2009 June 20 « Dirty Shoes

Journey To Justice 5K Run/Walk

Racing with the Team

Today’s race in Aurora, the Journey To Justice 5K, is run in memory of Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe. Javad witnessed a murder. Less than a week before he was to testify at the trial, one of the defendants shot and killed Javad and Vivian while they sat in their car at an intersection in Aurora. The mothers of the victims established an organization to encourage legislation to better protect witnesses. To find out more about Javad and Vivian’s story and the organization established by their mothers, follow this link: www.fieldswolfememorialfund.org/ .

After many weeks away, I was able to join other members of the Team In Training. Coach Greg took us through the important pre-race preparations. This included mild stretching, easy jogging, and some quick strides. The goals are to identify the muscles and connective tissue that need to be readied, and to increase the stress on the body so it can respond quickly to the challenges encountered once the race is underway. I haven’t raced competitively in many years and it felt good to approach the line, feel the tension of rivalry, and work to run an intelligent and focused race. I ran consistently over the 3.2 mile course (just a bit long) and finished in 21 minutes and 30 seconds, 6:55 per mile. The time was a little slower than I thought I might run, but I finished in third place and though the pace required me to work hard, it didn’t hurt much. I think a sub-20 minute time is now within my reach. I plan to run a few more races throughout my marathon preparation to assess my progress. It was an honor to represent the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training and to compete in this race.

June 20, 2009 Posted by David | Running | Leave a comment

About

My Blog

images Welcome to Dirty Shoes. You’ll find details here about my training for the Denver Marathon and my efforts to support the mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Expect to find regular updates about my progress as well as features like my “Run of the Week”, sharing some of my favorite runs around the country, and “The Stamina Soundtrack”, a playlist of songs to keep you moving. I’ll also drop in tips and information about running, racing, and the landscape and phenomena that serves as the backdrop and inspiration for my running ambitions. This blog is an effort to give back to those who support my cause. I hope it will allow you to come along with me on this journey. Let me know what you think. Please share your thoughts and comments.

If you’d like to help me raise funds to research a cure for blood cancers and to support other families who are facing the challenges that these diseases bring, this link will take you to my fundraising page: http://pages.teamintraining.org/rm/denver09/dbraun

My Dad

Paul David Braun (November 29, 1944-October 12, 2008)

I’m running the Denver Marathon in memory of my father. During a full life, my Dad modeled values that I make every effort to live up to each day. He exemplified integrity, character, honesty, and faith. When he was diagnosed with a rare leukemia in 2005, my family was badly shaken. But his strength, pragmatism, and demeanor throughout the course of his treatment comforted me in difficult times and his providence, love, and foresight help me move forward in his absence. I miss him everyday but his spirit persists in many tangible ways. He does not live in my mind with the illness he suffered but rather in the many long and happy years that preceded it. For visitors who knew my Dad, I hope this site recalls memories that make you smile.

Running has been a rare constant in a rambling life. I’ve spent much of my adulthood moving from one place to another seeking education, adventure, and experience. In each new place, running has provided an opportunity to refocus and to know that place well. I’ve run along dramatic mountain ridges snaking through vast wilderness, and along cracked asphalt alleys slinking through urban districts. I’ve run along palm-lined beaches and along graffiti-lined bridges. Whether bounding down desert canyons, or cranking miles out on pavement I’ve found great satisfaction. Running helps me stay centered in a life that has been, geographically at least, anything but. It has helped me find peace during times of upheaval and clarity during times of confusion. It has given me gladness in times of hardship and novelty in times of dullness. I’ve had friendships built solely around running. It has been a big part of my life. I’m grateful that something I have a passion for can be used to purpose. I hope that my commitment to run in memory of my father will inspire you to turn your own passions to something greater. Or at least to go for a run.