On April Fool's Day I thought I was having a heart attack. No joke. I knew I had to make some changes in my life, so I took my dog for a walk around the block. That short walk turned into two blocks, then three, and before I knew it, I was walking 4-5 miles. This lead to a jog, and then a run. That run ultimately lead to a marathon. Bottom line, I got healthy and took control of my life. This blog chronicles my journey. When I run, I feel like a super hero. I AM ENDORPHIN DUDE, SEE ME RUN!
In the modern day marathon version of Nathaniel Hawthorne's literary classic The Scarlet Letter, Endorphin Dude and his out of wedlock GU child are considered the outcasts of the running community. These two are only allowed to participate in races only if the marathon caped crusader wears the scartlet letters BRAZEN on his chest. In this puritanical society, decor and good manners are a requirement, and Endorphin Dude has consistently crossed the line by shamelessly frolicking with the runners of Brazen Racing. This is the price E-Dude and his innocent energy gel offspring must to pay in order to run the Nitro Turkey 5k.
Yes, it is only a 5k, but because it is Brazen's Nitro Turkey, you know it will be epic! Being the law abiding citizen that I am, I adhered to the rules and regulations. I channeled Hester Prynne and shamefully displayed my sins on my chest. I don't think anyone truly recognized me in my very incognito pilgrim dress, so this gave me the opportunity to run hard (or as hard as I could in that get up).
This course was slightly long, measuring in at about 3.35 miles, so I don't feel too bad for not earning that 5k PR. I am very happy to announce that I finished this Turkey Trot in 30:32, placing 89th overall in a field of 543, and 10th out of 27 in my age division. I seriously deserve another prize for running in that fashion faux pas!
There are many races to choose from, but I will always pick Brazen. These people are no longer just runners I hang out with, they have become my friends and family. Things have gotten a little rocky over the years in my family, so we don't really get together for the holidays. I am very thankful for Brazen because this racing company has welcomed and accepted me, even after the puritanical society shunned me! On that note, your scarlet lettered caped crusader was caught on film committing every sin imaginable. Looks like more letters will be added to the pilgrim dress for the next race!
Another scarlet letter for offering alcohol to a child!
Scarlet letter for flirting with a hot blond!
Scarlet letter for trying to sneak a peek at Dave Pearson's Lagoon Valley! That blond pilgrim is no other than my ugly sidekick. She's a bigger hussy, but she never gets caught, hence no scarlet letter on her chest.
Scarlet letter for spilling wine on the table! That's alcohol abuse!
Scarlet letter for trying to bite the bacon off another pilgrim!
Scarlet letter for showing too much skin!
Scarlet letter for corrupting this innocent boy!
Scarlet letter for gettin' jiggy with it with the preacher's daughter!
Scarlet letter for public urination! By the way, that preacher's daughter's chef husband didn't like that the I was dancing with his wife, so he tried to cut off my cranberries! Luckily, I got away.
And the biggest scarlet letter of them all for the biggest sin: trying to bribe the race director with a hot leg in order to get more bling!
I survived the Men's Health Urbanathlon! If you've been following the Endorphin saga, you will know that this event has been the source of all my anxiety. My legs are trained to run long distances. Give me a marathon, 50k, or a 100 miler and I can get the job done. Yeah, I'll whine about my blisters at mile 80 and have that occasional melt down when I hit the wall, but for the most part, I don't stress out about running. The Urbanathlon is a completely different animal. This race may only be 10 miles, but the obstacle courses that the folks at Men's Health throw at you is quite daunting. Check it out:
Kumho Tire Stutter Step and Plastic Barricade Combo
Plastic Barricades and Police Barricade Combo
Subaru Crawl, Marine Hurdles and Police Barricade Combo
AT&T Park Stair Climb
Monkey Bars and Parallel Bars Combo
Cargo Net and Traffic Cones with Poles Combo
Traffic Jam – NEW IN 2012
Over, Under, Through – NEW IN 2012
Tissot 40 Yard Dash – NEW IN 2012
Taxis & Buses to Chain Link Crawl to Wall Finish
When I showed up at the start line this morning, it felt like junior high school gym class all over again. I'm used to seeing people of all different shapes and sizes at marathons, but at the Urbanathlon, it seemed like there were only fit young dudes. All that ran through my head was being picked last, just like it was back in junior high school. I had to get out of this mind set fast and focus on my own race. Once I started running, my nerves calmed down. I faced every obstacle course head on and gave it everything I got. The ones that required upper body strength, I struggled with, but I kept trying until I got it. The wall climbs were the only ones I needed a little help with. Here is a photographic summary of my Urbanathlon experience:
Gotta love those San Francisco hills.
