Barkley Book Fair - Night Race

Well the 4th Annual Barkley Book Fair Race is behind me. It was my first Barkley Book Fair race & will be the first of many more. I believe it is taken from the Barkley 100 Mile Endurance Run.

Brian is here doing his pre-race stretches on the generator.

The race started @ 9:30 PM (in the dark) at Turkey Mountain on the trails. So what boundaries are we breaking out of here? Well, night time trail running can be a bit daunting as there are rocks, roots, limbs, climbing, sliding & other exciting things all of which you cannot see until you are there. It is sort of like faith in GOD; you have got to step out in faith without that solid knowledge or sight of what will be there only that things will be okay. Night time trail running is like that, You have got to trust your instincts & be able to react quickly.

The motley crew gathered for our instructions from our race director K1 - Trail Zombie (that's him in the middle).

We were given our instructions & our map. Along the trail, we were to find (12) books the titles of which we soon found were very appropriate. We were to tear pages from the books corresponding to the last (2) numbers of our race number.

For me it was #36.

After this, we were pointed in the right direction sent off into the darkness.

Desiree is here finding her way in the dark (Duh! Were all in the dark all night!) We were soon running along the tracks heading North. I was all ears to be sure that I did not see any train lights coming.

We soon came across our first book (good thing for those darn paper plates giving us directions heading off into the bush - no wonder I was itching all the next day.)

We were soon back on the paved trail but not for long. We were back on the trails. We seemed to be gaining elevation. Up, up, up (& up more) we went. Good thing we could not see what was ahead of us.

We seemed to wander for hours (not really, it seemed like it though) when we came to an old wooden ladder. Once again, it was Up We Go only to find ourselves on top of a rock. From here, it was a rope to the next level. Oh, did I mention that I have a fear of heights? We had the option of going back down & taking the long way around but I felt that it was a good time to face my fears. I mean, what is the worst that could happen - I could slip & fall & break things. Fortunately the fear boundary was broken & up I went (sorry, no pictures here as I was holding on with both hands for dear life & the camera was stashed away).

We continued on trail taking turns leading & running when we could & stopped when we needed to to check our map as Russell is here.

TZ had promised us a surprise near the end but we had no idea what to expect. The map showed a partial loop but it was not until we had passed the same pile of broken glass for the THIRD TIME that we knew we were running in circles. Not only that, but the Book #13 was odd since we were only suppose to have 12 books.

And finally, we had gathered all of the book pages.

Way to go K1. Can't wait until next year.

K2

Training to break those boundaries

Well friends, with the weather warming up a bit, have you put a damper (or a boundary) on your outside activities? As long as you are hydrated & protect yourself, outside activities should not hinder you from getting some needed exercise (not to mention vitamin D).

I went for an afternoon run @ lunch only to find the temperature a bit higher then I thought. Oh well. When I was in Oman 2 weeks ago, a group of runners headed out for a lunchtime run but there it was 125 F! Ouch!

Anyway, as long as you wear a hat & hydrate properly, you should be able to enjoy your afternoon exercising. How do you think the competitors in Badwater deal with the heat - TRAINING, TRAINING & more TRAINING.

I was hoping for some clouds, but no luck. On the way back, the temperature was no better.

It was nice to get into the shade on the way back. I got the feeling though that I was being followed (or at least being watched - - you think?)

Our long run Saturday morning was really nice. K1 & I got in some extra miles earlier. I am a bit worried that my birthday gift to myself will be more painful than I care for. I well - I guess I ought to get prepared, eh? It was really nice to see some fellow Maniacs. We are now up to 1600 members!

Anyway, the run was nice & the group has really grown. It is great to see others pushing their running boundaries to run their first 1/2 or full marathon.

As it is always this time of year, it warmed up quick so hydrating was critical.

As we neared the last few miles, we had a few quite onlookers. Good thing that they were on the grass & off of the trail or they would have been sitting ducks for getting run over.

