The truth is solidly this. Even If I shared with you all of the emotional, physical and spiritual details you would not understand. Not because you are a person who has not lived the life that I have; not because we may differ in our spiritual or religious faith - not for a number of other reasons…You stare and wonder - questions are asked about me and why I do what I do. You know that I am in my early sixties, have had more accidents than anyone else you have ever known or read about - these facts alone have you just shake your head and wonder. Yes, wonder for a brief moment if I was maybe a little crazy. But, you admit that I look normal - in fact, in great shape and have achieved things that none of the people you know have ever come close to…But - the questions remain unanswered to the point that you really do not understand the core reasons of why and how I can continue doing what I do. Read the rest of this entry »
America looks a lot smaller on the map now. Not too many years ago, six years to be exact, I had only been in thirteen of them – all of which lined up on the East Coast. As I look at the map before me, I notice that I could fit most all of the states that I have been in into two or three of the larger ones out west! Because of the marathons that I have run in all of the states (and DC), I think of the word America differently – I also feel an emotion deep within my heart as I read or say, The United States of America. Read the rest of this entry »
Photos from RRRick’s Maui race
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Promises and Miles
By
Rrrick Karampatsos
therrrick@verizon.net
We have all at one time or another in our life made a promise or have had one made to us. There is no deep or hidden meaning to the word. Most dictionaries will agree it to mean To assure one by a binding declaration; hope or expectations; to be assured or have strong confidenceWhat I plan to share in this article is the promise to one’s self… As for miles our logbooks and body clearly have that knowledge! Read the rest of this entry »
Picture yourself, if you would, in this movie scene. You are in a race within a large group of fast pacing runners. They are only inches all around you, and so close before you that your vision is only of their arms looking like pistons pumping away; various written logos and messages are scattered before your limited vision; and, with only an occasional chance to even see their feet gliding before you – but, you still feel in control of the situation. Like an avalanche moving as one mass, you and your fellow runners overcome the area before you; miles are quickly covered. Read the rest of this entry »
I Am Now Called A Maniac
 By Rrrick Karampatsos
During my past 62 years, I’ve been called a number of names in my life. Some of them lifted me up, others fell into the “sticks and stones may break my bone but names will never hurt me” area. Still not sure, if I truly believe that saying, but it helped say something back at the kids in grade school. Most of those kids I have forgotten as well as the names verbally hurled at me.
 When I took up competitive running again back in 2001, (had not competed since prep school) nicknames appeared again. I received complimentary ones as well as the destructive because of how many miles and races I was doing. Read the rest of this entry »
The La-Z-Boy© Zone
By
Rrrick Karampatsos
Many people in America know this brand name. I also believe that most of them have the same mental, if not physical pull, when they see the name (or the recliner). The product line draws you into its peaceful zone words are not necessary to convince you.
 The word lazy takes on a different meaning; maybe that is why they spell it the way they do. The name is not a negative one - it is just smart marketing. And to be able to own one well, we find a way to pay the cost.
The cost may be more than you think. It will go beyond monetary to the area of its effect on us physically, socially and spiritually. Read the rest of this entry »
A DEATH VALLEY JOURNAL
BY Rrrick Karampatsos
 the most deadly and dangerous spot in the United States. It is a pit of horrors � the haunt of all that is grim and ghoulish. Such animal and revile life as infests this pest hole is of ghastly shape, rancorous nature and diabolically ugly. It breeds only noxious and venomous things. Its dead do not decompose, but are baked, blistered and embalmed by the scorching heat through countless ages. It is surely the nearest to a little hell upon earth that the whole wicked world can produce.�?� *newspaper article describing Death Valley. Friday 12/01/2006
   With a special deal to fly roundtrip to Las Vegas from here in Tampa, FL , a car rental, a nights stay at a Motel 6 and that early discounted sigh up fee �??well, the state of California will be checked off my list of states to run a marathon in with well invested time and dollars.
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RANDOM THOUGHTS (while running in pain)
by Rrrick Karampatsos
Light rain was mixed with temperatures in the mid 60�??s. A gentle breeze kept me refreshed, even with the rain jacket. Surprisingly, there was very little traffic during this hour of the morning. All and all it should have been a pleasant setting for a long run. Should have been �?? could have been, if it was not for the pain in my left knee. That L2 sprain seemed to shout out for me to take a few more days off from running. But, I had already taken a few days off and had done only easy jogging miles. The fact that the next marathon was only a few weeks away had me aware that I must get some miles in �?? pain or no pain. ~~~~~~~ Read the rest of this entry »
FINISHING A BEGINNING
By
Rrrick Karampatsos
Five faces to represent the many people who took part in the New Denver Marathon were pictured above the the bold printed title of the article in the Denver Post. The writer, John Meyer, must have clearly known what it takes to run a marathon. His title, FINISHING A BEGINNING, was a good beginning for his fine article. His subtitles also shouted the truth: â??Participating is empowering. Training for life and a marathon. Runners conquering challengesâ?. The close up shots of the faces silently proclaimed a different storyâ??s ending that led up to that moment - but- the same underlining comment based truth. It took something special for each person to start and  finish the marathon that day. Read the rest of this entry »
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