What goes up must come down! Gotta love gravity.
Great seeing Tuan out there. This guy really calmed my nerves a few days before the race.
Yikes! Monkey bars!
If you know the paparazzi is there, make it look good.
I had no problems with the AT&T Park stair climb.
Yeah, I had to have a little help with these. Ugh.
My technique here was to roll underneath.
Too bad there was no mud. It would have been easier on the knees!
Um, really? More walls to climb?
Mud!
After I crossed that finish line, I got my photo taken with Access Hollywood's Billy Bush, who was the M.C. for this event. Behind us is the 8 foot wall that we had to climb to get to the finish line. I had a little help getting over that wall. Next year when I return to the Urbanathlon, I will be able to do it on my own!
At the end of the day, I got the job done. I came into this event with a lot of anxiety. Once I let that go, I was able relax and have fun. I've come to realize that the secret of my success is that I am not afraid to look stupid. I am not the strongest, fastest, or most athletic, but I got out there and did it. I looked quite comical today, and I probably made a few people laugh at my physical inability to complete some of these obstacles. That didn't deter me one bit, and I quickly let that junior high school gym mentality go. If I had caved in to my anxieties and not even try, I would have never known if I could make it or not. And there you have it. Endorphin Dude completed one of the toughest challenges of his short running career. I'd like to give a special shout out to Jeff Ball of Men's Health for giving me this opportunity. Had he not reached out to me, I never would have done this Urbanathlon. I will definitely return next year, but with a new and improved upper body. I will not let those monkey bars and walls slow me down!
I was gunning for a huge PR today. In fact, I wanted that sub-2 half marathon really bad. I shattered my three year personal record a few weeks ago at the Oktoberun and I wanted more than anything to do it again. I came into this race confident, knowing that this was a flat as a pancake course at my alma mater, the University of California at Davis. How could I not get a PR? Oh yeah, I forgot about Mother Nature.
Something must have happened to Mama Earth this morning because she was not in a good mood! I was on pace for that PR all the way up to mile 7, but then Mother Nature cranked up the air conditioner, threw ice cubes at us, and hosed every runner down. For a mile and half, she unleashed a relentless 20 mph head wind that wiped me out. I surrendered from miles 7.5 through 9, taking my run down to a slow shivering walk. One by one, all the pacers passed me. First it was 2:05. Then 2:10. Then 2:15. More pacers passed me, and I mentally lost it. Fortunately, we made a left turn at mile 9.4 where Mother Nature calmed down. I was able to pick up the pace and finish this race in 2:27:08. Not the time I wanted, but I'll take it!
PR!!! And by PR, I mean POUNDING RAIN! No personal records here!
This experience would have been absolutely miserable if it hadn't been for my running buddies. I remember when I first started running these races, I would show up, run, and go home. I didn't know anybody. These days, I meet up with Half Fanatics, Marathon Maniacs, and other running peeps for various other clubs and organizations. Running for my health has definitely taken the back seat. Now, it is one big social event. Had I run this Turkey Trot three years ago, I probably would have hated every second of it. Fortunately, this time around I have all my friends to keep positive and happy!
Half Fanatics!
Jenni, Christy, & Me.