None-the-less, it was a great run & a way to push those temperature boundaries. At the end, cold ice sponges were heaven sent for the ole' noggin & across the back of the neck.

The Barkley Book Fair is coming next weekend & it should be awesome!

One more thing - - I actually believe that I am in the final phases with the IRS for my 501 (c)(3) none profit status for Know No Boundaries so STAY TUNED for exciting things & events.

And as always, know that YOU determine what you can & can't do & what "boundaries" are set. Remember, obstacles or walls are not there to keep others out, but to push us to see how bad we want something.

May GOD always smile on you & may your will always be HIS will.

God Bless;

K2

50 Miles for 50 Years Route

Well friends, I belive K1 & I have come up wit a proposed route for my 50 Miles for 50 Years Birthday Run. It is really knowing no boundaries as I am probably not ready & am a bit overweight (from my whirlwind Middle East & North Africa trip) but I WILL DO IT (even if I do a lot of walking).

Here is the proposed route. Come join us along the way for fun, friendship & pain (no whining though).



Enjoy & as always, PUSH THOSE BOUNDARIES!

K2

I'm Back (Again)

Hey all. Sorry for the LONG delay. I had been in Tunisia, Oman, Kuwait & Egypt (crossing lots of boundaries ah?) & am just getting my land legs back.

I am glad to be back & to get back to my regular training.

I will have to say that I did way too much eating. I obviously went "outside my boundaries" in that I ate at the wrong times, & ate the wrong amounts. I will have to say though, that I ate PLENTY of fish. Being on the Mediterranean during part of the trip, the Gulf of Oman on another part & the Red Sea on the final part, there was plenty of sources of fresh fish. It was great! No knives or forks, just hands. As they say "when in Rome, . . . . ". We just grabbed a whole fish (gutted of course) but not de-boned, & just dug in. Hmmm, hmmm good.

I heard from the IRS & the final 501 (c)(3) status looks to be coming next week. I am thrilled as now I can begin formal fundraising. (Hint: You can send money any time).

The mileage is going to be ratcheted up quickly as the one major boundary that is being broken will be on my 50th birthday; July 11th. I am running 50 miles with friends. (Y'all are welcome to run it all or just part). Keep posted for run details. Met with K1 to discuss the route & it looks like it will be Turkey Mountain to NSU & back. This will give anyone who wants to jump in along the way plenty of places to join in.

Additionally, K1 & I have officially signed up for the Heartland 100 in Cassoday, Kansas in October. This will be just one more "boundary" broken. I cannot wait. The illustrious Dana will be crewing for us so we will be in good hands.

What boundaries have you broken lately? I would love to hear about them & be able to share them with the Know No Boundaries family.

Ciao for now friends & keep a close watch here for future news.

K2

Birds of a Feather

Good afternoon friends. Saturday (like all Saturdays) are 'Made for Running' & this Saturday was no different. Although the schedule was supposed to be 5 miles, I really needed to get in more foot time. K1 & Bobby were kind enough to agree to meet an hour earlier to get in 5 miles before meeting up with the rest of the gang.

It is a great feeling when you win the battle with the opportunity clock. Most people will hit snooze or not set it on a Saturday morning but then again, maybe they are the same ones who say

that "they cannot" do something. Come on people, in order to "DO" anything , you need be committed. You need to make the mental decision to ignore any limiting thoughts or obstacles (I.e. your alarm clock) & get off your derriere & take the first step.

Now where was I? Oh yes, K1, Bobby & I got in some mileage before meeting everyone else.

In running along the Arkansas River, there is a Bald Eagle protected area. We were just hummin' along & K1 yells "STOP!". Holy Bald Eagle Feathers Batman (I mean K1). After quickly grabbing my arm, I realized that this was an opportune photo op - Birds of a Feather, eh?

(Notice any similarities?)

Actually, there are plenty of similarities between marathon & ultra distance runners & eagles -

• They are bold (not bald!)


