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!
After experiencing the exorcism of El Diablo yesterday, all I wanted was to be surrounded by my DSE running family. These people are like the hang over comfort foods after a harsh night of shameless bacchanalia. I needed my running club family to help ease the pain of that agonizing Diablo DNF. Thankfully, the DSE Lake Merced Half Marathon and 4.5 miler was on the schedule for this weekend.
I showed up at the lake with only the intention of volunteering. I had no legs to run so I sat at the table before the race and sliced oranges and bananas for the runners. After cutting up what felt like 5000 pieces of fruit, my peeps showed up and convinced me to walk the 4.5 miler. I figured it would be a mall pace stroll and with over two hours to do it, I went for it.
This walk around the lake proved to be quite therapeutic for me. Half way through the stroll, I stopped feeling angry about that DNF. Hanging out with my DSE peeps allowed me to move on from that dreadful experience on Mount Diablo. I was able to reboot and clear my mind.
Yay!
Sometimes you just have to step back and start over. This wasn't exactly the weekend I expected, but I had my gripe session and now it's time to move on. I am lucky to have my running family to help get me through these rough patches.
El Diablo is the devil. That little devil lives on the estate known as Mount Diablo. His house is on top of a really big hill. This weekend, that damn Diablo possessed the Dude.
Endorphin Dude esta poseido por el diablo!!
It all started two nights before I was supposed to run in circles around Crissy Field. I came home from work and received news of Pacific Coast Trail Race’s SF One Day cancellation “due to an emergency situation.” This message sent me into panic mode, as I really needed this event. Every race counts from this point on, and any missed marathon could be very detrimental to my Titanium quest.
The SF One Day race was supposed to have been my easy 50k. My plan for the weekend was to leisurely walk a 50k in about 9 hours and save my legs for the NorCal Marathon in San Jose the next day. The latter race had a strict 6.5 hour time limit so I really needed to save all my energy for it. Imagine my disappointment when I received that cancellation email. As upset as I was, I feared that my running partner in crime would have already ended up in the emergency room, or worst off, the morgue, after hearing the news! Ultra Woof was counting on SF One Day to hit 88 miles. That’s her Chinese double infinity magical number. Quite frankly, I don’t get it. For me, it’s all about 13.1, 26.2, 50k, 50 miles, 100k, or 100 miles. What the heck is 88? Maybe the eights turned to the side look like little dumplings in her won ton soup of life, and that’s why those numbers work for her. Woofie is a big mystery, so I take everything that comes out of her head for what it is. In any case, she had not checked her email, so I was the one who broke this news to her. She was not happy.
The two of us went into panic mode and desperately searched for plan B. We found Coastal Trail's Diablo Marathon and 50k and immediately jumped on it. Completely on impulse, I registered right away, not giving any thought to the fact that Diablo in Spanish translates to “the devil,” and that this was one of the more challenging courses in the Bay Area. Nonetheless, I needed this race. My biggest hurdle for this weekend was to get through Diablo and then follow suit at the NorCal Marathon the next day. I really needed this double. My plan of action was to take one or two photos to document the day and then stick that bad boy in the Camelback.
It's like the never ending climb.
And more climbing.
Even more climbing.
Now there's the understatement of the day!
Simply breath taking. Yes, El Diablo sucked out all the oxygen out of my lungs!
I'm just going to cut to the chase. This marathon nearly killed me, and I mean that in the very literal sense. By the time I got to mile 17, it felt like the blazing hot sun burned through my skull and fried my brain. I became very dehydrated and dizzy. I had to beg hikers for food and water when my H2O supply and GU ran out. The longer I stayed out in the open field, the hotter it got and the weaker I became. Nonetheless, I kept chugging along. When I hit the mile 19 mark, my body couldn't take it any more, and I collapsed in the middle of the trail with nobody around. With the little energy that I had left, I lifted my head off the ground and unleashed a technicolor yawn so intense that I felt my whole body rock. It was at that pathetic moment that it hit me: El Diablo made a milquetoast of Endorphin Dude.
I sat on that dirt trail for the next 20 minutes to regain my strength. So many flies circled me that I felt and looked like a three day old half eaten salami sandwich in the dumpster. Once my head cleared and my legs had enough power to stand upright, I got up and back tracked my way to the main drag, where I knew I would be safe. I inched my way down that road with the hope of hitch hiking to the finish line. The only problem was that I had no clue where that was. I did manage to make it all the way to the park ranger's station, but unfortunately he was nowhere to be found. I sat down on the bench outside the station and rested my head and neck against the wall. I did not look good.
