First Wheelchair Recipient

Well, Know No Boundaries has its first wheelchair recipient. 12 year old David in Ghana walks to school with crutches each day. Because of this, he gets to school late & misses a lot. A wheelchair would help David get to school on time.


Know No Boundaries will be running in the Post Oak Trail runs; Trail Marathon on Saturday February 27th & the Trail 50 km on Sunday February 28th.

Come out & run or just come up support us.

No Weather Boundaries Here

Okay, you have all heard the saying that "if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it is probably a duck" however if it wet & out in the rain, IT IS DEFINITELY A DUCK.

Ahh, but here is where you are wrong. Many of us do not have weather as a boundary as to whether or not to run (remember when we ran in 10 F Arctic weather a few weeks back?) There were plenty of us who totally enjoyed the drizzle. Lisa, Sandra & Bobby do not appear to be melting do they?

I mean, not everybody melts when they get wet. Off we ran out into the cold, dark wetness. We quickly spread out as we headed north down the River Trails & then across the 11th Street Bridge over to the west side of the Arkansas River.

Over on the west side by the bathrooms, Jason & his group stop for a little internal hydration (there was plenty of outside hydration at this point).

From here, some of us continued south to the train tracks at the base of Turkey Mountain, turned around & headed back across the Pedestrian Bridge & back to Veteran's Park. Just past the PSO Plant, my camera pooped out. Surely it was not the drizzle that could be the problem, could it?

Let's see if it dries out in the next few days.

See ya next time for more of pushing this weather boundary. Ice & snow are predicted for Thursday & Friday.

God Bless;

Ken

How Much are You Committed?

Every second, someone in the world is committing to something. For followers of my blog, many are committed to breaking out of their self set, self limiting boundaries (oh & to endurance running also). Our last weekend's run was out at Post Oak Lodge on the same trails that will be run for the inagural Post Oak Trail Marathon & 50km in February.

The first hint that it was going to be interesting should have been the fact that 1) we had light rain (hmm, this is a TRAIL run so it is likely to be slightly muddy) & 2) that it was foggy. I just love fog as it always reminds me of Old London, Jack the Ripper & all that stuff.

Brian & team were nice enough to give us a few tips & remind us to sign the waiver before heading out on the trails. A waiver for a trail run? Is there "something out there in "The Fog" that we should know about?

We headed off just as the sun was out. The first thing that should have turned us back was the fact that my feet were soaked within the first 100 yards. But since "boundaries" are not necessarily to keep things in or out, but things that indicate just how much we want something, just how bad is our determination & committment. With this in mind, onward we marched (or should I say slogged). Jonny Spriggs (Post Oak Lodge Run race director) & Ed stopped shortly after heading off to be suer to check for any stragglers. It would be aweful to loose a runner here before the inagural race.

Although the trails are still under construction, Johnny & team did a great job.

Drizzle, rain & fog did not disappoint us. We had pkenty of wet leaves, mud, mud & more mud.

Here Johnny shows Ed how to jump the wet spots without landing in the water.

After slipping & sliding, we crested Hamburger Hill. Too bad past visitors charred the ground.

Even with all of our slipping & sliding, we stll have slogged on to know no boundaries. Besides, we were having loads of fun. It is not every day that grown adults get to play in the mud.

We headed back down from Hamburger Hill & were soon back out on the trails weaving around trees & rocks & leaping across what small creeks were in our way.

It was not long before we stumbled across the ancient ruins of our trail running ancestors.

After a short prayer on trail, we head off & made our approach on Holmes Peak. Holes Peak is the highest point in North East Oklahoma. Once at the top, we were blessed with a beautiful view.

After heading back down, we made it to more level terrain however the mud was still there as Johnny once again show us.

Once we finished up, a few of us wanted to head back out to check some other of the Post Oak Lodge trails. We took one quick break for a group photo.

From here, we finally headed back to the parking lot where I could take stock of myself after one heck of a fun mud party.