Me & Brian. I wanted to get a shot with his kid too, but my rain fogged up my lens!
U trained for Urbanathlon? Spent all day setting up with them n morrow gonna finish up building the obstacles. It's gonna test u physically. I will be volunteering this weekend with them. I will be the obstacle 3 captain. U will see me there Sun.
Me:
Oh Boy.
Tuan:
Did u see what obstacles u will try? There's the 8ft wall at the ever end. They got the monkey bar obstacle. AT&T Park is up n down the stairs. U gonna dress as Endorphin cape n all. Take ur time thru the upper body obstacles. Feet obstacles u will do fine.
Me:
Oh geez, 8ft wall.
Tuan:
There will be helper at end for wall. But there's the over/under/thru obstacle. Don't be scare, just take ur time doing it. Over the 6 ft wall, under the 1 foot opening, thru the opening wall.
Yeah, this is the biggest stress in my life right now. It's two days away and I am mildly freaking out. What the heck did I get into? I'm more freaked out by this race than I was when I almost ran into a cow during the Rocky Ridge Half Marathon. Oh boy!
70.5 miles in 4 days! Run d'Amore 50k, Santa Barbara Marathon, and Malibu Half done. My legs are cursing me, but I'm loving it! It took me a very long time to get to that finish line because my body was so beat up, but I got there. Malibu is a great race and I wish I had run this race without having a 57.2 miles on my legs the previous two days. With that said, rather than writing a Malibu Half Marathon race report, I will just post random pics from this epic road trip weekend. Before doing so, I'd like to send a special shout out to Terri and Louie Perez for hosting us this weekend. These people are awesome all around and I have nothing but love for them. Thanks for making our epic road trip epicker, Terri and Louie!
First stop of the epic road trip: Run D'Amore to pace The Jester!
Carbo loading before Santa Barbara.
Nature's Port-o-Potty!
Finish line shot at Santa Barbara.
Nap time before the race.
Mile 11 donut!
Maybe that donut wasn't such a good idea afterall.
Two months ago, I DNF'ed for the second straight year at the Diablo Marathon. I'm not sure what it is about that mountain but I keep faltering there. That DNF bothered the devil out of me, so the next day I went out strong at the Giant Half Marathon. To my shock, I ran a 2:14 half, my second best half marathon time ever. Mind you, the last time I ran a sub-2:15 was three years ago! That race brought me a lot of confidence, and I made the bold statement that I was going gun for my first sub-5 marathon finish at CIM in December. My results kept getting better so I moved that goal up one month to Santa Barbara. When I PR'ed at the Oktoberun Half Marathon with a 2:07 finish, I moved that goal up another week. Sure enough, I earned my 4:56 marathon finish at the Two Cities Marathon!
I am now way ahead of schedule, but I will not rest on my laurels! I nailed my sub-5 marathon, and I wanted more! I came into Santa Barbara with every intention of PR-ing, but alas, my legs lost steam on the deceptively hilly course. I did finish this race in 5:14, which is my second best marathon time ever.
Woo Hoo!
It gives me great pleasure to say that I have completed 80 life time marathons/ultras since
July 2010. The top four best finish times have come in the past 6 months. I
must be doing something right!
4:56 - Two Cities Marathon (11/04/12)
5:14 - Santa Barbara Marathon (11/11/12)
5:29 - San Francisco Marathon (07/29/12)
5:47 - Tacoma City Marathon (05/06/12)
5:52 - Silicon Valley Marathon (0/31/10)
5:56 - Surf City Marathon (02/06/11)
6:00 - Long Beach Marathon (10/17/10)
6:01 - Utah Valley Marathon (06/09/12)
6:11 - San Francisco Marathon (07/29/10)
6:28 - Two Cities Marathon (11/07/10)
Maniacs at the start line.
More Maniacs!
Woo Hoo! Finish line shot! Congratulations to Chris and Chris on their PRs!
