai law, employment of children at night between the hours of ten p.m. and six a.m. is prohibited. Yet, I will be on streets alive with children begging, and selling flowers, and playing flutes, and working in the back of restaurants, and looking pretty.

In many of the slums of Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Chiang Dao, staff members from non-governmental organizations report a large number of children who work on the streets at night, literally have no choice. The adults responsible live a shadow life, sometimes in the shadow of Buddhist Temples and corrupt public officials. Many different Thai governmental and NGO organizations are trying to change that. Sustainable Hope International is one such organization. Their passion is education.

Dinner. Thai Style!

Going beyond sixth grade is itself a personal accomplishment for every child in rural Thailand. The pressure is enormous on a thirteen year old to be a source of income for the family. Sustainable Hope offers children becoming youth, growing into adulthood, the opportunity to stay in school. To go one more year. To graduate from High School and maybe go to a vocational school or university. And every year a young person stays in school, it makes a huge difference in their life—and ultimately in the lives of family members, other relatives, neighbors, and communities. Because educated young people give back. They change living conditions. They bring in income not imagined. They develop critical thinking skills that see solutions to problems not considered before.

I am running in the Hospital Hill Run June 2 in support of the passion, the goodness, the cause of Sustainable Hope International in their quest to provide educational scholarships and grants to children living in the poorest of circumstances. Will you join me? Your contribution to Sustainable Hope can change a life! Pledge today. Join me on the finish line race day (it will take a while—be patient)—we’ll go find a new restaurant to challenge our taste buds. And we will count our blessings together… because if you are reading this, you are already better off than 75% of the world’s population!

The Power of Wet

A Korean Water Clock

On a recent run, I found myself craving water.  Not quite in the pains (or pangs) of dehydration, but rather a desire to drink deeply. Since I was on the Little Trace close to Sonic, I swung by. The kids who work there know me as the old fart that comes huffing and puffing up to the door begging. A tall cup of cold aqua was waiting, along with a smile and a friendly tease from one of the young’uns. They know I like tap water. I tell them we have the best water in the world. It’s true!

Last winter our fair city entered the International Water Olympics and won the bronze medal against a field of 77 waters from all over the place. (If you don’t believe me look it up--http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/Story.aspx?id=2896)

For 130 years Easter Jackson County folks have been blessed with water supplied from 41 wells located at the Courtney Bend Water Treatment Plant. The wells receive water from the Missouri River Alluvial Aquifer. And it is GOOD.

However, much of the world, while having access to water, has to deal with polluted, diseased, dirty water. And children die every day because there is no clean water source. Diseases from unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. 90% of the 30,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and unhygienic living conditions are of children under five years old. Many of these diseases are preventable. The UN predicts that one tenth of the global disease burden can be prevented simply by improving water supply and sanitation.

Today, I leave for Thailand where I will meet children who have faced such conditions. They come from village in northern Thailand to attend Welfare Schools. Their surroundings are vastly improved. But unless there is additional intervention, most are back in their village by the time they are 15—as street kids—or worse—as sex slaves or forced labor. Sustainable Hope International is trying to change that. Working with School administrators and government programs, the folks at Sustainable Hope are changing lives one child at a time. How? By offering scholarships for continued education. Education that would not be possible without the support of groups like Sustainable Hope.

Instead of returning to a life of poverty and despair, Sustainable Hope gives a young person to the opportunity to dream and grow, and some will even become engineers—to improve the quality of water. In their village and the villages around them.

Korean Light House off Jeju Island

With safe water children become healthy, and strong, and curious. They are free to pursue new opportunities and improve their families’ lives. Kids can earn their education and build the future of their communities.