Joe E has the runs!

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"All it takes is all you got"

Why do you run?
April 13, 1995 was one of the happiest days of my life, but quickly turned into my greatest nightmare. Due to complications with the pregnancy, my son Hunter Loyd, had to be delivered 5 months early in an emergency C-Section. We were warned before the surgery that the chances would not be good, but as a father you always keep hope and pray for the best.

After the delivery, I was in the bathroom changing out of the hospital scrubs and heard the Doctor talking inside the hospital room. I knew why he was there and it was very hard for me to even come out of the bathroom. I eventually did and he told me something that made me stop in my tracks. I learned that due to the early stages my son had to be taken and due to his small size, the chances of them getting a breathing tube in him, or him even surviving were slim to none. I was then tasked with the decision of what to do. I received a false sense of hope once I learned they were able to get the breathing tube in. But after speaking with the doctors and learning the only thing keeping him alive was the breathing tube, I had to make the most difficult decision I have ever made; the decision to remove my son from the breathing machine.

As hard as it was, I knew I did not want him to suffer and knew that God would take care of him. The decision was made and I was lucky enough to have been able spend a short time with him. This time was mixed with different emotions. Trying to say hi and comfort him, but really knowing I was having to say goodbye. My son soon passed away and my world was changed forever.

For several years I retreated into my own world of confusion, anger, sadness and guilt for having lived longer than my child. I decided that I wanted to do something for him that not only I could be proud of, but that I thought he would be proud of as well. For some reason, I decided that one day I was going to run a marathon for him. I really don't know why I decided to do this, because I always hated to run, even though I participated in sports my entire life. So in 2007 I ran a half marathon and then in 2008 I ran the Dallas White Rock Marathon. I run now because it gives me peace, helps takes away some of my pain and also makes me feels closer to my son. And as my twitter bio says, he never got the chance, so I run for both of us.

How long have you been running?Why did you choose running over other activities?
I started running in 2007 for the reason listed above. As far as why I chose running I really don't know. I think sometimes in life God let's you know certain things you should do and I try not to question those.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?
I never really have to motivate myself to run. I know the peace and benefits it gives me and that is enough for me. I actually like the bad weather runs for some reason. I seem to get more satisfaction from them.

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?
I do use a running coach. After injuring myself due to improper training, I located Coach Todd Codish of Triple Threat Tough in Dallas. That was one of the best decision I have ever made.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?
I recently accepted a new job with normal working hours so running is much easier now. Prior to that I would try to do my runs late at night to lessen the impact of family life. Midnight runs became my close friend.

Do your friends and family support your running or think you are crazy? 

All of my friends and family support my running. Even though several do think I am crazy at times, they understand.

What is your favorite running terrain (road, trail, treadmill)? 

I really love to run on trails, but due to living in the city and time constraints, most of my running is done on the pavement.

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date?
The hardest race I have done to date would have been the marathon I ran for my son. I was dealing with the physical demands of the race but also the emotions that were attached to it.

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?
Again, the marathon I ran for my son. Because I knew when I crossed the finish line, there was a young man looking down smiling because he was proud of his dad.

Have you ever been injured due to running?
I have been injured due to running. After I ran the half marathon in 2007, I decided I was just going to train for two more months and run the full marathon. I continued my training even though I was experiencing much pain. I ran up to the point I had barely completed a 20 mile training run on injured ankles. After a trip to the emergency room and orthopedic surgeon, I was told if I did not stop running and let my body heal, I would have to have surgery on both ankles due to stress fractures. I got this news two weeks from running the marathon. It was devastating to me.

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner.?
This is kind of hit and miss for me. Sometimes I like the music, but other times I just like quietness. As far as tracking my runs, I just use map my run when I am finished

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs?
I talk to myself out loud. Just reassuring myself that I'm okay. 

Do you have a personal mantra or do you just give up?

When I hit a difficult part in my runs, I use the mantra, "All it takes is all you got." To me that could mean a full out sprint or might even be a crawl, depending on the situation. We are all of different abilities, but I think this could apply to anyone. I would never just give up but I have learned to listen to my body when I am training and now know the difference between pain and injury.

A lot of runners know that “Who has the runs” has a double meaning. How do you deal with the occasional “problem” that plagues every runner at one time or another?
Luckily for me I have yet to "run" into this problem. When it does happen I think I will just lose all sense of pride and do what I need to do.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running?
I think I would tell them it will be one of the most rewarding and beneficial things they could do in their life. I would also tell them that sometimes motivation and pride can be a bad thing if you ignore the signs of injury.

What is your next big race?
I don't have any races on the schedule right now but I want my next race to be a 50K in 2012.

What is your immediate running goal?
My immediate running goal is to be able to train and stay healthy and finish a 50K.

What is your ultimate running goal?
I have two ultimate running goals. One would be to finish a 100 mile race and the other would be to run the marathon while finishing an Ironman.

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)
I don't do Facebook but on Twitter I am @Hunter_Loyd