Run D'Amore is the glorified fat ass spinoff of Run-de-Vous. For those who don't know what a "fat ass" race is, Wikipedia defines it as "a series of low key runs that are
frequented by experienced runners & walkers and characterised by the
phrase 'No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps'". After the success of Run-de-Vous, the race director decided to put on this race for all those who wanted to come back.
I had reservations about returning, as my Run-de-Vous belt buckle experience was life changing, and I really wasn't ready for round two. It was too soon. I still wanted to bask in the glory of my huge 100 mile accomplishment. Besides, I was already committed to the Santa Barbara/Malibu double weekend, so the point was moot. Fortunately, there were some rule changes and an early start option, so I found a way to fit this race into my schedule. I managed to squeeze a 50k into my jam packed weekend by taking the Thursday early start.
My concern about Run D'Amore was that it turned into what appeared to be a 4-day progressive staged race with the benefit of the time clock stopping on Thursday and Friday nights. This would mean that a runner could conceivably complete 25 miles a day, crawl into their comfortable bed and sleep for eight hours, return the following day to complete another 25 miles and then repeat this two more times. That runner would in essence complete 100 miles in 24 hours, which seems very unfair to me. I believe that one needs to experience the sleep deprivation, exhaustion, delirium, and pain to truly understand and appreciate how difficult it is. 100 miles is 100 miles, and I applaud everyone who completes it regardless of time. There is no such thing as a belt buckle being worth the weight of tin. However, when you challenge yourself and do it straight through in the allotted time limit without the benefit of a stop clock, you will limp away knowing that you truly challenged yourself. I voiced my concerns to the race director, and he adjusted the rules to reflect the stop clock issues. Like I said, 100 miles is 100 miles, and kudos to all who duked it out!
I got my 50k done in about 9 hours. I wanted run the whole thing, but I figured with Santa Barbara and Malibu right around the corner, I'd take it easy. It got really cold and wet out there by the time I left, so I was glad to be done. Congratulations all who completed Run D'Amore in the harsh weather!
This is an old photo, but you get the gist of what I am doing. It's hard taking a photo of yourself with an iPhone while doing push ups! As I noted in my previous blog, the only way I can get through this Urbanathlon is by pumping up my upper body. I don't think I'll be getting that Arnold Schwarzenegger's Mr. Universe physique by the time of this event, but any strength I build up between now and then will be good. I just need to make it through those monkey bars!
I've been doing some online research on the art and science of the pushup. It seems the best way to get into top shape is via boot camp, military style. My buddy Jonesy is in the army and he showed me some basic boot camp exercises. I credit Jonesy for turning my running around, so I value everything he says, even when it's harsh. This guy doesn't sugar coat, and he flat out told me that I had no upper body strength. He told me a 12 year old girl can do a better push up than I can! As much as that stung, I took it to hear.
I found some great YouTube videos to get me moving along. I know a lot of readers out there probably do not know how do a proper push, so I hope this helps. I was doing these all wrongs before Drill Sergeant Jonesy showed me otherwise. These videos helped me improve my form.
This Urbanathlon is good for me because it forces me to work out my weak upper body. It took me a few years to master the art and science of running marathons. I know that with training and discipline, I will reach the point where I can pass a military physical fitness test. It won't happen in time for next weekend's Urbanathlon, but eventually I will get to that point. Damn those monkey bars!
No suspense here, I'm just going to cut to the chase. As you can see from my Garmin in the above photo, I finally broke that sub-5 barrier! I earned a whopping 33 minute PR and can now proudly say that I have the number 4 as the first digit in my marathon finish time! I have worked hard for this and I am ecstatic that this day has finally come. I thought it never would.
