Dave V has the runs

The next installment of "People who have the runs"

"There ain't no app for this"

Why do you run?

I run because it makes me feel good.  I run because it makes me stronger and keeps me fit enough to see my grand-kids grow up.

How long have you been running?

This coming September will mark 6 years of running.  I began in 2008.

How did you get started?

In 2008, I finished my first 100-miler as a cyclist at the Hotter-n-Hell 100 in Wichita Falls.  I got started cycling in 2006 to begin getting fit and losing weight built up from grad school.  A colleague and friend that rode with me had prepared by running over the Summer.  He did very well and I was encouraged to begin because we had a small running team at church that ran the relay at the White Rock Marathon in Dallas.  So, I took a leg and started learning how to run. 

Why did you choose running over other activities? 

I needed something to increase my fitness level for cycling was my first reason.  Running is also like cycling in that I can just go out my door and take off.  It has proven to also be one of the most rewarding things to do.  You see real results with your effort.

How do you motivate yourself to run regularly? 

Knowing how good you feel when you keep up your fitness level usually does it for me, plus I get out of sorts if I miss too many runs. 

What about on the days the weather is bad or your are feeling particularly lazy?

I have a rule not to mix two weather types during a run.  So, if it's cold and windy, or cold and rainy, I'll just get on the bike trainer instead.  I will run in the rain sometimes, if it's not a downpour, and its warm-ish.  We all get lazy sometimes and I just choose not to run that day.  I don't run on Fridays or Sundays.  On Sundays, those are bike days usually.

Do you use a running coach, or read any books to aid in your training?

I don't use a coach, but my non-runner wife knows me better than anyone and often has just the right insight for what I am needing.  I have read one of Amby Burfoot's books, I think it was Principles of Running.  I tried to read Higdon's marathon book, but got bored.  Mostly, I keep up with other runners and learn from them and my own experiences.

How do you fit running in with your daily schedule?

I am an early morning runner.  My wife wakes me up around 5-ish and I'll do 2 miles to a 5K about 3 to 4 days each week. After pushups and stretching, I am ready for the day.  Saturday mornings are my long runs, which are 8-10 right now, depending on how I feel.  Lately, they are mostly 8's.  I do my best to guard that time because the long run is really important to running.

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

They support it, but they do think I am crazy.  I have no problem with that label.

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

Dreadmills are the worst.  No matter how hard you try, you never get closer to the wall.  I am a road runner.  I have several routes around the neighborhood and town that I use.  I would like to try trails sometimes, but I just haven't gotten there yet.

What is the hardest race you’ve run to date? 

The hardest race was my first marathon.  The distance itself was difficult, but on race day, it was cloudy, temps in the lower 50's (which dropped to the upper 30's by race end), and we had rain the whole way.  It was miserable, but I (and others) still finished.

What is the most enjoyable race you’ve run to date?

My second marathon in 2012.  I ran the very last White Rock Marathon and the very first Dallas Marathon (same race actually).  We were redeemed on weather in spades for the 2012.  I ran three 20 milers during training instead of just one.  I had signed up months earlier, but then lost my job.  So, I was looking at the time of the race.  I just went out and had fun.  I knew how to pace better, and I was better in shape.  I cut a whole hour off my time from the previous year, finishing in 5:30 instead of 6:30, and enjoyed the whole run.

Have you ever been injured due to running? 

I have never had anything more serious than an inflamed Achilles, which I probably got from too many days on too many hills.  Just the usual things that happen when we try to run too fast or too long without a rest.  I did fall once, well actually twice, in the same week.  Tripped over sidewalk things that were always there, but I wasn't running well and fell.

What were the ramifications? 

Just skinned knees and hands.  My achilles did make me take a little time off, rest and ice, plus change my route.

Do you use any music or run tracking devices when you run, or are you a naked runner? 

I am on my second Ipod and will probably move to an android device soon.  I almost always listen to music when I run.  Lots of different stuff that has a good rhythm.  I used to use a garmin, until it died.  I went most of last year on just a watch.  They work well and aren't cumbersome.  I do take a few Zen runs every now and then with nothing.  All of my routes are well documented so I always know how many miles I have run. 

How do you get yourself through the difficult parts of your runs?

It used to be the music that helped.  Mostly, these days, I can always tell myself that I have already run this far and I only have X to go before I am home again. 

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

Saw it at my last marathon, "There ain't no app for this." And, I never, ever, give up.

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? 

It is a consideration that must be calculated.  I know where all the places are on my routes that have restrooms available and have used several over the years.  My runs are all in town, so I don't have to go too far to find a restroom, or port-a-potty.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about taking up running? 

Start slow, do the run-walk thing, read a lot, learn a lot, find friends that run, and do not forget to  have fun.  Be tolerant with your pace and your distance.  As John Bingham says, "You are a runner because you run.  No license to earn.  No test to pass. You just run."

What is your next big race? 

The new job I got doesn't pay as well as I used to have, so most racing is out for me right now.  I was able to sign up for the Dallas Half Marathon last year, but it was cancelled due to ice and snow.  I am waiting to hear what they might do for us this year.  I might also sign up for the Cowtown Half in Fort Worth next February, but we will have to wait and see.

What is your immediate running goal? 

Building back up to a regular 20 mile week after this Winter.  It's been a tough couple of months.

What is your ultimate running goal?

I would like to run Chicago some day.

Do you have a way we can keep track of your progress (Twitter, Facebook, Blog, etc)

I am on Twitter as @abigmanrunning and my blog is at bigmanrunning.wordpress.com -- I use to write every week, but I am down to once a month or so now.