A few minutes later, a nice local couple pulled over to fill up their water bottles and saw me looking like I was near death. The woman inquired if I was ok and I sheepishly responded, "No, I'm dying here." After I said that, I thought to myself, "Hmm, I don't want this lady to think that I'm literally dying here," so I rephrased my sad situation. "I'm feeling pretty awful. I'm at mile 19 of my marathon and I just don't think I will be able to make it." The nice couple graciously offered to give me a ride, and I happily accepted. Because I had no idea where the finish line was, I asked them to take me all the way back to the summit because I knew where to go from there. I got in their SUV and stretched my legs out the best I could, as I knew that I would have to walk another 2.3 miles to get to that second aid station. Sitting in that vehicle with the air conditioner blasting in my face gave me enough energy to bounce back, at least for the 2.3 miles.
When we reached the top of the summit, I thanked the couple for the ride and dragged myself down to the aid station, where I was greeted by the only volunteer left. As I approached the station, I noticed him quickly pulling out his phone to notify the race director that I had been located. Apparently, the reason why the park ranger was not at his station was because he was on his dune buggy searching for me! In any case, the volunteer gave a ride to the finish line. Of course, I had to leave my final mark on Mount Diablo by hurling on the side of road multiple times due to car sickness. Once every ounce of that evil el diablo shot out of my system, I came to the sad conclusion that I had to accept the fact that I DNF'ed at Diablo.
I did receive a consolation prize in that the race director gave me credit for a half marathon. While it's nice to have this race count toward Half Fanatics, it clearly does nothing for my Titanium quest. I took a big risk this weekend and in the end it cost me dearly. Not only did I DNF at Diablo, but I also DNS'ed at the NorCal Marathon the following day. After my Diablo exorcism, there was absolutely no way I could have run that second marathon this weekend. In hindsight, I probably should have just rested on Saturday and save my legs for the Sunday race. I took a huge gamble and it blew up in my face. At the end of the day, I limped away with zero marathons this weekend, a devastating blow to my Titanium quest. This does not bode well for me, one week before the biggest hurdle of the year: the Tahoe Triple. It is what it is, live and learn. Even my dog felt bad for me.
Right after that Drag 'N' Fly torture fest, I drove 400 miles to southern California to get to my next marathon. I arrived a little bit after midnight and took a quick nap in a gas station parking lot by the beach. Mind you, my mode of transportation is a tiny Mini Cooper, so there isn't too much room to stretch out during my slumber. I set my iPhone alarm and 90 short minutes later, I abruptly woke up to the sound of ducks quacking. Why I chose this to be my alarm ring tone, I do not know. Fortunately, The Chiweenie wasn't around when the iPhone went off or she'd try to attack the ducks in the box! I simulated my morning shower by splashing bottled water on my face, leapt out of the Mini-bago for the very early start, stretched a bit, and then crossed the starting line at 2am. Occasionally, I'd dose off during my 26.2 run, walk, crawl-a-thon on the beach, but after nearly 7 and a half hours, I crossed that finish line. I then jumped back into the Mini-bago, took a one hour nap, and headed back home.
Yes, this is how badly I want Titanium.
Dark, dark, dark.
Hope I don't get arrested for being out here before the beach opens!
The first few hours of this race was mentally grueling. I've come to realize that I don't function well when I am in solitude. I am a people person and I like having human contact during a race. The other thing is that I had to be cognizant of was my surrounding. These Charlie Alewine races are not ultra events where I know there are other runners and aid stations out there in the middle of the night. I needed to be aware of any potential danger out there, whether it be a giant pot hole in the middle of the path that cannot be seen in the dark or a serial killer lurking in the sand dunes of Huntington Beach! Of course, the physical fatigue and exhaustion from sleep deprivation magnified these thoughts in my head. At 3am in the dark, serial killers ruled the beach! Thankfully, I made it through the wee hours of the morning without getting sliced and diced! Life got much better when all the runners showed up. I also got faster!
Yay! People!
In my delirious mind, each wooden board of this beach fence was a 3 foot serial killer waiting to fatally wound me with a big knife. That's what they looked like in the middle of the night!
Smiling for two reasons: I'm almost done! And I got a negative split!
So there you have it. This is what I will do to reach my Titanium goal. I really want this and I will not let anything stop me. People think I am insane for doing this, and I have to say that I agree with them! I guess that's why I am a Marathon Maniac.
Doh! How did Homer Simpson get on my medal? mmm...Chicken McNuggets. Marathon #36 done! Titanium score board: 29 down, 23 to go! Woo Hoo!
My doggie nanny, Chris Bliss, has decided to pursue the Brazen streak next year. Her goal is to complete every half marathon Brazen Racing has to offer. We are big fans of Brazen. These guys have never disappointed us. They always put on great events complete with a wide selection of post race food, free photos, and super cool medals. It's no surprise that the Chiweenie's nanny wants to go all the way. The only challenge is that quite a few of Brazen's races are on trail, a surface that Chris Bliss is not too experienced with. For this reason, she wanted to give this half marathon a shot.