This was an emotionally charged race for me. It was at this race last year that my good friend Pete ran his first marathon as a newly minted Marathon Maniac. Unless you've been living under a rock the past few weeks, you probably heard that Pete suffered a brain aneurysm and a stroke and died in September. The Two Cities Marathon was an important race for Pete. I remember seeing him on the course last year, proudly sporting his yellow and red Marathon Maniac tech shirt. He was so happy to be out there representing the Marathon Maniacs for the first time. We had been Facebook acquaintances, but it was after this marathon that we became friends.
At the end of 2011, Pete sent me a message asking if I wanted to grab a bite after work, his treat. I had a hunch as to what his intentions were, so the first thing I asked him when I arrived was, "does your wife know?" He looked at me blankly, and I followed with, "does she know you are pursuing Titanium?" Pete smiled and asked how I figured it out. I told him that I knew. I just knew. I gave him my input and we put together his schedule. Pete called me his "Titanium Yoda."
Pete followed through with his quest. Week after week, he cranked out marathons and 50ks. Along with Jonesy, who was also pursuing ten stars, the three of us became Titanium Beast Brothers. We were the three musketeers of Marathon Maniacs. I cheered these two on every weekend and relived my Titanium quest through their races. Every Monday morning I received text and Facebook messages from them updating me on their progress. The three of us had a solid bond.
On September 17th, Jonesy called to inform me that Pete was in a coma. Jonesy and I joke around a lot, but I knew right away from his tone that this was serious. Pete's brother had contacted Jonesy because he saw our photos all over Pete's Facebook wall. I was in absolute shock. I had just seen Pete a few days earlier at Diablo. I felt sick to my stomach. Jonesy gave me all the details and let me know that Pete's family wanted us to see him one final time. His family knew that running was very important to him, and they wanted his running family to be there. Seeing him in that hospital bed made me very sad. Later that week, the plug was pulled. Pete died on the following Saturday.
I got to see my buddy for the last time at the memorial viewing before the funeral. It was awesome seeing him in his running gear with all his medals in the casket! His brother said that this is how he always wanted to go, and I loved that his family honored that wish. I was given the opportunity to approach the podium and say a few words to his family and non-running family and friends. I told the story of how at my mile 78 or so at my 100 miler, Pete came storming out in a bathrobe, singing tacky disco tunes. He, too, was at about mile 78 or so. I just couldn't believe that he still had that energy in him after nearly 24 hours of running! His positive energy was like a shot of GU to me, and I quickly was able to get going again. Everyone in the chapel smiled. That's the thing about Pete. He never allowed anyone to get down on themselves. I closed my speech by saying that I was going to walk away smiling and giggling because that's exactly what he would want me to do.
I ran hard today. Every kilometer of this 26.2 miler, I thought of Pete. This was our race. At the Summer Seven, Pete pushed me hard. Today, he pushed me even harder. When I crossed that finish line, I nearly lost it. Yes, a tear or two streamed down my cheek. I earned a huge PR, and in my heart and on my bib, those two letters stood for "Pete Rocks." Rest in peace, buddy.
I am done grieving Pete's death, and now I will celebrate his life! This is how he would want it. With all this said, here's a little video that I captured on day one of the Summer Seven. You would not believe how much fun we had that week. Listen to his laugh. Look at his smile. Remember Pete for being that happy go lucky guy who not only loved running, but all the people he ran with. Rest in peace, buddy. I know you're eating bacon at mile 19 of the Heaven Marathon right now! :-)
And on a final note, I am very proud to say that both my Titanium Beast Brothers earned their ten Marathon Maniac stars. The powers that be awarded Pete his honorary Titanium, and shortly after, Jonesy got his. I am one very happy Titanium Yoda!
If you follow Endorphin Dude, you know that this marathon caped crusader runs a lot. This past week, I racked up 69.5 race miles in four days. Amazingly enough, on the fourth day of this running binge, I placed 20th overall in a field of 55 and won second place in my age division at the Zombie Runner Halloween Run Half Marathon. My legs are trained to run on back to back days, so this is nothing new for me. Running is a lot of fun, but now I will take my fitness quest to the next level.