Now that we have had fun in the mud & realized that a little rain, a little mud & a bit of cold weather is only a boundary if we so choose. With this said, Know No Boundaries.

Our next run is Saturday & they say 70% chance of rain. Let's see how we can break through this boundary as well.

God Bless;

Ken

Arctic Run - Pushing the Temperature Boundary

There are many boundaries that we run across; some are set by us & some are set by others. Still it is up to us to determine if we want to allow that "boundary" to be permanent or something to overcome. Such was the case this weekend when the weather was somewhat "chilly".I have go to say that it is an odd feeling when the mileage that we are running is more than the actual outside temperature. With the wind chill, it must have been at least 8-9 degrees (we ran 10). It was a true test of "breaking boundaries" for all of us who were out & committed to run despite the weather. I mean come on, we could all have stayed home cuddled up in our Snuggies.

Gathered around by Veteran's Park, we were all ready to go as Lisa held one of the signs (Slower than Oprah" to gather her group.

Soon we were off & body temps seemed to come up. It was snowing as we marched off which was somewhat surreal (I always love to run when it is snowing.)

Up 21st Street to catch the trail & then head north. I always have that funny feeling when we head up towards Peoria & right ahead is Moore's Funeral Home. Shortly after this once we cross Admiral (I think), we run along a cemetery. If this is not an incentive to keep moving, I do not know what is.

Shortly thereafter, we had out first water stop (yes, it was still water & not ice).


TZ (aka Ken Childress), Lisa, Jason & friends get a quick drink before heading off again.

We ran up to 3rd Street & then wound our way through some construction downtown. I wonder why we would get such odd looks from the construction workers there. You would think that we were doing something wrong! I mean, doesn't everybody run Saturday mornings when it is below freezing?

After navigating through the trail-like terrain, we head off to the "Center of the Universe". Quite an odd place & very, very surreal when you are standing there at the actual "center".

As I neared to top, I heard Tom say "Hey, that looks like Ken Saveth" (That's me). Until I get up to the top, I had no idea what he was talking about. Once there, I really had to take a second look. If I had the same glasses & had, it would look a lot like me.

Lisa mentioned on Facebook that this is "Panama Jack" but I could not find a reference anywhere. They say that everyone has a twin somewhere!

Heading back through downtown a lone unicyclist was out & offered a warm hello. Too bad I couldn't get my gloves off fast enough to snap a photo. Back down towards Veteran's Park, we made a short out & back along the river to get in the full 10 miles. Getting thirsty on the way back by the Pedestrian Bridge, I pulled out my water bottle for a drink & to my dismay (but no surprise), it was frozen solid! Hmmm, it this a sign that it is a bit chilly out?

Back at the start, I was able to grab a drink (although 2 out of the 3 water coolers were also frozen). Brian offered a cold beer from what was left over from the "Run Into the New Year 5km". One of us grabbed a non-frozen one & as soon as it was opened, it froze before we cold even get it to their lips. We could actually watch it as it froze.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_H5ZIoZSBo

Oh well, better opt for something warm like a nice cup of hot chocolate.

Until next time friends, keep pushing those boundaries.

One last note, I had lunch with someone who really knows first hand about knowing no boundaries & living outside the box. Todd Huston is a local man who lives & breathes through breaking boundaries & not being "boxed in" by society' mold of how we are to live our lives. I would encourage you to check out his site to see what an amazing person Todd is & to learn about his No Box World.

God Bless You;
Ken

2010 is Coming Fast

Well, 2010 will be here before we know it. What boundaries have you broken through this past year? Have you accomplished any worth while goal that you set out to achieve back in 2008 when you laid out your 2009 resolutions?

Hopefully it was a good year & you have achieved some progress on what you set out to achieve. Often times our New Year's Resolutions are just done to appease our minds but in our heart of hearts, we know that we will not reach them. This is where you faltered. The negative self-talk will do you in every time.

