Hitting the Century Mark!

If you look real closely, you can see that I was trying to grow a moustache. This was it's final day before my wife's arguments won out.

Welcome to my 100th post of "Running With Rick"!  

If you don’t know me, I’m a 64-year-old runner with experiences ranging from highly competitive days in small college to being way, way out of shape.  The intent of my blog is to present a post every two weeks that offers a topic that is hopefully of interest to runners as well as anyone else reading it.

When I published my first post on February 18, 2022, I only had a few ideas for future posts.  Ironically, none of those ideas have ever been used. Instead, "Running With Rick" literally took off on it’s own, telling me what I would write and when I would release it.  The one common thread has been how running intertwines itself throughout my life.

What’s Been Covered?

This blog has behaved just like my thoughts on a long Saturday morning run. Meaning that it’s meandered all over the place, touching on quite an expanse of topics over these last three years.  Let me share some examples of what I mean.

• Owl Attacks and Musical Exorcisms.  Sure, I can tell you about a race. Ran this pace for that many miles. Yawn. Instead of simply relating boring info, I've always tried to spice things up with some unique aspect of a particular race. And if you check through my previous blogs, you will find Owl Attacks and Musical Exorcisms!

• Fond and Not-So-Fond Trips Down Memory Lane.  Hey, I’m old.  Because of that, I am legally and ethically obligated to share at least a few memories, dredging up proud moments as well as flashbacks that nearly cause me to curl up in fetal position.

• Not Afraid to be Whimsical.  This blog has also strongly insisted I not take everything too seriously, resulting in posts about curses, good pie and interviewing myself.  As well as dissing musical artists like Toto and Andy Gibb.

• A Helpful Outlet During Difficult Times.  On a more somber note, I’ve lost both my parents since this blog launched.  Both running and "Running With Rick" provided helpful outlets to deal with their departures.  

• Pretty Much Everything Else.  One way or the other, this blog pretty much guides me to write about some aspect of running, from the typical topics like "avoiding injuries" to channeling advice from Steve Prefontaine.

For those who are interested, this pic was taken at one of the bridges of Madison County.

My goal throughout all of this has been to present each post in a manner that can resonate with someone in some manner - regardless of age or experiences or how much running is or isn’t part of their lives.

What’s Ahead?

Since Running With Rick often writes itself, it will also determine when certain posts will be published.  Last spring’s Email to My Middle-Aged Self was actually written nine months earlier.  I bring that up because I have half a dozen posts scheduled for release in the coming weeks and months.  Here’s a sampling:

• My Blissful Shoe Ignorance.  Consider this upcoming post a full and complete confession to my embarrassing lack of knowledge about running shoes that don't have a "swoosh!"

• Stuck in the Phantom Zone! I embrace my inner-comic book geek to talk about an injury that refuses to go away.

• Running Wardrobe Through the Seasons. Just how cold does it have to be for me to put on the tights? And when can my shoulders go bare with a singlet? And why I'm so obsessed with wearing white!

• The Value of Recovery. Guess what? It's okay to take it easy after a run. Consider this a post to a loved one who insists you take out the garbage or build a new shed after that long Saturday morning run.

Where You Come In

It’s my hope those posts are intriguing enough to bring you back to "Running with Rick."  You can be notified about each upcoming post by signing up at the bottom of the page.  You can also check out this site as a new post will drop every other Friday.

The t-shirt I'm wearing gives you a hint of a new blog I'm starting in November. Let me know if you'd like to find out more.

But it’s more than that.  I also greatly value your thoughts and insight.  Don’t hesitate to share your comments.  I’m always impressed with the experiences and responses I receive. On a similar note, let me know if you have any suggestions for topics for the blog.  Several posts have been based on excellent ideas presented to me.  

My Thanks!

I bring closure to this post by offering my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has checked it out over these past few years.  Special thanks go Frank Knight and Jim Ray.  Both are dear friends who not only read every post but also offer responses that can be touching or hilarious.  Or both!  I’m truly fortunate to have such wonderful friends!

Thanks as well to those I’ve met in person courtesy of "Running With Rick".  That makes writing this blog mean that much more.  And lastly, no way I can conclude this special without thanking my lovely and extremely patient wife, Amy.  I couldn’t do any of this without you!

See everyone in two weeks when I’ll talk about being "Stuck in the Phantom Zone!" Don't say I didn't warn you!

This would not be a running post without a least one picture of running shoes!