Connecting with Others

Running was a solitary experience for me until I started talking with a co-worker. He introduced me to another colleague that eventually encouraged me to join a FB group. After nine months of solo running I finally showed up nervously to a Sunday run at a parking lot in my old hometown of Bellevue, KY.

Immediately I was hooked. I couldn't believe I ran alone for those nine months. I'm sure I was just nervous and unsure of my ability to talk while running or that I would be able to keep up with anyone. Right away those fears melted away and within a few short runs I felt like I was making new friends for the first time in a long time.

I've since joined several local groups and I'm constantly amazed at the size, variety and passion of so many fellow Cincinnati runners. We may not have huge mountains or beautiful vistas, but we have a great running community and a little bit of everything for whatever suits your fancy.

A long lost brother

The other connecting that running has become central to is my relationship with my half-brother Phill. Our story is a good one and is one of my favorite things to share when I tell people my pathway to ultra running.

Phill and I have now both run many ultras both together and separately. Phill lives just 20 minutes or so from the JFK50 mile race (America's Oldest Ultramarathon) and we've completed that race twice - and probably will do it again in the future. We were fortunate enough to run the beautiful Red Rock Canyon 100k together this past November (see photos above).

So this running thing is now intimately intwined with how my brother and I connect. We talk about future runs, gear, injuries and training. Then when we do get together we talk about everything else while we let the miles pass under our feet. I know we have so many more stories to share with each other from the 30+ years disconnected and I think ultra running is a perfect way to "catch up".

Phill is obviously going to be my crew chief for Cocodona. I can't wait.