Resolve to set achievable goals in 2010 & to not be distracted. Take steps every day to do at least one thing to bring you closer to your goal. A worthy goal is achieved one step at a time.

Maybe your goal is to run your first marathon. Runner's World has the perfect training program for novices & seasoned runners alike. If you love trail runners, the Tulsa Area Trail Ultra Runners (TATUR) are a great bunch of crazy run-loving people.

Just set some worthy goal & let no boundaries hold you back. Listen to Nick to gain some inspiration & to "Know No Boundaries"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ZuKF3dxCY

Still Pushing

Sorry for the long hiatus again. I had been in the Egyptian desert for 30 days & was out of touch with my blogging. Talk about "pushing boundaries", being in the desert for that long without friends & family (not to mention a good opportunity to run this time around) was pushing my mental boundaries.



Well I have to say that I am back home & things wil lbe clicking along soon enough. Back running again was on thing that was missed. I particularly missed K1; my ultimate running buddy. Although I will have to say that with the Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays upon us, I have not spent much with my running friends as I would like.



2010 will be the time for Know No Boundaries to really shine as I will be pouring more of myself into it & kick off the year with some good fundraising events, possible speakers or som other major event. So far I feel that I have been skirting along the boundary edge & have not really pushed over to have a true monumental breakthrough. 2010 will see that push.



As I am not already busy enough, I joined up with the Gentlemen's Association; an organization to strengthen & even bring back the true aspect of being a gentlemen. This is in etiquette, manners, dress as well as business & personal interactions. I am going to be bringing in a chapter here to Oklahoma. In today's society, manners, etiquette & being a gentleman NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT BACK.
We will see what else 2010 brings. Defintely it will bring more opportunities to break through previously set boundaries.

I want to wish each of you a very blessed Christmas holiday & may God bless you & your families.


K2

The Heart of the Matter (Heartland 100 - 2009)

The 2009 Heartland 1oo started off as usual, standing in front of the Prairie Chicken capital sign & then having some good ole' pre-race carbs.

My good friend Ken Childress digs in.

After some good grub, we sat & visited with friends all getting ready to run in the morning.

Here coach Kathy, Jason, Roman, Lisa & Randy all have a bit of a chat.

After heading back to Lisa's dad's house for an awesome sleep over, we all rose to Krispy Kreme doughnuts for breakfast (Breakfast of champions as they say, eh?)

We all dressed & headed off into the darkness @ 4:40 AM only to gather at the race start & try to stay warm.

A few last minute party pics of some of the group just before the start.

The race was off into the darkness. Spirits were high & the weather looked to be heading for a beautiful day. As a matter of fact, the Kansas sunrise over the prairie is a beautiful sight to see.

As the sun rose, temperatures warmed up a bit & we soon headed into the first manned aid station. Kathy & Jason took full advantage to fuel up.

Heading back out, the wind began to really pick up. It seemed that whatever direction we turned, the wind buffeted our face. The sun soon was covered by gray clouds. This made for what seemed to be a nice day turn into a really cold & long run.

The trail was beautiful with rolling hills. (Actually, there were so many rolling hills, I felt as though we were on a roller coaster).

As we ran, the wind grew fierce; so much so that my nose was numb. Good thing for the gloves, & hat.

Ken & & pressed onward & upwards & kept a pretty steady pace (so it seemed). The weather however, was taking a tole on our pace.

By the time we reached the 50 mile turn around, I could have sworn that I saw snow flurries (or maybe it was my breath condensing in front of my headlamp.

None the less, at the Texaco Hill aid station, we had missed the cut off time so were pulled. Seeing as we had given our all on the trail, we had nothing to be upset about. I made it 69 miles which was about 20 miles futher than before. I therefore broke through my old boundary & am now set tp break through it once more.

We may have lost the battle, but we will win the war!

Now as always, Know No Boundaries.

God Bless you & happy trails;

K2