Drag 'N' Fly is located in the Contra Loma Black Diamond Mines in Antioch, CA, and is arguably Brazen's most challenging half marathon. Chris Bliss knew coming into this race that she would have to pull out all the stops. On top of the demanding rolling hills, she would have to deal with the scorching East Bay heat. All this sent Miss Bliss into panic mode, so I upgraded my 5k to the half marathon so that she would have some company. The added bonus was that our Cribbage partner, "The C.B. Cruiser," registered for this race as well, so the three of us would trek the hills of Contra Loma together.
It's like that big burning ball in the sky is following Chris Bliss up the hill.
Drag 'N' Fly earned it's reputation as the toughest Brazen Race out there. The three of us toiled our way up hills and through trails that never seemed to end. As the clock ticked away, the sun beamed harder and harder, zapping all of our energy. Even with the well stocked aid stations and the fuel that we carried in our Camelbacks, there wasn't anything that could have made us go any faster. At least we had each other, and that was what kept us going. I could go on an on about this how grueling this course is, but I think it would be best to post photos so that you can actually see it for yourselves. I hope you're sitting down and have a gallon of water. This could tire you out!
The hills are alive with the sound of Endorphin Dude, The CB Cruiser, and Chris Bliss panting.
First aid station stop. I didn't like the look of that mountain!
The sun was so scorchingly bright that my camera didn't know what settings to automatically click on!
Chris Bliss pushing her way up the mountain.
Yay! I made it to the top. I got excited too early. Once I turned the corner, I saw more mountains to climb!
The view of the aid station from the top!
Ooh! Down hill! And shade!
This was only mile three.
After we climbed that first mountain, we bowed down to the second aid station. Ah, water and gummy bears saved us! Well, it saved us for about four minutes and then it was off again to climb more mountains. The second set of quad-killing hills may have been in a shaded area, but it was very technical. If we weren't careful, we could have very well slipped on a rock, banged our heads on a boulder, dropped dead to the ground, rolled down the hill, and surrender to the coyotes, where the savage four legged canines would gnaw at our bloody carcasses. Chris Bliss, The CB Cruiser, and I continued forth, one step at a time.
Chris Bliss continues to climb. At this point, her asthma started to act up.
Not happy.
We knew we were in trouble when the sweeper caught up to us. The stress of being followed nearly made Chris Bliss collapse.
By the time we reached the 10k mark, exhaustion and lack of oxygen wiped Chris Bliss out. She worked hard to get to this point but the elements proved to be too much for her. I applaud her for making this far, especially for her first trail race. While we waited for Miss Bliss to catch her breath, The CB Cruiser interviewed me. Here are my thoughts on Drag 'N' Fly:
After six miles of our quads being pulverized by a meat tenderizer under a heat lamp, we decided as a team to pull out. We figured we hit the 10k mark and there was an aid station right around the corner, so this would be a good stopping point. We would load up on gummy bears, chips, and soda, and then get a ride back to the the finish line. Wishful thinking! HA! The thought of just jumping on to the back of the aid station volunteer's truck was one big fantasy. We had to hike back to the second aid station to where the parking lot was! Just when we thought our 10k was done, we had to back track three miles! Boy oh boy. Knowing this, we prepared ourselves by replenishing our system with fuel, and then away we went!
Can you hear me now?
Here we go again.
A cemetery? How eerily apropos.
Family portrait. All the men in these womens' lives have been buried. By them!
Woo Hoo! Victory!
At the end of the day, I dragged and just couldn't fly. This was one tough course and I was glad to have been able to squeak out about 9 miles. It would have been nice to get another half marathon under my belt, but I'm happy with the 10k medal.
Imagine the Boston Athletic Association implementing an artistic impression requirement to their qualification criteria. Runners would be scored not only on their technical merit, which would be how fast it takes them to get to the finish line, but also for their presentation skills. That would mean that the likes of Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher would have to step up their game and add some flare to their supination! Imagine receiving extra points for best high five to a volunteer handing out cups of water or getting high marks for most creative action shot pose for the paparazzi. Running marathons would be like figure skating! If this new judging criteria were implemented, Endorphin Dude would not only BQ, but he'd probably win!
Eat your heart out Kristi Yamaguchi!
There's always a madness to the Endorphin race reports, and there is a reason why your marathon caped crusader is referencing figuring skating. The first reason should be painfully obvious: I WANT TO BQ, and the only way I can do this is via my presentation scores! The second reason may not be as apparent. In figure skating, there is a move called the "Double Axel," which is a jump that consists of two and one-half revolutions in the air. Endorphin Dude executed the Double Axel of marathons this weekend, having completed two full marathons and a half. This is the first time E-Dude has finished a combination of this kind: 65.5 miles in three days. The most he has ever run in one weekend is the treacherous marathon/50k combination of the Labor of Love ultra weekend, so landing this jump is a big deal! Now if only the Boston Athletic Association would recognize this feat...hmm.
