Journey of a Beginning Runner

Cheesman Park Denver Running Trail 1.44 Miles

A few weeks ago I began my journey to become a runner. I have always walked daily to stay fit, but didn’t realize just how different running and walking are. I have to give praise to all the runners. It takes far more fitness, strength, determination, and courage to run.

My first attempt at running, or should I say jogging, or more accurately tripping over my own two feet, was discouraging. I did everything wrong. I began by mixing running in with walking.  I quickly found out that muscles developed for walking are not the same as those used for running. I also found that I didn’t know how to breath like a runner.

I next tried switching to a treadmill. I found that a treadmill is not the same as running on a trail or pavement. The treadmill moves the ground for you, and you don’t have to fight with gravity.

After more discouragement, I asked some runners for advice. I was given some useful information, and some not so useful given my advanced years and lack of any previous running experience.

Finally I was directed to a YouTube channel with a real honest to God start at the beginning approach. I am currently working on week 3 of the program, and I have some achievable targets to shoot for. Actually looking forward to week 4.

Corona School Denver Colorado Circa 1920 Colorized


Colorized photograph of the Corona School, later re-named Dora Moore School, about 1920. The original school was the far building with the auditorium (near building) added twenty years later. Downing Street and 9th Street are un-paved, with the Denver Tramway Trolley Car tracks turning from 9th Street north on Downing.

 

Sammy the Rescue Cat Progression


Sammy was found by the side of the road after being hit by a car. He was taken to the emergency veterinary clinic, where he had his right eye removed, most of the structure in the right side of his face, and had his jaw wired shut. His left retina is disconnected, so he went from being a “sighted cat” to blind in an instant. Sammy was originally named “Crash” by the vet techs, but I changed his name to Sammy. He was a “Good Sam” case per the clinic.

Sammy lived at the vets for 18 months before I adopted him. Helen and Emilia, vet techs at the clinic were great friends to Sammy, and provided him with love and attention. I still update them about Sammy and send photos when I can.

Sammy had some trust issues for a while and would bite and draw blood on occasion. After a while though, he learned to trust me and became my best friend. He’s a normal cat now. Even without sight he is able to play, run around the house, and snuggle under my arm at night.

I am greatful for Sammy, and would not trade him for anything in the world.

 

Colorized B&W Image of Denver Colorado Circa 1919

Denver Colorado First and Broadway Circa 1919.
I was born way too late, or at least a little too early.

Sidewalk Art


Some say it’s bad to be a subjective thinker rather than an objective thinker. A subjective thinker will see green grass where an objective thinker sees only the dirt.

Fort Logan National Military Cemetery Denver

On Monday I visited a friend at Fort Logan Cemetery. The National Cemetery is like a wildlife refuge in the early mornings.