Weekly chat

Sunday, November 20, 2011 · Mike Davis

Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is this Thursday! The weather has been fantastic; I’m okay with it being cold as long as it’s not accompanied by anything white. I hope everyone has gotten a bit rest after the long stretch of races. I have only run 3 times over the past 2 weeks and the down time has been good for me. I didn’t take time off from working my core and doing some cardio as my body needs it both physically and mentally. It will be another lite running week (intentionally), but I will work out each day this week. I won’t be running a race Thanksgiving Day, as I like to go for at least an 8 mile run through Dover. If anyone is in the area that morning and interested in joining me, shoot me an email.

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday with the Christmas season being my favorite time of the year. Being thankful is something that comes easy for me and there’s so much to be thankful for! While I’m a quality of friendships over quantity, running has continued to increase my “quantity of quality” friends. Last year some of the people I coached supported many nice cards and gifts while I was over in Iraq. After returning I walked to the start line of the Hampton Half in February with 5 people I didn’t know 12 months earlier. Because of the timing of that race, if it had not been for that group of people, I certainly would not have gone from Iraq to running in less that race.

Running continues to make an impact on me physically, mentally and socially. Celebrating the completion of the Seacoast Half training group on Thursday was an opportunity to see many participants standing still! I read this statement many years back and Thursday it was certainly accurate. “When people are running together, they talk about kids, jobs, sports and etc… When runners are together socially, they talk about running.” Those that don’t run can usually only handle so much of running conversation, us runners could probably talk for hours about running. It’s nice to have that passion and to share it with someone that can relate.

As I said at the top, I have so much to be thankful for as I feel like I’m blessed far beyond what I deserve. Friendships are important to me and running has helped to keep me active with some great friends. I have many great friends that don’t run and unfortunately I don’t see them nearly enough. I wish they would all take up running! Thanksgiving will be a great day for me as I will go for a run, travel to my brothers and enjoy a wonderful meal with some of my family to include my Mother. Very special indeed!

Not a lot of races over the next few months, but in this area the Hampton Half Marathon will be in February. I’m coaching a few local people and if you’re interested check out the website and join this group. If you are outside of the area, training help is still available, so take advantage of it.

If you want this to be your best winter, run right through it!

I would like to thank you all for your friendships and support, truly each of you is a blessing. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Mike