Yes, I am insane.
It's very fitting that the final race of my Double Axel weekend was The Labor Day Marathon. This was a very laborious weekend for me. I was very nervous about this particular race because the last time I attempted this course, I showed up on the wrong side of the canyon! The Dove Canyon Marathon became the "Endorphin Dude Raiders Of The Lost Dark Foot Race." The "dark" in that name refers to the fact that I spent the bulk of that race both literally and figuratively in the dark.
After enduring the intensity of the other side of the canyon, it was only natural that I would be just a little nervous. It didn't help that the course description read, "Entire course will be run on a hilly and challenging out-and-back route with beautifully scenic views of the canyon and the mountains surrounding the Dove Canyon community." To my shock, this course was significantly less technical and much more pleasing to my quads. It certainly wasn't easy, but compared to the other side of that canyon, this was cake. With my before the crack of dawn early start, a Camelback full of water, and a pair of Ultra Woof approved chopsticks, I was able to finish this race in seven and a half hours. Along the way, I got to high five a bunch of Marathon Maniacs.
Who says marathons can't be fun?
One of the most inspiring figures in running. Rosemarie Jeanpierre took control of life and dropped 110 pounds without surgery. She did it on her own. It just goes to show that exercise and eating right does work!
I was so happy when Cadillac Steve, Sofie, and Sue Bear showed up. I was delirious all by myself out on this trail at 3am. They arrived and the sun came up. These three got me my negative split! These guys are speedy. They're way ahead of me here.
Charlie Alewine Racing regulars: Jim Grimes, Dale Roberts and Luigi Giovanni. How did a Mexican guy get the name "Luigi Giovanni"??
Seriously, I should get a BQ just for this pose.
Yes, I've become quite the nature nut now. The flora and fauna that I saw were really great. Extra credit to those who can name that tune from where that line came from!
So there you have it: 65.5 miles in three days. Endorphin Dude has completed the Double Axel of marathons! This was not an easy feat, but I had my eyes on the prize the whole time: TITANIUM. In order for me to capture this prize, I will need to stay focused from now to the end of the year. There is no room for error. At this point, I feel like I'm coming into the free skate in fourth place and that I will have to pull out all the stops to land on that top podium. I believe I can do it. I am injury free, healthy, and motivated. I know I can get there based on my technical ability alone, but it sure would be nice if I can get bonus points for my presentation!
Marathons #34 and #35 done! Titanium Score Board: 28 down, 24 to go.
The only time I have ever been able to get a picture with Walt Disney and Mickey in front of the castle without a billion other people trying to do the same is on race day!
When I crossed the finish line of The Goofy Challenge back in January, I let out a huge Lion King roar that pretty much woke up all of Orlando. 39.3 miles in one weekend: GOOFIFICATION! Runner's high reached the code red level and I really thought that The Mouse was going to call security on Endorphin Dude! I don't think anyone has ever been ejected from the park from extreme excitement, but you never know! The Goofy Challenge was a big deal for me. I never thought that I could have pulled off such an incredible feat. Sure enough, I did, and I walked out of the Magic Kingdom with three shiny medals around my neck.
Fast forward eight months later. Endorphin Dude visits Mickey Mouse's west coast estate to run another 13.1 miles to collect that coveted Coast To Coast medal. By completing Goofy and the Disneyland Half, E-Dude earned five shiny medals. Hakuna Matata!
I have to admit, getting to that finish line was a bit stressful. I could easily make up the excuse that my body was exhausted from the marathon the day before or that I needed to preserve my body for the marathon the day after, but that wouldn't be the complete truth. The truth of the matter is that I had a little too much fun in the park! Miles two through five were in Disneyland and I stopped to pose with every character! Once I left the park, I looked at my Garmin and gulped. Never before had I ever run a one hour fifteen minute 5k! I knew I had to hustle, but it wasn't easy, as the sun got hotter as the clock ticked away. The last thing I wanted was to get picked up by the Disney sag wagon, so I kept focused and plugged along. It took me about four hours to get to that finish line, but I made it. Woo Hoo!
I was more scared of the sag wagon than the Evil Queen!
Gotta love the fuzzy characters.
I had to stop to take a picture with this lady. Love the sign.
It's like the Goofy Challenge reunion!
I am not a Disney guy, but I have to admit that every time I run in that Mouse's house, I feel like a five year old all over again. This race marked my 42nd life time half marathon since October 2009. It still seems surreal to me that I've done all this in such a short amount of time. I sometimes feel like I'm living in a fantasy world. It gives me great pleasure knowing that my awesome life is very real.
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.