On November 18th, I will attempt to complete the Men's Fitness Urbanathlon. It's only 10.2 miles, less than a half marathon. Easy peasy, right? Well, if it were just running, then yeah, I can do that with one IT band tied behind my thigh. The Urbanathlon is more involved and will require a bit more training than simple fartleks in front of my apartment. Check out this obstacle list:
Kumho Tire Stutter Step and Plastic Barricade Combo
Plastic Barricades and Police Barricade Combo
Subaru Crawl, Marine Hurdles and Police Barricade Combo
AT&T Park Stair Climb
Monkey Bars and Parallel Bars Combo
Cargo Net and Traffic Cones with Poles Combo
Traffic Jam – NEW IN 2012
Over, Under, Through – NEW IN 2012
Tissot 40 Yard Dash – NEW IN 2012
Taxis & Buses to Chain Link Crawl to Wall Finish
I am assuming that number five on that list does not involve Pilsner glasses. The monkey bars are actually the ones in the playground and not the kind of bar where I can order a Racer 5. I'll have to actually swing from those bars! Oh boy.
I am looking at this list and checking out my upper body and realizing that I probably bit off more than I can chew, but I'm up for the challenge! So the training will now commence. I have 16 days to get in shape. I'll be following the Men's Health Urbanathlete Training Plan, doing a bunch of burpees (yikes!), jumping chin ups (eek!), and sprints (that I can handle). Wish me luck.
I am Endorphin Dude, and I will be running 52 marathons this year for all of the Epinephrine Pup's homeless four legged friends. All proceeds from my fundraising will go to the Peninsula Humane Society, the folks who helped me find my side kick. This dog has changed my life for the better, and it is my hope that her furry friends at the Peninsula Humane Society will do the same for another.
Every post race shot you see has me smiling ear to ear. What you don't see is the grimace on my face when I cramp up at mile 11. You don't see the frustration when I wake up at the crack of dawn to train. You don't see the tears of pain as I push to climb those hills. Running is difficult, and I work damn hard. It may seem that I make these races look easy because I do so many of them and have so much fun, but I can assure you that they are not. No false modesty here. Running is hard and I surprise myself every time.
Marathon PR
4:34:46 - California International Marathon, 12/8/13
My first marathon. I have to admit, I don't love this picture, but it has grown on me. I'm not used to seeing myself like this. I'm usually smiling or striking a fun pose. I wasn't going to post this photo, but it really is an accurate and authentic representation of what I was feeling at that moment. What an incredible experience.
26.2 Reasons Why I Run
I was the fat kid who always got picked last in P.E. I grew up and became an obese type two diabetic adult. Exercise was something I knew nothing about. One day, I thought I was having a heart attack as a result of my sedentary and nutritionally reckless lifestyle. I knew I had to make some changes. I started walking my dog around the block. That walk lead to jog, and then a run. Next thing I know, I'm running marathons. These are the 26.2 reasons why I run.
Reason #1.
It's all about being healthy. I value life too much to see it come to a premature end due to unhealthy choices. Every time I run, whether it be a light jog around the block or a marathon, my heart thanks me.
Reason #2.
I am Endorphin Dude! There is definitely an air of invincibility when I'm out there on race day. Nothing can stop me. I am a super hero.
Reason #3.
Two words: INSANE ASYLUM. I am certifiably running crazy, and there’s a whole lot of people out there just like me. We are Marathon Maniacs and Half Fanatics, and we would run a race every weekend if we could!
Reason #4.
I hate needles. Before I started running, I had to inject insulin into my body every night. I hated being diabetic. Thanks to all these races, I have reversed that awful disease and I am no longer dependent on meds.
Reason #5.
My dog loves it because I have more energy to take her out and about. No longer is the chiweenie sequestered in the apartment.
Reason #6.
I like my bread and spaghetti. I can carb up without guilt!
Reason #7.
I love to travel. Going from city to city and state to state to run a race is pretty awesome.
