About Me

I was born a poor black child...who turned into 40-ish, unfit, white male, quite unbeknownst to me.  I started running when I was 17, because that's when I joined the Army and they told me to.  I ran all through my adult life for the Army, again, because they told me to.  I rarely competed in races, didn't have any rhyme or reason to my running, and ran only because I had to and was supposed to.  Needless to say, it did not bring much joy or fun.  Then, in February of 2010, I was moved to San Antonio, TX, and for the first time in my Army career, did not have to run as part of an Army fitness program.  I was free to run (or not) completely of my own accord.  So, being the good American that I am, I chose not to run (with a few exceptions) for nearly a year.  That lasted until January of 2011, when upon dressing one morning, my uniform seemed to have shrunk.  However, just to make sure, I decided to check my weight...and, much to my horror, discovered I weighed in about 25 pounds heavier than I had ever been before in my life.  So, back to running it was.  I found two fantastic running clubs in San Antonio - Alamo Running Buddies (http://www.meetup.com/alamorunningbuddies/) and R-U-N (http://www.meetup.com/runner/).  I found great groups of runners, fun people to socialize with after runs, and more than a few "crazy ultra runners"...not suspecting that I would soon be indoctrinated into their ways and willingly drink the ultra Kool-Aid.  I ran my first race in March, 2011, at Camp Eagle, Texas, as part of the Nueces Trail Race.  I ran a 25k, which at that point was the furthest I'd ever run in my life.  However, running on the trail was a life-altering experience, the people were friendly and welcoming, and I had one of the best times I've ever had.  From there I progressed to 30k, then eventually took the plunge and completed my initial 50k at Wild Hare in November 2011.  I've since completed three additional 50k, four 60k, and one 50 miler.  The running community in San Antonio is close-knit and a joy to be around, and gave me the opportunity to meet my beautiful and wonderful wife (who has her own running blog here (http://runmizzsingbabe.blogspot.com).  I was also to find a great coach, Gary Brimmer, (http://www.garybrimmer.com), who has helped be able to run further and faster than I ever thought possible.