• They rise above adversity


• They are leaders, not followers


• They are strong


• They are born to soar


• They will not quit

Now in addition to all of these great qualities, some of us even sport the same "look" (just kidding).

After getting over the shock of K1 yelling "Stop!". we made it back to the group where Coach Kathy was giving her pep talk to the troops.

Since we had already gotten in 5, we opted for our 2nd 5 to be up to Turkey Mountain & back. (You know, I have never figured out this name as I have never seen any turkeys there & it is really not a mountain).

We headed up until we hit some sort of diversion in the road.

Running back down we knew that God was smiling on us & that He was happy that we won over the alarm clock & got out to enjoy life & His day.

Not a Dry Foot in the House

What a wonderful weekend we had (if you're a duck that is). It has now been raining for almost 11 days straight. Everything is wet & soggy not to mention that my lawn needs to be mowed! The Hope Rains 5km trail run was this weekend despite the rain & mud. Here is where many people set their boundaries, too wet, too muddy, cold rain, etc. There are some boundaries that "could" sound more justifiable than others (although not really acceptable); like not running if you have a prosthesis but not doing something because it is muddy! Give me a break. What did we all d when we were kids - PLAY IN THE MUD.

Just as you cannot discover new lands until you loose sight of the shore, you cannot truly reach your dreams, your goals, your passion unless you get out of your comfort zone. These "comfort zones are also ruts in which we find ourselves stuck in.

WE DECIDE OUR ACTIONS TO EACH & EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE. WE DECIDE TO QUIT OR TROD ONWARD TO THE END! WE DECIDE TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES & BREAK THROUGH BOUNDARIES THAT PREVIOUSLY STOPPED US.

The path, the way to overcome our boundaries are all around us as well as in us, we need only to quiet the noise within us to hear the voice of God. God often give us clues as to where to go & how to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Never-the-less, not letting a little rain & mud keep us from enjoying the day was wonderfully fulfilling (not to mention messy).

It was obvious that it was muddy -

Despite the rain, I even got a nice tan line (NOT!)

When all was said & done, I was thankful that my hose worked (although the ol' Mizzuno's need to dry out a bit after getting a good cleaning.

I'm Back (Sorry for the Hiatus)

Well, life has a way of putting obstacles & challenges in our path; often times resulting in our having to take a detour. Although I have not posted lately, I have continued to push my boundaries in many ways (spiritually, mentally & physically).

I have begun to pray (3) rosaries a day. Our lives, our families, our communities & our world severely need prayers so despite the fact that I am busy, I am adding more to my plate in the spiritual sense.

Mentally I have added in one more book to read. I am now reading (3) books at once (Return from Tomorrow - George G. Ritchie, Awakening the Giant Within - Tony Robbins & now One Tough Marine - First Sergeant Donald Hamblen USMC & Major B.H. Norton USMC - retired). Regarding our mental boundaries, I do not believe that man has found them nor defined them. It is the basis for the mission statement for Know No Boundaries that "we determine our own boundaries or limitations".

We decide how we will react to any given situation, we decide what fork in the road we take or what path we walk & we decide to keep on keeping on or giving up.

In the physical arena, I am trying to keep my mileage up (despite the fact that I did not run in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon this last Sunday).

Kudos to all who ran & who conquered!

Plans are underway for my "50 for 50" run this July. I am planning on running 50 miles on my 50th birthday. We will be starting the evening of July 10th & finishing up around noon on the 11th ( I was born then so I am told). In the mean time, I run, run, run & then run more. Then in October, K1 & I (K2) will be running the Heartland 100 in Cassoday, Kansas. I ran the 50 miler there (2) years ago so I know 1/2 of the course. I am really fired up friends.

Remember that as you go through your day & your life, keep in mind that there are many signs that if we are quiet enough & pay close enough attention, we can see where we need to go. Remember, God was not in the wind, or the fire, but in the ever so small whisper. Often times the direction that we need to go is right in front of us.

God Bless you;

K2