Reason #8.
A few years ago, I had a hard time walking up a flight of stairs. Now I am able to endure 26.2 miles and 50ks.
Reason #9.
You never know what's going to happen on race day. At one race I fell on both my knee caps and had to wobble to the finish line. At another, I had to take cover because of a hurricane and a tornado watch. Whatever happens, you just have to push through it. It's definitely a test of mental toughness and endurance. Running makes me strong all around.
Reason #10.
Mr. Bubble. I get to spend quality time with Mr. Bubble. I love Mr. Bubble.
Reason #11.
Somewhere along the way, Endorphin Dude became a marathon celebrity. Is it the cape? Is it the Marathon Maniac shirt? Is it all the exposure from The Marathon Show? It’s probably a combination of all of the above. I’m not going to lie, I love the attention.
Reason #12.
Bling Bling! I love the medals!
Reason #13.
Only on the marathon course can I get and give free therapy.
Reason #14.
Before I started running, I thought a marathon was 10 miles, Badwater was a really awful drink, Western States meant CA, WA, and OR, and the IT Band was a group of guys from the IT department getting together to play some tunes for the company Christmas party. I’ve come a long way!
Reason #15.
Even on my bad days, when I am gasping for air trying to run away from the sag wagon, I am still having fun.
Reason #16.
I like that after every race I run, I make at least 25 new Facebook friends and fans.
Reason #17.
Running a half marathon is like one big stage production, and I am the star for 13.1 miles. I love the standing ovation I get when I cross that finish line. The thrill is doubled when I run a full marathon!
Reason #18.
Where else but at a marathon can I put a smile on someone’s tired face by running around in a cape and spraying them with endorphins from my index finger?
Reason #19.
It’s like a video game! The more marathons I run, the more Marathon Maniac stars I get. The more half marathons I run, the more Half Fanatic moons I earn. The more race miles I crank out, the closer I get to my running club's Mongo Trophy.
Reason #20.
When I crossed the finish line of a race in Laguna Hills in the spring, there was a sign that read "athletes only." I looked around for the athletes and then realized that the sign was referring to me! I may not be an athlete in the conventional sense of the word, but I always get out there and do my best. When life dealt me lemons, I squeezed those suckers into a water bottle, mixed them up with Cytomax, took a shot of GU, and ran a marathon!
Reason #21.
Behind every great dude is an awesome dudette. The Endorphin Dudette is a powerful running super chick. Any Dudette who can finish a half or full marathon and still be able sport a big smile and ooze endorphins out of her pores is a winner. This marathon caped crusader is seeking fun, vibrant, endorphin-filled dudettes to help him change the world, one molecule at a time! Every month, a different dudette will be selected to help spread the word of fitness and fun at a marathon. Do you have what it takes to represent the Endorphin Empire as the Dudette of the month?
Reason #22.
Who would have thought that the fat kid who always got picked last in PE would grow up to have friends who are Marathon Maniacs, Guinness world record holders, super star tri-athletes, and Badwater Bad Asses?
Reason #23.
I feel like a winner every time I cross the finish line. I may not be the fastest in the pack, but I always finish, and when I do, I feel like I've won the Boston Marathon.
Reason #24.
I feel like a winner every time I cross the finish line. I may not be the fastest in the pack, but I always finish, and when I do, I feel like I've won the Boston Marathon.
Reason #25.
People tell me that my running inspires them. I like hearing that. I am all about out reach, and if I can inspire one person to get out there and make healthy changes to his or her life, then my job is done.
Reason #26.
My life got exponentially better when I put on my first pair of Mizunos and ran around the block. Running has turned me into someone I really like. A healthy dude is a happy dude.
Reason #26.2.
There's this thing called runner's high. The best way for me to explain this is to show it. Click on the above photo to see what endorphins are all about.
EEK! If you put a magnifying glass on that tape measure, you see that the number is 44. I used to have a 44 inch waist! I am now at a 32.
